The New York Clipper (January 1907)

1202 THE NEW YORK CLIPPER. JANUARY 5. Wi55 CKppcr'5 coKcnanra STlfiE FOLK and Some tjincs OTHERS BI J OBBPHIHB QW. Marie Booth Riisaell, who, aa leading woman for Robert Mantell, adds Immensely to the success of the atar, contributed, a few days ago, two Stetson anecdotes to the al- ready large collection concerning this the- atrical manager's unique personality. Stetson'* well known ambition was always lo hnve bis productions the best, the biggest, no matter what ll cost. If rivals came out with something a little ahead of what he was doing. It didn't take him long to get out something else quite beyond their attempts. The productions ut tbe rival theatre, op- posite the Globe, were a continual spur to Stetson's ambition. During a certain holiday season which Alias Russell recalls, tbe pro- duction was to be made on a most magnifi- cent acale, so as to outshine the production of the »ame character across the street Transformation *Dd other gorgeous acenes to the number of sixteen were ordered, and Stcteon'B scenic artist was glren fall awing, with bo curtailing of expense to hamper bis Imagination. The time came for a rehearsal of this part of tbe production, and Stetson, with the whole company and a coterie of crltlca, sat out feont, as tbe wonderful pieces of stage mechanism and scenery were set up, shifted and struck. Aa the last piece of spectacular handiwork was disposed of, the artist, who had been given oartt blanche for lis construction, advanced from the wings towards the front of the stage. "How Is It?" he said, addreislng the big manager, who si.111 sat In contemplative silence. "It's all right as far as It goes," said Stetson. "As far as It goes!" repeated tbe disap- pointed artist, who had expected unstinted praise for his work.- "How much further could I go?" "There ain't no snow scene !" replied the manager. . "tiuoio scene I'" gasped the artist, "of course not. All the scenes of this production lay In tbe tropic*, and had to be tropical in character, of course." "Oh, -!" exclaimed Stetson, "what's the use of a spectacular production without n h big snow scene—Icebergs, Polar bean. Icicles, ships being wrecked on the Icebergs, and all that." "But tola la a trap " began the scenery builder. "Look here, yuung man," Interrupted tbe manager, "you've got Just three days before tbe opening to tlx things up. I know what 1 want, and I'm the one that pays for what lie wants. You Just gut to work and build tbe handsomest tropical snow scene ever shown on any stage!" 9 MUs Russell's second Stetson story re- called the time when the literary preBs agent {at this period omnipresent) first cams to he known. ' This special form of theatrical advertising was employed by few at that time, and being the latest and most proper thing. Manager Stetson, of course, added U to his regime of theatrical tactics. To clever Lewis Sharp was entrusted this position, and at that time bright adver- tising and the name Sharp were synonymous terms.' Sharp's clever pen work was evi- denced everywhere, and sometimes his name appeared somewhat to overshadow that of the Globe's proprietor. Tbe letter's notice of the fact wus shown by an amusing In- cident. On matinee days the sldewulk In front of tbe thentre was adorned by a big while and gold, two aided, standing Blgn, bearing the notice, "Usual Mntlnce. 2.1IS o'clock." Dur- ing the production of an unusually long play It was thought best to begin the matinee earlier, and so thnt tbe general public should be apprised of this fact, Sharp had another sign painted, which rend, "Matinee To-day, 2 Sharp." "Look hero." exclaimed Stetson, whose eye, a few minutes Inter, caught sight of the nnnouncement In front of the theatre, then turning to one of his staff who stood near by, added: ' "I wont you to hurry back and get the painter to change thnt sign. There's gcttlug to he altogether too muth Sluirp around this place. M111 hiw>, £ Sharp?" repeated he, deeply under hla