The New York Clipper (December 1907)

1206 THE 3STEW YORK CLIPPER. December 21. ■ Miss Capper's Mote, Personalities and Comments, ' COMCBBMWO ST1GE FOLK and Some times OTHERS BY JOSEPHINE OHO. John Pratt, prominent on ths payroll of the Heary Savage staff, and giving bis nine tor lb* money opposite nil name on the books of the "Tom Jones" comic opera company, of which be Is manager, tells a little story on Albert Pellaton, the clever basso of the com- pany. It Is said that Pellaton never falls to receive encores, for almost everybody loves a good bass song well sung—and that be can do. The instance recorded by Pratt, how- ever, wai one where the basso ended his song with absolutely no approval on the part of his audience. During Pellaton'i recent crossing from England, by way of the Anchor Line, ha waa scheduled "to oblige" on tbe programme of th* usual concert. HI* selection of a popu- lar song, calculated to show off a base voice to the beat advantage, was not a nappy one. The programme bad been made out tbe day before the concert, and with no premonition of what tbe weather would be. By the time the entertainment was In foil progress the sea bad been stirred pretty well to its depths, a fact which was evidenced In all directions. The waves were bumping heavily and noisily against tbe ship, while she never for an Instant held at tbe centre of gravity. Neither did her uncomfortable passengers, who gave scant attention to tbe concert—until Pellaton began to alng. One can better Imagine than be told tbe dis- quieting effect of bis number, which proved to be "His Bones Lie Whitening at tbe Bottom of the Sea," the bare suggestion of which began to whiten the faces of those present, who were anything bnt happy In listening to the pounding of tbe engulfing waves against tbe ihip aides. Pellaton him- self did not like tbe association of tbe song, which vocally dove to the lower parts of tbe scale, any better than did his audience. Bo, when at the end of tbe first verse ha noted the elect of it upon bis bearers, be quickly cuiicluded his number, and there waa no regret expressed by those attending the con- cert. This was tbe time to which Pratt re- ferred, when tbe basso failed to get single hand. * Few care to see a play more than once, except where there is a personal Interest In ona or more of the players; and even then, those deeply devoted cannot stand too many repetitions. It remains tor the food, proud mother to furnish the illustration that tbe limit of devotion in this regard can never be reached by her. Covering a period of many years, Mrs. Hackett, the mother of James K. Hackett, never failed to be present'at every perform- ance given by her well loved sou. And now another example of tbe aame sort is cited. Mrs. Stone, the mother of Fred Stone, tbe comedian, never misses a performance of "The Bed Mill," tbe merry musical comedy which Charles Dillingham has been running for two extraordinarily aucceasful seasons. Stone says be would stand by tbe verdict of bis mother rather than by that of any profes- sional critic who ever judged a play. 9 Managers to be great in their calling have not only to possess good business abili- ty, but mucb tact and adroitness in handling the temperamental people playing for him. Charles Dillingham Is one who baa this faculty well developed. A can In point re- cently occurred where be bad to smooth over a situation that was a bit embarrassing. Two clever members of "Tbe Red Mill" company— Paula Desmond and Constance Eastman— strongly resemble each other. Though this physical fact could not be changed, Miss Des- mond strenuously objected to it, as Miss Eastman frequently received recognition that seemed to be her own right Besides, friends and acquaintances often mistook one for the other, therefore Miss Desmond besought Mr. Dillingham to make some arrangement where- by this atate of things should change. She, moreover, suggested that the manager kindly convey the knowledge to Miss Eastman that this resemblance waa causing much painful annoyance, and that the other must Just stop looking like