That drama-wise and astute gentleman of the theater, John Golden, has with the able connivance and contrivance of one Kenyon Nicholson, concocted a mirth producer of no mean proportion in "Eva the Fifth." I do not know whether Mr. Golden is a student of numerology or not, but he must somehow believe in the magic of numbers. Witness "Two Girls Wanted" and "Seventh Heaven" and others which I could name of numerical title. Anyhow, if there is necromancy in five, it must signify rollicking merriment, for "Eva the Fifth" is rocking the house with laughter at Pasadena Community Playhouse, where it is romping right lustily over the boards.

  This opus of the genus Americanus would indeed earn the gibes of one H. L. Mencken, since it is a glorification of the "Uncle Tom's Cabin" companies of an earlier day which "Eva the Fifth" essays. If all the hokum and traditional pyrotechnics of the theater have been utilized, the authors are perhaps but following in the trail blazed by those pioneering barnstormers which they depict with such excruciating accuracy. At this moment the public mind is manifesting a singular curiosity as to backstage goings-on, and the play strikes a notes which is particularly opportune.

  In the good old days there were companies which prided themselves upon their exclusiveness; and interpreted this patrician feeling by limiting their repertoire to the hardy old perennial "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

  In these companies there was a tradition that "Little Eva" should be the especial prerogative of a certain family of thespians, and as such be handed down even unto the fourth and fifth generation. Hence the title.

  The denouement is a riot of fun. That irresistible little blond, Ruth Covell, as the incorrigible sister was delicious at the moment when as "Little Eva" in the death scene finds herself suddenly stricken with terrifying pains and nausea from too many chocolates. This is the climax of an evening of unalloyed merriment, and Miss Covell played no small part in the success of the evening.

  Marion Clayton with her spirited loveliness played the part of Hattie Hartley for all it was worth and was just as temperamental and "hard boiled" as she should have been. Gorge Reis gave a splendid account of himself as the lovable Mal Thorne. His characterization was virile and convincing. As the small-town admirer of Eva, Richard Menefee contributed work which was humorous and finely drawn. Jerome Coray as the aged actor of the company was also clever.