San Francisco dramatic review (1899)

i6 THE SAN FRANCISCO DRAMATIC REVIEW January 9, 1909 CHAS. F.THOMPSON SCENIC CO. MAIN OFFICE AND STUDIOS, 460, 462, 464 WITMER STREET, LOS ANGELES THE FINEST, LARGEST AND MOST MODERN SCENIC STUDIOS IN THE WORLD. SCENERY FOR OPERA HOUSES AND PRODUCTIONS. DROP CURTAINS AND SCENIC ADVERTISING DROP CURTAINS OUR SPECIALTY. IN USE IN 1268 THEATRES IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. WHY NOT YOURS ? Testimonial for Sembrich A committee has been organized in New York to raise funds for a testimonial to be presented to lime. Sembrich, of the Metropolitan Opera Company, at her farewell appearance in February. In a letter inviting subscriptions, which was sent out. the committee says: "Mine. Marcella Sembrich celebrates this year the twenty-fifth anniversary of her first appearance in America, and also announces her retirement from the operatic stage. As an artist, Mme. Sembrich occupies an unusual position. By her gifts of voice and rare intelligence, her devotion to her art and fidelity to the highest ideals, she has rendered invaluable service to music. As a woman she is so sincere and lovely in character, she is beloved by all. This, therefore, seems a proper Portland, Jan. 4. — On New Year's eve the Portland Local. T. M. A., No. 36, took a benefit in this city, and the event was successfully carried out in every respect. The Orpheum and Baker Theatres were the theatres donated to the "boys." and the entertainments, which were on the vaudeville line, commenced at 11 P. M. and ran into the new year. Professional talent from all the theatres lent their aid, and as a result the lodge cleared up over eleven thousand dollars. Heilig Theatre (Cal. Heilig, mgr.; William Pangle. resident mgr.) : John Cort's Alaskan returned to this theatre and opened last night to a good house. The piece has been improved wonderfully, and the company is also better in many respects. Edward Martindel is found playing Totem Pole Pete again, and last night scored big in the role. He is a capable actor in every way. Forest Huff sings the tenor role, and is an improvement over his predecessor. The scenery is excellent, and the costumes also come in for words of praise. Next week, Florence Roberts. Ben Hur is an early booking. Bungalow Theatre (George L. Baker, mgr.; Milton Seaman, business mgr.) : Izetta Jewel made her first hit with Portland theatregoers last season when she appeared in Zaza at the Baker Theatre, in the stock company. Last night she duplicated the feat and again impressed upon us that Zaza is about the best thing this talented lady does. Her work is of a high order, and she gives a fine interpretation of the part. Sydney Ayers is Bernard Dufresne, and got all that is possible out of the role. Donald Bowles again was found playing Cascart and is capital in the part. Mrs. Mina Gleason was Aunt Rosa, and William Gleason was DeBrissac ; both were equal to all demands. The staging of the play is a work of art. Next week. Masters of Men. Baker Theatre (George L. Baker, mgr. ; Milton Seaman, business mgr.) : The Devil's Auction is the bill for this week. It opened yesterday to big houses, in fact S. R. O. was in evidence last night. The company is not better nor any worse than the usual Devil's Auction companies coming this way for the past ten years. The Sisters Plunkett are the best of the ladies, in fact of the company. The scenery is kept up well. Next occasion to present to Mme. Sembrich a gift that shall be a tribute not only of admiration, but of love." August Belmont is treasurer of the committee. One member is Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, who heard in 1825 the first performance of The Barber of Seville in New York. The committee consist of the directors of the Metropolitan Opera House, leading musical critics, prominent women patrons of music, Emma Eames, David Bispham, Frank and Walter Damrosch, Mark Twain, William Dean Howells and others. . week. Babes in Toyland. Orpheum Theatre (C. N. Sutton, mgr.): Last week's bill was a good one, headed, as it was, by George Primrose and his company of dancers. Primrose is a great favorite in this city, and was welcomed at every performance. Commencing tonight, Julie Heme and company are