The New York Clipper (July 1906)

DRAMATIC. VAUDEVILLE, a s Pages. CIRCUS. Copyright, 1OO0. by the Frant Quetn Pnblhblng Company (Limited) #155 0iPF r '5 flEecdotss, Personalities and Conents, COHCEBMIHO STIGE FOLK and Sometimes OTHERS BY J oseph 1 \n aao. "While 70a wilt," should be the buHncss motto of George, that clever son of Jerry and Helen Cohan, for, besides giving all necessary attention to the professional duties of stage work, rehearsals and the like, he fills In his odd momenta writing plays, songs and music for others, accomplishing suc- cessful results In an Incredibly short period of time—In fact, while you wait. Ginger and "go" suffuse his work from start to finish. The life and whirl in his own especial style of ecentrlc dancing seem to go Into whatever he produces, and a propot of his tornado style of getting over stage space, the story la told of how he originated this fashion of eccentric stage work, which has attracted many Imitators. Several years ago, when he was very much of a "kiddle," and doing, among other things, considerable dancing, his ambition reached ont for some new Idea la the terp- slchorean field. He was an expert buck and wing performer, and he wondered If In some way he could not elaborate the steps Into what wonld tetm something different, by a change In music and rhythm. In Buffalo one Monday morning at rehearsal he de- scribed to the musical director the sort of tempo and style of music to which he wished to try his usual steps. The trial did not work to advantage. Then It suddenly oc- curred to the director that he had at his borne Just the music the youngster wanted, and It was araoged that he should bring It that night and play It at the performance, so sure was he of Its suitability, and young Cohan's ability to dance to It without re- hearsal. The usual sand on the stage had been omitted, and as the dancer began fitting the old steps to the new-old music, they did not go for a minute or two. Then Cohan got Into the motive, and began skipping about the ssndless stage with Jumping steps, but using something of the "buck" principles. With this he interpolated eccentric gyrations of body end the flinging backward of bis bead, which so many have since Imitated. From this be gradually developed hla present manner of dancing, peculiar to himself. 9 When Josephine Cohan made her vaude- ville appearance under the Keith manage- ment In Boston, she was about nine years of age, and was billed as "Baby Cohan," ap- pearing with the others of that versatile family, afterwards known aa the Four Co- hans. At that time the Gerry societies were beginning to enforce their laws concerning the public appearances of children. A Bos- ton devotee to this reform movement saw the child at the first performance and re- ported the fact to the society, which sent a representative to the theatre. The management was forewarned of the contemplated visit, and Papa Coban pre- pared for It When the Gerrylte appeared on the scene and demanded to see "Baby Cohan," her father presented himself In her place. "But I want to see the child, 'Baby Co- ban,' " Insisted the official. "I'm 'Baby Cohan,'" blandly claimed Jo- sephine's parent, who then explained how he bad been nick-named In that manner, re- gretting that the name had ever afterwards stuck to him, and frequently to his great an- noyance, proved by the present Incident Satisfied with the explanation the official de- parted without farther molestation. * Tom Lewis, "The Unknown" In George Cohen's "Little Johnny Jones," made fre- quent repetition of tbe now popular slang phrase, "Twenty-three," during the progress of tbe play. However, there was no explana- tion of his ose of it, and everybody wondered what It meant Many were the inquiries but no satisfactory answer could be found. A frequenter of the Harlem Opera House during Cohan's engagement there, overheard one explanation that seemed plausible at the time. Two men stood at the back of the bouse deeply interested in the progress of tbe performance. Finally one said to tbe other: "What on earth does Lewis mean by 'Twenty-threat'" The other, who knew as little about the matter as his friend, but not caring to ap- pear uninformed, knowingly replied: "Oh, that's a reference to the number of Cohan's lodge—yon know he's a prominent Elk." * Aa usher at the theatre was approached] by a man a short time before the curtain went up one night, and said: "Look here, yonng feller, I want to ask you a question, What the Hexx does Twen. tythrce' mean? I've been her twice before to-night, first with my family and then with friends, and know the play backwards, for- wards and endways. I've been asked more than once tbe