The billboard (Dec 1911)

18 The Billboard DECEMBER 16, 1911. Kaleidoscopic Review of Amusement BOSTON, MASS. On Monday night the theatregoers of this city were treated to several entirely new at- tractions after a period of several weeks, In which holdovers were the rale. iMme. Simone. who Is making tier first tour of this country, appeared at the Plymouth in Henri Bernstein's three-act drama. The Whirl- wind, which was favorably received. Obaa. Cherry, formerly leading man with Marine Elliott's company, now starring in The Seven Sisters, a pleasing comedy, was the offer- ing at the HoIIls Street. At the Castle Square the John Craig Stock Co. presented The Woodsman, a drama of life in Northern Maine, tot the first time on any stage. The opinion of the first-night audience seemed to he quite favorable and approves Mr. ■Craig's policy of producing entirely new dramas from time to time. Following a very successful engagement at the Boston, the end of the run of Ben Hnr is announced for December 16. The entire production win he transferred to the Mew Amsterdam Theatre. New York, where it will rr a lone engagement prior to its opening the Drury Liane. Theatre, London, early In April. The successful run of the Slim Princess must come to an end December 9 at the Colonial, Miss Elsie Janis giving way to The Pink tiady, which, is booked for an indefinite engagement beginning December 11. At the Tremont Madame Sherry likewise en- tered upon its last week, to be succeeded try Ralph -Herz in Dr. De Luxe. Get .Rich-Quick Wallingford entered' upon its eleventh week at the Park, and as the an- nouncement is made, that this company will play In no other city in New England, theatre parties from other cities are quite common. The Bine Bird will remain at the Shubert until December 16. On the Monday following Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Sothern (Julia Marlowe)' will begin a two weeks' engagement.' In the repertoire of Shakespearean plays, which they will present, are Taming of the Shrew, Macbeth. Twelfth Night, Borneo and Juliet, and The Merchant of Venice. There Is a fine bill at Keith's this week, beaded by Irene Franklin, one of America's cleverest singers of character songs. Among the others on the bill .are- Sidney Drew and. Co. -in a new sketch , Stalled; The Bison City Four, Al Carieton. and Nonette. the singing violinist. The Fadettes Ladles* Orchestra, an organization which has played many long engagements, at Keith's in years, past. Is the headline attrac- tion, at' the National: The Bed Sox Quartet, which was featured at Keith's .the past week. Is also on the hilj. -•Matt and Jeff are still attracting very good f houses to the Globe and the engagement Is again extended. Woman against Woman is the melodramatic offering of the week at the Grand Opera House. An out of the ordinary burlesque ' show is holding- the stage of -the Gaiety. Tb-at Is Jack Sneer's Painting the Town. The cast includes HaUlday and Curley, Margaret King and Betty Davison. - At the two other burlesque houses,' namely Casino and Howard, the Golden Crook Co. ' and Merry Bnrlesqners are the respective attractions. A season off Sunday band concerts was begun December -3 at the Boston Arena, by'D'Avino's Band of*.-fifty. During the week the arena is crowded with ice skaters and is continuing its success of last season. The Two Orphans win be revived at the Grand Opera House.-Christmas week. The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, Miss Char- lotte Walker's latest vehicle, will be the holi- day attraction at HollSs Street. F. H. JONES. BALTIMORE, MD. The Fifth Regiment Armory was the gather- ing place for many distinguished men and no- table celebrities from all parts of the country. Men whose names are conspicuous before the na- tion In the.political, social and industrial world were present. The event was Maryland Week which was held December 4 to 9. In reality, it was the 39th annual session of the Maryland State Grange. This is a sort of an amalgama- tion of agricultural . associations . working . for the uplift.of the farmer and agricultural inter- ests along scientific lines. The members of the individual associations have installed ex- hibits showing the progress .of modern farming. Monday and Tuesday was devoted to .the Grange session. Wednesday was devoted to the ses- sions of the Horticultural Society of Maryland. Maryland Cereal and Forage Crop Breeders' Association and State Dairymen's Association. Thursday and Friday was the day. for., the State Bee Keepers' Association, . Farmers' League and State Dairymen's Association. When the men charged with making arrangements for the Grange Session decided last, summer to hold this ..meeting in Baltimore, suggestions were made to make it a national a ft air.. The idea was carried, into effect by Governor. Crothers sending- invitations to Southern and Western governors and other prominent Americans to at- tend this meeting. . The- cars in which the visiting governors are traveling have exhibits showing the natural