San Francisco dramatic review (1899)

6 THE SAN FRANCISCO DRAMATIC REVIEW June 6, 1908. Correspondence New York, May 31. — Richard Carle made his first Broadway appearance of the season last Monday night at the New York Theatre, presenting his latest musical comedy, Mary's Lamb, taken from the French farce, Mine. Mongodin. but with its American setting. The scenes are laid in Heverstraw. The new vehicle gives Carle an excellent role for his quaint humor, and seldom, if ever, has the comedian been seen to better advantage. As the somnambulistic husband Carle kept his audience in an uproar, and at least three of his musical numbers will be familiar before lie has given many more performances. Mary's Lamb is not without its waltz song. One of the most popular numbers Monday night was Betsy's the Belle of the Bathers, sung by Carle and John B. Park. Mr. Carle had another good number in If No. 1 Met No. 2. In this he was assisted bv a dozen dainty little dancers, of which the little football girl won most applause. Berta Mills, who was Lamb's niece, sang a dainty song entitled Love Is Elusive, and won several encores. Miss Mills is one of the most pleasing singers seen in musical comedy in some time. Other good musical numbers were Never Borrow Trouble. My Madagascar Girl, The Modest Little Model, and I Idolize Ida. * * * In the Academy of Music last week, E. H. Sothern presented the second play of Ills spring season at this house, appearing as Francois Villon in Justin Huntly McCarthy's romantic spectacle. If I Were King. That the play appealed to the audience was testified by the applause that recalled the actors at tiie end of each act and frequently broke out after the brilliant speeches of the poetic drama. As Katherine de Vaucelles, Gladys Hanson infused her lines with dignity. * * » Mme. Adelina Padovani. who made her first New York appearance in opera at the Majestic Theatre a week ago with the Knickerbocker Grand Opera Company as Violetta. joine 1 Ivan Abramson's Italian company at the American Theatre last Monday night. The opera was Lucia Si Lammermoor, and of course the soprano sang the title role. It was Mme. Padovani's second New York appearance, as it will be remembered the Knickerbocker company's engagement ended after a single performance. Under the circumstances it was not surprising she was nervous. But she had not been on the stage five minutes before she had established sympathetic relations with the audience, and the welcome she got could hardly have been more enthusiastic. At the end of the mail scene the house cheered her and she repeated it. The sextet also had to be sung again. San Franciscans will recall Mme. Padovani as having been a member of the Lambardi Opera Company out on the Pacific Coast. • • * The Merrv-Go-Hound, that whirligig of glee and girls, which enters upon its fifth week of prosperity up at the New Circle Theatre, is an early success of the summer season. Mabel Hite, James J. Morton, Bobby North. Ignacio Martinetti, James B. Carson, Vivia Ogden and McKay and Cantwell continue to contribute their generous unctuousness to the sparkling comedy element. Melville Stewart, Dorothy Jardon, Mable Russell and Hita I'erkins successfully sustain the melodic portion of the programme, while the Electric Orchids, the stunning Tailor Maids, and other pub hritudinous ensembles of the prettiest chorus ever seen in Broadway vie witli the Dancing Shrimps as applause-winners. The Circle is now under the management of Felix Isman. the Philadelphia capitalist, who has from time to time taken a hand in theatricals. Just now the Circle offers the cleanest burlesque and one of the brightest shows in town. In fact, a trip to New York this summer without a visit to The Merry-Go-Round would not be complete. Mr. Isman has wisely selected as his general manager Edward Everett Pidgeon, who for a number of years w;is dramatic editor of the New York Press, from which he resigned to accept his present appointment. The Circle is but one of several of Mr. Isman's enterprises, and it is generally believed that his chain of theatres will form an important part of the circuit of vaudeville theatres to be booked the coming season through the office of William Morris in opposition to the present big United Booking Office (Keith & Proctor Circuit). Morris now promises thirty weeks in America and twenty in Europe, making a year, counting two weeks lost in travel. Klaw & Erlanger last year started opposition to the