headliners ; Jewell's Manikins; Murray Sisters; Josselin Trio; White and Simmons; Cook Brothers, and Mr. and Mrs. Alison. Star Theatre (J. E. Ericson, mgr.) : This bill at this house for this week is Jane Eyre. This old-timer has not been done in this city for many years, and it was welcomed yesterday by good houses. The company is good. Dorothy Turner plays the name part in good style and displayed good talent. Edwin Scribner and E. R. Bonner were the best of the men. Next week, Thorns and Orange Blossoms. Lyric Theatre (Keating & Flood, mgrs.) : A Southern drama is offered this week at this house by the stock company — Tempest and Sunshine. Orral Humphrey gave a good performance yesterday of the leading role. Charles Connors kept the audience well in hand in the comedy part. Corrine Walton also did excellent work, as did Ralph Belmont. Next week, A Gambler's Devotion. Grand Theatre (J. E. Ericson, mgr.) : Creo is the headliner ; Joe Deming & Co. ; Stephen Gratten Co. ; Gus Bruno ; Sabine and Vero, and Fred Bauer. Pantages Theatre (John Johnson, mgr. ) : Florenz Family are headliners ; Kohler Trio ; Abrahams and Johns ; Burton and Brooks ; Brandon and Wilson, and Jean Wilson. A. W. W. Personals The Herbert Cramer stock of Marshfield and other Coos Bay points reports a satisfactory business. The company is composed of Howard Nugent, Edesse Fowler, Florence Bell, Lawrence Floyd, Minnie Janicki, Herbert Cramer, Frances Field and George Morgan. In the role of Jules Beaubien, the hero of Eugene Walter's play, The Wolf, Andrew Robson has by far the best fitting role of his career. The production of this play by the same man who wrote Paid in Full is said to be one of the most successful attractions of the year. Its engagement here is limited to one week. Oscar Hammkrstein has announced that he has signed a contract with another new tenor, John McCormack, who is said to be probably the first Irishman ever engaged as a leading grand opera tenor by an American impresario. McCormack, who has created a sensation in England, is tall, handsome and 24 years old. Some critics say he has the most beautiful tenor voice of any singer before the public. He will make his first appearance in America at Hammerstein's Manhattan and Philadelphia opera houses early next season. McCormack was born of humble parentage. People of means, who were attracted by the beauty of his voice, sent him to Milan to study. He made his first important appearance at London ballad concerts, and had immediate success. His path to Covent Garden was then easy, and he made his debut there in October, 1907. Rosic Evtinge has left Portland, Ore., at the age of 70, to spend her remaining years in the Actors' Home for Aged Actors on Staten Island, X. Y. Miss Eytinge's health is badly impaired, and she decided to pass the rest of her life in retirement. Rose Eytinge's stage career covered fiftyfive years and was one of the most remarkable in American histrionics. After years in Boston and New York she appearecf^vith Booth, and immediately became a favorite. Her greatest triumphs ^were in New York and London. As the wife of George H. Butler Consul-General in Egypt, she was presented at most of the European courts. She was a friend of the Prince of Wales, Charles Dickens, Gladstone and many other noted men. She was presented at Napoleon's court and has declared that Eugenie was the original peroxide blonde. Van Ness Theatre 8 NIGHTS IIanrday JANUARY 10th Matinee Saturday The Cohan and Harris Comedians In Frederic Thompson's Massive Production of the Famous International Comedy Success Brewster's .*. Millions Bv WINCHELL SMITH and BYRON ONGLEY A Dramatization of Geo. Barr McCutcheon's Famous Book sSmtROBERT ober GREATEST SHIP SCENE AND STORM EFFECTS Ever Witnessed on the Stage — Exactly as Presented Here Last Season FOR RENT By the Day, Week or Month VICTORY THEATRE SAN FRANCISCO For Terms, etc., Inquire at Pantage's Empire Theatre, Sutter St., San Francisco Hotel St. James Cor. Van Ness Ave. and Fulton St. San Francisco, California Headquarters for Agents and Managers Half Block from Van Ness Theatre. Friars meet at the St. James every Friday night. F. P. SHANLEY, Manager, formerly of New York The Portland Orpheum Is Still Holding Its Splendid Patronage