The New York Clipper (June 1906)

406 THE 1ST3W YORK CLIPPER. June 2 J\v$ Clipper's Anecdotes, Personalities anil Comments, COHCIBHIlta STAGE FOLK and Sometimes OTHEHS BT J OSEPHINE GEO. To many there It area a humorous side to ft tragedy. The recent terrible flutter it Ban Francisco (are rise to humorous condi- tion! and happen log* that are beginning to be recalled, now that the passing.of even a short time le beginning to doll tbe horrori of tbe earthquake In the mlnda of tbe suf- ferers. Tbe following were Jnat receWed from Ban Franclico, through ft realdent of the Ill- fated city: There wai ft big studio bnlldlng situated In tbe lower part of tbe town, and In It were quartered many prominent artists and Illus- trators of tbe eoaat A famous artlit there, well known In New York and among tbe members of tbe Lambs, was, like moat others, awakened by tbe falling of plaster and tbe rocking of tbe bnlldlng. Knowing Instantly that the cause WftB an earthquake, be made a rush for bis door, which be was unable to open. He then hurriedly snatcbed np bis eboes and trousers, and, going to tbe window, threw them out, and quickly followed them with a two-story Jump, that resulted In sev- eral cuts and bruises. Joining some artist friends, wboae state or nndresa was similar to his own, be hastily attired bis lega and feet In their usual cover- ings, and, with the others, began their walk toward the upper part of town. In his hurry, and the confusion of the general rush, however, the great urtlat had neglected to adjust his linen (and be waa not the only one on the street tbat morning whose drees was disordered), apperlng In tbe procession with a part of his shirt outside of bis trousers, a 1ft Cblnaman. Further uptown a man spoke to him and said: "Excuse me, Sir, but perhaps you are not aware that your sblrt Is outside." Such slight disarrangement of apparel mattered nothing to the fleeing ones tbat morning, and It struck tbe artist that amid so much trouble and terror this notice of bla hasty toilet was at that time unwarranted, and that there were more Important things at the moment to be considered, so to tbe over-particular person he said: "Ah, Is that so! Well, will yon pleaae tell me If my hat Is on straight?" and passed on with bis friends, who bad not yet noted bis appearance. i Another artist, a woman, who has achieved fame and dollars on the coast, had her atudto In the afore-mentioned building. Tbe whole aide of her room fell In, and she barely got out alive. Catching up a dress, she then rushed to her desk and wrote on a card: "Am safe—will not return to-day," and pinned the message on her door In the spot tbat ao often had held notices for callers that usually read, "Will return In a few minutes." * Directly after tbe earthquake, as fires were breaking out all over the city, a man rushed Into the drug store of a friend of the writer, and exclaimed: "I want a box of face-powder, quick." "What kind?" asked the clerk, who was about to pack up a few belongings and think- ing It a queer time to be buying face decora- tion. "La Blanche—white," exclaimed the cus- tomer, who returned five minutes later with bis package and said: "Say, my wife wants pink." And be waited for it. Hotel Eugene, on O'Farrell Street, was patronised principally by the profession. When the fire bad come so close to tbat vicinity as to drive guests from It, a wild- eyed young man attempted to re-enter. Some friend sought to restrain htm with the warn- ing tbat If he went back upstairs, he might never be able to return. "But I must »avc my part," be exclaimed desperately, "It Is the Drat that I've got after a year's 'suplng,' and you wouldn't have me lose It now, would you?" And the poor aspirant went back to save tbe "part" with as desperate a solicitude as one might exert to save a life. In a few momenta he returned, but wltbout the object of his anxiety, for In tbe confusion of his room it could not be found. "Never mind," said his friend, trying to comfort blm, "It waa a bad part anyhow." 