The New York Clipper (February 1905)

1218 TEGB3 NBTW YOEK OLIPPETR. Fbbbtjaby 18. Mi55 CMpp^r'5 . COKCISHINO ST1GE FOLK and Sometimes OTHBS BT JOBEPniNE 010. The feet that one of the greatest of theatrical mutagen waa considering the advisability of doing away with orchestral In dramatic performance*, aroused considerable comment. Much excitement among the muatelani of 'the Lyric Theatre followed tbe nawa that Rejane would not hate the oreheatra daring her engagement at that playhouse. It la contended that the music between acta li usually of ao different a tone to the play being enacted that the atmosphere of the piece la deranged and tbe Intended dramatic effect upon the audience destroyed. For lnitance, who can doubt that much of the success of that little Japanese tragedy, which waa played ao many months at Proctor's, waa dne to the music played during and between the acta. It kept one In continual toncb with the dramatic action passing upon the stage. If a score of theatre programmes were examined It would be found that the musical numbers between acta wonld be entirely out of harmony with the acta before and after tbem. One of the most Incongruous of iuogrammes of absolutely light secular music was recently given at a performance of "The Holy City," one of Gordon 4 Bennett's successful productions. They were playing a theatre In a city not more than fire hundred miles from New Torb, where one would bare expected a somewhat different programme, considering tbe character of tbe play. How•rer It was expressly stated that tbe "Young Men's Orchestra" of the place would make their first public appearance, and this, In the mind of the local manager, probably waa of more Importance than the sacred drama to be presented. Tbe following la a synopsis of the printed programme sent to the writer. It certainly deserves reproduction as an example of Inharmonious combination of play and enfre act music : "Act I.— Scene 2. — Throne room in Herod'* palace — The Dance of Death — A Mother's (Followed by music) "Yankee Girl." "Act II.— Scene 1.— Vineyard teed outiiit the City of Jerusalem." (Followed by music) "Blue Bells." "Act HI.— Scene B.— The Orveiflaion (after Michael AngeWi great matterpiece)." (Followed by music) "Handsome Harry." "Act IV. — Scene 4. — The Reiurreotion— The Flight of Angel*— The date* of the Yew Jerusalem." And tbe orchestra played the "Jersey Carnival" as tbe audience left the theatre. Oeorge Ade's "Sbo-Oun," which preceded "The Yankee Consul" at Wallaces Theatre, was on Its first presentation much too long. Though it was afterwards shortened .by many cuts and eliminations, the performance was yet several minutes too long. During a rehearsal, while Mr. Ade was In tbe wings, trying to see where be could tear out a few aupertluoua sentences, a little chorns girl attracted ble attention by a touch on bla sleeve, then anxiously whispered: "Ob, Mr. Ade, won't yon pleaae write In a line for oil I bare nothing whatever to say." "I'm glad you haven't, little girl," replied tbe playwright, who could not see where an other line might be cut without Ion to the c>iay. "I wish to heaven there were more people in the production who, like you, bad nothing to say." Wilson and Davis, tbe comedy singers, were at Zelssc's famous cafe In Philadelphia the other evening, after their performance. Among tbe party were Oeorge Lederer, Edna Aug and other well known theatrical people. All were congratulating Miss Aug upon her success In "The Caaino Girl." During tbe passing of compliments, refreshments, both soltd and particularly liquid, were as fteely dispensed. Mr. Wilson took his share of the latter and waa feeling comfortably exhilarated, when, apropos of Mlia Aug'a triumph, Lederer remarked : "Well, I tell you all right here, there « only one Mtu Aug." "Only one I" exclaimed the Jovial Wllaon, "why, I see three." And Wilson had to "buy" generously. Carlton and Terre, whose singing act la one of the very beat on the list of vaudeville entertainment, experienced a laughable Interruption one night during their turn at Pastor'*. They were singing Llbbey'e' popular song, "Nora," when