According to the handbills passed out at the Old Howard Athenacum this week, the current feature attraction, Miss Rose La Rose, is "the new undisputed queen of burlesque." This may all come as news to such runway veterans as Gypsy Rose Lee, Georgia Sothern, Dardy Orlando, etc., but judging from the crowds winding through Scollay Square, Miss La Rose has exceptional drawing power.

Without attempting to pass judgment on the relative merits of Miss La Rose and her competitors, it can be noted that the Howard's premier danseuse this week is a talented young lady in her line. From the moment she pokes her arm seductively from between the velvet curtains to the moment she beats a hasty exit, Miss La Rose has the complete attention of her audience. The assemblage, sprinkled with striped tics and white shoes, proves appreciative.

In her first number, the black-haired ecdysiast effects a white gown which can best be described as revealing. Against an artificial background of palm trees and jungle flora, Miss La Rose sings a song describing an ancient Hawaiian custom while passing out lcis to the fortunately-positioned occupants of box and front row seats. Miss La Rose's voice, her least attractive feature, is a sultry contralto. It serves the purpose, however.

Her song completed, the uninhibited Miss La Rose begins her dance, which is unique in that she exhibits unusual muscle control. She completes her labors in a short eight minutes but later returns for a four minute encore which winds up the show.

Aside from Miss La Rose, the rest of the production is run-of-the mill. Irving Harmon, the featured comedian, succeeds in milking a number of laughs from such standard skits as the phone booth routine, the twice-rented hotel room and the wishing wand gimmick. Harmon, who walks on his heels and wields an educated cane in the best W. C. Fields manner, salvages the comic aspects of the show.

Rounding out the bill are a number of chorus routines, a tumbling team and a trained love bird art. The chorus, advertised as "30 beautiful women," does not live up to its billing either in number or description. The ladies seem bored with the whole affair and succeed in making the audience share their view.

Obviously, the only justification for a trip to Scollay Square this week (change at Park Street) is the opportunity to see Miss La Rose, who moves on after Saturday to make room for a Cleveland importation, Sheila Ryan. Queen of burlesque or not, Miss La Rose provides a stimulating evening's entertainment.