United, but gave up before the first of this year and closed out all their vaudeville interests in the middle of February, since which time there has been practically no opposition in the first-class vaudeville houses. Isman and Morris are both fighters, and it looks as though the United would not be able to keep them under the lid next fall. In fact, Morris is already doing considerable booking for summer parks. The moving picture business has cut into the profits of some of the cheaper houses, and, even though moving pictures have come to stay, the supply seems already to have reached, if not exceeded, the demand. Moving pictures are all right, but there is nothing going to take the place of good old vaudeville when business resumes in the fall. ROB ROY. Philadelphia, May 23. — A play called Falling Leaves, adapted from the Italian of Giuseppe Giacosa, had its premiere performance at the Lyric Theatre Monday evening, and, in spite of the efforts of an unusually efficient cast, failed to sustain the interest which was aroused at a few promising points. Louis Massen, as a distinctly unfamiliar type of a Pittsburg millionaire gone broke, contributed at least a share of the artistic results, but the stellar roles were indisputably in the hands of John Westley and Grace Elliston. Dorothy Dorr was well cast. The staging, in charge of J. C. Huffman, was excellent. A Texas Steer, one of the best and one of the most characteristic of the farce comedies of Charles H. Hoyt. is the revival offered by the Orpheum stock company at the Chest nut Street Theatre this week. William Engersoll as the steer easily fulfills the demands of the role. Walter Green, as Colonel Brassy Gall, gave a good picture of the Washington lohhist and hanger-on. Pretty Peggy was the offering at the Girard Theatre this week. This .offering was originally given in this city at the Broad, with Grace George in the name part. Her place was more than capably filled by Jane Corcoran. James M. Brophy and Estha Williams were prominent in the efficient supporting company. A Yankee Tourist began the third week of its engagement here at the Forrest. A well-filled house gave evidence of enjoyment in the amusing book of Richard Davis, the lilting lyrics of Wallace Irwin, the tuneful score of Alfre 1 Robyn and the fun-making of Raymond Hitchcock and his associates. Lonesome Town continues to find favor at the Garrick. Kolb and Dill are the stars of a breezy and generally diverting summer show. The Aborn English Opera Company presented Aida, Verdi's lovely work, at the (hand opera House this week, to g 1 business. The California Girls, under the management of John Grieves, began a summer season of light burlesque at the Bijou Monday night. The Emperor of Dixey was presented at the Standard Theatre by S. I r. Dudley's capable company of colored cornelians. The Night Owls are at the Gayety this week, drawing good houses, while the Casino Theatre has The Casino Girls. Dainty Alice Lloyd added to her popularity here last night, appearing as the star of the Keith's bill. One of her three new songs is Looking for the Lovelight. llou lini. the Handcuff King, performs some very clever tricks. At the Walnut. The Hotel Clerk continues to draw fair houses. Harry Fisher and Rose Botti are the whole show". Of course, they have a very clever chorus, and. outside of these two features, mum is the word. Nixon & Zimmerman's company launched the somewhat different musical fun-play. Lil' Mose. at the right place and time. Ze Parke being the dock. Martin Healy as Mose furnishes the performance with plenty of fun. Florence May Smith pleases with her singing. Charlotte Leslay plays the leading part. The Electric Comely Four had to respond to many curtain calls. The chorus is composed of peaches and cream and their singing and dancing is remarkable. The whole production is beautifully staged. Janet Priest has left her husband and will return to the stage. She was very prominent in His Honor the Mayor. CALVIN M. FRANKLIN. Philadelphia, May SO. — With Willim Engersoll and Leah Winslow in the leading roles, D'Arcy of the Guards was the offering at the Chestnut Street Theatre this week. The scenes, being laid in Philadelphia during its occupation by the British in Revolutionary times, made a particular appeal here and its presentation did not suffer at the hands of the Orpheum players. William Engersoll gave a thoroughly picturesque and attractive characterization as the dashing Irish major who