The New York Clipper (January 1908)

1300 THE NEW YORK CLIPPER. January is. Mi$5 (lipper'5 Anecdotes, Personalities and Comments, coMcniuwo SP1GE FOLK and Sometimes OTHERS BY JOSEPHINE GBO. The Talk of Victor Moore makes "The Talk of New York" a very "big nolle." The George Cohan written "talk" of tore suc- cessful musical comedy, ob voiced and Illus- trated by Moore In bis "own Inimitable," will make It necessary to add an appendix to alt the slang dictionaries. It may be said of both exponents of choice vernacular now before the public, that Moore Is a masculine Bote Btahl, or that Miss Staht Is a feminine Victor Moore—It goes even, cither way. For both can sling slang In melodiously modulated voices, with tone ca- dences of a quality that soften and refine words which In the mouths of others would sound coarse. Moore could not have had much trouble to get Into tbe character of Kid Bums, for the qualities are his own—ingenuous good humor, sunny disposition, generosity and sympathy. This combination, makes tbe "Kid," with bis boyish smile, a very lovable character from front, where the> sympathy throughout the play Is witii him— all of which speaks loudly both for the author and the actor. Vuudevllllans all ought to be gratified at tbe success of a graduate from their num- ber, for Moore and hi) wife, Emma Little- field, "acted out" on the vaudeville stage for four years In one sketch—"Change Your Act or Go Hack to the Woods." This was a vaudeville vehicle that could add to or sub- tract from Its load at all times, and still be the same sketch. Previous to this experience Muore was principal comedian of the New York Ameri- can Theatre Co., during the time the Eighth Avenue and Forty-second Street house was devoted to stock. From the time of the comedian's "spear- carrying" days—he had two seasons of this work in Boston—aud all through bis road vxpcrleucos of several yean, Including the tour of "l<'orty-five Minutes from Broadway," he says her had always kept In mind bla be- loved father's inundate, "Stick to It, Vic, for you're bound to win." It Is one of Moore's anddeBt regrets that bis father did not live to the time of bis winning—his present po- sitlou in stardom. But ou the other hand it la a sincere Joy to him that his mother has seen and triumphed with him. Apropos of his Initial presentation as star, when Moore and Cohan, tho star and author of the play, in accordance with tbe vocif- erous demnnd from thono out In front, ap- peared before the curtain, tbelr glances were directed toward n stage box, occupied by uear relatives of each. As the two young men stood band In band upon Ibe stage, waiting for the long continued applause to die away, two fond, proud mothers clasped hands In the box, in mutual congratulation of their boys' success. With happy tears of emotion filling ber eyes, Mrs. Moore said to Mrs. Cohan: "Look at them I There's your boy—and there's my boy I" 9 The curtain of the third act Is always followed by several encores demanding a speech, In tbe one Moore delivered tho other night, at tho Knickerbocker, ho referred to his "super" days, recalling tbe time, some years ago, when he bad rehearsed for three weeks on that very stage -in an unimportant position relative to the upear-carrylng act. After arduous rehearsals and great expecta- tions, lie was kindly Informed by the man- ager that they would try aud do without ills valuable services. It was a bitter moment at tbe time, but, as Moore remarked In his speech, "It's all forgotten In the happiness of the present when 1 realize that I'm stand- ing here almost on the same BpoU appre- ciating nil thin generous applause, nnd know- ing that the big electric sign out front on Broadway boars my name. 9 Moore has, what In a woman would be termed luxuriant hair, which stands In heavy waves hlgk over bis forehead, but cut rather short at tbe Bides and back. This, however, was not his favorite