The New York Clipper (January 1905)

1074 THE NEW YORK CLIPPER. January 7. Mi55 flipper's Anecdotes. Personalities" and Comments, CONCIBMNO ST16E FOLK and Sometimes OTHERS BY JOSKPHINK GEO. Bronson Douglas the genial press repre- sentative of the Grand Opera House, It re- sponsible (or the following: . "Approaching the ticket window of a the- atre bos offlce, the seemed a bit of fifth Avenue 'gone astray;' but the man behind the ■mile at the window waa there to aell tickets and he prepared for the fray. "1 would like two fifty cent wati for this erenlng'i performance,' the said at he quietly wondered whether hers wat a case of re- laced gentility, schoolgirl frolic or ordinary parsimony, at the aame time he gallantly de- " Who's that?" atked Wilton. "That gay with the leather lungt and brats voice, Joe Hart," exclaimed Lawlor, vindictively. ♦ Mr. Llbbey telle a ator7 of one of Frank Moulln't practical Jokea for which he It noted among bit friends. This clever originator of the Bultan, In "The Saltan of Bala," while traveling through the South with a company to which be and Llbbey'belonged, amused bia frlendt by playing several time* the tame practical Joke at the departure of tbe trains from tbe towns in which they had been play- ing. Mr. Moulin stepped to the platform of a slowly moving train, and <n his hand he held . a letter addressed to a well known man of the place, together with a bright fifty cent piece In plain view. "Here, Raatut," he called to a bright look- ing colored boy standing near, "do yon know Mr. Blank?" THE THREE TASMAMA.NS Arc female acrobats. Three women dressed as boys, not boys dressed as women, they do three high drop outs and somersaults from shoulder to shoulder, doing twenty-live tricks In eight minutes. Their first American vaudeville appearance. was made at Hyde & liehman's Music Hall, Chicago, Nov. 28, wbcre they scored a success, aad now they have many good dates ahead. >..-.. termlned to do his best In tbe way of good teats—for the price. " 'Here are two In the very front row of tbo fifty cent seats; he said in bis best Faver- aham-thlrd-act-volce, as he patted them through the window. " 'Thank you,' said the handsomely dressed piece of beautiful femininity, as she ex- changed the tickets for ■ crisp dollar taken from a solid gold purse of latest design. At tbe turned to. go the ticket man, with a short sigh, said: . " 'If you will bring these coupons out here after the first act I will exchange them for •eats nearer the front' "'No, thanks,' was the haughty reply, ■these are not for myself, but for my Swedish maid.' "- 9. The Grand Opera House over on Eighth Avenue la continually being mistaken for the Metropolitan Opera House, especially by pa- trons wbo telephone for seats, or make In- quiries concerning the great singers of the big Conrled Company. The box offlce man has to bear the numerous annoyances arising from this mistake. Last Tuesday, after an- swering scores of telephone Inquiries meant for the man at tbe Metropolitan, the Grand Opera House representative beard an anxious female voice over the wire saying: "Will you please save me two seats for the flrat performance of 'Tbe Magic Flute?'" The men at the phone heartily weary of replying to questions relative to "Farslfal,". tbe addresses of Conrled's principals and the date of the Do Rcskes' return, and other questions of no Importance whatever to the Opera House management, somewhat Im- patiently responded: "We're all out of magic flutes but have some lovely automobiles that would delight the children." "Why, what do you mean ?" exclaimed the anxious voice, "Isn't this the Metropolitan Opora House?" "No, madame," replied the weary man In the box office, "this Is tbe toy department of Smacy's." 9 A propot of the untiring energy of Joseph Hart at rehearsals and performances, J. Al- drlch Llbbey, the baritone singer, said a few days ago: "ClinrlcB R. Lawlor Is known among his friends and admirers as an originator of terse sayings, and one of these, concerning tbe lasting powers of Hart as a tireless work- er, bas gone the rounds of the theatrical con- tingent. "Hallen A Hart's 'Idea' Company bad been organised, and one of the rehearsals under Hart had been working from early morning until