The Billboard 1901-10-12: Vol 13 Iss 41 (1901-10-12)

| | | | THE BILLBOARD EVERY OLD THING To Be Found on the Menu of Theatrical Attractions at the Chicago Theaters. Chicago, IIL, Oct. 7.—The last of the summer :shows has gone, and so has “King Dodo’’—may his reign be as successful en tour as it was the past months in Chicago, and may ‘Petticoats and Bayonets’’ prove to be a profitable successor at The Studebaker. We are in for all sorts of good attractions. “The Last Appeal,’’ which was written about at some length in ‘‘The Billboard’ on its production in the Quaker City, receutly, is due here next week, and that fine old actor, Joseph Jefferson, is now with us. ‘Jeff’ De Angelis has made a big hit in his rougish piece, ‘A Royal Rogue,” and jolly “Joe Hart, his pert wife and associates are cutting up all sorts of pranks in ‘Foxy Grandpa.’ The great chariot race is run every night, rain or shine, in “Ben Hur,” and the Dearborn Stock Cowpany have started off immensely. “Nid & Nod’ cut up all kinds of capers at the Great Northern in “The Evil Eye.’ Cleveland’s Minstrel Band plays merrily on, while “‘The Dangers of Paris’? are many, as shown on the stage of the Alhambra, “While London Sleeps,’ at the Academy, the Criterion is ‘In a Woman's Power’ and “Tommy”? Hanks takes a trip “Across the Desert’? twice a day at the Bijou. There is high doings at the Masonic Temple, a good burlesque card at Jack’s and other burlesque houses, while vaudeville reigns supreme at the Kohl and Castle triangle. CLEVELAND'S MINSTRELS. Steinway Hall now has Cleveland's Minstrels as a tenant, and they will hold the fort just as long as the big hard dollars roll into the box-oftice. W. 8. Cleveland is a conspicuous figure in the lobby of his new little theater at every performance, shaking hands with old acquaintances and taking care of the “two please’ chap, who is always in evidence wherever he can get past with some excuse that will get him past the door-tender without giving up. There is much about the new Cleveland show that is entertaining and lots that should be improved upon. I will venture to say, however, that the first part, which, though put on hurriedly, will compare most favorably with any that is being presented as a curtain raiser to minstrelsy with any burnt-cork show that travels. All are attired in spotless white suits that fit nicely, and the ensemble numbers some thirty-five. The augmented orchestra is pleasant to listen to, though the orchestrations of some of the songs might be improved upon. However, Willis P. Sweatman is there, and he's a whole show. Raymond Seal, on the other end, is bright, and the first part is a long way from being depressing. Cleveland has done wonders in a remarkably short time, and when he has things whipped into shape his tiny theater will be an ideal place to see a corking good minstrel show and, as he calls it, ‘‘polite vaudeville.” Di ANGELIS’ FINAL WEEK. Jefferson De Angelis has won great popularity at the Grand Opera House, and his new operatic comedy, *‘A Royal Rogue,” pretty girls and other clever things introduced, caught on nicely. ‘Jeff’? never appeared to better advantage and has been thoroughly appreciated in Chicago. This is his last week, and if you are looking for fun of a pure and refreshing kind don’t overlook “Jeff’’ De Angelis’ “A Royal Rogue.”* “BEN HUR” DRAWS. “Ben Hur’ continues to fill the spacious Illinois Theater at every performance. The advance sale is over $19,000, which easily beats all records in this line. Klaw & Erlanger have a wonderful piece of property in ‘“‘Ben Hur.” “POXY GRANDPA.” Some years ago there was a great vaudeville show, called Hallen & Hart's ‘FirstPrize Ideals, and owned by Fred Hallen and Enid Hart, and in that company, along with others, a bright young chap who could “pick” a banjo, sing a parody and make up as a dandy coon in the most approved fashion—his name was ‘Joe’? Hart. while later Enid Hart, who was then in private life Mrs. Hallen, died, and Mr. Hallen selected the above-mentioned burnteork comedian as his partner, and thus the old firm-name Hallen & Hart was continned. They left the vaudeville field and invaded the farce-comedy path, and the antics of Hallen and Hart and their happy players are still fresh in our memories, and for a number of seasons their farce ‘Later On” was very successful. Later on this duo of fun-makers separated, drifted apart and into vaudeville again, and now we find “Joe” Hart and his chic little wife back in a funny play called “Foxy Grandpa,” a musica! quick-step comedy by a clever who has written a number of short skits, which were presented on the vaudeville stage. In securing the right to use Carl Schultze’s cartoon stories, as a general idea for a humorous play, he made no error, and in getting William A. Brady interested on the managerial end