her. The tactful Mr. Dillingham did not quite like to be tbe medium of this demand, so after an Instant of thought be announced his decision to settle all difficulties by trans- ferring Miss Desmond to Elsie Janla' com- pany, now playing "The Hoyden," at Wal- lace's, and retaining Miss Eastman in "The Bed Mill." And that's tbe answer to the many queries why Miss Desmond did not go on to Boston with the raft of the company. , Bobert Brower, one of the efficient Llebler cs Co, staff of road managers, recalls an amusing Incident of those times when tbe advance aales of coming attractions were usually held In the town drug store. Tbe prevailing form of theatre diagram waa a large) board, arranged with holes represent- ing the seats. These perforation!! were to be filled by large brass-beaded tacks, to record the situation and number of seats sold and reserved. At leaat, this was tbe usual procedure whereby tally was kept. A certain manager bad been playing a lot of one night stands to very Indifferent busi- ness, consequently waa somewhat behind in the settlement of salaries and printing bills. Beaching one of these towns, and going to tbe local drug store to Investigate the dia- gram therein Installed, he was overjoyed to see It thickly and almoat completely studded with brass tacks, which Indicated to him an immense advance Bale. Bushing from the place In great glee, be went to tbe express office and remitted to hla printer a fair sum Of money on account. Later, when tbe house was counted up, the gross amounted to (88X0. "Whyl" exclaimed the crestfallen mana- ger, "how Is this? When I looked at tbe ad- vance sale, nearly all tbe seats were taken." "No, they weren't," said tbe polished drug clerk, who also acted aa ticket seller. "But the diagram recorded a big sale," said ths manager. . "It didn't," declared tbe clerk, "for there were only a few empty boles when you dropped In. I know where you made your mistake. You see, when we sell seats here, we pull the tacks." • . . For a white man, with the moat decided blond hair to create the Illusion of a black man with woolly pate, la somewhat of a test. It la almost accomplished, however, by a clever vsudevlllian named Greene, of tbe teem Greene and Werner, playing Ibis week at tbe New York Theatre. There are many excellent coon song Interpreters, but It Is reserved for Greene to get bold of absolutely all tbe peculiar Intonations, tbe facial ex- pressions, snd the almost impossible month- Inge characteristic of the black man when fully possessed with the song spirit ♦ As remarked by Jack Campbell, managing "The Minister's Son" company for Macauley ft Fatton, "expert testimony may be valu- able from a scientific standpoint but there are often cheaper ways of establishing a cer- tainty." Campbell relates an Instance Illus- trating bis statement While recently touring Pennsylvania, he waa standing in a drug store where hla ad- vance aale bad been held. An Irish laborer entered the place, and, drawing a small paper bag from his pocket, he poured from' it upon tbe counter a number of very sticky and unattractive-looking loxenges. "Bore, an' I want this candy examined," be said, "It looks quaro to me, it does." "What's the matter with it?" asked tbe druggist "Plzon, I'm tblakln'," was the reply. "Dlnnls Blley glv 'em to my Patsy, an' Dlonls is no frlnd o" mine." "Well, 1 can make an analysis," said the druggist. "All right," said the man, "I'll come In to-morrow, goln' home from worrak." Bis band was on the door-latch when be turned and said, "by the by, how mnch will that 'nal'sts cost?" "Five dollars," was tbe answer, at which tbe Irishman quickly returned to the counter and awept the lozenges back Into the paper bsg, which be replaced In his coat pocket at tbe aame time saying: "Ye needn't molnd that 'nal'sls, I'll be feedin' wan of 'em to the cat!" w>» News from the Brady A Griamer Enterprises. Tbe Hop wood and Pollock play, "Clothes," although put aside by Grace George, will go on tour tbe coming Spring. Brady ft Qrlsmer will produce "The In- truder,' by Thompson Bucbanan. London may