The Billboard 1902-09-13: Vol 14 Iss 37 (1902-09-13)

THE BILLBOARD CORRESPONDENCE. NOTICE.—The Billboard desires a corre‘ jondent inevery city and town in the United Sates whtch is not here represented. : NEW YORK. Three New Plays Brought Out on Broadway Seabrooke’s Dilemma. With half a dozen new plays on view and several more in the near future, together with the usual weekly changes of program, the fal dramatic season is now well under way This week has been one of producetions. Faree, drama and comic opera were each in turn presented as candidates for public favor, and well received. The visitor from out of town (and his name is legion in September) will find a goodly variety of dramatic fare. KNICKERBOCKER. The career of the Rogers Brothers amidst the dignified surroundings of Harvard Hall and Massachusetts Hall is immensely funny. Along the quiet walks and in the shade of the academic elms, two old rakes of guardians and two young dogs of wards, two French milliners and two young wom en to whom virtue is an elastic term, are entangled in a plot resembling a double quadrille in which the ery is always: “Change partners.”” The Rogers Brothers meanwhile appear now again with song. dance and jocularity, sometimes in the character of professors, sometimes in that of members of the Varsity eleven, thus ef facing with one masterful stroke a long standing difference between the faculty and athletics. The first of the scenes of the play is in the garden at Claremont, with Grant's Tomb looming on the back drop, and the third is in the entertainment hall of the Eden Musee. All three sceenes, and especially the Harvard yard, are done with admirable scenic effect, and all the trap pings of the show are in luxurious good taste: especially to be noted is the batlet Its gowns are of excellent variety and rich ness. It is apparent the training has been in skilled hands, and the young women who act so spiritedly are far above what one is accustomed to in seemliness and good looks Of the book of the play and of the many principals in the cast, the best that can be said is that they are repeatedly applanded and seem to give genuine pleasure. To a critical mind the jokes were mainly old and the songs mainly flat. <A topical song of William Gould's had two amusing stanzas, and Hattie Williams’ “I'm a Lady.’ by Ed. Gardiner, has the true touch of satire. For the rest, it was vaudeville merely, and not more than passable at that As for the Rogers Brothers, they work hard, perspire freely, and even if on a rigid jndgment they lack genuine merriment. they are beyond question the cause of mer riment in an indulgent audience. EMPIRE. Although really only possessing the essen tials of a one-act play, this is about the nest serious drama on the boards at pres ent. John Drew plays a man of science so engrossed in his studies that he dubbed the “Mummy,” while his young wife (played by Margaret Dale), feeling herself neglected, starts into a dangerous flirtation with an unprincipled Italian nobleman called “The Humming Bird.” But brief the lapse of common sense, To tell all, in one summing word, The Mummy bursts his cerements And becomes at once the humming bird It develops very early in the play that the Italian has a past—the old story, a de ceived girl—the girl's next best friend on the trail with a long, sharp knife—meets Husband No. 2 about to be dishonored—sus picions aroused-—revivalistic mummy-—de termined to save wife’s honor, if net too late—of course star wins by a neck—in this ease it is his wife's neck, so the outcome is happy for all save the Italian nobleman, who is turned loose and given about ten minutes’ start of the dago with the long knife. Lionel Barrymore was the revenge seeking organ grinder, and made it easy to understand why his blackguardly country man was so much in earnest about wanting to eseape him. IILERALD SQUARE. Certainly melodious, but many degrees away from the jingling comic opera the late lamented Sir Arthur composed when work ing in co-operation with Gilbert. Only here und there is it reminiscent of the old Sul livan operas, <A trio in the first aet, ren dered by Edmund Stanly, Gerald Gerome and Kate Condon, is exceedingly tuneful Then there is a first-class love song in the second act by