breath- "Von just get that painter to put 011 that hoard, 'Matinee To-day at 2, Btcttunl' " Hubert Mantell recalls an Incident of his early youth which, at that time, convinced him that ministers of the goBpel were not all Much godly folk as he had been taught to believe. This great nctor was born In n Scottish town, called Irvine, in Ayershlre. When he was about six years at nge his father moved the family to Belfast, Ireland. A tew years Inter, as ■ boy of twelve, he mcoropnuled the' elder Manlell back to Scotland on a visit to the old home at Irvine. Ills father. who was a strictly religious man. took the youngster with him on the Sabbath to the old kirk where he hud fur bo many years listened weekly to the preaching. To tbe great disappointment of Ms nt ell's father, the pulpit on this dny was occupied by a visiting minister, as the resident clergy* man had been called elsewhere. As soon, however, ns the big. stalwart, seven-foot preacher began to pour forth his eloquence In expounding tho text of the dny, the elder Mantell forgot hla disappointment and lis- tened eagerly. So pleased wag he that at the end of the services he approached tbe orator-preacher with the Intention of thank- ing him for tbe pleasure received. "You save in a graod sermon/' said Mantell senior, "and I want to thank you personally for It." "Why, toon," deprecatlngly replied the minister, "my preaching to Hay was nothing I You ought to hear me when I'm half drunk!" •» So many stories concerning tbe early Ufa of William A. Brady are extant, that another, vouched for by Mr, Donagbey to be the real truth (to the exclusion of tbe others), is now repeated. The one, purporting bis start In life as a vendor of peanuts, la par- tially true, for, as train-boy, be worked part of bis passage to the California coast, where be went Into tbe* profession, putting his forceful foot on the lowest round of the theatrical ladder. Many of tbe stories placing his origin as extremely lowly, are to be doubted, as tbe elder Brady was one of the clever writers of hla time, and) an authority In his especial line of literary work—that pertaining to Catholic publications. Contrary to the wishes and Intention of tbe family. Brady, in hla early youth, took It Into bis head to be the arbiter of bis own fate and the carver of bis own fortunes, in pursuance of which be decided to go West to California, lie lad to get there the best way he could, and the peanut-selling was but an episode of his march to subsequent money and fame. Young Brady's ambition waa to be a great actor, and he had made Ms way behind the scenes at every opportunity, thus acquiring at least a sight of the Inside of the things for which bis youug heart yearned. On arriving In San Francisco he Immediately applied for a theatrical position. When asked by Hartley Campbell what he could do, lie managed to Imply that he could play parts of all sorts, and as the big manager needed Just such a person to fill the place of the »ne who was 111 and out of the cast, llrody was engaged at *7C per week. Max Freeman, who had Just arrived from tbe East to manage the stage for Campbell, »aw the boy In conversation with his chief, and upon Inquiring what be waa doing there, was Informed that he waa tbe new man just engaged to fill Blank's place, whereupon Campbell was Informed that the young fellow was only a peanut vendor aboard the train that bad brought them both to the coast. Of course, on his arrival for duty tbe next day, Brady was called to account, and accused of deception regarding his stand- ing In the theatrical profession. His 1 earnest defense of hla action and bis quick wit, together with the expression of bis youthful enthusiasm, prevailed with the manager tlnnlly, and Instead of $75 per week, be was engaged as call boy at $7.00. But be always "had It In" for that clever actor and stage director, Freeman, who had "given him away" to Campbell, and, as he believed, lost him a good Job. However, be. with extraordinary