It is too bad, but stage productions after long runs, like most old maids, need rejuvenation. Their bill-boarded success of so many months deserves our attention only when their managers realize that nothing can stand still; a play must go either forward or backward. So "The Blue Paradise" comes to Ye Wilbur Theatre crowing over its Broadway success, which was undoubtedly merited-one could see that from the number of missed opportunities-but evidently no renovating has taken place since the initial performance.

For "The Blue Paradise" is not clever enough to stand on its own legs. It needs the support of able men and beautiful women, neither of which are to be seen in abundance in this production. Mr. Cecil Lean, to whom is intrusted the lead, is a very good funny man, but his "line" is not one of the newest, and suffering as he is from a cold, his personality does not impress one as especially magnetic. Boston weather may be handed the blame for this man's indisposition, and his cheerfulness and willingness to try almost made up for his Ark wit. Playing opposite him was Miss Hazel Cox, who seemed a trifle gross both in physique and manner.

Miss Frances Pritchard, of whom Boston bald-headers have grown very fond, is the one real celestial part of the paradise affair. She not only is young and lovely, but her dancing is of the best. "But why," wailed all connoisseurs of this sort of thing, "is she only allowed on the stage for so few precious minutes?" Admirable query! Mr. Teddy Webb becomes a fat German with success; Miss Cleo Mayfield has a well-practised, tough drawl, and Miss Vivienne Segal is nicely demure.

With such songs as "Auf Wiedersehn" and "To Paradise We'll Gaily Trip," "The Blue Paradise" ought to be a great hit. But it is not, simply because no finishing or smoothing or polishing has been done. Out with the tools, Mr. Producer, for if Broadway stamped this thing with approval, there must be some potential virtue in it, and Boston does like to agree with its Manhattan friend, even though it never does.