San Francisco dramatic review (1899)

IO THE SAN FRANCISCO DRAMATIC REVIEW April 24, 1909 The Opening of the New Orpheum When on Monday night Morris Mcycrfeld and his associates opened the beautiful new Orpheum, he gave the down-town movement an impetus that means more to the district that has been rebuilding than any other influence. The new Orpheum and the land on which it stands represents an investment of something close to $1,000,000.00, and is a commendable enterprise that is deserving of the greatest possible credit. The theatre itself is a gorgeous palace of amusement, by far the finest theatre in the West and a model for the entire country. The opening was attended by a large and fashionable crowd, and considerable ceremony. John Morrisey, who has been with the house from its inception and has carefully nursed it from its first struggles, officiated as master of ceremonies and introduced Mayor Edward R. Taylor, who spoke in felicitous vein. Zelie DeLussan was specially brought out to sing The StarSpangled Banner for the occasion, and with that the programme was formally opened, Ray's Players presented a happy and entertaining burlesque, entitled A Roman Travesty. Paul Sandor and his canine circus, with some good ventriloquial asides, was an uncommon and clever affair. Arcadia, an attractive young woman, sang several songs pleasingly and contributed some really excellent violin solos, her bowing being noticeably good, Margaret Moffat and company have the big thing in the sketch line in a playlet called Awake at the Switch. Miss Moffat, who is evidently an experienced actress, has a delightful personality, and her work is very much on the order of Rose Stahl in Tlie Chorus Lady. Her support is well selected and the playlet is both cleverly written and unique in conception, showing, as it does the everyday vexations connected with the public telephone service at one of the substations. Elsie Fay, Miller and Weston, holdovers from last week, repeat their fine dancing act, and The Sandwinas. the little fellow and the big. graceful strong woman, still held interest in an act that has now been seen here three weeks. Prank Fogarty. who is an extraordinarily good story teller, regaled his audience with a flow of Irish stories and observations. Grigolatis Aerial Pallet was a fitting climax to the evening's performance. The grace of the flying dancers and the beautiful combination of lights conspired to form an effect that was indescribably beautiful. As a reminder of the former days, a series of pictures showing old Market Street before the fire were flashed on the screen. San Francisco is proud of its Orpheum and its public spirit, and may the prosperity that has been its portion for years continue in ever-increasing measure. Vaudeville IiLOYD C. FOUNTAIN. Editor Pantages-Empire A Class-A programme is in evidence at the Empire this week, and increased attendance shows its appreciation of one of the best programmes at this house this season. The Armanis contribute one of the most refreshing acts seen in a long time. They are all instrumentalists and vocalists of more than ordinary talent and are able to render several delightful operatic selections that are thoroughly enjoyable, whether you understand them or not. Their work has a swing and snap to it that compels appreciation. Signor Ciociano's rendition of Maritana "overture" on the mandolin shows him to be master of this instrument, and generous applause greets his efforts at every performance. The scenic equipment of the act is a decided feature in itself. Wcntworth and Vesta, with their dog Teddy, are a trio of comedy acrobats that are a clever and amusing feature of the bill. Hearn and Rutter contribute some enjoyable singing and dancing. Mrs. Maud Evans, formerly the wife of LieutenantCommander Evans. U. S. N.. who is makine her vaudeville debut this week, is a little lady with a very pleasing stage presence and vivacious air that promises well for the future. But would suggest, in a well-meant spirit that she choose, instead of a coon song, one more adapted to her talents. Two of the funniest black-face comedians seen in a long time are to be found in West and Mack. They keep the audience in continually good humor every moment they are on the stage. SeHara gives a mystifying exhibition of thought transference that is most baf fling. If you have any lost relatives, stolen articles or uncertain love affairs that you are desirous of solution, see Se-Hara. She guarantees to solve them for you. Motion pictures complete the programme. The Wi swam The usual high-class and satisfying programme greets the patrons of this popular house this week. The Marco Twins head the bill and are about the funniest knock-about comedians that ever happened. They keep the audience convulsed with their ridiculous antics. Rawson and June introduce their novel act, consisting of throwing the Australian boomerang and spears. Hetty Urnia is a dainty little singer and dialect change artist that will please you. Alice Davenport & Co. have a tragic act entitled. Now. Miss Dovenport is a clever actress with a clever company in support. The act is out of the ordinary, therefore interesting. Ellsworth & Lindon appear in a farce. His Day Off, where hubby, trying to make himself useful about the house, gets