resources of each state such as minerals and other matter. The visitors were the recipients of the hospitality for which Baltimore is fa- ' moos -and they were given a strong Impression of . the way In which the .delegates to the Democratic National Convention will be received Iff. they meet here next summer. . . During the early part of the present year, the progressive element In this , city decided to inaugurate a movement for civic betterment. This brought about the realization of the City Wide Congress, which is a:permanent institution and .which meets at stated intervals to promote necessary public Improvements. The delegates to the congress are chosen from civic associa- tions, secret and fraternal-societies and various industrial organizations. The congress will 'meet at the Emerson.Hotel December 13 to 16. Among the many recommendations that are .ad- vocated, is the purchase of the Lyric .Theatre by the Municioal Government. The advocates suggest that this building should be owned and maintained by the city for the use of grand operas and public gatherings. This building was built exclusively for large musical events and it has outgrown its usefulness and it is de- sired to have it reconstructed to meet modern needs. By remodeling the interior, it will be possible to seat 4,000 people. There is a press- { ing need for a public auditorium and this building is ample for the purpose. The Lyric is located on Mount Royal Avenue and the neighborhood is becoming a great automobile center for reason of the fact that the manufac- turers of automobiles have established garages along the street to display the many makes of motor cars. There have been rumors that a purchaser was desirous of obtaining the Lyric and converting it into a mammoth garage, bousing machines. This would mean a severe loss to the people as there is-no available, build- ing for big musical affairs and spectacular shows and public meetings. It Is said that $230,000 will be required to buy the building and install the modern appliances. It is pro- posed to have this done by a public loan and operated by a competent committee appointed by the Mayor. If this plan is not successful, the Congress will appoint a committee of five men who -will endeavor to accomplish this through private and public subscription. - The local theatres - enjoyed great business on Thanksgiving Day. bnt the record is held by Ford's Opera House for the greatest throng of attendance. The Fortune Hunter was on .the boards and the crowd "Was'so" largo that "the" or- chestra "had *fb surrender its usual place and seek the- left-tier-of-boxes-adjoining" the "top gallery; This is the first time in the history of the house that L. H. Fisher and bis mu- sicians were obliged to vacate the orchestra pit. . The seating - capacity will accommodate 2,100 and with standing room many more can that Mr. Dean has given the orphans. Re- cently be persuaded Miss Lulu Glaser to visit the orphanage and entertain the children. Paul M. Potter's new musical farce. Half Way to' Paris, was to make its debut at the Academy of Music, December 4, but the scenery and other essentials requisite for the- produc- tion went astray half way to Baltimore conse- quently there was no show.- Announcements were posted that all would be well for Tues- day nigbt. SYLVAN SCHENTHAL. CINCINNATI, O Cincinnati is enjoying an era of good plays. Last week, The Concert at the Grand, and Ev- erywoman at the Lyric, were two of the best plays of the season, and extra matinees were necessary to take care.of the demand for seats. This week- was equally good, Rebecca of Snnnybrook Farm proving to be one of the most delightful of New England dramas. The play opened at the Grand Monday night, December 11, with -a crowded house, and from the advance sale the Grand is in for another big week. Edith Taliaferro was charming as Rebecca, and the balance of the company, which includes Arch- ie' Boyd, Sam Colt, -Edwin Smedley. Hay ward Gim. Marie Day. Ada Deaves, Eliza Glassford, Violet Fortesque, Loraihe and Leila Frost. Violet and Clara Meraereau, gave a splendid perform- ance. Lew Fields returned to Cincinnati Sunday night, December 10, at the Lyric, after an ab- sence of two years. The Henpecks was the THEATRE PRISCILLA, CLEVELAND , OHIO. The .handsomest popular priced vaudeville theatre west of New York, located in the heart of Cleveland's Great White Way. The seating capacity is 1,200, and the acts are booked by Gus Sun. Proctor E. Seas, originator of 10c vaudeville in Cleveland, is manager.