Mr. Gerome and Miss Con don. There are several exceptionally good choruses Mr. Jefferson DeAngelis takes the part of a Shakespearean reciter, char acter impersonator, ete. Mr. DeAngelis’ part permitted him to do anything from impersonating an aged tramp to a youth ful “‘bunko player,’ and he works very hard with the role, though without the good results he has sometimes obtained from thore promising material Whatever personal hit there was was shared mainly by Miss Condon and Mr. Gerome—Miss Condon as a pleasant girl and Mr. Gerome as a supposediv blind fiddler W. T. Carleton bas a very stiff part as the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, but he is acceptable. So is Miss Amelia Fields as the Countess of Newtown, his wife. Edmund Stanly as “a young rebel.’ did some capital werk, singing two or three rattling good = songs Molly (YGrady, the maidtof Lady Rosie Peppen, the Lord Lientenant’s daughter, is a very lively soubrette. Weber & Fields’ auction of seats last week for the opening performance, Sept. 11, has been brought in an enormous sum of money. Peter Dailey sold the first box for $300. The purchaser was David Johnson, the bookmaker, and Emanuel M. $250 for the second. as $55 a pair Casino—‘A Chinese Honeymoon” loses nothing by comparison with similar offer ings at other theaters, and there is every prospect of this beautiful Oriental comedy having «a record run. An amusing incident occurred in the wings at this house a few nights age Thomas Q. Seabrooke, who plays the part of Samuel Pineapple, during last summer purchased a piece of land at Rye Beach for $12,000. A few days *go a real estate firm became possessed of a chance to turn a profitable deal if they could secure an option on Seabrooke’s property. One of the firm hastened to the Ca sino and asked to see Seabrooke personally in his dressing-room. After getting behind the scenes the real estate man lost no time in trying to induce the comedian to accept a deposit and sign a memorandum of agree ment to transfer the property, first for $13,000, then $14,000 and finally, after springing S250 at a time he offered $15,000. Between a few of these augmented offers Seabrooke had to go on the stage and do his usual stunts He undoubtedly showed some diftienity in delivering his lines in the rsval unetueus manner characteristic of that comedian, His mind was exercising on the problem as to whether he should close with the fellow in the wings and secure a ‘leay profit of $3,000, or play him off for a further rise. Brief consultations up stage and on the off side with one or two col Friend paid Seats sold for as much lengrgs only created further excitement, and a few of the audience, noticing these side whisperings and the if Seabrooke’s eyes, wild-like glint began to pass sotto oce remarks that either a tire or something crious had broken out behind the scenes. ‘s it was, one actor-friend would advise Scabrooke to refuse anything short of $25,(40: that friend absolutely knew the proprity was wanted as the site of a new yacht ‘vt: another Thespian swore by all that vas holy that he was acquainted with one nember of a synd'eate that wanted the round for a summer park and amusement vort Seabrooke could take his advice or so and make a fool of himself, but if Seabrooke would only keep cool he could secure $50,000 as easily as falling off a log. Seabrooke tried to keep cool by perspiring freely. It proved a case of ‘“‘save me from my friends,’ for the real estate man, not accustomed to dealing with stage money, and recognizing what he was up against, silently but disereetly withdrew from the theater, and now Thomas Q. is waiting the middle part of his name as his cue for the reopening of negotiations (either before or behind the seenes) with the real estate man There is plenty of variety in the schedule of plays announced for this week. In addition te those now providing daily entertainment fer the public, five more will add their offerings These theaters are: Tie Manhattan, with “Captain Molly,”” a revolutionary comedy: the New York, with “King High Ball.’ a musical extravaganza; Weber & Fields, with “Twirly Whirly,”” a musical melange: the Bijou. with ‘‘Hearts Aflame,’’ a comedy of social life; the Criterion, with “David Harum,” the dramatt?zation