of it was a masterstroke. ‘‘Foxy Grandpa’”’ is the first real funny show Manager Litt has given the patrons at MeVicker’s Theater for some time, and the engagement is bound to be thoroughly profitable. “JOE” JEFFERSON HERE. Joseph Jefferson, dean of American act ors, opened a two-weeks’ engagement at Powers’ Monday night. He was welcomed by an immense house, and it must have made his old heart thump with joy to note the hearty reception tendered him. “Rip Van Winkle’’—and such a Rip, will we ever have another like him. Jefferson will also present “The Rivals,’’ ‘““‘The Cricket on the Hearth’ and ‘Lend Me Five Shillings” during his engagement. It is understood Jefferson will soon retire from the stage permanently and spend his latter days at Crow’s Nest, on Buzzard’s Bay, in the sum mer, and when the cold winds blow he will be found at his Southern home near St. Augustine, Fla. i YALE & ELLIS. Charles H. Yale and Sidney R. Ellis’ mechanical trick spectacle, ‘‘The Evil Eye,” or “The Many Merry Mishaps of Nid and the Weird Wonderful Wanderings of Nod” (I would hate to pay for the electric sign of the sub-ticle), is the current attraction at The Great Northern Theater, where Dave Russell handles the helm. This piece has always been noted for lots of mechanical effects and all kinds of curious happenings. Many new trick ideas are introduced with this year’s shows, and the production compares most favorably with ‘he Hanlon productions. Seemingly all of the costumes are new and the scenic investiture is bright and deceiving. In the cast are: Charles A. Loder (all Ger man), Mayme (what’s the matter with Mamie) Mayo, John L. Guilmette, Geo. W. Kerr, George H. Borani. Edward Caron, Josephine Baird. The Kennard Brothers interpret the rollicking roles of Nid & Nod, They are excellen delineators of pantomimic comedy and are also accomplished musicians, know how to dance and are exceptional acrobats. ‘“‘The Evil Eye’ is immense this year. “A LADY OF QUALITY.” There is a great improvement in the Hopkins Stock Company this season, and the revivals are worthy of more than passing notice. The engagement of stately Madue Odell was a move in the right direction. This week “A Lady of Quality’’ is the play, and it is being played. The vaudeville features always form a part of the Hopkins bills. and together with the moving picture machine the patrons certainly get their money's worth. ARTHUR BYRON A STAR. Arthur Byron and “Petticoats and Bayonets’’ came together at the Studebaker last Monday night, and Arthur bloomed into a real star. ‘‘Petticoats and Bayonets” is a revolutionary romantic play and has many things in its favor. Colonial plays, however do not always succeed, but I am sure there is a future for this one. However, Arthur Byron has been launched as a star, and if this piece doesn't suit, his managers (and they are good ones) will soon find it out and provide something else that will show this bright young actor off to proper advantage. The Studebaker was fairly packed, and James Shesgreen’s booming had its effect. There will be better opportunity to dwell at length upon ‘Petticoats and Bayonets”’ anon. DEARBORN STOCK. When Will Tillottson og the present stock company together he knew pretty near what he was about, and if some of the female critics do not spoil Emmett Corrtgan all will be well. “Because She Loved Him So” was beautifully done and is kept on for another week In consequence of general request. This company merits the splendid patronage it is enjoying. The Dearborn Stock Company, this season, Is the best organization that has ever played at the Dearborn Theater under this title. POPULAR PRICED HOUSES. Bijou—A new melodramatic play, called “Across the Desert,” is packing em in over at the cozy Bijou. Manager Hanks wears a happy smile and a new fall suit, and woe be unto bim who does not walk a straight line during business hours at “Tommy's Boulevard Theater. ‘Across the Desert” has lots of sensational features, a good line of printing does the business, and what more could be desired. Academy—At the Bijou’s sister theater “When London Sleeps” is also getting its full share of the business, and when I went over on the opening day ‘Billy’? Roach peeked through the box-office window and said: ‘“‘Nothing but standing room,’ but on learning that it was his old pal, “The young newspaper man, R. Melville Baker, Billboard” man, he made room for me where the ticket box usually stands, and all was lovely. ‘‘When London Sleeps’ was never toured with a better scenic environ ment and cast, and they are doing the bustness they deserve. Alhambra—"*Bob” Janette has a_ good hurrah attraction called “Dangers of Paris,” and while the company might be improved in spots or chunks, yet the management has not overlooked spending some money for scenery, etc. The Alhambra has gained