a shrill, Infantile voice, arose and screamed : ''Papa, ob, Papa !" The audience turned their heads and beheld a baby girl, In Its mother's lap, la the first row of the balcony. The little one waa beseechingly holding out It* arms In tbe direction of Mr. Terre, and to this fact the people were fully alive. Quickly grasping the situation, and determining to get a laugh for themselves out of It, Carleton aald : "I solemnly declare that Mr. Terre can prove an alibi." O'Brien and Havel, of "Tick* and Clicks" fame, were some time ego starring In a comedy melodrama, called "Jimmy, the Newsboy." O'Brien, aa "Jimmy," was several «ort* of a hero — a lover, newsboy and detective combined. In one scene be rushes on the ■tag* saying: "Hal ha I I have the villein at last" The "villain," however, did not take hta cue, *o O'Brien loudly repeated the line, anxiously looking toward the entrance lor tbe expected one, of whom there waa yet no sign. The scene had to progress, and the actor was In an extremity, so, rushing Into the wing*, be grabbed an astonished stage band, and, pulling htm Into view of the audience, killed bim after tbe manner planned by tbe playwright ' HI* apology afterward* to the frightened stage hand waa: "I had to kill someone to cave tbe plot. Don't yon ca re 1" Martha Hansford, the popular comedienne, relate* an amusing Instance intubating the wit of an old darkey deacon. She attended service* at a colored church In Nashville during bar recent tour through tbe South. It Hems that the preacher's salary waa far In arrears, and there wis to be a collection taken np to partially liquidate the came. The old deacon, who bad charge of the plate, advanced to the platform and recounted how deeply In debt they were to the pastor, through whose utterances they were able to have the Bible expounded to them. "Eellglon I* free, all right, bredren and slstern," be harangued, "but dar'a a few expense* In gttttn' It to yn. D* preacher an' d* meetln' house cos' anmpbln to run. Religion Itself 1* free, but yu got to pay de express cbawgea, so dig down In yn Jeans, bredren." 9 John T. Kelly, the well known Irish com* edlan, ao long with tbe Weber A Field* com* blnatlon, was troubled with an aching tooth on* day last Mason. One of the company suggested tbe assistance of a dentist a* a solution of the difficulty, and volunteered to accompany the suffering comedian to a dentat offlcs he remembered to have noticed on Sixth Avenue, not far from the theatre, Tbe sign above the tooth doctor's door read : "French Dentist — Teeth Extracted," but on tbe glass of the door the same Inscription bad evidently met with a loss In the Important word, dentist In consequence the comedian reed, "French Teeth Extracted," a* he entered tbe hall way. When the sign met hi* eye he turned and made a quick exit from the doorway, followed by bla astonished friend. "What's the matter, John," aald be, "are you turning coward ?" "Dlvll a bit!" aald Kelly, "bat did yoa get onto the sign? That's no place for a son of the Emerald isle. French teeth extracted, Indeed, Faith I and it's every one of mine that's Irish to tbe root" *i» JOHN F. CLARK, Whose picture appear* on tbe front page of this Issue, was born In Philadelphia, Pa., In the year 1861, and In 1878 made bin first professional appearance at Gllmore's Omul Central Theatre, Philadelphia, doing an Irish song and dance with Tommy Ryan. After playing In and around Philadelphia for afew eeason*, Mr. Clark went West, doing a ■Ingle singing and talking act until In 1885, Mr. Clark Joined Chicago Dick Ford In Chicago. Tbe team of Clark and Ford played together In the Weat until 1887. They diesolved partnership In Ban Francisco, Ca!., and Mr. Clark then took up a single singing and talking act, and played through CalU fornls and the far West until 1888, He then Blayed In a sketch with his wife (the team ting known as Clark and Angelina) off and nn until 1001, when he again took the field singly, doing a monologue and singing act. which he Is now presenting with marked OTJH LONDON LETTER. ♦ *» menu of all kinds. While tbe pantomime season I* petering out, tbe holiday rush at boose* where other attractions than pantoto the high water and other subsidised stages In almost everr continental town of note to our nation -i shame and disgrace. Our theatre at present Is In a very parlous and decadent condition n fact admitted on all sides, and It will hi the great aim of the repertory theatre f„ further In greatest and Idealistic sense it, !?!