San Francisco dramatic review (1899)

8 THE SAN FRANCISCO DRAMATIC REVIEW July 13, 1901 Behind the Scenes Of Charles ^rohman's Immense Production of Under Two Flags The average theatre-goer rarelj' realizes the weeks of preparation and supreme energy demanded hy so ex- tensive a stage production as Charles Frohman's presentation of David Belasco's version of Potter's adapta- tion of Under Two Flags, in which Blanche Bates is starring at the Co- lumbia, this city. Theatre-goer sits in a comfortable aisle seat in the auditorium, and, pending the rise of the curtain, leis- urely scans the audience for a familiar face. Not a thought does he give the noiseless activity that prevails behind the curtain, where scores of well-trained stage hands are flitting here and there with agile steps, some quickly sliding huge sections of scen- ery off the stage in all directions, while others rush out from dark re- cesses similar masses of material and place them together with marvelous precision and celerity. The most of these scenic structures are so weighty and gigantic as to tax the strength and dexterity of a dozen men in handling a single piece. While these scene shifters are thus busj', overhead in the flies or top gallery are other scores of men manipulating a maze of ropes, hoisting and lower- ing stage effects known as "drops," "flats," "borders" and "ceilings." The ropes are in an apparent tangle or confusion, j'et never is there an error committed in all the unavoid- able haste. The property-men are, simultaneously, taking off and bring- ing on the odds and ends that furnish or decorate the scenes. Likewise are the electricians planting, like siege guns, their illuminating devices in several nooks and crevices round- about. The supers are gathering in clusters on appointed sides of the stage, in readiness for the action in which they are soon to participate. The majority of the actors are in their dressing-rooms divesting themselves of the stage garb and facial "make- up" that the play no longer requires of them and robing in the succeeding change of costumery. The musicians are below in their assembly room overhauling their instruments for the next series of selections. And all these divisions of workers are under obligations to complete their respec- tive tasks within a given period of minutes, and woe betide the laggard who directly or indirectly delays the rise of the curtain by even a second, on the penalty of no small fine. In calm but wary command of all this host is Stage Manager Matt B. Snyder, with watch in hand, now and then giving warning of the approach- ing curtain schedule. At his side are a number electric signals to all por- tions of the stage, including the I.—IN and ACCORDANCE WITH THE MUTUAL AGREEMENT CLAUSE in the contract between CHARLES FROHMAN for the engagement of the "UNDER TWO FLAGS" Company at the in on 190 it is this day agreed that said CHARLES FROHMAN, or his representatives, shall issue orders for no more than free seats for the first performance of said Company, and that said ^ or representatives, shall issue for no more than free seats for the first performance, of which number shall be issued for bill-board privileges for window lithographing for newspapers, and for other purposes. Any orders issued by either party over and above the number agreed upon as above to be settled for at regular rates by party issuing the same. The number of free seats for subsequent performances to be arranged with the acting manager of the Company. copy, to be inserted daily, beginning 190 in the following papers: squares or inches, as per IV.—THE EXTRA ADVERTISING, which is to be shared on the terms of the contract, amounts to $ , namely: v.—THE ORCHESTRA is to consist of pieces, as follows: First Violin Viola Bass Clarinet Second Violin Cello Flute Trombone REHEARSAI, TO BE CABLED at M. on day. zgo First Cornet French Horn Second Cornet Drums (Rehearsal Lasts 3 Hours). VI.—THE NECESSARY STAGE HANDS to be furnished, according to contract, by the Theatre Management, is to comprise: 12 Scene Shifters 11 Flymen 4 Electric Operators (These Operators to be paid by Charles Frohman) 8 Property Clearers, in addition to regular men of the Theatre 4 Electric Clearers, independent of those of the Theatre *^*TAis entire force to be subject to the Calls of the Stage Manager of the Company for Rehearsal or Duty, and to be under his con- trol during the engagement of the Company. VII. —THE PROPERTIES TO BE FURNISHED by the Theatre management for this engagement to be placed on the sUge before the arrival of the Company, namely: I Large Library Table, Green Cloth Top, 4 ft. 6 in. long and 3 ft. wide. I Pail of Sawdust to Sweep Cloth. 2 Pails of Brown Sand. 4 Large Palms 4 ft. high. 1 vStanding Man in .Armor. 2 Good Bass Drums and Beaters, i Duster. 5 Bent Wood Chairs. 7 Fancy Jardinieres with Palms. 2 Pianos—one, with Harp Attachment, on Stage; the other (without attachment) in Orchestra. i Small Organ on Stage. *^*Both Pianos and Organ to be of the House Orchestra pitch, according to Clarinet. VIII. —THE ENTIRE SCENERY and appointments of the production, as per plots, is to be brought by the Company. I Small Stand i foot square. 6 Brooms. ALL HOUSE SCENERY AND DROPS TO BE OFF THE STAGE AND THE LOFT CLEAR BEFORE ARRIVAL OF COMPANY 10 DAY MEN TO BE AT THEATRE ON ARRIVAL OF THE COMPANY'S STAGE MATERIAL IMPORTANT Traps, as per plot, to be cut and ready before arrival of Company. Steps for Trap in Cellar to be strong enough for 20 people to go up and down. Two sets of lines to be hung directly back of House Curtain to work black cloth and game drops. IX.—THE SUPERNUMERARIES for engagement by the Company to comprise: 4 Men with White Beards. 2 Men six ft. 2 in. tall. 12 Large Negroes. 2 Boys about 12 years old. 40 Young Well-Appearing Men to Pick from. and 25 Extra Ladies of Attractive Presence. THESE EXTRA PEOPLE TO BE CALLED AT in advance of the Company. M, ON DAY, igo for selection by the Supermaster X. RESERVATION OF SPACE OR SEATS in the Balcony, for the Calcium Operators, to be made thus: XI.—RECEIPT IS HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGED by the Theatre Management of the Company's Scene Plot, Line Plot, Proper- ty Plot, and Light Plot. Also of the requisite Fence and Window Advertising Material, Copy for House Programme and Newspaper Advertisements and Customary Press Notices, together with the Cuts indicated on the Sheet mailed in advance. Receipt is likewise acknowledged of Frames of Photographs contained in Trunks; said Frames to be Collected and Re turned to the Company on the Morning Preceding their Departure. SIGNED SIGNED for for CHARLES FROHMAN. OU THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS SHEET is Memorandum of the Arriving and Departing Time of the Company as well as of Transfer Arrangements for the Scenery and Baggage.