9 Another theatrical guest of tbe Eugene attested bis devotion to his histrionic career by appearing at the entrance In his pajamas, and In his arms were two large scrap books filled with bla newspaper notices. They were bis most priceless possessions. One of his pro- fessional friends rallied him on the character of bis salvage, adding: "Why on earth didn't you grab your Jewelry and clothes?" "1 can work a few weeks and get more Jewelry," he said, "but I'd have to work a few years to get as many more good notices." 9 E. Axelson, of Spokane, relates the follow- ing account of the reunion of a theatrical family after the catastrophe: About ten years ago the members of tbe Jessie Shirley Co. arranged a certain whistle by which they made known their presence, one to another, wherever they might he. At this time EDfie Bond waa with the company and learned the whistle, which became a sort of general family signal later. Miss Bond, who, with her husband, Will R. Walling, played leads with the Torkvllle Stock Co., of New York, last season, was playing at the San Francisco Alcaaar at the time of the disaster. Walling had a few days previously gone to a roach they owned not far from tbe Golden Gate City, and on hearing tbe ftwful news, hastened to the ter- rible scene. The home where he had left bis wife and child, was destroyed, and the dis- tracted actor began a search of the places where refugees were congregated. He walked desperately a day and a night, block after block, and with parched lips whistled tbe old recognition slgnsl of the Bhlrleys, In hopes of bearing en echo of It from the lips of bla wife. Finally, on reaching Jefferson Square, worn and thirsty, his tired lips scarcely moist enough for a clear whistle, Ma call met an answering one from a group In the Square, and a moment later Efie Bond was In the anna of her husband. In speaking of her experiences whan first going upon the stage to sing In comic open, Margaret McKloney, prominent later In "San Toy," tells how she made her first profes- sional appointment for eleven o'clock one morning to go to a popular New York mana- ger's office to sing for him. Sendlog In ber card, and afterward enter- ing where three or four others were ahead of ber on the waiting list, aha at last made known her wish for en engagement to sing In at least a small part "Well," said the manager, with ao refer- ence to hearing the singing of tbe young woman, ''what's your stage appearance—I'd like you to show me some photographs of yourself, In tights, for Instance. Miss McKlnney, who hsd dose plenty of high class concert work, but had made no stage appearance, was taken.a hit by sur- prise at this demand, bat rallied after ft mo- ment and replied: "No, 1 bave so pictures In tights. But I was not aware that yon Judged voices by tbe slxe and shape of tbe legs. Good morning 1" 9 While on the subject of California, It is not out of place here to speak of the In- tensely dramatic play that Harab Ellis Byan, the novelist sod playwright, la making from ber last and best book, "For the Soul of Raphael," a romance of old California. She bas already dramatised her extremely popular hooks, "Told In the Hills," "The Bondwoman," "Squaw Elolse," and others, work tbat baa been done with the strong touch of one who knows her way. For Mrs. Byan is the widow of a sterling manager, who had always consulted her about his dramatic work, and she studied and learned much through this. While at work on this powerfully written romance for the past two years, Mrs. Byan bas been living alone In the old deserted Mission at San Juan Caplstrano, which she has made tbe locality of her story, which deals principally with the Mexicans and Indlo Mexicans, and those of mixed Spanish blood who dwelt there In tbe romantic days close upon the "nO's." Tbe book Is exquisitely Illustrated with pictures of that romantic corner of the States, made under the supervision of the artist who composed tbe situations. This old Mission wss partially overthrown la 1812, by ft terrific earthquake, and tbe rains are tbe most picturesque on the coast of California. World of Players, Fume Damsxs sailed for Europe on May 19. He has signed a contract with Charles Dillingham, by which be will continue under the direction of that manager for tbe next three years. For tbe first part of next season he will appear In "Sergeant Brae," and