THE DUNCAN SISTERS IN "TOPSY AND EVA."

Tom Wilkes presents the sisters in a musical comedy by Catherine Chisholm Cushing. Suggested by "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Staged by Oscar Eagle. Music and lyrics by the Duncan Sisters.

THE CAST.

  If the spirit of Harriet Beecher Stowe was flitting about the Sam H. Harris Theatre last night it might have objected. There is a lot in "Topsy and Eva" that never appeared in "Uncle Tom." A lot more was left out—no ice, no whipping post, and no more underground railroad than there is in a Hylan Administration. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" without benefit of bloodhounds—that's "Topsy and Eva." But chiefly pertinent is the fact that it is a show of marked and agreeable excellence.

  First the Duncan Sisters. They wrote the music and very good music it was, particularly the music written by, but not credited to, Stephen Foster. "Rememb'ring" is the Duncan's best; you've all heard it at tea or on the radio or somewhere. Then the Duncan's sang; if you haven't heard them do that add it to your New Year's resolutions. And Rosetta Duncan (yes, she's the little one) played Topsy, and the Prince of Wales was always a good picker.

  With the exception of Nydia D'Arnell the rest made a pretty good background. Miss D'Arnell is the prima donna, one of the most attractive of the tribe. She can even sing.

  The Crinolines were more important than usual. A good many of the jokes and sections of the scenery Mrs. Stowe might have recognized. There is an activity about the dancing and a general atmosphere of geniality about the whole that renders it exceptionally amusing. And then there are the Duncan sisters.

  Well, Chicago was right.

W.R.