midnight. All except Hart were wenry, hungry, grumbling and soma even began to display a belligerent spirit. "I'm going to quit," exclaimed Al. Wilson, one of the star members, to Lawlor, "I'm completely tired out" "I know one who Isn't," replied Lawlor with a threatening glance In the direction of tbe stage manager. "Suttlnly, tub," replied, tbe boy, while visions of the half dollar In his own pocket hastened his pace as' be trotted beside tbe moving train. "Well," said Moulin, holding the letter and silver Just out of tbe reach of tbe boy, "you Just tell him that Mr. Moulin " In the meantime tbe train was moving a trifle fatter out of the depot, while the. boy kept up his pace with It In hopes of making the money his own la return for services rendered. "Yes, sub, I'll tell him 1" breathlessly ex- claimed the puffing darkey changing his trot to a run In keeping up with tbe how. faster moving train, urged by the prospect of own- ing the fifty cents which Moulin continued to hold within two Inches of the black out- stretched hand. "You tell him," slowly drawled Moulin, as the train moved yet more rapidly, "Just tell him that— -" At that moment tbe young darkey, with bis eyes on the envelope and money, stumbled Into a bole beside the track. When he arose from his fall both Moulin and tbe train were the distance of half a block up the track, and the boy, rubbing his shins, slowly limped back to the depot, a wiser darkey. "That story," mused the thoughful Llbbey, who frequently .writes fables with morals attached, "might teach a lesson to many In our profession who never will reach tbe goal of their dramatic aspirations. They might Just as well give up running before wearing themselves out, or stumbling Into a hole from which they never can extricate themselves. They trot along," continued the singer In moralizing tones, "with their eyes on the prize which Is always Just out of their reach, until suddenly—Bingl they drop, then wake up to tbe fact that the game wasn't worth the chase," {Catherine Trayer, the talented partner of J. Aldrlch Llbbey, had an amusing experi- ence while playing In Oklahoma City last season. One of Mr. Llbbey's speeches In their act la "Now, If you'll go out and find Mr. Oncewas, why bring blm back with you, and let me hear you really sing." On this occasion Llbbey, Instead of saying the name "Mr. Oncewas," mentioned that of a well known gentleman of the town. Later in the "turn," Miss Trayer entered and gave her line, "I. can't find Mr. Sinclair any- where. It's too bad I I did so want him to hear me sing." To the astonishment of the players the gentleman bearing the name arose from bis seat In the audience, and loudly exclaimed: "Cheer up, little girl t Here I am, so go tbcad and slog." It Is scarcely necessary to add that tbe song received several encores from the pleased audience which had been Incited by the amusing Incident. 4i» — n. H. Murphy, stepfather of 3. Frank Burke, wbo Is playing In Minnesota with the James J. Corbett Co., died In this city on Dec. in. The remains were taken to west- boro, Mass., for burial. The services were conducted by tbe Masonic order. Worn of Players, — Harry Biting, press agent at Cycle Park, Dallas, Tex., Is doing tbe advance work for North Bros.' Comedians (Western) and booking tbe attraction. Mr. Eltlng re- SjrU excellent business for his attraction, n April 20 he will resume his position at Cycle Park with Manager Charles McAdama. — Notes from tbe Wrights: We are not doing a capacity business In this section of the country, but we are getting onr share of the money spent for theatrical en- tertainments, and are more than pleasing our patrons. Wo are playing "Hearts of Tennessee." "Harry Tracy, the Bandit;" "Betsey Bobbtt's Husband'' and "A Bash Marriage," all from the pen of Elba E. Wright Oar other bllla are: "The Fatal Scar." "On the Frontier" and "A Yankee in Ireland." Christmas eve was spent by the company with our old friend, Mr. Tar- ball, of the Whitney House, Cawker, Kan., and tbe members of the company all ex- changed presents. Sunday, Christmas Day, waa spent with another dear friend of this company, Mr. Custer, of tbe Avenue House, Belolt, Kan., and to say that we bad the best dinner in Northern Kansas, and