cut during earlier ex- periences. At that time be used to let It grow as long ca be dared without fear of being pointed at on tbe street as a rival of Buffalo Bill or Texas Charlie, whose locks flowed over their shoulders. During these M-a-week days, he says, lie always remained In bis dressing room as long as possible, so as to be tbe last out at the stage door, where he could linvo (he spot-light of the street to himself, for then It was his ambition to be conspicuously pointed >it by those who "hung out" at the renr of the theatre. It was honey to his lips and joy to his bouI end music to his car to hear one bystander whisper to another: "Look) there goes an actor 1' 9 The pride which his family has, nnd al- ways had, In bis stage work, was amusingly Illustrated a long time ago, when he was doing "extra" work at a Boston theatre. A member of his family attended a mati- nee with a companion. During the progrcas of a march of spear-carrying soldiers, of whom he wns one at about the middle of the line—ho had not even the small distinction of Impersonating either end of the line—the friend snld: "Where's Vic? I don't mw him." "You don't! Why, Iio'b that young soldier there, carrying; n spear," exclaimed his fond relative, all unconscious that to others he was only an Insignificant one among a score, but, at all events, to her bo was the only oue there, 9 Moore relates a laughable mistake which he made before he became familiar with the terms used back of tbe curtain. There had been several rehearsals of a. play In which be had an Inconspicuous part of an Infirm old man. There had been no scenery set for rehearsals, so at tbe first performance, on observing the elevation at tbe back of tbe stage where he was to make hi* tottering entrance, he felt uncertain. Going up to the stage manager to Inquire and make sure about tbe location of the spot wbere be was to enter, the manager pointed up stage and cald: "You go up tbere and come down on the run." Though young Moore kuew he had re- hearsed his entrance as a shaking, decrepit old man, who hadn't such a thing In bis old leg-mnscles as a run, nevertheless, he 'im- plicitly followed Instructions of tbe manager nnd carr.e down Ibe Incline on a ludicrously lively run. Ills literal obedience to tbe command spoiled tbe scene and broke up tbe rest of the players and most of the audience, de- laying progress of tbe play till laughter had subsided. And, of course, the misguided young actor came la for an angry reprimand from the manager, though be laughed as heartily ns the others when It was explained to him what a stage run meant. 9 A story, apropot of tho present popular form of entertainment—moving pictures—Is told of Whit Cunllffc, the English singing comedian, now In bis repeal-week at the New York Theatre. During a Scotch tour, previous to bis big ruccess at the London Tlvoll, a few years ago, Cunllffe was an Important part of a com- bination which also had a cinematograph display on the programme. Owing to a mis- take In rolling up the most popular film, "The Diamond Jubilee Procession of Queen Victoria," the soldiers and others were rep- resented on tbe screen as entering upon the scene backwards—sn unfortunate accident, which was not at once discovered. The man who usually described the pictures was suf- fering from hoarseness, so Cunllffe was called upon to take his place. Upon finding, by certain signs on tbe part of tbe audience, that something was going wrong, he quickly ascertained the cause, and, equal to the occa- sion, he described the remaining two or three pictures as best be could. The last being the queen In her carriage, a scene of Immense dignity and Import to all loyal and adoring subjects, the young comedian, in a loud, but solemn voice, continued: "And here we have Her Majesty tbe Queen, upside down and backwards I" ' 4 l» Two Additional Companies for "Miss Hook of Holland." Charles