In the Spring Mr. Dillingham will present him In a new musical comedy, entitled "Omar." The music Is by Victor Herbert, and the book by Hsrry B. Bmlth and A. N. C. Fowler. Among trope sailing for Europe on May 19 were Ryrle Bellew and Kitty Cheatham Thompson. Tom Lanc-astse, after thirty-four weeks In the middle West, closed at the Lyric Theatre, Cleveland, May 19. He will take a two weeks' vacation at bis home In Newcastle Del., before opening at tbe head of one of the vaudeville companies playing tbe Blake New England circuit. Mbta Ei Mum writes: "1 waa granted an absolute divorce from Wo.. B. Avers, pro- fessionally known as Wm. Sheffield, on Hay 4, at my borne city, Duluth, Minn." Mux. Ytettb Ouilbebt and Edyth Walker aatled May IB, for Europe. NSWB CONCERNING THE AbOBX PBODOC- tions. —Tbe Aborn Summer opera companies will operate tbls year as follows: Tbe Or- Sheum Opera Co., at the Orpbeum Theatre, rooklyn : tbe Albambra Opera Co., at the Al* hambra, in Harlem: the Aborn Opera Co., at tbe Nixon Theatre. Pittsburg; the Aborn Opera Co., at Olympic Park, Newark. Other cities will be announced later. Included In Notes raoM tits Tolsoh Stock Co, sup- porting Lorena Tolson--—This ■ttractlnn closed a very succeaaful season of thirty- nine weeks at Hot Springs, Ark., May 6. The company traveled nearly six, tboussnd mUes, touring Missouri, Arkansas, Indlsn Territory, Mississippi, Kansas Tennessee. Oklahoma Ter- ritory and Louisiana, to splendid business, playing many return dates, including two weeks at Hot Springs, four weeks at Little Bock sod two weeks at Fort Smith. The company was under tbe management of Will F Canton. Virginia Dru Dorothy made her first apearance on any stage at the Capitol Theatre, Little Rock. Ark., Anrll 23, with the Tolson Stock Co. She Is tbe one year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Dorothy. the list of people engaged for the various companies are: Countess Olga von Hatzfeldt, Harold Blake, William Wolf. J. K. Murray, Clara Lane, F. Stanton Heck, Karl Stall. VI- vla Brewster, Ethel Dnfre Houston. Agnes Stone, Campbell Donald, Maurice Hageman, Hubert Wflke, Claude Llgbtner, Martin Chessman, Grace Orr Myers. Annie Myers, Klara Farm, Minnie Jarbeau, Hattle Arnold. Harry Carter, Horace Wright, F. J. McCar- thy, Robert Lett, Naomi Arnold, Joseph W. Smith, Frank Wooley, Bertie Dale, Joseph Nlcol, Carl Barton, Howard Cook, Madeline Cook, Gertrude Rntledge, Ben Lodge and a chorus of over two hundred. Operas to be presented Include : '-Robin Hood." "The Ser- enade," "Dolly Varden," "Tbe Fortune Tell- er," "The Singing Girl," "Wang," as well as thirty standard and grand operas. Dilobb Stock Co. Notes. —On Wednesday evening, May 9, the Dllger Stock Co., which opened Its season at the Grand Opera House, Herkimer, was entertained there by tbe Har- mony Conclave, No. 15, Economy Relief Asso- ciation, through tbe courtesy of General Deputy C. E. Dhuster, at a grand ball and supper. The entire committee attended tbe evening performance, and occupied the boxes, accompanied by their lady friends. In full evening drees. Fred Dllger and Miss LeBlanc led the supper march of- one hundred cou- ples to-the banquet room of tbe Grange Tem- ple, which was beautifully decorated, and as soon as the guests were seated a flash-light was taken of the entire assembly, the Dllger Stock Company having the table of honor. Lf.o C. Bbtast writes: "I have received nearly fifty letters In answer to my 'ad.' for musicians, which proves The Clipper Is In- deed 'Tits Old Reliable.' I bave engaged a specially fine orchestra for our Summer season at Colorado Springs, Col. We have one of the largest and best repertory com- Knlea playing the West, and our Immense slness everywhere proves we are delivering tbe goods." Mb, and Mas. Walteb Wilbub and child. Donna Mabie, closed a successful season with Andrew Downle's "American Girl" Co., mak- ing a trip to Vancouver Islands sod back through Northwest Canada. They are now at their Summer borne Id Pentwater, Mich., for tbe Summer. They will begin rehearsals for next season about Aug. 10, in Chicago, with one of Lincoln J. Carter's attractions. Benj. H. Baowit, orchestra leader, closed a successful twenty weeks' engagement at tbe Star Theatre, Hamilton, Can., April 28, and opened Msy 21. at tbe Brunswick Hotel, Port Artbur, Can,, as orchestra leader there for tbe Summer. The above Is a reproduction of ft letter head of the Barnum Show, In the early 80'a, when the lite J. A. Ballsy was P. T. sternum's partner and right hand man In tbe management of the "Greatest Show on Berth." Notes from the "Bell Boy" Co., James A. Galvln. manager.