University of Virginia Library

J. Ward Morehouse

The story covers the rise of J.
Ward Morehouse from an
unpromising composer to his death
as a successful public relations man.
This is fine, but who or what is
J.W. Morehouse suppose to be? If
he's a symbol of an emerging
American spirit or a corrupt
Horatio Alger figure, it was lost on
me. The authors have great
fondness for the Duncans, Wrights,
and Valentinos, but treat the major
characters with little sympathy,
which borders on apathy. Perhaps if
I had a better knowledge of Dos
Passos I could see the purpose of
this play. Of course, in the end, the
play must be accepted on its own
merits, and "USA" lacks the
strength to stand up by itself.