meaning of 'Twenty three,' 'so I came here alone to-night to find out Now, man to man, what does It mean?" "Get out!" replied the usher, which tbe man for a moment understood to spply to himself, preparing to resent the command, until the Inference was explained. "Well, tbat'a Just what I'll do, now that I know what the pesky thing means," said he, fading through the doorway, fully satisfied. » n. O. Snowies, the humorist who. In the English music halls Is known as "It. G.," likes to joke with bis mother, sad he tells many tales of "stringing" the dear old lady. On one occasion during the relating of his experiences in England, hla mother asked: "And did yon ever speak to the Queen?" This was some yeara ago when Victoria was living. "No," replied the comedian, "but her son they enjoy retaliation. "Well, I'll tell you. I'd auggest that at least once a week tbey turn a big hose on all of you. It might not refine your minds, but It would cleanse your bodies." At this defiance of them, given In so dig- nified a manner, their disapproval was changed to cheers, for they saw the truth of hla words, and took them good natnredly. He has ever since been a favorite In Black- burn. ♦ A quick rejoinder In a game of pinochle was made the other day, and overheard by one who repeated the circumstances to the writer. This alluring game la a great favor- ite with a certain fair prima donna who would rather play It than eat, and she dearly loves the good things of the table. Hearts were trumps, and, at this stage of the game the last two or three bands were In progress. Her opponent gingerly lay down the ace of spades, expecting It to be trumped. To her surprise the fair singer followed with an- other card of tbe same size and suit "Ob!" gasped the other, "I felt sure you'd get my beautiful ace." "No," replied the beautiful singer. "I didn't have the heart to take It from you." Of or Id of Players. Notes prom Edward It. Salter's Atthac- tions. — The Rebecca Warren Stock Co.. under the above management, closed an eight weeks' engagement at tbe Park Theatre, In- dianapolis, June 23. The season wan very successful, and Mr. Salter has closed con- tracts with Dkkson & Talbott to place the company In that city neit Summer. Miss Warren will go out under Mr. Salter's man- agement next season, providing he can ob- tain a suitable play for her. Maretta Smart has been engaged by Mr. Salter, to be feat- ured lu tbo leading part of the Western "A Mad Love' Co. Irene Menra and Ida Law- rence wtl go out with Mr. Salter's "Ikey and Abey" Co. Notes trom tub Chicago Stock Co.—We have established a most enviable reputation In the Eastern cities In tbe past few years as one of the best stocks traveling. We are THE MAN WHO WROTH "OLD FOLKS AT IIOHK." Copyright pending. FRANK UDELL AND ROSE KINLBY Are presenting a startling novelty, entitled "Pierrot and Pierrette." Frank Odell Gordon, formerly of Bush and Gordon, baa produced an original and high class attraction, which, bids fair to create a sensation In vaudeville circles. In this he Is ably seconded by Itino KInley. tbe dainty little comedienne, formerly of "The Sultan of Bum" Co. The comic bar finish, as a laugh producer, Is pronounced a "wonder." and I had a few words, and I don't go around to tbo house aa often these days." "Well, It's only natural that you wouldn't be wanted there," said the comedian's moth- er, who knew well the leanings of fond moth- era. "It's all right a mother should always aide with her son." "The peculiarities of some of the English sdvertlslng differs greatly from that of tha Americans," said Knowles. "For Instance, I saw a placard In the window of an under- taking establishment, the unintentional humor of which made a great impression on me. It read: 'Why live and be miserable when you can die and be beautifully burled for £0 10s. 66V " 9 Knowles relates that when appearing first at Blackburn, where tbe miners form a big part of tbe audience, he was met with "boos," howls and derisive epithets, for tbey didn't like Americans there at that time. They lore them now. Tbe monologlst stood close to tbe fotollgbts, quiet and self-con- tained, until the cat-calla grew fewer and fainter. Then he spoke In his usual ringing, carrying tones: "Do yon know what I'd suggest to the sanitary authorities here?" he exclaimed, bearing In mind that though brow-beaters, . Notes from the B. C. Whitney Attbac- hioNH.