—While this company was playing McKeesport, Pa., Johnny Galvln and Ned Nelson were entertained by tbe sfeKees- Sort Aerie of Eagles, also by J. B. Galvln, ohnny's uncle, who Is a large cigar dealer, also past worthy nresldent of sleKeesport Aerie of Eagles. They also had the pleasure of visiting the Elks* new temple, which Is one of the finest they have ever seen In all their travels. JsmnaoN Hall and Gebtbcde Maitland go to St. John sud Hsltfsx for a short Sum- mer season, with tbe Gsge Stock Co. Mr. Hall recently closed with the Empire Stock Co.. at Boston. W. F. Kohman baa just closed bis fifth successful reason as stage manager with the Dan'l Suly Co., and has been reengaged In tbe same capacity for next season. He will spend tbe Summer on his farm in tbe Cats- STELLA MAYHEW, Who bas signed with Joe Weber for bis stock company at the Weber Music Hall, has be- come a New York favorite by her clever work In several plays tbat bave been presented In the metropolis during the past few years. Miss Mayhew, who Is a niece of George Ober and Ada Murray, both well known players, Is a comedienne of exceptional ability, and bas been selected by Mr. Weber to take tbe place of Marie Dressier, who closed on Saturday, May 26. As a star Miss Mayhew was the life of "Flo Flo," under the management of Stair & Nicolal, and her work in "Lifting tbe Lid." on the New Amsterdam Theatre roof, last season, opened the eyes of our theatre- goers to her unusual talent. She can sing "coon" songs with great cleverness, and gives to all her musical numbers a distinctive ren- dering. Her success while at the head of "The Show Girl" Is well known. Notes nou the Cabboll Comedy Co.— This attraction closed a season of thirty-eight weeks at the Academy of Music, Cumberland, Md.. May 5, and opened for a Spring and Sum- mer tour at Eeyser, W. Vs.. May 7. Our regu- lar season will open at Cumberland, Md., Aug. 20, and the tour will Include West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Canada and tbe Northwest, A complete line of Bpeclal scenery will be-carrled. Thursday nlgbt, May 3, at Cumberland, Md, the entire receipts of tbe house were given to the San Francisco suf- ferers. Tbe managers of tbe Academy (the Melllnger Bros.), furnished tbe theatre, or- chestra and attaches, and Manager Carroll furnished tbe company. Next season a num- ber of tbe old company will be retained, In- cluding the popular young leading man, Gor- don Hamilton, Tbe Spring tour of tbe com- 8 any wil extend Into July, making only about aree weeks' lay-off. W. J. Pierce will again look after the box office end of tbe company. Abthub Ashtqn, female Impersonator, and Rose A. Martlne, soubrette, will open with Qlaesford's New York Theatre Co.. for the Summer season, to Introduce their single spe- cialties between tbe acta and also play parts, under tbe management of Andrew Glassford. Season opened May 26. Tnm C. S. Williams Co., proprietors and managers of the farcical comedy success, "The Arrival of Kitty." tbat made such an excellent Impression this season, will again go on tour fully equipped with new scenic and electrical effects, and an entire new edi- tion of printing. The comedy bas been en- tirely rewritten by Norman Lee Swartout, tbe cast has been considerably enlarged and many novel effects will be Introduced. The cast will comprise the names of several well known celebrities, and will surprise the knowing ones. It Is the Intention of these managers to bave two companies, one tour- In? the West end the other tbe East and while they will be called Eastern and West- ern there will be no distinction, only as designated, Both will be equal In every re- spect. The rehearsals will be held at Buf- falo, and the tours of both attractions will open Aug. 1. Fbank Halstead, after a successful sea- son with the Woods Comedy Co., Is at his home, Landlsburg, Pa., for the Summer. Notes from White's High Class Stock Co., L. J. White, manager).