Ed Wynn, chief claimant to the title of the world's simplest person is now playing at the Shubert. There have been rival contenders for this position of honor in the past; Harpo Marx runs through a nifty exhibition every time he appears, but even he must make way for Dr. Wynn in the latter's special sphere. He was the "Perfect Fool" par excellence, and now he has out-perfected perfection if such is possible.

Incidentally, for the benefit of the over-curious, there is a little show called "Manhattan Mary" also playing at the Shubert now. It really isn't of much importance; though, even without Ed Wynn, Boston has seen many worse. It has a strange resemblance to several revues which George White has put out in the past. Plentiful pulchritude combines with consummate costuming and scintillating settings to produce an excellent eyeful. Such is the true George White tradition, and we believe it should be heartily encouraged. The chances are that you've heard most of the lyrics though you probably don't remember them. "Broadway", "Manhattan Mary" "The Five Step" seem to have been intended to be the hits of the evening, and, especially in the case of the last named, they are very passable.

But all these details are incidental to the performance offered by Ed Wynn himself. He dominates the evening completely, and in a manner to suit the most exacting. To attempt to describe this gentleman's humor would be suicidal; he must be seen and heard to be appreciated, but he certainly cannot be recommended too strongly. There is doubtless no comedian on the American stage at the present day who has a more natural and universal appeal than Ed Wynn. Little more can or need be said about him.

A feature of the production which Boston may well welcome is the appearance of a very personable, and altogether fetching leading lady in the person of Doree Leslie. Too many shows have ridden through Boston on their reputation in the past and it is a real pleasure to be able to honestly recommend the cast which supports Ed Wynn as at least the equal of that which appeared with him in New York.