of the novel In addition to the plays named above (the last two, however, baving been seen in this city before), there will he a change of bill at houses now open. 1s follows: Academy of Music. presenting “Rohin Hood: Grand Opera House, ‘The Fata! Wedding: American, “The Fatal Card: Murray Hill, ‘Jane Eyre.” RALPH KELSO. CHICAGO. “A Modern Magdalen” at Powers’ Illinois Theater Opened. September has ushered in the cool eve nings. This is good for the indoor attrac tions and makes it very unpleasant for out door amusements, All the theaters are hav ing an inerease in patronage. This does not follow that the parks are being deserted, as they still show a balanee on the right side of the ledger. Powers’ Theater. “‘A Modern Magdalen,”’ a play that was attacked by the newspapers and the publie in general during its stay In Kansas Citv, is being played at Powers Theater by Miss Amelia Bingham and an excellent company: in fact, there is not a single weak spot in the east. There is no question but what the newspapers will harshly eriticise the piece. ’ IHineis Theater.—This theater cpened its regular season with a production of Klaw «& Erlanger’s “The Sleeping Beauty,” an ex travagana with a lead of scenery and me chanical effeets, and seored a hit. The finale of the first act utilizes more than 400 people. The three comedians, Bulger, Cawtherne end MeCart, have good comedy parts, and have strong assistance from John Page as President Petit, of “The New Re publie’ and John Hyams as Dr. Squills. MeVicker'’s Theater. This beautiful honse, after being closed for seven weeks, opened its doors to the publie last Sunday. Tt has been entirely redecorated The tint ing of the walls and ceiling is lighter than the color used last vear, and gives the house an atrier appearance. The opening attrac tion. “Foxy Grandpa.” with Joseph Hart and Carrie De Mar in the leading parts. Grand Opera Hlouse.—Sunday last com meneed the twelfth week of the suecessful run of the “Wizard of Oz." The newcomers in the cast must be eredited with individual Robby Gavlor is an invigerating foree with his unetuous bregue. The char seter of the Wizard seems more possible in the person of a nimble. witted Irishman than as formerly in the Teutonic personal ity of Mr. Slavin. Helen Byron's return to the cast adds decided strength to the en SUCCESSES tertainment. ates Sept. 20. Dearborn Theater — “The Storks’ will bring its long and remarkable run to a close with this, the seventeenth week. Last per formance Sept. 13. The production has ex ceeded any record established at a Chicago thester since the World's Fair year. The company Will leave for a long season, tour ing the country. The stock season will be gir with a matinee performance of Opie Read's play, “The Harkriders,” Sunday, Sept. 14. This is counted upon to introduce all the members, old and new; most of them in character parts. The action of the play is in Georgia, and the people in the story are of that State. In quaintness or dialogue and character sketching makes it on the order of ‘The Starbucks.”’ The company will include Emmett Corigan, Benjamin Johnson, John Waldron, Harry Stubbs, Alexander Gaden, Perey Sharps, William Evarts, Ma mie Ryan, Lida MeMillan, Mrs. Louise Rial and Mary Blake. It is the intention to dis tinguish this season by a number of first class productions, and will include the best of strictiy “‘stock” plays. Studebaker’s.—‘King Dodo.” Every night the Studebaker Theater is filled with well pleased audiences. Searcely is the first note of the contagious “Tale of the Bumble Bee” struck by the orchestra, when, with a un animity that sounds like it might have been been rehearsed, a chorus of whistling bursts from the great audience. Great Northern.—The Great Theater overflowed twice laughing audiences, to see" Gus Heege’s play of that title, played by Nels Erickson. His method is unaffected. Alhambra.—The sensational features of Owen Davis’ drama, “Her Marriage Vow,” which on Sunday began an engagement of one week, made a great impression on the audience and raised the success of the en gigement above any reasonable doubt. Academy of Musie.