quick- ness, acquired so much knowledge of the stage that he was soon made'assistant man- ager, and on some occasions, when Freeman was HI, he took tbe whole work upon hla young shoulders, with the assurance and authority of a veteran In the work. It wsa good gran tiding for Brady there, for be ?nme In contact with tbe heat and greatest In the business at the very start of bis theatrical career, Marie llllngton will resume their old parts, it Is proposed to follow "The Bondman" with "Tbe Prodigal Hon," the orlglnsl run of which was also cut short by pantomime preparations. Charles Wynflhani v.as recently Inter- viewed on the subject of hla retirement from the stage. He said: "When 1 do flnsllv re- tire from tbe atage I shall not herald It with a farewell performance. We are some- times blamed for breaking our word aboat retiring, but the reatlessness that ofttlmes comes with Inactivity drives us back. I think, however, that the time has come when I may think of taking a long bolldsy, but although that will not be before next Octo- ber, 1 shall not defer It beyond two years. Of plans 1 have none. I will not In this matter of leaving tbe atage. lock the door and throw away tbe key. 1 will not make myself a prisoner. Next year I shall do one new play, probably at Easter, and revive some old favorites. After thst 1 can speak more definitely. Rehearsing a new play Is to me no labor. It Is less exacting, strange as It may seem to you. than appearing In public. I love It. My pleasure in that work la so great that I have often rehearsed a piece in which I have no direct Interest. The developments of Idea ond characer are pleasant to follow them In order. When I retire fron tbe stage I may at least have that resource." Delia Mason, a well known musical comedy performer, who was seen In America a few yearn ago In "Th-» Three Little Maids," has jitat been married to Mr. Wyourd, a wealthy young Brazilian. Tapers from Calcutta an- nounce tbe successful production there of "llnBles." Claude King Is playing tbe title role. "The 8bul»m!te' T will shortly be pro- duced In Russia,'' at the Theatre Lltteraire et Artlstlahe, In St. Petersburg. The fourteenth anniversary of tbe Palace OCR LONDON LETTER. kiiom r>ta otvx correspondent. Clipper Bureau, 4H Crsnhoarne St., Leicester square, London, W. C. Dec. 15. After n fortnight's run,."Julie Bon Bon" was played for the last time at the Waldorf last Saturday night. Mr. Mann, Miss Lip- man and other members of the cast sailed for home on Wednesday. .1 understand the show hns closed for tbe season. Be- fore leaving, Mr. Mann, in oh Interview, Bold: "We are both very sorry to go, for we have made dear friends. We think that some of those who came to tbe Aral night performance were unnecessarily unkind. 1 ndmlt that tbe representation was not as good as It has been nli.ee, but on tbe first night we had a cold, unresponsive audience. We might as well have been playing to a stone wall. 1 think people forget that a captious audience kills the actor's art. We will try again, however. We have determined to come back hero. We think it Is In our power to Interest you, and T promise you that we will at least make an honest try." David Blsphnni produced, nt the Prince of Wales, on Wednesday, a new light romantic opera, "The "Vicar of Wakelleld, founded on Goldsmith's novel. The lyrics were written by Laurence Ilottsannn, nnd the music com- fioscd by Lisa Lehmann, and tbe cast was teaded by Mr. lilsplmm and Isabel Jay. Tbe first performance met with tbe approval of n largo nnd select audience, and the patron- nge since the opening night hns been, very satisfactory. Rehearsals are well underway for tbe new I'.dnn May' ahow, "Nelly Neal." and Joe Coyne, who, by the way, Is to be the Juve- nile lead, hna been in London for the past week. In addition to Miss May and Mr. Coyne the following players nre In the cast: R Dagaall, Herbert Spnrllng. Gerald Klrby, A. T. Oulllfer. Henry Warren, J. J. Dallas. llobb llarwood, Akennan