Frohman. has arranged that. In addition to the company now playing "Miss Hook of Holland" at tbe Criterion Theatre, he will produce the piny with an entirely new company at the Illinois Theatre, Chi- cago, for a Bummer run, and another com- pany for an engagement through tbe Spring nnd Summer at the Colonial Theatre, Bos- ton. Both of these special organizations will be made up of players from England and from America. Paul Ilubens, the author and composer of "Miss Hook of Holland," 1b at work on a new musical play, which Is con- tracted for delivery to Mr. Frohman In Sep- tember. Mr. Frohman bos secured the rights to Mr. Ruben's new work for both America and England. ♦ «» De Vrles Loses to M. II. Lenvitt. Henri De Vrles, tbe quick change actor, must pay Abraham Lenvitt, as assignee of Michael B. Lravltt, theatrical manager, $1,585 for breach of contract, according to a decision banded down lost week in Justice Truax's part of the Supreme Court. M. B. I.cavlit brought De Vrles to this country under sn agreement. At Madison Square Theatre "A Case of Arson" was played by De Vrles, and was a financial failure, 'then an agreement wus entered Into by which De Vrles agreed to pay Lenvitt a com- mission of $200 per week, for seventeen weeks, nt a salary of $1,000 per week. For ten weeks he pnid the commission, then re- fused to fill the rest of the engagement ♦ « » Theatrical Nanagcn' Election. At a meeting of the Association of Theatre Mnnngers held Jan. 0, the following officers were elected: president, Charles Burnham ; vlec-prcsldent, II. II. Harris; second vice- president, AM. Hay man: secretary, Leo C. Teller: treasurer, Frank McKee. The fourth annual banquet will be held Thursday, Jan. 23, nt the Hotel Knickerbocker. The guests will be Augustus Thomas, Charles L. Guy, Justice Cram, Senator Gradv, Senator Saie, 13. A. Lauterbach, Civil Service Commissioner O'KecfTc, President McGowan, of the alder- men; District Attorney Moran, of Boston; Senator McCarren and Rex Beach. ♦ « > Ethel Barrymore's May Extended. Onirics Frohman has effected n change In the plans of Ethel Barry-more that will result in canceling much of her road tour. Miss Barrymore will remain nt the Hudson Theatre in "Her Sister" until February, and then make n tour of only a few principal cities. She will sail for London on June 2. Mr. Frohman has arranged to postpone Miss Dnrrymorc's Shakespearean production until next September. «»» IIUHlan Actress for America In the Spring. Mnic. Vera Komlssargevsky, a Russian actress, Is to tunkc her first American ap- pearance nt the Liberty Theatre, New York City, on March 2, at the head of her own company, in "A Man's Life." She has a rep- ertory of plays by Ibsen, Hauptmann, Maeter- linck, Tolstoy, Gorky and other well known authors. Mmc. Komlssargevsky will appear In other cities besides New York. «it New Dillingham Theatre. Last week tbe Dillingham Theatre Co., of which Charles B. Dillingham Is the presi- dent, formally took title to tbe plot which In to be the site of the new theatre under the ehndow of the Times Building. The plot on which the new playhouse is to be built Is nt MUM Broadway, including No*. 203 to 217, In West Forty-sixth Street. Mr. Dilling- ham stated last week that the plans for the theatre bad not yet been completed. <»» Thomus W. Ross -in a New Forbes Piny. Thomas W. lions has been engaged to play the title role In a new American comedy, by James Forties, author of "Tbe Chorus Lady." The title of Mr. Forbes' new piece Is "The Traveling Salesman." It will be produced In Washington on March 1G, under the manage- ment of Henry B, Harris. Morris Enjoins Klaw A Erlsnger. The William Morris Amusement Co. filed n bill In equity In tbe Superior Court of Massachusetts on Jan. 0, against the United States Amusement Co., of New York (Klaw A Krlangcr), and obtained a temporary Injunc- tion restraining tbe defendant from forcing It to vacate