San Francisco dramatic review (1899)

T11K SAX FRANCISCO DRAMATIC REVIEW A Chat with Bell Gold in Her Dressing Room Bell Gold, who is responsible for much that is clever in the Eddie Foy show, is best described as an animated, whirlwind off the stage, and especially when subjected to an interview with a newspaper reporter. Emile Ackermiller, manager of the company, led the way to the dressing room, behind the scenes, and sank his fist into the heavy door. There was a sound of hurry — and the door opened. I Jell Gold stood looking' out in negligee, followed by a scream of laughter from somebody inside, and with, "< )h, heavens, excuse me a moment." the somebody was left with impressions. Miss Gold appeared in less than thirty seconds in a very handsome kimona and bade me enter. "Well," said Miss Gold. "I suppose you want the story of my life. ( ine ss I am in for it, so here goes : "I was born in Macon, Georgia, November 21, 1882 — and use my own name on the stage. On my mother's side I am related to General Devreaux of France. My father was Irish, a direct descendant from Oliver Goldsmith. He dropped the 'smith' when he came to this country. "Well, after the usual course of measles, whooping cough, kindergarten, etc., 1 became a newspaper woman at the early age of twelve — the youngest on record. "When I was fourteen, John R. Cockerill sent me to write up a play, from behind the scenes. 1 fell in love with the life at once — that settled newspaper work for me. "1 went to John Doris who gave me my first part, and later predicted I would be a 'knock-out.' I'll leave it to the public whether I am or not. Anyway, the public is very generous in its treatment of me and my work, and I can't tell how much I appreciate it. Now. what else can I tell you?" asked the rougish Miss Gold. "Have you ever been married?" Hesitatingly she looked at me and said: "1 have played everything from melodrama to Shakespeare, and if I ever find anybody that even hints I might have a voice. I'll try grand opera. Oh, I just love Tctrazzini." Again 1 asked: "Nave you ever been married?" Once more that same look. "My recreation is studying characters, dialects, gestures, walks, costuming and everything that makes one person different from another." Once more I risked it. "Have yon ever been married?" With a hearty laugh, she said. "I would have been, but John McNally wrote another coon part in In I layti. and I was afraid I would turn black if I played black face another year. I thought three years were quite sufficient in the Ham Tree. The Shuberts promised to do something great for me next season, and I guess their word is good." Never faltering, once again I asked. "Have you ever been married?" '*( )h, goodness, no, 1 never read fsben; I prefer Thk Dramatic Re* VIEW or the New York Mirror just now. Well, that's all. Rather short for one's life, don't you think?" "Miss Gold, will you do me a favor, please?" And then I started on the old query, but she capitulated before I could begin, with : "Tell you whether 1 am married or not, eh? Well, yes, I'm married to A. W. Cross, who was manager for Walker Whiteside for nine years." heeling I had accomplished something, I said good-night to as pleasant a little person as one would want to talk to. SYLVIA ASH TON. Correspondence MISSOULA, Mont., Dec. 9.— Still on the job and things are good with us though the weather has been cold and the wind — well the wind blew, in fact, it continues to blow, causing the mercury to look like nine below. (That nine is not German.) Honest if someone should say "want to get to a warmer climate," I'd jump from here to — wherever they suggested. Do you know where I can get a location for this company? One bill a week? Around the warm belt? This week and next there are sonio very strong attractions at the big house. 7th, Honeymoon Trail ; 8th, Concert Company ; 9th, The Alaskan; 10th, Beverly; 13th, Max Figman ; 10th. Wm. Crane; 17th, Third Degree, Rusiness is fair for the big ones but the popular priced stock house is making the money. Miss Winston is not only clever, but is exceptionally versatile and extremely magnetic, in fact, far too good an actress to be in a stock company. In spite of the bad weather, last week, business held up at this theatre. The Winston Company is by far the most popular stock combination ever in this city. The members are easy to meet, very agreeable and have made a host of friends. This week The Girl of the Hills is causing no end of keen interest. It is a southern play full of heart interest and comedy. Following this play, Manager Lionel has one of those ever popular rural comedies ready and in preparation, a strong labor bill. Much trouble is being experienced by agents owing to the strike of the switchmen. Their paper shipments are delayed and none have second men to look after things. Some of the boys begin to show grey streaks through their hair already. On top of all this the storms are giving the managers their share of worry to make towns in timeto give the performance. The Climax rang up at 10: 10 and it looks now as though Beverly would get the same dose. Crane's agent was in last night and like all good fellows made a fine impression. I5y the way, not to advertise, there is a hotel here that is hard to beat (The Shappard). Tell the boys not to overlook this as it is the one best bet here. You have no doubt read in the papers about the small-pox scare here. There is no quarantine law in this state and small-pox is a most common sickness. Indignation meetings have been called to force quarantine but that does not stop those who have the disease from attending theatres or going about the stores spreading illness to others. Manager Lionel, at the Family Theatre, has ordered the house fumigated daily, and Mr. Moulton stands at the door evenings, firmly refusing admission to anyone whom he suspects might have this undesirable disease. Much attention seems to be centered on the left arms of Lionel and Moulton ; one might be lead to suppose a 'Frisco flea was traveling afar from home. A Merry Christmas from M. MA RYSVILLE, Dec. 11.— King Dodo with a bunch of musical workers treated the theatre goers. The costumes were elaborate and appropriate. Miss Kent was certainly a picture in the black costume that she wore in the second act. She was also stunning in her other costumes and sang well, being in splendid voice. William Friend played the part of King Dodo most satisfactorily. Zoe Barnet, always a favorite, was fascinating. Louise M ink is a beauty. The chorus is exceptionally strong, all being good singers, snappy throughout and full of catchy music. is seen as Fifi Aritoneski, and did a clever bit of acting. James Dillon, as Alfred Hastings, did well. He makes a very good appearance. Corbett Morris, as the fellow "who always gets half," is excellent in the part. Richard Scott plays the part of Dabncy, a broken-down music teacher. James L'sher takes Gillet's character part of Theodore Render, a retired produce dealer. IJis interpretation of the part kept the audience in roars of laughter. Gertrude Claire is no doubt the best character woman yet seen at the I'nique. She is extremely funny. S \\ I5ERNARI)IN< ). Dec. 7.— I .asl night at the I niquc Theatre the Girton stock company presented All the Comforts of Home. Three years ago l'ercy Girton opened at this theatre with a very strong attraction, ami played a very successful engagement for ten weeks. During this time he gave theatre-goers the best of plays. Last night Mr. Girton presented a stronger company than before. The Company numbers fourteen in all, and each is an actor of ability. The favorite, Ina Shepard, is with the company again in the lead. In this play she RIVERSIDE, Dec. <).— In spite of heavy rain, Three Twins to good liusiness. Audience well pleased. Coming. David Warfield on the l6th; Top o' th' World, 25th; Jefferson Ri ot hers, 27th. * CI IAS. E. HEATH. HENRY DUGGAN and wife. Anna L. Bates, formerly members of Dick Ferris Auditorium Stock Company, Los Angeles, are meeting with great favor in two Eastern productions this season. Miss Rates is playing the part of a suffragette in Henry \V. Savage's Florist Shop Company. Mr. Duggan is under Klaw and Krlanger's management, in support of Fanny Ward. His character is similar to Dr. Juttner in Old Heidelberg, a part he has long being identified with.