- Mr. Seas is also connected with the Gus Sun Booking Agency in the capacity of manager of the Cleveland office, and also Is connected with Seas & Young Company, Inc. gain admission. The crowd began to assemble as' early as 7 p. m. and there was a steady de- mand for seats. The orchestra pit provided room for 30 chairs which almost brought a pre- mium. • -* • • • The Saturday night patronage to the places of amusement .along Baltimore Street has been unusually large' and in many 'cases some people were satisfied with standing room to see the shows. The members of the present grand jury seem to think that the law is being violated by having too many people standing. Therefore policemen "from the Central District were de- tailed to watch the theatres and render reports concerning the overcrowding of aisles. The grand jury baa advised the managers that all patrons must be seated and no more be admitted. The managers have declared that under the law they have a right to allow people to stand In the rear of the seats and that representatives from the Building Inspector's office gave them this privilege. Frederick W. Schsnze is having plans pre- pared for a-handsome motion picture theatre that will be erected In the rear of his drug- store at the corner of Pennsylvania-and North Avenues. The building Is to be two stories high, of reinforced concrete with slag roof. It will be entirely fireproof, with cement floorings. This theatre .will afford amusement to a popu- lous neighborhood. Memorial services for the remembrance of departed Elks were held at the Academy of Music. Sunday. December 3. The house "Was crowded with members of- the Baltimore Lodge and their friends. The service was solemn and impressive. William F. -Broenlng, past exalted ruler, delivered the memorial address. The music selections were rendered by special soloists and vocalists;": / Tunis F. Dean, manager of the Academy of Music, will enact-the role of Santa-Clans at the theatre December 19 for the amusement of "the orphans at the St. Francis' Orphanage. The children have' been Invited to attend the performance of Mutt and Jeff, which will be at that house daring that week. A big tree will be arranged on the stage and will be decorated with many good things for the young guests or the afternoon. After the show, the presents will be distributed. This is the second treat offering. A large audience greeted the piece, which was presented by a company numbering about one hundred. The productiou was an elaborate one. and the settings and> costumes magnificent. — """ ' — Wildfire, Lillian Russell's starring vehicle, was presented for the first time in Bto.k in Cin- cinnati by the Orpheum Players, week of Dec. 10. The company was seen at Its best in the racing play, and scored one of their greatest hits of the season. The Olympic Stock Company offering for. the week was Girls, the Clyde Fitch comedy, which has been, seen here on several occasions. Miss Adair as Pam, bad her best part of the season. Harry Houdlnl, the "handcuff" king," was the feature at Keith's, his first appearance here In four years. Houdlnl is one of the best drawing cards in vaudeville, and his Week at Keith's is sure to prove one of the best of the season. The celebrated iliarnctor actor. William iH. Thompson, and bis company were another bend- liner, appearing in a playlet entitled The" Wise Rabbi. Eddie Leonard and Mabel Russell, James F. Dolan and Ida Lenharr. George Felix, as- sisted by the Berry Girls. Bedini and Arthur. The DeFaye Sisters and Macon and Bart were others on an exceptionally good bill. Norman 'Hnckett in .Satan Sanderson delighted the Walnut audiences Sunday, and will no doubt have a big week, Heuck's bad The Smart Set Company, headed by S, H. Dudley, in a musical comedy, Dr. Beans from Boston. This Is one of the cleverest companies of colored performers on-the-road. The Empress continues to present excellent bills, and has grown to be one of the moat nop. nlar..houses in town, and especially so as n fam- ily theatre. Xa Petite Review was the head- liner -for the week of the 10th. and the novelty scored a rteiided hit. Books, presented by Wil- liam F. Powell, -Will Howard and Company, was an excellent college farce. Mozetto, a juggling phenomenon; Kelly and Kelly, a good musical team; Carl Randall, comedian; Sheridan and Sheridan, singing and dancing, and Bmpresscope, made up a well-balanced bill. The Auditorium, New Robinson and American offered good bills Of popular priced vaudeville. The Yankee Doodle Girls at People's week of tbe loth. Is one of tbe biggest and best shows of the season. Imperial Chinese Troupe, Bush Lint Toy Company was a speidal feature. Charles Robinson and his Crusoe Girls at Uk Standard, introduced a bevy of pretty glris and capable comedians. Two very funny burlesque, and a good olio were presented. Manager Max Anderson was in the city bavin a pleasant review of the loial theatrical affair! after a rather lengthy absence, part of his time having been devoted to a visit to Europe. Mr Anderson spent only a few days in London, bat enjoyed a fortnight's stay with his friend and partner, Henry M. Ziegler, in Paris. Mr. Z'es- ler is now permanently located with his farnlh in tbe French capital, and was able to "show" Mr. Anderson around with tbe assurance of i native. Mr. Anderson leaves for the East De cember 7. For the holiday week between Christmas and New Year's Day, the Orpheum Players will de. part from their policy of presenting only plan which have not already been seen In stock, in. stead