tbe Nelson Theatre, In Spring- field, Mass., and tbe Franklin Square Thea- tre, In Worcester, Msss., on Jan. 13. The Injunction probably Insures the retention of the theatres at issue by Mr. Morris until tbe close of the season. « H > Sothent's New York Benson. "Lord Dundreary" will be the play with wblcb E. H. Bothern will open bis season of five weeks at the Lyric Theatre, New York- City, on Monday evening, Jan. 27. It will hold the stage for two weeks, except on Saturday night, when "Hamlet" will be pro- duced. Lawrence Irvlng's play, "The Fool Hath Said There Is No God," will have Its first New York presentation the third week. Other plays to be produced during the later week arc 'The Merchant of Venice" and "If I Were King." Paul Kester's version of "Don Quixote," a new production, will close tbt engagement. Wolhelm Wins His Salt. Erich Wolhelm, Marlnelll'a .London repre- sentative, has won suit against the man- agement of the HanBa Theatre, Hamburg, G fr. Mr Wolhelm wss ejected after pur- chasing tickets of admission. The German court decided that a bolder of a ticket has no right to be put out after the ticket is sold to blm. ♦*-*• Will M. Creasy to Star. Will M. Cressy will shortly appear as a legitimate star under the Shubert: manage- ment. He will be launched in a piece of his own creation, entitled 'The Village Lawyer Mr. cressy will be supported by Blanche Dayne. ♦ »» Steeplechase to Be Rebuilt. Steeplechase Park, at Coney Island, N. Y., is to be rebuilt on a big scale. Plans have been completed, some contracts let, and foun- dation work has begun for the building of a si eel and concrete combination amusement palace and pavilion of fun on the site of the old Steeplecbsse, covering many acres of ?round. The cost of the plant will exceed 1,000,000. ,r r Uv,--.-j, y ;-_..|: .'.-?■:■ / . " •■/■. ■ \. " " • ■ THE RVPPELTS. The Ruppelts, a famous duo of sensational equilibrists, who, since their importation from Europe, have been featured in bills on the best vaudeville circuits in this country, have a new feature to add to tbelr already famous act. Mile. Ruppelt has recently been under the direct tutelage of Prof. P. J. Ridge, who is proprietor of tbe Great Western Stage School and Western Dramatic Agency, 127 La Salle Street, Chicago, 111., and will Introduce an acrobatic dance that will surpass anything else In that line that has been offered to the public While dancing. Mile. Ruppelt will introduce twister somersaults, cartwheels, back handsprings, and many other difficult feats in her act GEORGE K. SPOOR Is one of the leading figures In the moving as a e of the leading figures In the moving picture world of Chicago. He Is well known manufacturer of the klnodrome, and although a young man, Is a pioneer in his field He Is generally an authority on matters pertaining to moving pictures, as president of the National Film Renting Co., chief director of George KT Spoor & Co., and asso- ciate owner of the Essanay Co., of Chicago. His novel ideas In advertising his goods has been a most profitable feature of his enterprises. Ethel Levey as Bernard's Lending; Woman. Ethel Levey was engaged last week as the prlnctpal supporting comedienne In Sam Ber- nard's new production. 4«» Vaudeville Company on 'World Tons, Plans were completed last week for a trip to Hawaii. Australia, New Zealand and India by an all slur vaudeville company, which will Include Mile. Dazle, Josephine Cohan, Fred Nlbln and Henry Lee. They hope to go on around the world. 4 «» New Opera Uoase at Forsyth, Go. The new Opera House at Forsyth, Ga., was opened Saturday, Jan. 4, by J. A Coburn's Minstrels, with matinee and night perform- ances. The house Beats 000, and all seats were sold out. 8. R. O. was In demand la spite of a severe rainstorm. 