—B. C. Whitney, whose headquarters (are located In Detroit, Mich., will be largely Interested the coming season, both In the- atres and road attractions. In addition to managing the Detroit Opera House, of De- troit, and. the Princess Theatre, of Toronto, both of which Mr, Whitney controls ex- clusively, he will control the New Theatre, at Ann Arbor, MIcb., having recently ac- Jiulred, by purchase, the Opera House Block, u that city. The New Theatre will be com- Elete and modern In every respect, and will a ready to open about Jan. 1, and will have a stating capacity of about 1,600. His road companies for next season Include: "Captain Careless," a new romantic comic opera, with bock and lyrics by It. Melville Baker, and music by Clifton Crawford. John E. Henshaw will be starred In this piece. The production and rehearsals wilt be under Mr. Whitney's Immediate iiupervlsloo. " l'lff 1 Paff 11 Pouf 111" a musical cocktail. Book by Stanislaus Stange, lyrics by Wm. Jerome, music by Jean Bchwarts. "Isle of Spice," a piquant mu- sical mixture. Book and lyrics by Lowe and Stoddard, revised and amplified by Frederic Rankin | music by Schlndler and Jerome. Two companies, Eastern and Western, will be on the road. "The Show Girl." a musical tom- foolery, featuring Hilda Thomas and Lou HsII. The productions for all these attrac- tions will be built at Detroit, and rehearsals will also take place tbere. Mr. Whitney's gen- eral staff will be tbe same as In tbe past- Bert St. John, general manager: Oua Bohlke, general stage director; Frank Cowling, gen- eral auditor. The Shubmts have purchased tbe Banger nail property, Richmond, Vs., and will erect a 170,000 theatre. drama, "The Mlssourlans;" Howard Hall's "Tbe Soldier of the Umpire;" the popular costume drama, "In the Presence of tbo King," and ihs well known society dramn, "Tbo Charity Boll." Notbh ntoii Ly/cbuh Comedy Co. —We closed our slock engagement at Plqua, O,, June 1, to excellent business. We opened under canvas 7, at Williamsburg, Ky.. to capacity, and business has been excellent. Itoster Is: Al. 8. Evans and II. O. Williams, proprietors; Will W. Sterling, Bart Highly, C. c. Baum, H. K. Pollock, C. H. Tate. Prof. A. L, Slone, leader of band; Marlon March, Kdlth Morion and Josephine West Jack Kohler and wife are to Join us the last of tbo week. We are booked solid for next season. Our regular season opens July 27. We have fifteen fair dntes booked, playlDg two a week In some of the Kentucky time, Pauline Hall was thrown from her car- riage at Yonkers, N. Y„ June 20, and her leg was broken near the ankle. "Tub IIvrocitiTEH," Henry Arthur Jones new play, will open the Hudson Tbeatre In September. ALESXAHDEa PfiiLLtr* has been engaged by Tlios. and Wm. Jefferson for their production of "Playing the Game," for next season. "Man and His Anori,," by Stanley Dark, will be produced by Kdward A. linden next season, and Holbrook It linn and Frances Hlng bare been engaged for the principal roles. Frank Wikhtrin. musical director, closed with Jos. W. Spears' "The Irish Pawnbrokers" Co., at St. John, N. B., June 0, and Is spend- ing tbe Summer at bis home at Utnghamton, N. Y. He has been re-engaged for next sen- .for the new musical com- Partner," BT URS. riNDLBI rraden. enjoying the Ashing- and other pleasures of tbe Northern lake resorts. Manager Ranksm closed bis season at Scraoton, l r n., Mny 12, and Jumped direct to Sault Ste Marie. Mich., f>layfng only two wecka between, at Hamll- on and London, Can. He reports business on the lakes excellent, and announces thnt besides the extraordinary productions pre- sented by this attraction last year they have secured the rights and scenic equipment for Joseph Arthurs play, "Lost lllver:" the Bo- lasco and De Mllle production, "The Wife;" Charles Coghlan's masterpiece. "Tbo Royal Box;" Adelaide Thurston's surcess, "At Cosey Corners;" Theodore Hamilton's pastoral A medley of melodies olden Were played In my hearing to-night, My heart In swift unison throbbing, Kach rich chord an added delight. I listened and thought of poor Foster, Who. penniless, often would roam So lonely, unkempt nnd neglected— The man who wrote "Old Folks at Home." His life was a curious failure, Though Fortune had ever been kind. He lived to be friendless, forsaken. For none to Ms faults could be blind. Mo had all the qualities golden That make for success, hut the Gnome, Self-indulgence, too quickly o'erpowered The mnn wbo wrote "Old Folks at Home." How sweet Jenny Ltnd must bare sung It; It reached tho warm heart of the world, A song-gem of wonderful lustre By many 0 fnlr throat Impenrled. Yea, millions hare warbled Ills ballads. They snnx deep, aa lines from a tomb ; He knew how to piny on kind heart-strings— The man who wrote. "Old Folks at Home." Thank God for the proofs of his talent That still arc re-echoed to-day; They help to mnkc men friends nnd brothers, For all feel their soul-thrilling sway. He founded American folk-song, Now recognised far o'er tbo foam; Perhaps ho will ne'er be forgotten— Tbe man who wrote "Old Folks at Home." At last has his genius been honored, Though Of ty long yeara In bis grave, Somewhere here. In old Pennsylvania, Like "Massn, renowned hy his slave, The denr Utile folks of Kentucky Have reared bencnth heaven's bhicdomo A statue, now faithfully showing Tho man who wrote "Old Folks at Home." GojUbbj Dhanb, who recently closed with (lie Whylo Drnmnttc Co.. will spend a month vlNltlng her mother at Wichita, Kan. Notkb mom tho Harris-Parkinson Block Co.