of a modern play there will be for the holiday season an elaborate revival of what ma; well be termed the queen of classic comedies. Sir Oliver Goldsmith's She Stoops to Conquer' Mr. George Last, stage director of the Orpheum Players, directed the last revival of this plat at the New Amsterdam Theatre; New York. For the week before Christmas tbe play will be Hen- ry W. Savage's recent success, Mary Jane's Pa and for New Year's week that famous dramatl. zation of the famous book. Tbe Awakening of Helena Ritchie, the play In which Miss Mar- garet Anglln made her great individual success. It is possible that Alias Jimmle Valentine, Paul Armstrong's best work, will follow immediate- ly after The Awakening of Helena Ritchie, hut as this piece has not yet been released for stock by Liebler & Co., Its presentation by the Or- pheum Players may be deferred a week or two. although tbe option for its production in Cincin- nati has been given. The Kozy Theatrical Company of Covington. Ky., was granted a permit to. erect a theatre at 7 Madison Avenue. Tbe new structure will have a balcony and box seats. Vaudeville act? and picture shows will be given. Two local merchants are said to be the projectors. The building.will eOBt $10,000. Troubles between the moving picture oper- ators' union and the proprietors of two nickel theatres in West Fifth Avenue were amicably ended November 28. The men were on a strike against the. employment of non-union workers, and Manager Rielly applied to the United States Court for an injunction last week. The men so back to their places, and - tbe union claims a victory. Alex Thomas, strong man. while on bis way to Cincinnati from Cleveland, to open for Jake Steraad at the Auditorium Theatre, bad two suit cases, containing about $100 worth of clothing stolen. ST. LOUIS, MO. With Henry Miller in The Havoc, at the Ccn tury, Gertrude Hoffmann and Her Imperial. Rus slan Dancers at the Shubert, and The Deep Purple at the Garrlck, St. Louis, has a great part of her attraction new to her. The Shu- bert Is destined for , the best business-of the week, as business has started with a rush. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. is running a close second In the patronage and well deserves to. The attractions at tbe other theatres are all de serving and should have good weeks. The German Theatre Stock ' Company put on Der Vogelhaendler, at tbe Odeon Theatre. Sun- day, and was capital In It. The house was large. The Hippodrome has another monster -show this week in which nine big acts and pictures are given for ten cents admission. Tbe attend- ance keeps up to' the capacity murk and yon sure get your money's worth. John H. Havlln is expected in St. Louis this week, and the future of the Imperial Theatre here will probably then be known. The bouse has been dark Bince November'1. when stock productions did not draw any patronage. - Work on the remodeling of the Grand Opera House is progressing rapidly,- and It is expected that the theatre will be ready to open in the early spring. The class of bookings has not as yet been definitely settled, but vaudeville seems tbe most popular, ' Word comes from Houston, Tex., that Miss Florence Lane was granted a divorce from her husband. Curtis R. Vance, In Dallas, Tex.. Nov- ember 11. Miss Lane Is at present .playing in stock In Houston. Walter De Leon and Ms wife. Miss "Muggins" Davis, playing here this week In The Campus, at tbe American Theatre, made their first flight in a Benolst Biplane at Klnloch Park, Wed- nesday. December 6. Anthony. Jannus piloted the machine. Norman Hacket played a very busy week here Thanksgiving week. It began with tbe enter- tainment of tbe football, teams on Monday niglit. then he entertained the Elks, and gave a lec- ture -before the students of the Morse School of Expression. Extra matinees were played as well, William O'Brien returned to St. Louis this week from the road, owing to a severe acci- dent. He expects to resume his tour of the Western Vaudeville Circuit, about the first of the New Year. ... The St. Louis Film and Supply Co.. whlc'i recently -started bnslness in this city,. have al- resdj- been compelled to move to larger quar- ter*. ■ They have taken auarters at Eighth ami Pine Streets in the heart of the business dis- trict. Their above location gives tbem the nec- essary faculties to handle the vastly Increas- ing business- which la coming ' to tbem, - - * - James K. Haekett will return to St. Louis week of -Dec. 17, for another engagement la The Grain of Dust, with which be successfully opened the season at- the Olympic. His" return to this city was made- advisable from the fact that his earlier engagement' was filled before mnny theatregoers bad returned from'their sum- mer vacations. - • . .. • ' -Miss May Dowlhv Is- In St. Louis this week doing thp advance press work for Mme. Tren- tlnl. This Is her first season on the road In this, capacity, and the first to visit this City In ten years of this character. Her predecessor being Anna Marble (Mrs. Charming- Pollock).