into all kinds of trouble. Miss Lindon does very clever work, and Ellsworth also, but he is not quite up to snuff when it comes to handling comedy. But the act is good. Elmer Tenley has a new bunch of ridiculousness that makes an entertaining feature of the bill. Joe Watson has a bunch of parodies and jokes that call for many a hearty laugh and make vou forget your troubles. A great line of moving pictures completes a programme that is all and more than you want to ask for. The National A most gratifying roster of talent is to be found at this staple house this week, and turn-'em-away attendance THeatrical Tig'Kts SYMMETRICALS Wool. U. 8. J10.00; ALL COLORS. WEIGHTS AND QUALITIES — Cotton. ~T5c to »1.50; J2.50 to $3.50: Lisle or Silkollne. $3.00 to $4.50; Silk. $5.00 to $12.50. BEST LINE MADE IN THE 1 Calf, $5.00; Calf and Thigh. Calf. Thigh and Hip, $12.50. We also Make Padded Shirts. SWEATERS, JERSEYS, OTV, athletic and BATH SUITS, SUPPORTERS, ACROBATIC SHOES, GOOD UNDERWEAR Knit to Fit in All Materials. We operate our own mills, carry a large stock and make goods to measure at reasonable prices. We suit the professional as if he were buying in Europe. Write us for prices and samples. Phone Kearny 3603 Corner Post and Grant Ave. NATIONAL THEATRE "LZ'ZZT POST ARE STEIWER 8TS., BAR FRANCISCO Leading Vaudeville Theatre on the Sullivan-Considine Circuit. No Act Too Good for us. Write. CHRIS. O. BROWN N. Y. Representative 1358 Broadway HARRY L. LKAVITT Seattle Representative American Bank Bldg. PAUL GOUORON Chicago Representative 604-5 Oneonta Bldg. 67 S. Clark St. Sullivan & Considine Circuit _ __ _ American Theatre Bldg. Sole California Representative AKCHlISi LEVY, H17-11 25 Market St.. above 7th, ' .San Francisco New York Office, Sliubert Bldg. Lancaster. Pa., Family Theatre Now Booking Summer Parks, Fairs and VaudevUle Theatres. Managers, write or wire. 50— THEATRES— SO Phone West 9098 THAT INDlPENDENT VAUDEVILLE AGENT ..BERT LEVEY •••• 2053 ST'TTKR ST.. SAN FRANCISCO. CAL Clune Vodville Circuit Now Booking Acts THEATRES — PICTURE HOUSES — PARKS AND FAIRS Film Service — Machines — Operators — Singers Phone Main 1706 RCBT. A. BRACKETT, Manager '27-729 So. Main St.. Los Angeles, Cal. is in evidence at every performance. A delightful surprise, as well as an awakening for some, is to be found in A Butterfly Wife, at the hands of Eva Westcott. The act was seen here just previous to the earthquake and created a sensation, and Miss Westcott returns to us to reap new laurels as an actress of great power. As the wife, first frivolous and care-free, then petulant and then on to a tragic awakening, Miss Westcott runs the gamut of human passions in a manner commanding admiration. In less capable hands, the thin line between the comedy and tragedy of the act would be utterly ruined, but Miss Westcott meets all the requirements, and her interpretation is superb. Many a smile is brought forth as numerous traits of little wifcy are recognized, both by hubby and wifey, and many an accusing glance the latter gets from former throughout the audience. Miss Westcott is able to act and still take your mind from the idea that you are only witnessing acting. She is naturalness itself, and her handling of the tragic finale of the act is refreshing in that it is not torn to tatters. It is a star's vehicle, and a star handling it. It is a treat. May we have more like it. Delmore and Oneida present some clever work in their balancing pole act. Rose Stevens comes in for a warm welcome as a holdover, and has a new line of vocal selections that are making her even more popular. Cross & Co. present a farce act that calls forth many a laugh, but is a little drawn out. Dispensing with a great deal of the dialogue would be a decided improvement in the act. Joe Flynn has a line of foolish talk PANTAGES Western State Vaudeville Association Controlling the longest, largest and Dest chain of vaudeville theatres in the United States. Mr. Manager: No matter where your house is, how large or how small, we, can supply you promptly with first-class vaudeville acts at reasonable prices, also lodges, clubs and entertainments furnished on short notice. See O. S. Bl'RNS, Representative. Phone West 7140. Oilices: Panlages Theatre, cor. Sutter & Steiner Sts.. San Francisco. Cal. RAY YOUNGMAN Appearing in THE SEXTON'S DREAM S. & C. Circuit that calls for numerous laughs. Manuel Romainc & Co. present a musical skit that is a sure winner. Mr. Romaine has a sweet tenor voice which he knows well how to handle, and you'll find yourself humming his songs as you leave. Sadie Palmer is a little lady that contributes some clever dancing and singing to the act and able support is given by young Foley with his happy smile. Carlisle's dogs and talking pony is a feature of the programme. Dan. the talking pony, saves the act by his wonderful intelligence and mathematical knowledge. He is the cleverest piece of horse flesh presented for some time. Unusually good moving pictures complete a-j splendid programme. Marie Nelson, known as the little girl with the bisj voice. late primadonna in Pi ffFaffPoof, The Toymaker, The Honeymoon, and also in the same capacity with Sousa's Band, will jump direct from New York City to make her first appearance in California, opening at the National, May