falls in love with the pretty mistress. Miss Winslow was a winsome Mistress Pamela Townsend, and acted with exquisite piquancy and artistic finish. Water Green was satisfactory as the intimate of D'Arcy. The staging was elaborate and pretty. Tennessee's Pardner. a comedy drama, the story of which is an interesting one, was revived at the Girard Theatre by Arthur C. Aiston's players. Jane Corcoran and Estha Williams, ably supported by James M. Brophy. Estha Williams again proved her ability to interpret most difficult parts, while Miss Corcoran looked and acted her best. Lil' Mose entered upon its last week at the Park Theatre, from where it will be move! to the Garrick for a run. There's enough fun in this show to make a fat man forget the heat. Alfred Aaron's Hotel Clerk is still on the job at the Walnut. Harry Fisher and Rose Botti manage to keep the fun going through most of the play, and the music fills the gaps when thev are withdrawn. The Emperor of Dixie, with S. H. Dudley's aggregation of fun-makers, began its sixth week at the Standard Monday. Die Lustige Witwee (The Merry Widow), who has been entertaining large audiences during the past week at the German Theatre, entered on her second week of song and alluring waltz last night. The all-star stock of the Gayety played to well-filled houses yesterday and evening, and Jack Reid, aided and abetted with a galaxy of fun-makers, dancers and a beauty chorus, had no trouble in coming up to the expectations of critical audiences who know a good show when they see it. The Beliman Show was the attraction at the Casino, and had little trouble in captivating the audience. The curtain raiser presented a whirlwind of fun and nonsense, entitled The Passing Review. The olio was well produced, the many specialties that appeared were repeatedly applauded. One of the best burlesque troupes on the wheel. Mortimer M. Theise's The Rollickers, opened the Trocadero, and fully lived up to its reputation. The John Grieves stock company gave a spicy production of burlesque at the Bijou Theatre In two burlettas entitled The Bells of Normandy and Trilby. Alice Lloyd is back at Keith's, returning after ?i week's illness, and is warmly welcomed. The entire bill Is a genuine vaudeville entertainment and presented so many attractive features that space will scarcely permit of the mention of all. Willow Grove Park opened Decoration Day with Arthur Pryor's Band. All the parks are now in full sway; this means poor business for the theatres. CALVIN M. FRANKLIN. Bellingham, May 29. — The Arthur Hackley Stock at the Beck Theatre has started out most auspiciously, ami Mr. Mackley has proved to be a fine director. The first bill was The Finger of Circumstance, followed by All the Comforts of Home, then The Lost Paradise. The Ingomar Stock Company (Henderson & Lita) closed last Saturday night after four weeks' bad business; Good Company. T. El Paso, Tex., May 30. — The Airdome (Crawford & Rich, mgrs.) — May 26-26, That Perkins Girl, Outwitted by a Woman, 27-30, by Rosabel Leslie stock company, to big business. Washington Park Theatre (Frank Rich. mgr.) — Vaudeville bill for week starting June 1: Estelle Allen: Jack Ripp; Lillian Starr; Claus and Radcliffe. GEO. A. MANSFIELD. Denver, May 31. — Henry Millet1 presented his excellent The Great Divide at the Hroa lway to goo I houses, 2f>-30. At the Tabor the Catherine Countiss stock company were seen in Graustark. This week the company will play In the Bishop's Carriage, with Edwin Arden as Tom Dorgan and Miss Countiss as Nance Olden. At Yale follows. The Bellows stock company Opens 1 the summer season at Flitch's Garden Friday night (20). The Girl from the Golden West was splendidly presented. Has Buckley, Holhrook Blinn. W. J. Cope, William Elliot and Benjamin Homing score I decided hits. Manhattan Beach has the William Stewart Opera Company for its theatrical attraction this season. Marie I'u Pins, Hattie Fox. Marie Horgan. John R. Phillips. Arthur Wooley, Hurbert Sallinger. W. EL Brown ami many others make up the case. The Mikado will be the first offering. 