—Lincoln J. Carter's comedy sensation, “The Darkest Hour,” received its first presentation on the stage of the Academy Sunday. One of the principals of the company is Charles A. Gardner, the well-known Dialect comedian, seen in a part thet fits perfectly his style of work. Bijon Theater.‘Over Niagara Falls” moved from the Alhambra to the Pijou, and proved that it’s drawing powers were just as good on the West as on the South Side. Columbus.—-The realistic ‘Blue Jeans” is being revived in a very creditable manner by the Columbus Stock Company. The business being done shows that “Blue Jeans” is not threadbare by any means. Next: “Shenandoah.” The New American.—This theater opened its second stock season with a remarkably smooth performance of “Heart of Virgina,” a military drama of considerable merit. The company has been greatly strengthened and improved since last season. Laura Alberta, the leading woman, is a versatile and clever actress. Next: “Retribution.” Chieago Opera House.—In the way of an acrobatic specialty, the Three Jascarrys have one of the most original acts ever pre sented in vaudeville. The star entertainer is the humorist, Marshall P. Wilder. Oth ers on the program are: Foy and Clark, comedy: the Great Leon, magician: Grattan and White, sketeh: Phillis Allen, contralto; Cladius and Corbin, banjoists; Dave Now The run cf the play termin Northern Sunday with Yon Yonson,” in lin. mimic: Neilsen Sisters, voealists; Steve Jennings, comedy pianist: Mevieas _ and Mexieas, the tramp and the dog; Kittie Stephens dancer: MelIntyre and Sears, songs, and Ray Steinman, violinist. Olympic.Matt Oit & Company head the hil! this week In a one-act comedy, ‘Heinz in a Pickle:” Winona and Banks Winters in a playlet, entitled ‘The Disappointed Romeo: Mme. Emmy introduces a group of fox terriers trained to diffienlt feats; Hines and Remington's sketch, “Miss Pat ter of Patterson: Lew Hawkins, the min strel comedian: Carrie Scott, Bowery songs. The refined gymnaties of the Brothers Bright and the funny acrobatics of the Two Schredes form diversions nominally similar, but distinetly different in character. Sam T. Jacks’.—The City Club, one of the oldest ard most popular of burlesque organ izations, opened for a weeks’ engagement Sunday at Sam T. Jacks’, with a company of fiftv. Twe musical burlettas were pre sented. “On Board the City Club” and the “Queen of Folly,” with new costumes and special scenery, jokes up to date and nev elty features. froeadero.— This house entered into a new departure and a complete reversal of its previous autumal customs, Instead of book ing road shows, Manager Fulton has decided toe supply a stock company of his own, to be known as the Trocadero Extrava ganzas. The company will have as its lead ing woman, May Howard, the popular bur lesyuer, who has given up her own company to head the Trocadero Stock. Nat and Sol Fields, brothers of Lew Fields, will be the ehief humorists, and Alex. Carr will play Yiddish parts. The Connelly Sisters will play soubrette characters. “Whirl-I-Gig will be the opening attraction Hopkins’ Theater.—Al. Reeves’ Big Bur lesque, with an evenly-balanced company of artists. is filling a weeks’ engagement at Hopkins’. Musonie Temple Theater.—The best com edy and novelty bill of the summer season hegan at this lofty playhouse Snoday. At the head of the entertainers is Johnstone tennette, who erented such a stir a few years age by her acts in men’s attire. She plays a delightful sketch, ‘A Quiet Eve ning at Home.’ Powell, the illusionist, in troduced his trunk mystery and other illu sions’ May De Sousa, daughter of a Chieago policeman, sings ballads: The Wardells in a good acrobatic act, and the funny comedy ef Clayton White and Marie Stuart, “Diekie.” completes this splendid bill. lhe Ferris Wheel Park.