The New York Clipper (February 1912)

II THE JSTEIW YORK CLIPPER. Febeuaby 17 AHIBERT ARIZONA. In this artist, -whose Illustration appears on the preceding page, we form the acquain- tance of one of the best stage producers of, the present day. Arlbert Arizona la n en- tire of Germany end baa had a career of activity and varied experience in all branches ut art. Bom In 1872, he first appeared on the stage when only all years of age, and since then he has devoted his entire time to lie development of hla profession. After years of wandering as vaudeville artist, he, in the late eighties, on advice of the well-known Austrian actor, Frledrlcb Hlttcrwurzer, under whose artistic. Instruc- tion ho was greatly benefited, turned to the dramatic stage, and as lending man and juvenile, gained great success, especially In Shakespearean characters, such as Romeo, Hamlet, etc., which, portrayed in masterly manner, were his principal roles, lie also appeared with Joseph Kalnz, and uadouibt- edly his experience with this groat producer had great Influence In tlio artistic develop; merit of Arizona. Arizona Is an artist in the full sense of the word. In addition to his remarkable quali- ties as stage organizer, he is capable himself of producing an entire vaudeville program. He is not only a brilliant, resourceful Illu- sionists, but Is also well versed lnjuggllng and lightning crayon work, and Is an Impersona- tor and clay modeler. He plays a large num- ber of various musical Instruments, can com- pose, writes his own lyrics and music, and originates all the designs for all the cos- tames for his productions, and paints bis own decorations. In all of these accom- plishments lie Is at the belt. To prove the extent of his ambition to excel In the art of Fainting ma; he stated the fact that ho was or several years a student at the Itoyal Academy of Berlin. The well known American manager, Richard Pltrot, during his last European trip, booked Arizona for an American tour extending over two years. Arizona's great illusion act em- braces a working personnel of twenty-five members, and the appurtenances carried rep- resent a weight of fifteen tons. Arizona will produce in America all of his wonderful nov- elties. lie Is also connected with several corpora- tions who have undertaken to produce his great productions under bis direction. One of tlic first of thcao to be staged will be the glcnntlc ballet, "Nero," with one hundred and lltt.v performers. <*■» following tlio was placed under the care of a Mrs. Colley, an expert vocal culturlst of Chicago. Later Wagner, another noted music teacher of the West, gave her further In- struction. Ths throat grew stronger under Miss Florede's own care, and soon the vo ce broadened Into exquisite depth and sweet in- tonation. Attout seven years ago J. J. Mur- doch: secured her for the Masonic Temple Hoof, In Chicago, and billed her as the "Lily of Melody." She then Joined the "Foxy Qulller" organization and remained with this company one season, to go with Rogers Brothers for two seasons, when she diverted Into vaudeville. Her first experience with a burlesque attraction was during the season of lOOli-JO, when sho signed as prima donna with Plxon's Big Bevlew company. The fol- lowing season she Joined the Columbia Bur- lesnuers and affixed her signature to a Jacobs & Jermon contract, which called for a large salary and which extends as far as the year 1913, ♦ »♦ NELLE FLOREDE. Nolle Kloredc, the capricious and winsome queen of the burlesque and vaudeville stage, was horn lu Morrison, 111., 1681. She first caught a taste of stage life when but nine years old. This happened In Portland, Ore., when Henry Ulxey was playing "Adonis." Nolle wns with her father at the time, and Dlxoy, being minus a page, necessary In the cast, Induced Papa Klorede to allow bis daughter to fill the vacancy. After a short travel with a repertoire company through the Southern States, she retired to a convent la 1'ortland In order to complete her educa- tion, and from there she went to Ch.cago where she schooled until the age of fifteen. At this period, through an Illness that last- ed six months, she iopt complete control of artlcnlntlon. Competent medical care, how- ever, restored this function, and It was only then when her parents discovered what an extraordinary good voire their daughter was endowed with. A local voice culturlst de- clared that with proper attention and nour- ishment, the little lady's singing accomplish- ments would eventually develop Into wonder- ful power and marvelous range. Six weeks HOWARD THURSTON I HOWARD THURSTON, America'* Leading: Magician. GROUP OF OLD TIMERS. Through the courtesy of Roger Imhoff we reproduce this photo of Tony Pastor's Traveling Co., taken In front of the Corinthian Theatre, Rochester, N. Y. The group includes Tony Pastor, Billy Henry, Musical Dale, Harry Llpunrt, Coulson Sisters, Rose and Fred Julian, Dolph Nichols, Mr. and Mrs. Donnolls, Geo. w. Rtcc, Charles Barton, Little Tlch, Harry La Rose, and other performers welt known In the old days of variety. GLADYS ST. JOHN, Gladys St. John, comedienne with Lew Watson's Cozy Comer Olrls, has made ffllt* an envious re, uta'lon In burlesque. Miss St. John baa been a feature burlesque attraction for a number of seasons, and Is one of the moat popular and talented p*rf»m*m. JOHN E, SHAW. John B. Shaw's professional career began April 17, 1000, with the B. O. Rogers Stock Company, In Phelps, N. Y. On Aug. IT, 1000, he Joined the Gormand-Ford Stock, serving six years in thi company, under the management of Harry Qormand, playing from Coast to Coast with great success. In lOOfl Mr. Shaw did tho advance work, and afterwards was assigned and appeared In many of the prominent roles, being a capable actor. Re Is also a competent stage mana- Ser, having also served In that capacity. tr. Shaw closed his six years' engagement in Montrose, Colo., and It at hit home la Wlntnrcp, N. Y. BREAKAWAY BARLOWS, Original sensational breakaway ladder, combined with skill, grace and comedy. JOB HARDMAN. Joe Bardman during the past year hat played repeated engagements over the Keith find the Proctor circuits; also the Loew circuit and the Taylor circuit of Pennsylvania. He Is now on the Kaufman circuit, and at the conclusion of which tour he will return to the Loew circuit PETBR S. CLARK, Manager of the Runaway Olrls, which show Is always giving satisfaction on the Eastern whesl, extendi to all hla friends, Including Tin New Yobk Clippbh, Mi compliments. BLANCHE PICKERT AND BRLAV WILCOX. Blanche Plckcrt Is the youngest daughter of Willis Plckcrt, mnnagor of tho Four Plckcrt Stock Co. Miss rickerf, besides ploying prln- rlpal parts, is a clever singer, dancer anu musician. Erlau Wilcox Is musical director of the Plckert Co., besides doing his musical specialty, which he has presented in vaude- ville the past sea ions.