see " 'Way Down East" before the close of the new year. Shrewd English managers believe that its distinctively Ameri- can types may find quick appreciation, and these managers also believe that "Shore Acres" would have succeeded over there but for the attempt to Anglicize It. " 'Way Down Bait" will not be changed from its American form. Douglas Falrbank, who la appearing In "The Baa of the Hour," at the Savoy The- atre, will be starred next season In a sew comedy by George Broadhurst. Phoebe Davles, who baa toured in " 'Way Down Bast" for eleven years, is to have s new play next season. After Frank Worthing's engagement in sup- port of Grace George for her return engage- ment In London next Fall is completed, he will be presented by Wm. A. Brady as tbe star of a new play, possibly a dramatiza- tion of "A Fighting Chance." "The Man of the Hour" has played three engagements In Rockford, III., since Sept. 1. T 'The New Mayor," a story based upon "Tbe Man of tbe Hour." Is to be published In book form by Brady ft Grlsmer. Clyde Fitch has been commissioned to write a new comedy for Grace George. Wm. A. Brady baa approved tbe scenario of a new play. In which he will star Louis Mann. It will be the joint work of Louis Llpsky and Herman Bernstein, and Mr. Mann will appear In a serious role. ♦ »» New Quarters for Actors' Society. The Actors' Society of America met on Dec. 10 In the recently acquired building of tbe organisation at 188 West Forty-fifth Street. New York City. It waa the first monthly meeting In the society's new home. Officers are: Ralph Delmore, president; Frank Burbeck, vice-president; Mark Ells- worth, secretary; Malda Cralgen, treasurer. H. Nelson Money Is assistant secretary In charge. The society's present building, purchased for f46,000, has been remodeled and an ad- dition built in the rear. In tbe rear Is tbe library, containing a large collection of rare and Interesting books. Tbe front of the second floor is occupied by the American Dramatists' Club, which moved with tbe Actors' Society from the old building In Fortieth Street. A large room In the rear has been fitted up as a clubroom for, tbe women. ♦ »» , Aborn Opera Co. for Brooklyn. Milton and Sargent Aborn have made ar- rangements to transfer the company which has been producing operas at Bfaney's Lin- coln Bquare Theatre, this city, to tbe Grand Opera House, Brooklyn, opening there Dec. 23. with "Robin Hood.'' For this, the clos- ing week at the Lincoln Square, "The Chimes of Normandy" Is being given, with Milton Aborn, the veteran light opera comedian, as Gaspard. a ■» Julia Marlowe's Season Opens Next Week. Julia Marlowe will open her road engage- ment In Philadelphia, on Dec. 28, In "Gloria." Among the players whom the Shuberts have engaged for her support are Alice Harring- ton. Eugenie Woodward, Gwendolyn Piers, Frederick Lewis, White Whittlesey, Charlei C. Qulnn, David B. Young, John C. Dixon, Myron Calico and T. L. Coleman «»» Henry Prey's Starring Season. Henry Frey, Hebrew comedian, with "Edna, the Pretty Typewriter" Co., has signed a three year contract with Al. H. Woods, to be starred in a olay being written for htm for the season of 1008-09. Last season ha was vlth "The Secrets of the Police" Co. BAY BAILEY. Our front cover psge this week contains a very good picture of tbe well known come- dienne, Bay Bailey. Miss Bailey Is now a member of the popular team, Gcnaro and Bailey. She had become quite prominent, working singly In vaudeville, until a few years ago, when she Joined Mr. Genaro In a singing, dancing and comedy sketch, which has rapidly brought their act to the very front of the vaudeville ranks. They are very shortly to be starred by Al. H. woods. In a play, entitled 'Tony, the Bootblack, which is also the title of their present vaude- ville sketch. Klaw * ErlanaTer la. Hew War as Ticket Speculation, Klsw ft Erlanger, managers of the^New Amsterdam Theatre, where "The Merry Widow Is running, have beguii patttogtato effect a new scheme for selling tickets which they hope will do away with sidewalk specu- The'stregoers who buy tickets at