«»< to ssssk -ana. ggfiSffftSS £ <£& of the &^&£3$ft&& W&SSZX »*»J&fl**-t' In this James Welch, lately dared to hi* wife Edith that she was cruelly victimised In baring married so ill, while bar two sisters' husbands were rich. Bat the wife ssys that she take* more Joy in the training of her three boys, making tbem men, than ahe possibly could In any luxury or worldly delight The curtain falls on a delightful ending of a charming little story. »boh oue own coaa&flForrnBKT. Clipper Boreas, 48 Cruioarne Street, Leicester Square, London, W. C. t The weather daring the past month has ^^If^ft^FtSUmJTSS^mSSi » «■ proposed to admit thV publlc^treTto been delightful and most favorable to amuse f*.™ ^tS£ in this James Welch, lately «"• P'{ twice each week, -mi.* -i° atre shortly. comi polled by Illness to leave the Drury Lane &"ffLf°r the-BtafJ ■?*•£• .»»« at eightypantomime, will figure at the head of a J*? cents, and other seats In .proportion ■• cast wbichlwlll & include Mia. Compto. &. gm-«l^£«J*£ gg!^ fame In bis own right uw t0 Henry Irving began hi* latest tour at it week <-'♦ mime bold forth keepa up to the blgb water «-y mi*. HushesT mark. The VJS^J^tmmSufl^ Ellalne TerruuTwII! return to tbe Vande LyceuDj has cut Into the b"tae*« of *?• 0i Tin« Theatre and make her first appearance tbe leading muilc halls In the West end and , ' fh« naVt that waa originally written for It remains to be seen whether this Is a per «r»« P^h* cltciof the 8eaion/' early In tRwQM of thV Co^m'anttheWc. ^T&^SelS^Sf&TX *a* ! °«n «P«ted In tt wear. iff. Two or three of the local paper. * wn8ewmlfcn8,tr0althceor,^S of AW* "DartS of a farewell auch a* hi*. Moreover, the'ad Portsmouth last week with a success which under any other circumstances, might haw been recorded as extraordinary, but which was only to have been expected In the AVnionT LORIHBH, Who has recently signed a five years* contract to star under the management of Win. A. Brady, Jumped aaddenly Jnto -popularity last season through bis production of "The Shepherd King," In which be played the leading role. Mr. Lortmer recently appeared in the title role of "Chatterton," Ernest Lacey'a one act play. In Boston. Hta Impersonation of 'the boy poet proved a surprise even to his moat ardent admirers, and tbe critic* of the Boston press were load In their praise of his work. By tbe terms of the contract vr'th Mr. Brady tbe latter will control the business end, and Mr. Lorlmer will have absolute control of everything on the stage, selecting ^^'■fe;;-;.?^;^^:^.-;\: ■.-, . :.:...:' HISS ELLIS JEFFREYS, Who Is to arrive In New York Feb. 18, for three years past has been leading lady of tbe Haymarket Theatre, London. Supported by her own carefully selected London company, to which have been added W. H. Thompson, cot," and from there to Jobn Hare's company, at the Derrick, where sbe remained for two years. She then returned to Mr. Wyndham, at tbe Criterion, from whence abe went to the St. James, with Mr. Alex town* he la to" fajtt ""'" """""** Beerbobm Tree will produce Mrs. Humphrey Ward and Lou la N. Parker's new three act play, "Agatha." on Thursday afternoon, Feb 23. The performance will be on behalf of the fund* of Princess Mary's Village Homes Addle.tone, and tbe Princess of Wales has promised to be present "Agatha" will be seen on subsequent Monday evenings durlne tbe run of "Much Ado About Nothing." Among those who will be In the production of "Du Barry," to be made at the 8avoy Theatre early this month by Mrs. Brown Potter, are: W. L. Ablngton, H. B. Warner Clarence Blablston, Jerrold Robertshaw, Harry Dodd, William Devereux Gilbert, who will appear aa Louis XIV; Aubrey Ford May Pardoe, Helen Robertson, Elsie Cheater and Mr*. Brown Potter, In the name part. Haddon Chamber* I* writing