wonderfully in popularity this season, and that unassuming gentleman who occupies that 2-by-4 office near the ticket taker's stand has had much to do with the prosperous condition of affairs at the theater of which he is the manager. Criterion—Harris & Marx have improved their production of “In a Woman's Power,” which is being introduced to the North Siders for the first time. The Criterion has come to the front in fine style and Lincoln J. Carter is a household name over the River. He has good ideas, knows how to run a family theater and has associated with him a capable staff that never fails asleep at the switch. New American—‘‘In the Rockies” succeeded ‘Ten Nights in a Barroom” at John Conners’ house, and, as its name implies. deals with the Western country, where the mountains grow, or grew, whichever you like. THE BURLESQUERS. The Orpheon—The return of the Orpheon Stock Burlesque Company was hailed with delight, and this happy bunch never worked better, after a weeks stay in Milwaukee. They have on two burlesques this week— “Hurley Burley’’ and “Whirl-i-Gig."" All of the old favorites are with the company, and they are being accorded a hearty reception at the Orpheon, where they made things lively all summer long. This com pany is here for a two-weeks’ stay. Jacks—Manager Sidney Euson keeps his theater up to date all the time, and when he ts shy an attraction he can put on a show of his own. This week the Oriental Burlesquers have the stage and are giving a first-rate performance. There is plenty of burlesque and entertaining vaudeville morticed in between the burlettes. Busi ness is good, and so is the show. Trocadero—The Jolly Grass Widows con. tinue to jolly ‘em along for another week at the Trocadero. There is lots of tobasco and fun in the show. LONDON MUSEE. Colonel White has attractions galore this week on the many floors of his London Museum. Rob Roy, the living skeleton, cre ates lots of interest. Robert's impaneling act mystifies all. Belmont’s Marionettes supply considerable comedy, and Jessie Franks astonishes the audiences by fear lessly handling all kinds of snakes. In the theater The Barrons, Frank and Emma Potts, Lizzie Freeman, The Schaffer Sisters all take part, and the Midway closes the performance. MASONIC TEMPLE. Clay Clement and company are the features of the Temple’s bill this week. ‘‘The New Dominion” serves them nicely. The Haymarket, Olympic and Chicago Opera House present the usual well-selected continuous vaudeville bills. Middieton’s Clark Street Museum keeps its halls filled with curious things, and the little theater always has a desirable list of variety turns to offer. HARRY EARL. “THE RED KLOOF.” The Play of Boer Life a Success. New York, Oct. 7.—In thé handsomely renovated and now very comfortable and cheerful Savoy Theater, Rich & Harris to-night presented “The Red Kloof,’ Paul Potter's five-act play of Transvaal life, with Louis Mann and Miss Clara Lippman as stars. The audience followed it with great Interest, seemingly finding, and justly, too, an ‘atmosphere’ quite new to theatricals in this South African drama. They also saw Louis Mann, whom they had known only as a comedian, assume a role in which comedy alternated with considerable serlous and emotional work. Their verdict after the climax of the third act, when Oom Piet (Mr. Mann) drives his daughter, Mona (Miss Lipman) out of the Red farm on to the weldt, was that he had handled this strong scene with complete success. They gave it the stamp of their approval by calling up the curtain many times. Mr. Potter has shown in “The Conquerers’’ and in “Under Two Flags" how well he can create or preserve the “atmosphere” of the country in which his stage story Is laid. He has done it again in “The Red Kloof,” both by the introduction of Boer erms, with which the reports of Sout! \frican affairs have made the public fa niliar, and also by numerous little touches vith which he hus invested his characters. He has been materially assisted, too, by ive picturesque scenes, painted by Mr. Physioc. AL. W. MARTIN’S ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin” Made a Big Hit Through Michigan, and Did Great Business. Never before has any organization made uch a successful tour In Michigan as Al V. Martin's “Uncle Tom's Cabin.” It ha veen the voice of both the press and publi hat this company gives the most pleasing vrformance of this historically know) ay. The proof of this Is due to the phe iomenal business they have been playing to. In every city It has been nothing but packed houses at every performance. In many cases this company has broken the record of any previous performance given by any attraction that has played the houses. This attraction was also chosen to be the first regular attraction to open the New Cadillac Opera House at Cadillac, Mich., after