—Wc close, In two weeks, a forty-ulght weeks' sensou. This hns been the best sen- sou we hnru over had from n financial stand- point. Next season's time hns been nearly nil filled. We will bavo an entirely now list of plays. Tho following people were re-ongnged by Mr. Harris: Mario La Tour, fifth season; Louise Strathmore, fifth ■am; Cbas. Ten (T, fourth season; Hamil- ton L. Brooks, fourth senion; Harry Le Comnte, second season; Tlieo. Currle, sec- ond season; Harry Feltus. third season; Jnmcs Lelllcr, who hns been tho treasurer for Mr. Harris for the post seven seasons. The season opens at Islington, Ky., early lu August. MiTCHMM, and Wahdh will continue for the Summer senson with W. McGowan's "My Wife's Family" Co., now playing through tha West. Note* rnou tub Taylob Stock Co.—Wo will bo one of the new repertory organ Izh- lions on tbe road next season. II. W. Tnyloi utnei ticmriu*. ana /.uia umwortn. plays will bo In tbe repertory, with rcudcvllle acts. Tbo season will open for the mat ten seasons manager of tho Cook- Church mock Co., will be proprietor and man- ager. The following people have signed: An- dersen and Golncs, Do Lisle, Wm. Dale, Ben F. Lor in g f Harry Moore, Andrew MacKnlght, John McKenna, II. J. Welch, Anne lvers, Ethel Hcmrlek, nnd Zula Ellsworth. Ten ■even I open on or about Aug. 11. with W. A. Taylor In advance of tho attraction. Notes rnou William Tjiii'mtt's Ster- ling Stock Co.— Tbo fifty-second week of tho season la In evidence. Just one year wince the opening In Western Kansas. The company at tills writing numbers within Its ranks only one who was not with the company at time of Its opening. Kansnu. Missouri, Illi- nois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, North Da- kota and South Dakota have supplied tbo territory, which will be largely the same dur- ing the coming season. Ti:o Fall fair dates open at Chllllcothe, Mo., Aug. 20. Caudi, Landon and wivh, wbo nre spend- ing their vacation at tho cottage, "Tho Carol," at South Hat-on, Midi., have been en- Sngcd by Le Comte & Klcsher for the Morey lock Co., for next season. May I'Jviik (Mrs. Lloyd Ncal), who under* went n difficult operation nt the Chicago linn- tlst Hospital, Chicago, III., on June IS, is rapidly recovering, and will spend the re- mainder of the Hummer at Fox Lake, 111. Tun Cr.Ainn Tuttlh Co. Is booked over Southern territory for next season, and Miss Tutlle will add several now plnys to ber repertory. A new thkathk, with all modern Improve- ments, Is now being constructed at lied Bank, N, J., and will be ouencd In August by Louis James. The ~ provements. all 1 son by Mr. Spears, I edj, -Dad's Bide I'a James. The bouse will bavo alt modern lm 'ovements. Hmikb A Body Notbh.— J. W. Hurke and Wm. J. Body wilt launch the Burke & llody Imperial Stock Co. the forthcoming sensor, taking tho road about Oct. 1. Tbey will carry about sixteen people, Including some of tho best vaudeville specialties to be had. In- cluding Nelletta Burke, the Inimitable song and dance performer, In up-to-date nongs and icflned buck and wing and skirt dancing. She was the principal feature with the Oullmetto "Wanted, a Wife," Co., and the Burke A Lind- say Combination, last season. A largo rep«r- tory of up-to-date comedies nnd dramas wHI bo presented next season, at popular prices. A full lino of special paper for each play, with special scenery and stage setting, will he carried. Mr. Body Is now looking after the paper, and Mr. Hurke will shortly return to Philadelphia, from which point be will book the show. , Don MacmiLLAN, manager of Macmlllan'fl Players, writes: "We are m our fifth success- ful week on the Bcll-Hnilard-Olcndorf circuit of alrdoracs. These open air theatres hnvo become a popular fad In Kansas and Mis- souri, and in fair weather many people are turned away nightly. Hostar of the above company includes: Dorothy Grey, Alma Vim Keller, Carrie Weller. Bessie L. Desn, Duncan Pemvnder, William IHake. Archie Lockrldge. Hurt Rawllnson, Walter Yant. 'Henry, Mmer Cox, and Don Mactnlllan. Myself and wife, Dorothy Grey, havo signed with W. F. Mann's 'As Told In tho Hills' (coast), spssing lite In August."