4 1 * B. F. Keith's Anniversary. B. F. Keith celebrated on Jan. 8 the twenty-fifth anniversary of tbe beginning of his career as a manager. The Keith A Proc- tor Theatres in New York City and the Keith Theatres throughout the country were spe- cially decorated In honor of tbe event. Viola Allen to Ploy Astor Theatre Next Week. The Ltebler Co. has arranged with Wagen" hals & Kemper for the appearance of Viola Allen at the Astor Theatre, New York City, Jan. 20, in Anthony P. Wharton's play, "Irene W'yeherly." She will be supported by Edwin Ardcn, John Qlendenning, Mrs. Sam Sothem, Nellie Thome, Mrs. Ben Webster and others. »»» Max Derol Konorah Closes American Tonr Shortly. Max Berol Konorah, president of tbe In- ternational ArtlBen Lodge, closes his Ameri- can tour at the end of February to take up his duties for the I. A. L., for which he re- ghgs » yearly salary, beginning April 1, l(fO(vt " notice . HALFTONE PICTURES la the read- Ins; pases of TUB CLIPPER will be Inserted at these prloeai Sin B lr Column it!.00 Double Column 910.00 Southern Advanced Vaudeville Association Organised. At a meeting held at the Hlllman tim.i Birmingham, Ala.. Dec. 81 and Jan i L' response to a call of F. W. Bandy VtH Superba Theatre. Savannah, Qa., the sWik era Advanced Vaudeville Association «,. organised. The following officers -vnl elected : F. W. Bandy, president, 8av«: ^ h Ga.; G. A. Vacovlch. vice-president l\ ,„' cola, Fla.; P. R. Whiting, secretary ami -eUi urer, Montgomery, Ala. ' "" The following theatres were repress >.• ad- Theatorlum, Memphis, Tenn.; Crystal \ -a,' vllle; Crystal, Knoxvllle, Tenn.; Wondri'-'.ni' Vlcksburg, Miss. ; Theatre Palais. Merlin™' Miss.; Casino. Mobile, Ala.; Star Tu-'r r .' Pensacola, Fla.; Tbeato, Montgomery ',•.,.' Alamo, Birmingham, Ala.: Wonderland' cni lumbus, Ga.; Lyric Theatre, Macon, '<; a . Superba, Savannah, Oa.; Superba, Augusts' Ga.; Theatorlum. Charleston, 8. C., nukiul a total of fourteen theatres members nt the association. In addition to the above, a number of tie. atres In adjoining cities have expre«se<| a desire to become members of the association as soon ss same wbb organized, which should give this circuit from fifteen to twenty.flt-« weeks in s very short time. P. It Whiting, of Montgomery, nnd Sir Wassman, of Nashville, were appointed a committee of two to visit Chicago and make arrangements for the booking of the acts re- quired for these theatres, which Include the best ten rent continuous vaudeville the.-. tree In the South. P. R. Whiting, at Montgomery Ala., Is secretary. ' ♦ «» Globe Amusement Co. Adds to Its Circuit. The Globe Amusement Co., Kansas t'lty Mo., haB added two more bouses to the (Jlobe circuit—the Electric Theatre, Kansas City Kan., and Music Hall, Independence, y.o' The Music Hall bad Its opening Saturday Jan. 4. The Electric plays three acts a week and the Music Hall will play five. On Jan. 10 this company will open six new houses, making twelve bouses all told. The holidays didn't hurt the business at any of our houses; If anything, It has been the best two weeks so far this season. « » » Bert Cooper Wins Snlt. On Jan. 9 a verdict for $1,250 wts ren- dered in the City Court, of New York, ogatcst Vesta Victoria, and In favor of Bert Cooper. The .verdict to for Cooper's full claim of five per cent, on all salary Miss Victoria gets over $1,500 a week during ber American engage- ment She is now getting $2,500 a week. » »» OREGON. Portland.—At the Heiilg (W. T. Psngle, manager) James T. Powers nad a fine opej- lng bouse Jan. 6, to witness "The Blue Moon." The Stanford Glee and MtnJolla Clfibs had a very good house Dec 30. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" did very good business afiet- noon and evening of Jen. 1. "Woodland" did very nice business 2-4. ICubellk, evening of 0, afternoon of 11, direction of Lois Steeis- Wynn Coman. 'The Man of the Hour" week of 12, followed by "Tbe Gingerbread Man." Marqiiaji Grand (S. Morton Cohn. mana- ger).