enjoyed It, would be putting It rather mUdly. Take It all In all, there Is not a more happy, con- tented company In the United States than the Wrights. , .. — Tbe members of "Tbe Queen of the White Slaves" Co. (Eastern) were enter- tained with a Chrlstmst tree celebration and banquet by tbe Ileld Sitters, Cells and Neta, on Christmas eve. In their rooms at the Clarendon Hotel. Grand Kaplds, Mich. Tbe Invited guests found the rooms tastefully decorated with evergreens and holly. In tbe centre stood a handsome Christmas tree, trimmed with presents from members of the company to each other. Near the centre of the room stood a bowl of delicious claret punch. Mrs. Harvey, the manager's wife, ordered all to tbe punch bowl. After the puDcb bad been sampled Mrs. Harvey pro- ceeded to give out the present with ap- propriate bright remarks. Each member was surprised with some costly and valuable present. Among them was a gold watch, to tbe dainty little Ingenue of tbe company, Cella Beld. The Held Sisters presented Fred Harvey, their manager, with a handsome, mahogany handled dipper. After the pres- ents were given oat there were songs and dances by the Beld Sisters, songs by Mrs. Belle Harvey and Irene Daniels, recitations by Alex. Q. Ctrleton, Jokes and tunny stories by Fred Harvey, Tom Creamer, Jack Bean, John Cantor, Ollie Cash and Joe Beymer. Just as Christmas dawned all present gath- ered around tbe tree and, clasping bands, sang "Auld Lang Syne." — Notes from tbe Harris-Parkinson and Osman Stock Companies: Finding ourselves in Durham, N. C, thrown together for three nights, we did the wise thing and spent a pleasant and profitable time socially after the shows, tbe quail supper given by Mr. Harris being especially appreciated. Success nnd long life to our Jolly host of the evening. The Osmans have made very few changes during the season. Ed. L. Hubbard has Just been added, and after a few weeks of return dates In North Carolina will head for tbe North, where the best of time has been arranged for. us by our new represen- tative, A. C. Woods. — Notes from the Cleveland Stock Co.: We are still living and are playing through Illinois, doing nicely. The roster Is as fol- lows: Ben A. Tillson, Will Hodges, Burt Wilson, B. H. Roberts, Oran Bryant. Harry Rayburn, Hazel Bourne, Leila Leonard, Grace Denning and Harry. —Crescent Comedy Co. Notes.—Asa Cummlngs, of the firm of Bergman ft Cum- mlngs, accidentally discharged a revolver in his coat pocket while the company was mak- ing a Jump from Atlanta, Ga., to MUIedge- vlUe, the ball passtng through his left Teg above the knee. The wound was very pain- ful, but not dangerous. The roster remains the same except that Claude and Clara Lewis have been engaged for ■ leading business. Bergman ft Cummlngs. managers; Claude Lewis, Edward Benn, Theo. M. Blxier, Wal- ter Everstlne, Dudley Bice. Jasper Peter- son, Clara A Lewis, Mae Clinton, Kittle Hawthorne and Maude Hawthorne. Tbe company carries all special scenery and ef fects and Is doing very nicely. The Haw- thorne Sisters have added several new In- struments to their musical act — Jno. A. Hlmmeleln has purchased the Nelson Theatre, Sandusky, Ohio, and will conduct same next season. Tbe name of the theatre will be changed to Grand Opera House, Mr. Hlmmeleln will also continue his two road companies—Himmeleln's Ideals and Himmeleln's Imperial Stock Co. — Notes from Whitney ft Sloan Attrac- tions: "The Call Boy/' the new musical comedy, which we opened with, -has proved to be a box offlce winner and the management has decided to put out company No. 2. It will have Will A. Theoboid in the title role, and will have as strong a company as can be got together. No. 2 will open In Chicago week of Jno. 9, and will play one nlghters through Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. None of the original cast will be tsken from the No. 1 company. This management has also se- cured a new comedy drama, entitled "Down and Out" from the pen of W. B. Patton, which opens In Detroit, Mich., Jan. 12, snd will be headed by the late vaudeville team. Klne and Gotholdt While "The Call Boy" waa playing in Wilmington, Del., Mist Le Clair, of the chorus, while crossing the street was knocked down and badly trampled