Jdny, Frank Walsh, Kitty Gordon, Mollle Lowell. Mary Brougb, Gertrude Lester, Jane May, Gertrude Thorn- ton and Gerty Latch ford. Mr. Frohman hopes to have the production ready by tbe end of the month. After April IS the Adelphl will be occu- riied by the Berlin "Komlsche Oper," meaa- ng a German company, for the presenta- tion of light opera, whose latest success has been made In Offenbach's "Lea Contea D'ilohTmanii." They hope to fill their six weeks* London season with this show. The manager. Ilaus tlregor, brings with him about one hundred, principals and chorus. Early In (ha New Year Ellen Terry will sail for New York to fulfill her contract with Mr. Frohmaii. Miss Terry li due to open at the Empire, New "York, on Jan. 28. When "The Bondman," which recently closed n successful season at Drury Lane, Is revived by Otto Stuart, at tbe Adelphl, on Jan. B, several new faces sill be seen In the cast. Neither Fatrlck Campbell nor Henry Alnley will be available for the Adel- phl production, and the place of Henry Ala- ley, who Is to succeed Gerald du Maurler as Unfiles, at the Comedy, will be taken by Walter Ha mpden. Frank Cooper, Henr.c Neville, Lionel Urough, AuiUd Melford and P. RICHARDS (Caricaturist). Eighteen months ago, Tua New York Cui'i'KR started Us "funny page," constat- ing of a comic review of tbe weekly attrac- tions, and secured for this purpose the ex- clusive services of P. Richards, the moat con* versant cartoon-lst la the theatrical profes- sion that could be obtained. This new departure of Tub Clipper was considerably commented upon, as heretofore no theatrical paper had ever attempted to publish more than an occasional halftone of the foremost members of the profession, and the entailed expense waa such that there seemed little chance of Its bringing adequate returns. Within a comparatively short time after Its first appearance, this page attained a popularity which by far exceeded all expec- tations, and Tub Clipper is receiving com- plimentary letters by every mail from con- temporaries, tbe profession and tbe general public. Tbe main reason for the success of The Cmpi'er cartoons lies In the fact that besides their highly artistic merit, perfect fairness and Independence from tbe advertis- ing columns have been strictly adhered to, and. as tbe veteran showman, J. Austin Fynes, expresses himself in a recent letter: "The touch of caricature Is kindly and the work la distinguished by Its fine humor with- out taint of aarcasm—well worthy of Rich- ards' clever pencil." Commencing with this Issue -there will be an additional feature Inaugurated in connec- tion with this page by adopting the old and ever popular figure of "Patsy Bolivar," ac- companied by Mr. Richards* original creation, "Clip and Flip" (bis grotesque animal as- sistants), which hare been part of hla trade- mark for the past sixteen years. Mr. Richards, through Patsy Bolivar, will review plays plctorlally, exploit many of Patsy's adventures ana mishaps, and interview theatrical celebrities on behalf of this nnper, and we trust that his funny Bay- ing* anil grotesque antics will tend to make the humorous page even more Interesting than before. The New York Clipper has also decided to start Patsy Bolivar on an extended Euro- pean tour next April, visiting all of tbe large cities and sending In bis views and expe- riences from week to week, which will un- doubtedly furnish unlimited material for Mr, Richards' humorous pen. was celebrated on Tuesday last, and tbe packed house saw one of the best shows seen In this city In many a day. Among ibose who appeared were: Michael Hreham, Gordon Brooks Trio, Cavatll, Cblrgwin, Hay- den Coffin, Margaret Cooper, Kate Cutler, Alexandria Dflgmar, D'Arc's Marionettes, tinlatoh, Nelson Jackson, Johnson and Dean, Alfred Leatcr, Alice Lloyd. Herbert Lloyd, Clarice Mcyne, tbe McNaughtons. Les Mo* Irsso, Victoria, Monks, Henry Neville, the Palace Girls, Alice Pierce, Arthur Playfnir, Arthur Trlnce, Nell Itlchardson, Little