—The Passion PIsy pictures drew a good opening audience 5. "Arizona" did good Business week of Dec. -0. Florence lcobcits Jan. 8-11, 'The Ten Thousand Dollar Iteautv" week of 12. "The Devil's Auction" 19, " 'Way Down East' 26. Baker (Geo. L. Baker, manager).—The Baker Theatre Co. had two capacity houses 5, when "Soldiers of Fortune" was presented. The company did fine business week of Dec 29, In "The Crisis." "The Other Girl" week of 12. Eupire (Milton W. Seaman, manager).— "At the Old Cross Roads" had two capaclti houses Jan. 5. "Are You Crazy?" did good business week of Dec. 29. "Big Hearted Jim" comes Jan. ID, 'A Desperate Chance" 26. Lyric" (Keating A Murphy, managers).— The Allen Stock Co., week of 5, la "The Transgressor." . 8tab (J. H. Errickson, manager).—The R. E. French Stock Co., week of 5, In "A Child of the Slums." Gbano (J. H. Errickson, manager).—Bill for 6 and week: The Four Onettl Sisters, Preston Kendall, Jacklln and Lang, Jack tnd Bertha Rich, Gracey and Burnette, De Van Bros, and dogs, and Twentieth Century mo- tion pictures, and Joe Thompson. Pantaues' (J. A. Johnson, msniger).— Rill for B and week: Coccia and Amato, the Vclde Trio, Tim Cronln, Bert Page, Phyllis Allen, Fred Bauer, and the blograph. Fritz's (Joe J. West, manager).—Bill for 5 and week Includes: Rooney and Forrester, Keed and Heed, Jones and Kolvelle. Vir- ginia Vernon. Birdie Dlllard, Lillian South- wick, Malan and Howard, Fred Dony, Lotta Goldman, Mae Vernon, Maggie Coleman, Dan Hart, Jack Woods, Martello, Bobby Pulllani, Tony La nose, Alberta iUdley and Menlo. « i > WISCONSIN. Milwaukee. — At the Alhombra, 'The Vanderbllt Cup" played to big business last week. Genevieve Victoria and Dave Andrada shared first honors Manager James A Hit- ler offers Chas. E. Grnpewin, In "The Awaken- ing of Mr. I'lpp," week of Jan. 12, and 'The ltoynl Cher* week of 19. Bijou (John R, Pierce, manager).— "Texas," a corking good show, delighted the patrons last week. Lottie Williams, in "My Tomboy Girl," 12-18. FIske O'Hara, In "Dion O'Daro," week of 10. Pabst (Leon Wachsner, manager).—"Eln Gemachter Mnnn" was presented to capacity 5. this being a benefit performance to Lizzie Korster, the popular soubrette of the German Stock Co. "Untreu" pleased 8. Davidson (Sherman Brown, manager).— Mary Shaw, In "Condlda" and "Ghosts," 5-8, gave the Davidson patrons a real treat. Thalia Yiddish Stock Co. pleased 10, 11. Guy Standing and Tbeo. Roberts, In "Tbe Bight of Way," 12-15; Maude Fealy 16-18. Gatett (S. R Simon, manager).—Another good show, billed as tbe Dainty Duchess, made good last week. Scrlbner's Big Show 12-18, New York Stars 19 and week. Stab (F. B. Trottman, manager).—rat White and his Gaiety Girls, one ol the best attractions of the season, played to good houses last week. Brigadiers 12-18, Star Show Girls 19 and week. Shubert (Edw. Thanhouser, manager).— This theatre closed, Jan. 11, as a vaudeville house. It Is reported that It will be opened shortly with a stock company. _ Crystal (F. B. Winter, manager).—Bill for week of 13: Chas. Brown, Lulcl Morn- blnl, Courthope and Forester, Jeanette Hsrrcr and Crystalgraph. Empibz (H. Trlnz, manager). — BUI for week df 12: Henderson's School Boys and Girls. Win. F. Gill and company, Blllle Jack- son, Marvelous Mills, and Florence Prince. Pabk.— La Valle White and Fuller com- pany. Note— Walter Damrosch's Orchestra drew two well filled houses on Jan. 0. « »» FLORIDA. Jacksonville.—At the Dixie (Hal. Mor- dnunt, manager) Colonial Opera Co., 1|> "Martha." week of Jan. 6. "Three Black Cloaks" 13 and week. "Fra Dlavolo" pleased good business Dec. 30 and week. Kudara s Japanese Troupe delighted good business. Duval (Jas. D. Bnrbrldge, manager)-— "The Prince of PlUen" 7, "The Power Thnt Governa" 8, "Three of TIs" 11, moving pic- tures 12. _ Fla. Ostrich Farm (Chas. D. Frascr. manager).—Prince Yonturkey, high wire. Prof. Lola .and Mllle Theresa, balloon act. Qulucy* high dive, Corrado's Italian Band, riding and driving ostriches.