by a horse. She Is now In the hospital. — H. C. Pefever, of Pefever and Tossell. writes: "We Joined the Two Merry Tramps' Co. Jan. 2, to do our bicycle act and I am to take the role I played last season, one of the tramps. I have been with the show the past five seasons. Our oleycle act Is making good." — Edgar G. Stepath has been engaged by J. C. Keene to manage one of his companies. — Notes from Bttthardt ft Hawkins Ideal.. We met With big business through mJLV playing three nlgft stands In the better t iJ£ of towns. Our company, plays and WDer «S creating a favorable Impression everywhr» and requests for return dates are eomS regularly. We are booked In Idaho cw™ and Washington till neit Spring and Sun ™. The weather out here Is all that can £ ali sired, and business continues great FoinJ" Ing Is our roster: Oliver J. Eckhardt »\vi Earnest F. Hawkins, proprietors and nsS gers; Harry Wright,-advance; Will Sn!if properties; Josephine Duffey, Georgia A \V chols, Mamie Williams, Oliver J. TEckb'vMr' B. F. Hawkins, Will Sully and Jas. F csm eron. Lawrence F. Tallman, musical direr: nT — Mlna Rudolph, of the "8an Toy" iv, wss married In Denver, Col., Dec 1' to Jefferson James Graves, a non-professional — Gertrude Ramsdell, wbo hat reniiu-ed Clarice Becker In the leading role of Sviiii In Dare B. Levia" "Dr. Jekyll and Sir Ujcle" Co., Is meeting with success. — While in Hunnewell, Mo., latt week Percy F.lden received news of his moiter'a deatft in Louisville, Ky. "wioert — Bert Davis, trap drummer, joined the "Old SI Stebblns" Co. In Wellsvllle o Dec 26. ' ' MOSES GUMBLE AND CLARICE VANCE. The union In wedlock of Clarice Vance, the vaudeville vocalist and Moses Gumble, the music composer, has been the subtcci of considerable Interest In theatrical circles during tbe past fortnight Miss Vance, whose maiden name was Clara Etta Black, has been before tbe footlights sb a prominent star In ber line for a number of- years, having begun her successful career in Boston In 1890, since wblcb time she has appeared In all the leading vaudeville theatres In the country. As an Interpreter.^ Senegamblan melodies she has few, if any, peers, and her character vocallsms are noted for their clean cut and original humor, both In gesture anil voice delivery. Mr. Gumble, besides being a writer of pronounced ability in the field of melodious syncopation and an Instrumentalist of high order, combines the happy faculty of certain business qualifications, which have won him a position or confidence with tie publishing firm of Shapiro, Remlck ft Company, whose publications be has promulgated In successful outputs, both in this city and Chicago. The couple were married In Indianapolis on Dec. 7. Miss Vance will pursue her vaudeville work for a snort ?«rtod, to complete contracts of outstanding engagements, alter which she will retire from be stage and spend a term of travel abroad with her bnsband. IRENE AKERMAN. Who Is well known as an actress, has, for the time being, abandoned acting, and la now devoting the greater part of her time to teaching voice culture and dramatic art, besides continuing ber literary work. Latt season' she managed the Orpheum Theatre, In Mount Vernon, N. Y.» where she' success- fully produced several of her own plays, together with a number of others. Miss Akerman's studio Is at 1031 Broadway, New York City. . ; • —Manager Geo. J. Appleton, who bad the misfortune to break one of bis legs at Co- lumbus, O., on Nov. IT, Is retting comfort' ably at tbe Hotel Normandle, In this city. Mr. Appleton was flrat taken to Buffalo and then brought to thlt city for treatment Hit leg was broken while superintending the moving of Nat C. Goodwin's baggage cars, preparatory to the jump from Corambui to Buffalo. He will be out (on crutches) In about ten days. — Notes from the Harrington Stock Co.: After forty-three weeks of the greatest suc- cess, we celebrated Christmas, and a most enjoyable time we had. Manager E. A. Har- rington entertained tbe entire company and many friends with a banquet at wblcb be presented Mrs. E. A Harrington with a beautiful pair of diamond earrings, and Baby Millie, a strong favorite and attraction with the company, with a gold watcb and chain. Manager Harrington received