7-13. Vaudeville, week 31: Orpheum— The Boston Fadettes; Bert Levy; Rosalre and Dorete; John and Mae Binke; James Cunningham and company; George Armstrong; Cogan and Bancroft. Majestic — Walter Perkins and company; Vere De Bassini; Trolley Car Trio; Young Buffalo. Crystal— Carter Walters Company; Charlotte De Vaux; Weaver and Terry; Haywood and Stevens; Pierce and Roslyn. F. M. A. M. Monterey, June :!. — After a protracte I darkness of over a month. Theatre Work will again open her doors to the public on Tuesday evening, June 9, when Ed Re 1mond's stock company will furnish the amusement for patrons for five evenings, or from Tuesday evening until Saturday, inclusive. On Saturday evening, June 10. Theatre Work will be used by the stu lenls of the Monterey High School for their commencement exercises. The main feature of the evening will be the senior play, She Stoops to Conquer. The east is composed entirely of High Sc hool pupils, who are rehearsing constantly, that they may give a creditable presentation. There are six graduates in the group of 'OS. who may well be called the pioneer class, as they have been together since the organization of the Monterey High School in the year 1004. The class colors are blue and white; flower, a white rose, and motto. "Follow the Gleam." June 10, a comic opera, entitled Prince Toggery, will be presented by amateur talent, the members of which are local pupils of Harry Fonda Stewart, author of the musical drama. June 2, Pollard's Lilliputians in The Toy Maker and the following evening The Runaway Girl, with possibly a Friday matinee. The Star Theatre continues an attractive nightly entertainment, drawing splendid houses. The new program this week consists of a thrilling melodrama in pictures, entitled' The Fatal Card, which produces much excitement. Besides this extensive film, other pictures presented are Through Fire for Love and Our New Servant, as well as some very attractive illustrated songs. Mr. Hanna, the new proprietor, deserves much compliment for his success. The theatre license in Monterey is a subject that is causing much comment and discussion among the lessees and business people in general on account of the same being higher here than at any place in the State. This condition, which is certainly prohibitive to an increase of amusement in this city, will necessarily prove a detainer to those who would make our city their residence place during the summer, as well as theatrical companies, the latter protesting heartily against the exorbitant rate charged for theatre license at present, and, unless these conditions are remedied, every showhouse in town will be forced to close its doors, which would mean much to the city, as a first-class playhouse offers better opportunity for money circulation than many another enterprise and the Work Theatre has done more toward assisting the town of Monterey and helping to retain the money here than the aggregate of all the traveling companies have carried from the city. The City Trustees are investigating the matter at present and are likely to fix some reasonable amount. To form some idea of the high rate existing at this time, the following table of comparison was made out by Manager Scholer of Work Theatre for the benefit of the City Trustees: These amounts are for yearly licenses, and are: Watsonville. $20; San Jose, $200; Pomona. $10: Modesto. $4S; Grass Valley. $50; Stockton. $100; Redlands. $20; Ventura. $10; Santa Ana, $50; Riverside. Bakersfield, Santa Cruz, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, each $50; Fresno, $100; Visalia, $100; Merced, $15; Pasadena, none: Sacramento, $160; Hanford, $120; Vallejo, $40; Santa Rosa, $50; Los Angeles, $420 first class, $240 second class; San Francisco, over 1.000 capacity $301, under same capacity $201, while Monterey under same privileges as those granted the metropolis must pay $900 per year! J. E. UNDERWOOD. Spokane, May 31. — The Jessie Shirley company, at the Auditorium, presented a strong bill in The Missourians, the week of May 24. The play has a consistent plot and the story Is well told. Miss Shirley rested during the week, the leading woman's role being taken by Ethel von Waldron, who made a pleasing Agnes Benton. George McQuarrie played a dignified and manly Clay Girardeau, the hero, and Less C. Greer was good in the strong character part of Stormy Jordan, as was also Frank McQuarrie as Stumpy Pitt, the jockey. Laura Adams gave a sympathetic portrayal of Mrs. Benton. Owen Williamson was clever in his make-up and interpretation of Bradley Cass, and Robert Slddell as Shelby Benton did careful and effective work in a dramatic role. The fun was furnished by Jack Amory as the sheriff and Anna Cleveland as the school-mistress. Miss Cleveland showed wonderful versatility in her skillful handling of a comedy character part. Howard Foster was amusing