a musical comedy ; Boyle Lawrence and Hickory Wood another. A deputation representing the Leeds Music Dealers' Association and dealer* In London waited, last week, at Leeds, upon Gerald Balfour, to call bis attention to the difficulties of combatting music pirate*, and sugSeating that the bill on the subject nhouM e made a Government measure. It was stated that recently 247,000 copies of pirated music had been seised. Mr. Balfour. In reply, said he should certainly support Mr. Galloway'* bill on the subject He considered that the music dealers had some claim upon tbe time of the Government, and he recommended that efforts should be mado In the direction of a ballot. He could not, however, deflr'tely ear that the Government would take >.;. the bill. He would bring the matter before bis colleagues, and ha would apeak to the attorney-general on receiving a letter from Leeds on tbe subject. "Are entertainments too dear" Is a topic, which, discussed In The Daily Mirror, has aroused remarkable Interest many correspondents Inclining to the opinion that times and prices of entertainments wero not suited to the requirements of the public. Thomaj Barrasford, manager of tbe Lyceum Theatre, entered Into tbe controversy, asserting practically that a stall for seventy-flve cents was tbe i limit In cheapness at a good variety house. He went further and offered to place his variety theatre at tbe disposal of The natty Mirror for one week, to be worked under auch conditions .is tbe proprietors deem commercially possible, any profits to go to charity. The Daily Mirror has accepted the offer and has decided that during the week commencing Feb. 6, that It will be responsible for the arrangements of fourteen or fifteen act* of two hour* each. They will lower the price* of all seats, tbe price* being lower than those of any first class place of amusement open In London. Tbe experiment Is called "a fair price test" O. Edgar Laban, of tbe Ttvoll Theatre, Barrow-ln-Fnrncss, has been appointed agent 1? .that town for the Music Hall Artists' Railway Association. Owing to tbe success which has attended the song scenes which Mr. Btoll baa produced at tbe Coliseum, It has been decided to Introduce Into the programme at an early dat>) some additional numbers of like character. One of these will be entitled "The Military Maids," written by Roland Carse, with music Henry H. Dlrey and other notable American ander, where, for two years longer, she was bJ w,*lter Slaughter, and presented by Mii _i -v. _m k«.i„ .„ Imruirtane .l.rrln. l»m-|nv l-rt* and nihil* thora «• tanrior-il S. ™7,ton .and dancer*. Another,, entitled player*, ahe will begin an Important starring engagement with Llebler A Co., at the New Amsterdam Theatre, Monday, March 8, presenting the William Boosey-Coamo Gordon Lennox adaptation from tbe French of Xanrof and Cbancel'a "La Prince Consort," which George C. Tyler consider* one of the moat Important productions of any he will make during this or next season. Thta engagement Is one wblcb has been long sought by Mr. Tyler, and became possible recently by the dissolution of the partnership existing between Frederic Harrison and Cyril Maude, manager* of the Haymarket Company — an organisation wblcb, continued through notable successive management*, ha* for nearly a century been one of the leading compan'e* In England. There I* no actress In England today who atanda htgber In public estimation than Kills Jeffrey*, and few who are a. popular. Not alone has ahe tbe talent to hold for three years which few other actresses In England even aspire to, bat ahe ba* youth, beauty and a versatility rarely equaled. Her professional career prior to her promotion to the Haymarket company waa of an unusual character. Beginning, aa it did, with Charles Wyndham, at the Criterion, where for two years she played In comedy parts, the advanced rapidly toward stellar roles, and passed from the Criterion to the Adelphl, where she appeared In melodrama under the management of the Cattle, and thence to Terry'* Theatre, where she became "leading lady." From Terry's the went to tbe Duke of York's to play leading