many costly presents essential to a man's wants. Among them was a Taylor ticket trunk and a silver mounted toilet set All were re- membered, and presents were exchanged too numerous to mention. One of the most ap- preciated g'fts was tbe raise In salary of the entire company by the management. The night was spent In merriment snd laugh- ter, end as the "Goddess of Bleep" had no effect, all mounted the train early next morn- tug In highest of spirits to make a 350 mile Jump in order to open-the new opera bouse at Salem, Ind. .Our roster: E, A. Harring- ton, managr-r and proprietor; J. R. Barrett, W. S. Dickenson, Clifford Lewis, Frank Kent, Luther Adams, musical director; Beatrice Harrington, Baby Millie, Anna May, Ida Kent, Lottie Lewis. Carrying the following headline vaudeville acts: Great Ambrose, handcuff king; Beatrice Kerney, coon shouter; Clifford Lewis, the Kents, sketch team; Lottie Lewis, dancer; W. 8. Dicken- son, song Illustrator; Baby Millie,- Jack and Anna Barrett, comedy Jugglers; motion pictures, and lately strengthened by Cole and La Mar, novelty musical act We are carrying as nn outdoor attraction a large automobile steam calliope. The ghost al- ways walks and the company bids fair to become one of the leading attractions of the middle States. • ' — Margaret McKeon la 111 at ber home, Newark. N. J., with nervous prostration, and Is not expected to be able to resume work until Spring. — Edwin Fox states that he has closed with "Two Married Women" Co., selling his Interest to A. J. Woods, under.whose man- agement the company, will continue. — Frank P. Haven, manager for Cora Lawton and tbe Record Stock Co., wrltet: "We opened to 8. H, O. at Pnnxsntawney. Pa., Dec 19, and have done remarkably well for the week preceding Christmas, with heavy rain and snow storms lu addition." — Harry Fentella Is en route with Gus Hill's "McFadden's Flats." — Manager Tom North wrltet: "The Old Clothes Man,' the play written by James Kyrlo McCurdy, formerly of the Thanhouser Stocl; Co., Milwaukee, and presented under the direction of J. Wooda Flske, was given Its first presentation on any stage at Green Bay, Wis., Dec. 23. ■ Mr. McCurdy carried off the honors of the evening In the char- acter of Solomon Levi, the old clothes man. Kate Toncray, as Rachel Levi, his daughter, gave a splendid rendition of trie role, and the remainder of the cast was M capable hands. Adeline Roth, the chid actress, showed much ability in the roie given ber. Arthur Pickens 1 Interpreta- tion of the villain was cleverly done. The piece waa handsomely staged, and the prize ring scene, in the fourth act In which the old elotbes man scores a knockout with nis 'YiddlBh twist.' furnished an exciting climax. and waa enthusiastically received. All or the Milwaukee papers had representatives at the play and their press notices were an that could be desired. The success of the piece Is assured, with time completely fiiiea up for this season, and negotiations are now going on with Stair ft Havlln for week stands, opening during the regular tan teason." -. . .. -- — Notes from Fred C. Taylor'* big scen£ melodrama, "An Idiot Slave."—Thlt show has been doing very nicely, and up to tne present shows a fair profit We are goins Into the Eastern territory where, from re- ports, business Is none too good, but we trust to be favored wlthgood results, one roster Is as follows: G. W, Bannister, man- nger; Phil. Wolf, business manager; Kpoeri a! Lacy, Carl Lanham, Harry C. Bann'st*;; K. E. Schldemantle. Pauline West ""«"?.; Illee, CrystRl Harel, Margaret Edwards sna Master Norman. - - .,_ B . _ ,„ — Notes from Jed Carlton's "Was She to Blame" Co.: Mr. Carlton Is having another successful Beaton with thlt beautiful pig nnd carries one of the beat companies in tne middle West The speclsltles are by Fioyo White and Edward Russell, and are success- ful everywhere we play. Emma Jean can- ton la featured as Diana. , __ ,. — Frank I* Browne, descriptive "Inp'-.J! about to sever his connection with t" Bennett ft Monltoo Co.. with which company he has been for twenty-four weeks, playing parts ami doing his specialty. _ — Mrs Chss" E. Welles, wife of Chts. E- Welles, the cornettltt died from pneumonia at their residence In this city recently.