Ticfa, PrlnceBB Trlxlc and soma new bioscope pic- tures. The performance began at seven- thirty, and the final curtain was lowered shortly after twelve. Newell nod Ntblo, who lately returned from South Africa, have been very fortunate In securing Immediate booking. They open nt the Moss ft Stoii house In Birmingham on Uondav next. They also bad an offer for the Ba'rrnstord house In tbe same town, but decided on the house mentioned. A mysterious purchaser, whose Identity still remains unknown, yesterday purchased tbe Lyeeum Theatre for £119,500. The sale took place at tbe Mart, Tokenbouse Yard, where for the second time the theatre was put up at auction. Tbe auctioneer, Broug- ham Glasipr, spoke .it length on the possibil- ities and value of tbe place, but, although lie casually referred to the theatre's "great and glorious past." he never once mentioned the name of Irving. The first bid was of C IOO.OOO. Then tbe bidding rose by £5,000 to (115,000. and then by thousands to Lllit.MO. One more bid of £500 followed, and at £110,r»0O cbe hammer fell. The auc- tioneer refused to divulge the name of the purchaser, aiming that it was to remain a secret at present The question of the hour In the local mu- sic hall world Is the dispute between Walter 'ribbons and the Variety Artists' Federation. The Federation has asked for a general re- vision of Mr. Gibbons' contracts, which are complained of as Ming unfair and unduly onerous. In thU demand tbe general sec- retary and executive of the federation are now strengthened by a unanimous resolution, passed at a mass meeting of tbe performers held st tbe Horns, KennTngton, last Bandar night. Mr. Gibbons announced that he will close the Hippodrome, Brixton, to-nlgbt. The closing of tbe house will probably involve serious legal difficulties. Hill and Whltaker canceled their engage- ment at the Pavilion s week ago because of the Illness of M.sb Whltaker. They left Imme- diately for tbe States. They return to Eng- land earlv la tbe New Year, opening at the Argyle, Birkenhead, on Jan. 7. Chris Richards, after a successful season Id America, where, T believe, he bad offers to remain until further orders, is playing the Pavilion, where bis methods as a comedian are greatly appreciated. Daisy Mayer has been seriously 111 for the pant month. She Is recovering rapidly, and hopes to resume her work In a fort- nlght's time. _^^_^_ Uandeoilk and minsfrcl. SKERis Wilkes and Coupart sslted. Dec. 22, for a ten weeks' tour of West indies Inlands, with the Flying Jordans Co. Billlg a seals and the Jordans are also members of the company. .... t „ J auks MiHRON writes: "Frank Mitchell, of the team of Mitchell and Marron, was stricken with apoplexy Sunday evening, Pec. 16, at the close of our week's engagement at Percy Williams' Orpbeum Theatre, Boston, Mass., and he is st the Emergency Hospital, Boston, in a serious condition." Jons E. (tiiken reports that he la making good with Ills new act, "The Tramp's Dream.' Ema Ar;a has scored a great success In the new revue at the Folles Bergeres. Paris. The revue was produced Friday night, Dec. 14, and a large representation from the American colony was present to applaud Miss Ang. Sbe played her role entirely In French, and afterward Introduced French versions of some of the character songs with which sbe has been Identified here. Mas. Hash? Belmont Is convalescing at the Lylog-In Hospital, New York, from an attack of peritonitis. __ . _ Columbus. O.. Note. —A Christmas Day show was given to the Inmates of the Ohio Penitentiary. A nuriber of tbe "McFod- den'n Flats'' Co. were on the programme. In- troducing the leading specialties, songs, dances, etc, thnt hsve made "McFaddea's Mats" onp of tbe best farce comedies on the road. John Price. Dollie Theobold, Lillian Beach, Nellie St. Clair, Lillian Dana and a number of other members of tbe company volunteered. _ Mamie Dins, of Courtney and Dunn, mourns the loss of ber mother, who died Dec. 19. at Philadelphia. The team waa