role* In "The Dove leading lady, and, while there, waa tendered the position of leading lady at the Haymarket. Mlsa Jeffreys was tbe original "Cousin Kate" and "Lady Flirt," and almost ber entire career baa been identified with conspicuous roles In the notable plays by A. W. Plnero, Henry Arthur Jones, Sidney Grundy, Captain Robert Marshall, Hubert Henry Davlea and other leading playwright*. I'*rt 'played by* Declma Moore, supported by Mis. Jeffrey, has developed marvelous., and }&j*o* «H8tft» «fo SRM her long engagement at the Haymarket bas slated by pupil* and Highland dancers. Som< Gollywpgs," Is written around Will BIsbop, who will Introduce his Golly wog dances, etc., by the same author and composer. Sybil Lonsdale and Beasts Burt will also appear aa characters In this, supported by a number of trained children. A third Item will be a Scotch song acena, "The Hlelan Fishwife," Introducing a medley of popular Scotch airs, with original additions by Mr. Slaughter, tbe lyrics being by Mr. Cane, and the name been but a aeries of triumphs. Mlsa Jeffreys' American debut will be made under circumstance* worthy of her fame and name, and environed by condition* which should plead strongly for success. Her play enjoyed a ran, in Parle, of a year and a half, and ha* been accepted by her a* one which will present her in a role that will fit her personality and give her art fall scope. The by pupils cture aoni . _ Igbland dancers. Some new picture songs will also be Introduced. Mlnola Mada Hurst, "Qneen of the Magic Kettle," bad a very successful month st Essen, and during the month of February will be at the Circus Clnlselll, St Petersburg. Thomas A. Cook, who has been resident manager of the Empire Theatre, Liverpool, for some years past, has been promoted to the position of supervising manager of the Liverpool and Manchester section of the Moss Empire circuit I have received word from Potter and Hartwell, who are now In the States, that production will be a moat elaborate one and .«»nm •,>», m-e ww u the high position one worthy of the occasion, and the cast, therr aa'> for Europe early In August, and in England would whlch wlll lnclu4e 8Uch well known Hngllin W#£* ^ g.«»jft *«*, playera a. Ben Webster and Ka,te Phillips, ' and, as above stated, W. H. Thompson and Henry B. Dlxey, of this city, will be one of the strongest support* ever given a native or foreign atar. "La Prince Contort" will bo staged by Arnold Daly, whose achievements forty-two weeks to follow. Mr. Stoll hopes to have "Port Arthur" ready for production at the Coliseum early this month. The service* of Frederick VMMers, the well known war correspondent, have been requisitioned, to a* to ensure the scenic details being perfect. v8^^ ?,,rn?,D> •. . young American girl. In the staging of "Candida," "You Never has been meeting with great success at tbe Can Tell" and other of the Bernard Shaw play*, have proved him to be possessed of unusual talent In this line of . work, and leads us to hope for much of tbe artistic In tbe production of this new play and the appearance of a atar hew to tbe American (tag*. all places of amusement In London. The pit and gallery seats in nearly all case* ire not reserved, and are what we would call In America rush Beats. Playgoers wlll stand for hours "waiting for tbe doors to open, taking all kinds of chances to catch .cold*, etc Personally I think tbe reservation of all seats In a theatre doe* away with many Inconveniences and worries on the part or those who keep the playhouses on • paying baste. English managers do not aeem to by H. E. Haines. ably form the This new piece will prob' Item In tbe opening lawycta, programme of tbe Hicks Theatre In Aldwych, which. If tbe contractors are willing, will be ready for occupancy about Christmas next, and In It Mr. Hick* and Miss Terrlsa wlll bare the principal parts, under tbe management.of Charles Frobman. An English repertory theatre la of mature r.ge as an aspiration, but aa an achievement It Is still unborn. In the Influential army look at the matter In Ibis light They seem j>f those who champion the Idea Walter to think that the