—We closed our season at Marinette, Wis., Sunday, May 20, making forty-nine weeks, during which time we bave played several return engagements in the larger cities. The season has proved a very successful one. The company will open In a Summer stock engagement at Mr. White's Summer theatre at Lakeside Park, Marinette wis., June S, and will remain there until Sent. 1. For the next Winter season Mr White Is arranging to use a repertory of roy- alty bills, carrying a special fine of scenery ■nd paper. He wilt add several special vaude- ville features, together with a novelty In street advertising, which will be entirely new. It Is Mr. White's aim to make bla com- pany one of the leading organisations In Its Nora fbom Pvtbu' Pnxxaas Plated —We cjttned our Summer season under eS Tfta at Harysvllle. Kan.. Saturday night \ ' 12, and despite {he fact tbat we opined';* opposition to tbe Sells-Floto Circus, cftSh. business was done, and many were ensues away, as they could not be given standi room. Boster of company: Harry Maiw. i Al. Waxda, 8. A. Warner. Jsck Lock" Geo. Wilson, Ed. F. Summers, H. 8. WsdhU ' A. E. Davis, the Bumleys, riettle. Lulu Jl j Kuby; Root. Itudeslll, Clarence Musseim r Morrla Oldsteln, A. E. McMlchael Clyde V ■' ter. Ed. Tbrom, Henry Beagle, Ersky DarV Will Lockard, J. M. Cox and Harry %*££ with Jack Gllnes as ecout. * muhbcb, L. M. Collinb informs us tbat Chan ■ Hoocker Collins, brother of My« Collin dropped dead at bis home in WhseUna* iv" Va., on May 10. ■* ' Notes fbom this Fbankltn Cohedt Co — We bave been out Just sixty-four weeks wfi>> out a stop, and during that time have irrt with good success. Have now closed doivn for three weeks" vacation, before reopenin- h our new 70ft, round top tent, June 4 with seats—blues and reserves— a new piano and expect a good season. Most members of tba company are spending their vacation at Omaha, and The Clippsb Is always on hand each week, like a letter from borne. Henbt W. Savage will present during the early portion of the coming season Puccini s •Madame Butterfly." Tbe opera will have a separate and distinctive production. The li- bretto bas been furnlebed by John Luiiipr Long and David Belaeco. This collaboration for the first time In many years of Amerj.-in librettists with such a distinguished foreiirn OBSxfRBnuc SB Puccini naturally incites a wide Interest In muftc circles. Mr. Savage has h lected as conductor Walter Bothwell, ot Pari/ Berlin and Bayrenth, who, it will be remoin- bered, was conductor in Mr. Savage's "Parsi- fal" production last season. Joseph F Shee ban, tenor, aaa been engaged for this com- pany. Oscar Jones, manager of Levis' "Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" Co. during the past season, will manage one of Elmer Walters' attractions tbe coming season, opening early lo August. E. E. Oairetson, advance for same company last season, wilt be ahead of Mr. Jones again next season. Notes rsou the Ruble Theatre Co.—We bave opened our eleventh season by extending our operations, and not only Is It one of the strongest stock companies In the West, but we have bought, or are building a complete circuit of theatres In Nevada, to be known 03 the "Nevada Mining Camp circuit," em- bracing Tonopab, Goidaeld, Manhattan, Bull Frog, Ely, Austin and Eureka. There are over 150,000 people in this district, and things theatrical are booming. Other houses wlllw added by next Fall, making a circuit of real opera bouses In a territory hitherto untouched by recognized companies. Each bouse will seat from 600 to 800 people, and bave one gallery, a stare 50x40x25, and ample dressing rooms, well heated and electrically lighted. The Ruble Theatre Co. la now play- ing tbe above territory, and Is meeting with flattering success. Our company numbers fourteen people. Hesse A Ruble, sole owners - C. D. Hesse, manager, and C. S. Ruble, treas- urer. Phil Mahb writes: "I closed my third sea- son with the De Vonde Stock Co., Msy 111, and take out my own company, opening Mar 28, at