compelled to cancel all engagements. Job 0. Brownr, cornettiest, writes: "The following may Interest many of Brother Tom's friends and Clipper readers: 'Whist- ling Tom Browne Is dangerously HI with heart cud lung trouble at St. John's Hospital, Yonkers, SL 1*. His recovery is extremely doubtful. He Is tenderly cared for by his wife (Bva Westcott), also Yonkers* brother mar* A Mabshalltown, la., paper states that T. Nelson Downs, known as the "King of Kolni," has purchased the Bijou Theatre, In that city. Hebi'KBt, "Tbe Frog Man," writes that be gave five hundred performances and traveled 23,238 miles with the Sells-Floto Shows this season, closing at Chihuahua, Mexico, Dee. 13. Arris an illness of several weeks, Mrs. Winnie Ehor has fully recovered, and will appear soon with her husband, In vaudeville. Hughes and Brown played the Lenox Ly- ceum, New York, Dec. 14, alBo tbe West End Theatre, on Sunday, Dec 23. Shields and kdgkrs write: "We have lust finished a most successful tour over the Kohl & Castle and Inter-State circuits, and are now on our way West, for the Orpbeum time." Euoinb Hbnbt, "The Minstrel Boy," has returned Eairt, after two years tn tbe West, and la visiting bis mother at Hyde Park, Mass., previous to opening bis Eastern book- ItOBT. C. Boyd, of Boyd and Quill, writes: "Last Sunday we took Terley'a place at the Haymarket Theatre. He was obliged to leave to make the jump to open In Mew Orleans. La. Our new act, 'A Little Card,' by Hamil- ton Coleman, was pronounced a nig success, and In consequence are booked to open on tbe Orpbeum circuit Jan. 0." Eddib Leslie and Mu.k. Carrie opened Jan. 7, for thirty weeks, over the Sullivan A: Conaldlne circuit, making their third con- secutive trip on that circuit. Eddie Leslie opens at the Palace, London, Eng., In Aug- ust, 1907. Tub Musical Johnstons closed at the Hansa Theatre, Hamburg, Ger., a successful tour of the European continent, and returned to America last week. They open on the Keith circuit at Boston, Jan. 14, for eighteen weeks, and then go back to Europe for thirty- one weeks on the Moss & Stoll tour and a re- turn engagement at tbe Alhambra, London. DonoTiir Drew (Mrs. Al. Johnston) will open Jan. 7, at the Majestic Theatre, Chi- cago, for a twenty-two weeks' tour. She has juBt returned from a European trip. Brunin sailed for Europe Dec. 20, after a successful toar of the circuits. Kduard Waldmann, who last Spring and Summer appeared through tbe West, in his condensed version of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. lKde," and then played a few weeks through the middle States, iu "The Merchant of Ve- nice." has returned to New York to play the targe vaudeville bouses of the East, with his company, la "Jekyll and Hyde," and a condensed version of "Faust" Don and Dot Fobd, "Handcuff King and Sueen," have Just finished five weeks In New ngland. At Concord and Plttsfleld, Mr. Ford writes that he escaped from packing boxes made of one Inch lumber, while bound with steel straps. Week of Dec. 24, the Fords joined the Fenbcrg Stock Co., as tbe special feature, et Lynn, Mess. John A. Leslie, formerly of Leland and Leslie, lrlab comedians, has joined hands with Frank W. Leahry. The team will be known as Leslie and Leahy, Notes fhoji Hemikht Swift's Minstrels. —The Swift Bros, joined at Centrerllle, Mlsa. The show la doing big business In the South, and will soon be In Texas for eight weeks. Our parade Is a big feature. We wear red silk raglans and red silk bats, the band Is under the leadership of Prof. Clarence Causey, and tbe orchestra Is under the leadership of Prof. Billy MahalL Tai CLtrt'Eit (ten copies) cornea every week, and the boys think of old Broadway and long for the season to close. We will Bhortly jump for New York. List of company Includes: Her- bert Swift, Percv Swift, Burnet Swift. U. (1. Butler, Hoytt Causey, Nat Lelgon, Fred Bron, Lee Tolcr. Ben McNeil. Grover Splner. Percy Lelgon. Sam L'mberger, Carl O'Nll, Clarence Causey, Phil