system that ba* been in "Stephens, the drematlst, hss now enlisted. ' Nor does be enter the field armed merely Tlvoli for. the past six week* and baa two work* more to stay, quite a record for one who la playing her first London engagement. she la at present considering offers from Mr. Paine about re-engagement at this bouse. Miss Barnaul's work la on the same lines as the clever Dutch specialty act presented by her aunt Fanny Fields. George Bull baa been appointed press representative of the Lyceum by Thomaa Barrasford. Norman French, the American eccenaa "an.rer<. naB been added to the 'arrent pill at the Lyceum. Jo.ephene Caaabonl bav">« .been sent to Glasgow. Little Tlch, the popular English comedian, is en route to Australia, being under engagement to Harry Rlckards. A veteran actor bas passed away in the Seraon of Charles Henry Stevenson, who led recently at the age of eighty-two years. He was the Father Tom In "The Colleen Bawn" when Dion Bonctcault's famous plsy was produced at the Adetpbl Theatre In September, i860. Mr. Stevenson was also the author of aeveral play*. II, wb« his play, and rehearsing them. The produc vogue for so many years regarding the pit Nor does be enter the field armed merely author of several plays. Hon of two new Biblical dramas, by Mr. and gallery aeats pleased tbe older generation with arguments. He carries an Impressive __Mc* nee and Hill, who are at the Empire Lorlmer, as well as "Tbe Shepherd King," and ought to please the present one. golden weapon. Mr. Stephen* hss lent the Theatre, Sheffield, tbls week, are nearlng the are contemplated. The forthcoming premieres of note In the following letter to tbe editor of the leading *nd of their engagement In this country and «H*i play line are: "The Lady of Leeds," at papers In this city : "Sir, I desire to Inform *xpect to mil for America tbe week of March JOSEPH HOLLAND TESTIMONIAL. Wvn< The committee having In charge tbe arrangement, for the testimonial to ba tendered Joseph Holland at the Metropolitan Opera House some afternoon late In March, are dally receiving offer* to aid In this worthy object Last week offer* of assistance were received from the Twelfth Night Club and from the Professional Woman'a League. , line are: '^e I*dy of Leeds •• at Vyndham'a Theatre, Feb. 7; "The Diplomatists." and "A Case of Arson,'' at the Royalty Theatre, Feb. 11. and "Agatha," at His Majesty's Theatre, Feb. 28. •'A Maker of Men," a i Don't overlook tbe "lumber nest week. Anniversary paper* In this city : "Sir, I desire to inform «pect to sail for America tbe week of March you that I have mada a public offer to pro £<>• Al. Lawrence expects to leave for the vide the sum of S25.O0O for and towards the States about the same time. He tell* me ?>ermanent establishment of a repertory thea that ne wlll return next October for twentyre In tbe Weat End of London If tbe greater ■•* weeks on the Barrasford tour. _ new one act playlet, nlaygolng public wlll provide tbe anm of In accordance with the suggestion adopted by Alfred Sutro, presented at the Bt. Jame* $100,000. it I* proposed with special per at the laat general meeting, that future inTheatre Jan. 27. wa* very cordially received, mission yet to be obtained to call It, If built tor,m dividend* should not exceed five per Tbe story In brief: When Cutnbert Earring, tbe Irving Repertory Theatre. The time bas cent, the director* of tbe Palace Theatre don received the letter announcing that he surely now arrived, after so roach purpose have declared an Interim dividend of five had been paased over by tbe governor* of lea* talk and beating the air, for tbe fcbeme P*r cent lea* Income tax, payable on the 14th the bank In wblcb he earned 81,800 a year to take practical shape and effect, w that Dro* as a clerk, a younger man being appointed all who take our art seriously can see In "The Maid of tbe Niagara Fall* Rapids," manager of a new branch, he waa terribly their midst a theatre such a. the Cotnedte after a three years' tour in America, ar npcet Writhing In self abasement, be de Francaleo, tbe Deutsche* Theatre In Berlin, rived In London a short time ago and wa* a