Rutland, Vt. I have all special plays and printing, and will carry a company of twelve acting people, besides the McGowan Trio, a child act I bave booked my tour through Vermont, New Hampshire and North- ern New York." Vibqib Gltndon, who for several seasons Slaved responsible parts with tbe late Joseph efferson, and who has also been featured with several musical shows, bas signed with Llebler k Co., to star next season In a South- ern production of "Tbe Vsnderbllt Cup." Miss Glyndon received communication from Llebler A Co., while In Canada, where she was spend- ing her time. Theodobe Kbemeb sailed for Europe Tues- day, May 22. He indulges himself annu- ally on these visits abroad, ostensibly to visit bis parents, who reside In Cologne. His plays for the ensuing season Include "'Bertha, the Sewing Machine Girt," "A Woman of Fire," "For Her Dally Bread," "Honor Among Thieves," and several others not yet com- pleted. Upon his return he will have a very busy Fall, as he personally conducts the re- hearsals of all his plays. Dor Kabroll closed her season at New- bury port, Mass., May 19. Fred Parsons and W. A. Laveaux replaced M. 8. Goldalne and J. R. Field. Maudesc De Tere reports that she has closed her engagement with tbe Keeney Stock Co.. after a successful run of thirty-eight weeks. Notes nog the Joseph King Stocs Co. —We opened a Spring and Summer season at the Grand Opera House, Terre Haute, Ind., Monday. Hay 14, in "Wicked London, to be followed by r 'Mldntght In Chinatown," for the last half of the week. Mr. King has engaged a strong companv, the leading members of which are Harry North, Virginia Goodwin, Edwin Walcott, Isabelte Turner, Geo. Hanna, Virginia Jeffries, George Seldon, Maude Mor- ton. Francis H. Sayles and John Lorenz. Walter Shdttlewobth 1b resting at his home at Lansing, Mich., for a few weeks. He has been engaged for tbe Summer as leading man In the stock company at Reeves Park, near Flndlay, O. Freeman Fiske, advance representative of Holden Bros.' "Denver Express" Co. (Ralph J. Ravencroft, manager), Is spend- ing the Summer at his home at Cleveland, 0., after a forty week tour through ths South. He bas been re-engaged for the ad- vance again next season, and the company will open about Aug. 1. Khxbns and Cole and Ediths bTJusbM have signed with the Bays, In "Down the Pike" for next season. Kberns and Cole, who will play In vaudeville until July 22, are booked by the Western Vaudeville Asso- ciation. Edythe Kberns will then Join them and the three will rest for a few weeks Id Wisconsin. Noras f-bom "My Wife's Family" Co., Western, under the management of W. Mc- Gowan.—Our season opened Aug. 10. snd In- cluded a trip to the Pacific coast We plated all tbe large cities, and this attraction has given the greatest satisfaction everywhere. and Is now booked in every city played ih-s season for a return engagement The next season, which will open in Oshbosb, »!&• Aug. 5. The present season will close -Ti!.y 10, making exactly forty-eight weeks, during which time we bave lost but one night Nc« season Mr. McGowan will have two "My Wife's Family" companies playing the Nest, as he controls the Western rights of this pro- duction. The chances are be will also bisve the Western rights for a well known muslcm comedy and a melodrama of established repu- tation. __ Elwin Strong closes with the La Versa Moore Stock Co., to accept an engagement with the Rebecca Warren Stock Co.. at the Park Theatre, Indianapolis, and will orrn there Hay 28, In a special production of «& Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.*' j; Wabd Rett writes: "I close a very *;"*- cessful season May 21, at Butler. Pa., with Marie Cahitl's "Mollle Moonshine" compn"?- In which I have been playing the Earl * Broadlawna. I have written a sketch, a Washington Widow,' for myself, and I na« also completed this season another Tf n(lc " villa sketch, entitled 'His LordshhV M* z five set melodrama, entitled 'In the Silence of the Night*" t . John Kan, who has created many »j miliar roles in Yankee comedy, has Joinrn "The Student King" Co.. which opened ^ Chicago on May 21, In which Harry WW Is to be featured, under the management 01 Henry W. Ssvage.