as Elder Eph. Minor parts were played by Dan Edson and Byron Loucks. and the piece was well staged. In next week's bill. The Prisoner of Zenda, George D. McQuarrie, for years leading man with the Shirley company, will close Id I long engagement here. Mr. McQuarrie ha playe I ten years with the Shirleys, eight a leading man. and for five years has stage every production of the company. His far« well appearance in The Prisoner of Zendi I marks his one hundred and sixty-third coij secutive week before Spokane audience) ' during which long association he has won t deserve! and lasting popularity. By reaso of a delightful personality as well as o i brilliant an I conscientious work as amactor, Mr. McQuarrie leaves behind him a city of friends whose best wishes and highest hopes for his success follow himto his new field. A benefit performance will be tendered him Fri lay evening. June 5. Robert Siddell will succeed Mr. McQuarriZ as stage director of the company. At the Natatorlum Park Theatre a double bill ha} been presented during the week, evening performances being of Eugene Mockbee'5 original play, Where Men Are Game, while School Days was the matinee offering. Next week this company will present Kathleen of Erin, with Virginia Brissac and Eugene Mockbee In the leading roles. ThiJ Lewis & Lake Musical Comely Company supplied the entire bill at the Columbia, in a performance of an Egyption Prlncej Next week the same company will present Wanted, a Wife, and vaudeville features will be added to the program. The Elton Polo Aldo Troupe, in a novelty casting act were the headliners at the Washingtom Other numbers were Oscar Loraine, vio» linist. in impersonations; Leo and Chapman, in Wanted, a Donkey: a sketch by Lillian Hnle and company; Harry Pilcer in a s..ng and dance turn, and moving pictures. The Pantages bill consisted of the Golden Gate Quintet: the Three Juggling Bannans; Crawford and Meeker, singing and dancing; cornelians: Yalto Duo, European novelty dancers; Delaphone, the human telephone, and Rose Bush, soprano. A feature of th» program was the moving pictures of the fleet, including the naval parade and tha battle of flowers. MILDRED GRAHAM. Dates Ahead Belaaco Stock — Belasco Theatre, Los Angeles. Bishop's Flayers — In stock, Ye Liberty Playhouse. Oakland. Dockstader's Minstrels. — Portland, June 6-7. French Stock Company (Dick French, mgr. )— Star Theatre, Tacoma, indefinite. Grace George. — (Wm. A. Brady.) — Chicago, indefinite. Jessie Shirley Co. — In stock, Spokane. Katherine Grey. — t Direction Martin Beck.) Oakland. May 31-June 6, week; Salt Lake, 8: Denver. 14, week. Mclntyre & Heath (Klaw & Erlanger's; John R. Rogers ten days in advance)— Rookford, June 6: Oshkosh, 8; Fond da Lac, 9; Racine, 10: South Bend, 11; Elkhart, 1:: Sandusky, 13; Butte, May 23-24; Jamestown. 26; Fargo. 27; Winnipeg, 28-30. Morosco Stock — Burbank Theatre, Los Angeles. Marie Nielsen Co. — In stock at Empire Theatre. Fresno. Palmer Bros. Stock — Pickwick Theatre, San Diego. Pollard Opera Co. — Bakersfield, June 5-6; San Diego, 1, and week. Richard Jose. — IW. J. Elleford, mgr.)— Auburn. June 6; Stockton, 7; Oakland, 8, and week; Marysville. 15; Chico, 16; Redr ding. 17; Yreka. 18; McCloud, 19; Dunsmulr, 20; Napa. 22: Petaluma, 23; Ukiah. 24; Santa Rosa, 25; San Rafael. 26; San Fran» Cisco. 2J. and eight nights. Robert Mantell. — Los Angeles, June 8, week. SAN FRANCISCO OPERA CO.— (FRANK W. HEALY, Mgr.) — Seattle, Wash., April 27, 17 weeks. The District Leader. — (Frank J. Sardara, mgr.) — Denver, May 31. indefinite. Was She to Blame (Jed Carlton, mgr.)— Sandwich. Ontario. Canada, until Aug. 26. Zinn's Musical Comedy Company ( A. M. Zinn, mgr.)— Salt Lake. Mar. 22, Indefinitely. Zinn's Musical Comedy Co. — Butte, June 1. indefinite. Frank Fanning is New Oakland Manager Frank Fanning, who has gained a splendid reputation in the North and Northwest the past three years, has leased the Columbia Theatre from Keating & Flood and will open on Monday next with Sapho. Mrs. Fanning, Warda Howard, will be fea tured with Mr. Fanning in the leads. The same company that has played with Mr. Fanning for the past two years will appear with him in Oakland. Arthur Fox is still in charge of the business end of the company. The only Chinese actor on the English speaking stage is Ah Sam, with William Collier's company in Caught in the Rain. He plays the role of Sing Wing in the comedy and has a scene in which he never fails to get a lot of laughs.