June 3, 10, 1934
Adversity and fortune bring
The Rose and the Ring, based on William Makepeace Thackeray's charming farce, was adapted to the Theatre by Phyllis Jansen Young, with original music by Evelyn Sczuck. The Theater was transformed into the mythical kingdoms of Paflagonia and Crim Tatary.
"The story concerns a fairy rose and an enchanted ring, both having the magic qualities of making all who possess them beautiful in the eyes of the world. First the Princess Angelica owned the ring and she was looked upon as a paragon of beauty and learning, until one day she threw it away. Then it was found by the severe and quite homely Countess Gruffamugg who...
"But so much for the magic rings. It caused enough trouble since it made all the wrong people fall in love with each other.
The rose was a treasured possession of Prince Bulbo, heir apparent to the throne of Crim Tartary. He was in reality a rotund and somewhat simple-minded personage, but was looked upon with awe and admiration by everyone. When he eventually lost his rose, he was indeed a sorry boy.
"As the rose and the ring pass from one owner to another, we follow the adventures of the charming characters in Thackeray's fanciful kingdom: Betsinda, the lovely little chambermaid; Prince Giglio, the rightful heir of Paflagonia; Count Gruffanuff, who was changed into a door knocker; the Fairy Blackstick, who was responsible for the fortunes and misfortunes of everyone; and many other entertaining people." [1934 newspaper clipping]