Reed. Barney Johns, Billy Mnhnlt. P. H. McPhewon. Philip An- dres, Geo. Cnlvln, J. D. Wllkson, Moyse Kahn, Bert Walker. Major O'Lauohi.in Is now In his fifteenth week on tbe Coneldlne k Sullivan circuit, and reports meeting with success. KuMitsn Balk, tenor singer, for years con- nected with Vogel's and Al. Q. Field's Min- strels, joins the Electric Comedy Four next peason. Tbe latter are booked solid for two years. ToiiKh uuFFAT.0, who Is making a decided hit with the Kentuckv Belles Ob., on the Empire Burlesque Wheel, will go out with the same company next year, making bis third reason with It. He Is also booked for all Summer at tbe parks In the East, World of flayers. Gxoicr N. Abhstbono, sob of lime. Nellie Melba, was married In London, Rag, on Dec. 18, to Ruby Otway, daughter of Colonel Otway. _ Tub "Da. Jkkyll and Mb. Hidg" Co., under the manngement of Talbott A Land, opened the Harrlsburg Oper* House Dec. 20, with the following cast: Or. Jekyll, Her- man Strlcklln; Dr. Canyon. Joan Beltcber■ Utt?rson, Emery Land; Vicar, Chas. Phil- lips; Alice. Bessie lleltcher; Pool, Cecil Mc- Kinney I Mewcotne, Hyc Land; Biddy, Lola Rice; McSweeny, Hoy Land; Jimmy, Gus Talbott. Executive staff: Emery Lftba, man- ager: G. B. Talbott, secretary; Herman Strlcklln, master of props: Chas. Phillips. *tage manager; i\, E. Smltb, advance repre- sentative. HtftRY HOLIIAN, Who IS With "EtulM Off the rurf" Co., writes: 'I mnde such a hit at Cauidcn, N, 4., Dec. 3-3, that Mr. Taylor manager <if the theatre, engaged me to re- turn for week of Dec. 17, as a special fftt- ure of a vaudeville bill for that week. The company laid off that week." Following ta the complete roster of tna Chas. K. ChampUn Stock Co.: Chss. K. ChampllD, manager; Jim Keyer, business manager; Dan Chsmplln. treasurer; Carl Btockdale, Harry McKee, Jack Hardy, Harry Starr. Arthur Griffin, Henry Oebler, Will Lester, Joe Lester, Chas. Okly, A. Peper, 0. Peper, Jack McKee, Frank McCoy, Lulu Mor- rison, Clara Byere, Alma Rutherford, Kate Manden and Marie Warneld Notes fboh tub Bob Fitzsixhons Co.— We have had anTexcellent season thus far, with few exceptions the 8. R. O. sign being used nightly. The cast Is practically tbe same as at the opening of the season, Sept. G, and includes: Bob Fltzalmmons, Julia Glfford (Mrs. Bob Fltzslmmons), Mr. and Mrs. Chas. V. Greene. Mr. and Mrs Harry Knight, Rose Evans, Amelia Hainan Kate Wilson, Frank Holland, Edward Beck, Lon Sears. Morgan ti. Head. Edward Lock- ette and Willi* Xlngaley. J. C. Matthews Is manager, end li. .L. Hamilton Is In ad- vance. -• ' ^ , John \y. Rbhal'Sbr, orchestra leader, has joined tbe "levers and Lunatics" Co, Notes rapw whitman's Comedians.—The show is doing a pig business through Okla- homa, Indian Territory and Texas. The com- pany, numbering sixteen people, with band and orcheatrt, ft featuring Velma Whitman. Roster : Jack' Roselelgh, proprietor sod mana- ger ; Velma Whitman, treasurer; Horace urpby, band mnater; Lester La Grange, rops; Franklin Hall, stage carpenter; Harry itttle, advance representative; Chas. Cary, Henry Stern, Boy Davis, Wilt Conklln, Clar- ence Musselman, Jess Zlnk, Robt. Hunbert, Henry Pong, Francis Field and Blanch Har- riott. We open wth a three act farce comedy, entitled "The Mysterious Model," and are playing three night stands only. WiLLAjr) R0BKR.TS0.N is In bla twentieth week piaylng characters with tbe Knicker- bocker Stock Co.. supporting the Sisters McConnell and Billy Walsh. Swbrlt-Shipuan Koteb. —Roselle Knott, In "The Duchess of Devonshire," pleased Canadian audiences so much that a return date wns played at Toronto within twenty- one days, to capacity audiences, and the one night Btand with Canadians guaranteed the attraction for a second visit. This la dis- tinctly unusual, and proves the value of the vehicle Miss Knott's manager, Ernest Ship- man, has selected for ber for next coming Geason. During the second week of "The Duchesj of Devonshire" engagement In To- ronto, Miss Knott and the company called Mr. Shlpman, the general manager of the Sweely-shipman Co.'s attractions, behind the scenes, and presented him with an Alaska sabel fur Hoed overcoat, in token of their appreciation of bis untiring efforts on behalf of "The Duchess of Devonshire" Co. Notes fboh "The Bubolas and the Waif" Co., Shaw & Gallagher's.