the New Amsterdam for Jan. 20 and later dates, will receive their tickets In a thick sealed en- relopf on which Is printed the following: "This envelope contains a license for the purchaser to admission and seata for The Merry Widow,' bnt the license will be revoked Over WOO Realised in Testlrn, „•„ nt the Broadway. ul FBBD B. HAVILAND. F. B. Havllsnd is the president of tbe publishing company bearing his name, one of the most successful of music houses. His advent in the publishing business dates back to 1887, when he started as a clerk for C. H. Dltson ft Co. After several years he started on his own account In conjunction with P. J. Howley. Tbe firm was later augmented by the late Paul Dresser, and Howley, Havlland ft Dresser became one of the most pow- erful factors In their line, having many successes tp their credit In 1808 Mr. Havl- land withdrew from the firm to establish his present firm, and since then has been suc- cessful In having many of tbe popular hits. Mr. Havlland Is essentially a business man, with the advantage of knowing the methods necessiry to get the best results In placing the productions or his staff of writers, among whom are Theodore Morse and Ed. Madden. by tbe management It this envelope Is opened by anyone except tbe ticket-taker at the New Amsterdam Theatre." When the purchaser has selected his seats the ticket seller Immediately seals ths cou- pons by passing a metal snap through ticket and envelope, this snap then being sealed with wax. »«» Robert T. Haines In New Amusement Co. Robert T. Haines Intends to enter the man- agerial branch of the theatrical business. The Robert T. Haines Amusement Co. was incorporated at Albany, N. Y., on Dec. 6, and Its object la to produce new plays. Western capitalists are backing the enterprise. Tbe first theatre of a number which the firm ex poets to control will be in Chicago. Mrs. Genevieve G. Haines la taking an active In- terest In ber husband's enterprise. She goes to Chicago to attend to business for tbe new company. Mr. Haines will not leave the stare. He Is under contract to David Belasco until the end of this season. e x » MAX FAETKENHEUER. Max Faetkenheuer, manager of the Cleve- land Hippodrome, tbe new {2.000,000 play- house to be opened Dec. 80, has been con- nected with Cleveland theatres about fifteen years. After touring America as a cornet soloist with various Dands, ie accepted the directorship of the Lyceum Theatre orches- tra. Then he contracted to furnish the music at practically all the Cleveland theatres, and in Summer for tbe amusement parka He went to the Empire Theatre when the new house waa built, and while directing the or- chestra there, devoted mucb time to composi- tion, writing the opera, "Amelia Moran," which had its premiere In Cleveland. Later he built the Euclid Avenue Garden Theatre, which be has successfully managed since that time. About four years ago he conceived the Idea of a gigantic playhouse for Cleveland, organised a stock company and has assumed complete charge of the enterprise from Its In- ception. Tbe Hippodrome will play circus and various Independent attractions, with vaudeville booked by William Morris. The prices are 26, BO and 75 cents. Tbe seating capacity of the new house Is 4,600. Burlesque "The Witching Boar." Jefferson De Angells and Blanche Ring are preparing a burlesque on the latest Thomas '"7, "The "Folly of the Clrens" Produced. Frederic Thompson presented "Polly of tbe Circus," by Margaret Mayo, for the first time on any stage, In the National Theatre, Wash- ington. D. C, on Tuesday, Dec. 10, and It made a decided success. The story tells of the wrath of his congre- gation for the Rev. John Douglas, who cares tor roily, when she Is Injured, longer than they believe Is proper. Polly escapes back to the circus when she overhears the minister's predicament, and they are reunited at the end. Mr. Thompson has Introduced a realistic representation of a circus In the second scene of the third act. Mabel Taliaferro (Mrs. Thompson) played the title role. «i i Carlotta Nlllson to Present New Play. Walter N. Lawrence will present Carlotta Nlllson In a new play before the end of the present season. Her arrangements with Mr. Lawrence call for her appearance la a new production before next season, and her great success, "The Three of Us," in which she Is still winning laurels, Is now in its last sea- son as ber starring vehicle. ♦ »» Virginia Harncd'a Tour Closes Temporarily. Last Tbnrsdsy afternoon, Dec. 12 , ,i Broadway Theatre, New York, a bin .)