the opening night, and played to the full capacity of the house. Standing room was at a premium. Don't be deceived by any others. If this attraction is booked at your house it will positively ap pear. It's the big one, and the only big one on the road. The company has a big cast, and among them are John W. Hart. well, Bert Walker, Walter B. Banford, Geo. KE. Robinson, Francis B. Watts, Fred Sawyer, W. Ollio, Geo. Cramer, William James, Geo. Blake, H. D. Orris, Willie Ha ger, Geo. C. Rice, Wm. Travis, May Strong, Master Charlie Wesson, Florence Ockerman, Clara Miller Phillips, May Belle Gage, Rettic Stevens, Lulu Russell, Helen Brazeall, Daisy Brocton, Tillie Turpin, and a large chorus. The specialties are excellent, being introduced by the following high-class vaudeville artists: May Belle Gage, the phe nomenal soprano; the Marshall Family, premier sketch artists, introducing ‘Pos sum,’ the smallest drum major in the world; Joseph and Lulu Russell, champion buck and wing dancers. The production is without a doubt the most complete of any attraction of its kind on the road. PLAY HOUSES. Kid Gilmore is advertising agent of the New Century Theater, at Newark, N. J. The new Garrick Theater at Philadelphia, which will seat 2,200 people, is ready for its opening. Col. James E. Fennessy, of Cincinnati, was the guest of Harry Martell while in New York. Geo. Manchester is in Fa!l River, Mass., managing the advertising department of Rich's New Theater. Chas. Schloz, son of an Indianapolis polltician, has leased the Grand and People’s Opera Houses at Evansville, Ind. The Lyceum Theater, at Memphis, Tenn., was opened Monday night, Sept. 23, with A. G. Field's Minstrels as the attraction. Manager Henry M. Ziegler, of the Columbia Theater, Cincinnati, is in New York purchasing a few more flyers for his racing stable. James Weeds is advertising agent of the Grand Opera House at Indianapolis. Jack Sampson, late of the Wallace Circus, is his assistant. Mr. Melcher, of the Gates & Morange Studio, New York, has been engaged as assistant scenic artist for the Pike Opera House, Cincinnati. Treasurer Ed Winterburn, of the People’s rheater, Cincinnati, was presented last week with a magnificent Shriners’ pin by admiring friends. It has been definitely settled that Robinson's Opera House, Cincinnati, will open Oct. 21, with Blanche Walsh as “Joan of the Sacred Land.” The New St. Charles Theater, at New Orleans, which is to become a link in the Orpheum chain of houses, will be leased to its new management Dec. 8. J. L. Meed has returned to his old position as advertising manager of the Grand Opera House, Indianapolis. He is one of the best men in the business. Geo. Hartford closed his season recently with the Ringling Show, to resume his old position as advertising agent of the Walnut and Columbla Theaters, of Cincinnati. Henry Hyman is at the head of a syadleate which will erect a theater that will seat 3,500 people, at Denver. The building is to be ready for the season of 1902-1903. Manager Fennessy, of the People’s Theater, Cincinnati, has returned home from New York, where he secured talent for the continuous burlesque stock company which is to be tried at the People’s Theater. Thomas Mackay, who resigned the bus!ness management of the Pike Stock Com any at Cincinnati to take a similar berth n New York, was handsomely remembered by his Cincinnati friends on the eve of his departure for New York. Miss Margaret MacLaren Eager, a popular Boston literary lady, will open a chiidren's theater in Boston, Oct. 26. Three performances will be given each week, the plays being upon subjects which are familiar to children. THE STOCKS. The Haswell Stock Company opened Its season with “The Liars” at altimore, Sept. 29. Vaughn Glaser has resigned as leading man of the Baldwin-Melville Stock Company. Maurice Freeman will succeed him. Fred Perry will probably retire from the Pike Stock Company at Cincinnati, to support Mrs. Leslile Carter. During the engagement of Miss Crosman at the Pike Opera House, Cincinnati, the Pike Company will play Dayton, Toledo and Lexington, Ky. The Thanhauser Stock Company at the Academy of Music, Milwaukee, produced for the first time on any stage, Sept. 30, “Manon Lescaut.” It was a hit. William Seymour, who Is to direct the stage for the Pike Stock Company this season, Is expected to take charge Immediately after Miss Crosman's engagement. DRAMA AND TRAGEDY. J. Wilkie Rusk goes with “Across the Desert.’ Jack Ward Kett will have his own com pany next season, Geo. Allen is in advance of Lincoln J. Carter's “Eleventh Hour.” Julla Marlowe opened her season to 8. R. 0. at New Haven, Conn., Sept. 80. ‘The First Duchess of Marlborough,” Mrs. Le Moyne’s new play, has scored a bit. Harry Pennypacker Is doing good work tn advance of Nankeville’s “Human Hearts.” * ——— eee eee ee