—Our com- pany was never In better condition, and the piece makes good to the last line. North Dakota 1b certainly tbe limit on railroad ac- commodations^—many trains twenty-four to thlrty-slx hours late, and branches tied op for a week it a time. We lost two nights In six weeks, and got satisfactory money, which helps some. Marie Young Is the talk of the territory, and good as "North Dakota wheat in tbe mill." That's what they tell us. Harxy La Mack, In advance of the "Uncle Josh Spruceby" Co. (Western), writes: "We are doing a nice business. During tbe floods tn Washington we were the only company tbat didn't lose a night. With the 'dope suit' and long bandied brush, and paper under my arm, taking boat rides, we managed to make all towns. The Western country Is great for business, but sn agent must be able to post paper In case of a flood or landslide." WlLDLR SlUONDS AND I.OLTSE ROBINSON, who have been featured in "Peaceful Valley" this season, cloeed with tbat company In Oil City, Dec. 0. Next season they are to be featured with George Verbeck'a production of "Near the Throne," Noras roou the Americans.—We are In our eighteenth week, and the show sets a new standard In eacb city we play. With special scenery and light effects, such plays as "The Msn o'Wars Man," "The Voice of Nature." "Trinity Chimes," "Romance of Oklahoma," "Satan's Imp," "A Game of Hearts*' and "East Lynne" cannot fall to please, when presented by such a capable cast as the Americans present Our prin- cipal leads have been strengthened by the addition of Thomas B. Alexander and Maud Ulalr. Our roster Includes: Arthur E. Herbat, manager: Arthur Seedbnm, agent; Henry Testa, Jack Warburton, Prince El- wood, Kaston ErnBt, Thos. B. Alexander. Otis Arbuckle. Franklin Howland, Edward Arthur, Jim Hobbs, Julius Olnhauser, Maud Blair, Ethel Townsend, Nancy Boyer and Madeline Hartford. At Clinton, 111., Dec. 12, our comedian. Jack Warburton, was pre- sented with a handsome watch' charm by tbe Eagles of that city. ^.Kiily Walsh, who has been starring under the management of Uoyt & Levey, will close his engagement with tbat Arm, and will open Jan. 10, under the management of W. A. Tulley, In the title part of 'TThe King of Tramps/ Mr. Walsh will be surrounded by a capable company. Including a band and orchestra. The tour Is booked solid, and a prosperous season Is anticipated. "Paniianolk 1'irns," Geo. McManus' mu- sical comedy, has be^n purchased by William Garen, manager of liavlln's Theatre. St. Louis, tor many years. The piece will be ready for presentation next year, and Mr, Garen will endeavor to open the season at liavlln's with the play. A new hook, am gome music, will h? written for the v' ■■'-- before It takes tbe road. Mr. Garen state* that while the play will be original In every respect, the general atmosphere will be « little on the order of "McFadden's Flats. The new play will be booked by Stair st Ilavlln, Abe Levy, now with Williams at". Walker, is a partner with Mr. Garen In hi" new venture. Mr. Levy will look.after the business Interests of the play, Mr. Garen act- lag la the capacity of general manager. Harbv T. Winshan, who was connectetj with the firm of Spears & Meek, and part o. the season as manoger of "The Irish rawn | brokers 1 ' Co.. has retired from the latter, and Is now with A. H. Woods* forces, as mana- ger of one of bis attractions. Frank Field*™, having recovered fromn 11 recent Illness, has Joined the Mamie Flemlnr company. . Asranuembnts have been completed oy which Kyrle Bellew will be the atar la Hart- ley Manners' comedy, "A Marriage of Rea- son," which Klaw k Erlanger will produce (be latter part of January*