£ monlal was tendered by the Women ■ * stage to Mrs. McEee ftankln (Kittle i i.»* chard). *°- Those who organized tbe beritAt a- -.. rled It through to great success Were : i S ScherT. Elsie Jams, Madame Ntsimov a? 1 Dwyer, Grace FHkina, Amelia Bil -,.3* Annls B. Russell, Phoebe Davie* 1-jS Kobson. Harriet Ford, Ida Confluent iSJ! thy Donnelly. Maxine Elliott Erne bV »■ Mary Mannering, Selena"JohnsonTEIs" 1CD ' •and 1* AhIh rir.nnn* 17,500. The money taken In at'the*' and 'Louise Cloeser. ■ ""■ '»« Mrs. Rankin will receive approxl n, latre during tie performance, Including the i»^» programmes, flowers and candy, in, nt« to aW $3,400, and ihe rest came fro O o? side donations. um Augustus Thomas opened the aften. „nk. speaking of Mrs. Rankin's long «"' « K the stage. Then followed Lew Fields n fhS waiter scene from "The Girl Behl .1 SI Counter;" Boae Stahl and her comi, -i* i« the second act of "The Chorus Lady v {««. by May Irwin: Mme. Nailmova In an etS "A Dolla House:" Elsie Janls, the xalfc. episode from "The Merry Widow" wttk Ethel Jackson and Donald Brian- tV tiffi scene from "Tbe Merchant of Venice" wit* Ermete Novell! as Shylock (In Italian' \\Z la Allen as Portia. Cecilia Loftus as N> -isoT Edmund Breese as Duke of Venice, jobn E.' Kellerd as Antonio. Edwin Arden k Gra tlano, Forrest Robinson as Bassanlo Phae Lane as Salnnio and Frank H. We-icrton as Salarlno; Anally. Victor Moore, ablated by the chorus of *'Tho Talk of New- York!" B»_Oaa .Jfr/3asjMi .SaaWttiaf the orchestra. Marshall Wilder filled up a wait. ♦ »» Conrled's Resignation Reported aa Probable. Rumors of Helnrich Conrled's reslcnatioB from the Metropolitan Opera Hous» aeain bobbed up last week, and It was stated on good authority that friction between Holnrich Conrled and the board of directors of thi Metropolitan Opera Co. has reached a crisis 4 ■» Fuller Hellish In Mrs. Flskc'a Support Harrison Grey Ftske has engaged Fuller Melllsh to play the role of the rector in Mrs Flake's forthcoming production of "Roaner- holm." ♦ «» Frederic Melville's Enterprises, In a recent Interview with this enterpris- ing manager and globe-trotter, be outlined some of his plans, which will cover quite 1 large territory. Mr. Melville said: "The managers of four big acts have signed agree- ments to give me the sole rights to book those acts In England and Australia. I shall return to America, after remaining la England one week, to open in Boston with Motogirl. "John C. Rice and Sally Cohen have signed agreements, giving me the sole rights to book their act' In England and Australia. Their new offering, 'A Bachelor's Wife,' Is a big hit In this country, and will be also 1 success across the pond. "Shekla, tbe East Indian necromancer, bu completed eight months of contracts under my management, and will close bis success- ful tour In Indianapolis, leaving directly after the show for New York City, whence he sails on Dec. 16 for London. From thence Shekla goes to Indln, returning next April to Eng- land, when he.will, be presented In a more elaborate act, with appropriate Oriental set- ting. He will remain under my management I sail on the same steamer with him." e x » The M. and M. Circuits Combined. F. C McCarthy bta made the announce- ment that the McCarthy circuit and the Har- goff and Morganstern circuits have combined. A charter was granted to them, under the laws of Pennsylvania, on Nov. 5, and on Nov. IS they opened up for business, under the name of the M. 4 M circuit »■ a Peter F. Dalley Returns to Weber's. Peter F. Dalley, for years prominent In the old Weber & Field's burlesques, Is to retort to tbe scene of bis old triumphs. Mr. Dailey has been engaged by Mr. Weber for one of the leading roles In the forthcoming burlesque of "The Merry Widow." a.»» Lonls Ravelle Returns to America. Louts Ravelle has returned from a tour of Brazil and other South American countries, He brought back -with him Ernst and Mela, and In conjunction with Joe Gnro he will form a quartette for vaudeville. «■» Gateedo's Aeelde--.. Juan A Calcedo Is suffering from the ef- fects of a slight accident which he sustained while performing at St Louis, on Dec 6. He expects to resume work on Dec. 28. ■e»e» Laura Davis was a Cuppxb caller Dec. 11. Miss Davis stated that jhe joined Vance A Sulllvan'a "Great Wall Btreet Mystery" Co. In September, and was compelled to leave the company Nov. 10, on account of Illness. In order to dispel a false report concerning tbe cause of her Illness, Miss Davis handed ui the certificate of her physician, of which the following Ib a copy: -'This Is to certify that I attended Miss Laura Davis at the Empire Theatre, Holyoke, Mass., basement dressing room, for acute nervous exhaustion, which was almost a collapse, requiring active heart stimulants and tonic treatment This ap- peared to be a sequel to an attack of pul- monary congestion which preceded my at- tendance by ten days, and from which Bhe was still suffering. The date of my attend- ance was Nov. 19 and 20, 1007. Signed, Frank Holyoke, M. D.' Leo. F. Habbison will dose a twenty weeke' engagement with the "As Told In the Hills" Co. 7, Eastern) Dec. 22. He reports The Virginia Harned Co., playing In "Ansa having met with great success as Nsp J»hn- Karealna,' T closed on Saturday, Dec 7. Ae> 80n ' the blackface comedy part, and will Intra W tchlng Hour," and It will be Introduced In "Tbe Gay White Way," at the Casino. #»♦ Madame Nailnova'i New Play. At the end of the present month Alia Natl- mova will produce » new play, entitled "The Comet — q_ , mv™. v.. Mavw&un/, lyei.. 1, ac- cording to a statement made by Lee Shubert, Miss Hamed and ber company will rest until after Christmas. The company will resume Its tour on Jan. 1, and will play through the remainder of the Winter and Spring. Manager H. B. Harris at Uts Work. Henry B. Harris, who underwent a surgical operation on Nov. 27, and who has been con- fined to his home since that time, Is entirely recovered and Is again at the helm at his offices In tbe Hudson Theatre. aj «» Stevenson to Join Amelia Bingham, w Charles Stevenson, former leading man for Mrs. Leslie Carter, will Join Amelia Bingham on Jan. 11, in "A Modern Lady Godlve." Mr. Stevenson will replace W. L. Abingdon in the leading male role. e n Mra. Carter to Par Reeelver. Eira P. Prentiss, of New York, receiver for Mrs. Leslie Carter, haa made an arranee- ment with her whereby a part of the receipts from "Du Barry" will be paid over dallj to the receiver. *«♦ Thomas Hayden'a Benefit. The benefit for Thomas Hayden, originally scheduled for Dec 8, has been ^stnoned to Thursday afternoon, Dec. 19, at the Mok- tauk Theatre, Brooklyn, M. t. Shortly be seen In vaudeville with his new and original Hebrew comedy act, "Lavlnakr, the Second Hand Man." Mr. Harrison re- turns to his home at Algonac, Mich., for a rest „ Kduabd Waijjmajoj is playing "Dr. Je*J>' and Mr. Hyde" and "David Gorrlck" °ii tie road. He opened !n the latter play at Hunt- ington, N. Y., with the following cast. Ednard Waldmann, Frank Yaung, CMS. Moulton, Harry Colmer, Fred Brennlng. 01 J> Camerson, Harry Maraton, John Plerson Mil- dred Hall, Lucille Clover and Carolyn BspJJ Wm. G. Lomo writes: "I have jejaji Julius Calm's 'David Haram' company, PW- log tbe Juvenile. We have met with areas •nccess so far, and although not tu:niag them sway business has been good.. J, J!jK Brown is aa successful as ever In the >iu« role. We are plsylng one and three nlgw standi" Whitrli and Bctj, have been with uui Hill's "Happy Hooligan" company tbe past eleven weeks, and are meeting with _iu"'"» NOTICE. HALFTONE PICTURES la the •**♦ law wtaarea of THE CLIPPER win to Inserted ait these prloeai ■tsutla Oelnaaa......... «5 •>■ Doable Celaaan SUM"