—This park pre sented a very strong program for the week commencing Sunday, and drew an immense crowd Suns Nouci ParkThis famous South Side resort closed for the season Sunday. The Chutes—This West Side park, witb its miniature railroad, loop-the-loop, razzledazzle, giant and haunted swings, “Foxy Grandpa’ and vaudeville bill of fare, consisting of Delano and Murphy, Gilbert Sisters, Carqueville Shadowgraphs, Jubile Sextette and Doozey Hites’ Pickaninnies, can not do otherwise than draw big crowds. Calumet Theater, South Chicago—On inyitation from Hampton & Hopkins, managers of the much-talked-of ‘“‘Sandy Bottom,’ John Crittenden Webb's masterpiece. The play is so natural it disarms criticism. The spectator yields to an irresistible power ever langhter and tears. Next: “Irish Pawnbrokers,’" Sept. 7. “When the Beils Toll,” Sept. 12. “In Old Kentucky,” Sep tember 14, East Chicago, (J. T “Sidetracked,”” Ang. 24, good. “A Gambler's Daughter,’’ Sept. 7; “A Runaway Match,” Sept. 14; “Si Plunkard,’ Sept. 21. SWEEPINGS. in advance of Haverly Minstrels, passed through the city last week. George informed me that the show was making a barrelful of money, but neglected to state the size of the barrel. The Illinois State Bill Posters’ and Distributors’ Association held its annual meeting at the Briggs House, Chicago, Tuesday, Sept. 28. Same officers were re-elected for the ensuing year. Next meeting will be held at Alton, ILL Mr. George Gohen, general agent of the Robinson Carnival Company, was a_welcome visitor at our oflice Monday. ‘The company shows at Kalamazoo this week. The many, many friends of U. J. Herman, of MeVicker’s ‘Theater, will be more than pleased to learn that he has bought the bill posting bsiness of Marvin & Sen in Aurora, Geneva, St. Charles and Yorkville, Ill. Managers playing these towns are sure of getting a good showing. “arn Save “Land o' Cotton,” with A 3 ariow as > Sli “ns ji meena Foner 29 0 is the star, opens its sea Aimee, the dancer, ; . Ralph Pearson, eB. this city. made. _ the Robinson Carnival Company are delighted with their new one-sheets and three-sheets, which are the handiwork of the Donaldson Litho Company. rhe Hawthorne Stock Company the season at Antwerp, O., this week _The New Orpheon Musie Hall will be finished and opened early in October A. H. HART. BOSTON. The Four Cohans Open the Boston Museum to Great Business — Colonial Opens Also. rhe Boston Mnseum, (Field, Rich, Harris & Frohman, Mgrs.)\—This house opened for the season Labor Day. Every seat in the house was taken, and the Four Cohans gave a rattling show. The town is billed like a cireus. TI understand that George M. Cohan designs all the advertisinm matter. W hoever does it should be complimented. rhe company is styled “The Four Cohans."" Why don't they say “The Five Cohans” and include Miss Levey, who is Mrs. Geo M. This is certainly one of the greatest working companies on the road and ‘they ae — material to work with, ‘too everyrage na Witty, sane and sensible, and Colonial Theater opened Labor Day with Lederer’s ‘Wild Rose.” The company fresh from Newport, gave a splendid show to a big house. Eddie Foy is the same old Eddie, and convulsed the audience with his monkey -shines. The company is a good one, but the play is thin and watery. Geo Lederer should take a few lessons from The Four Cohans and give a show with some body and power “Sergeant James” ed success at the Conners, Mgr.) big house, company treo. Looyer, husband, Si are spending the week in They are having new costumes opens is meeting with markBoston Theater, where large andiences have heen the rule. It is a play of constant interest and well acted by the presenting company. There will he one week more of the engagement, and on Monday, Sept. 15. “‘Quiney Adams Sawyer” will return to this city. ; Severin de Deyn. Cora Qninten and Ger trude Haynes, with her “Choir Celestial.” are renewing the suecess of “The Fatal Wedding’ at the Grand Opera Honse this week The famous melodrama was never played better. There will be a matinee this afternoon Helen Rartram is making all kinds of hits as the Widow Crocker at the Tremont in “The Prinee of Pilsen.” Miss Bertram ts in splendid voice and gives full scope to the eomedv of the lines “Man’s Enemy” will continue the feature at the Bowdoin Square Theater the eurrent week An event of marked interest on Monday next will be the first appearance of Zetfie Tillbury with the organizatior She will plav Mrs. Eastlake Chappel in “The Crust of Society.”’ Corse Payton is giving a spirited per formance of “‘Rosedale’ at the Park The ater. and the big andiences seem to thor ovgebtly enjoy it. This play will be the at traction for the present week. to he fel lowed on Monday next by “The Banker's Davghter.”” The Castle Theater dramatte stock company has made a brilliant open ing of its fall and winter season this week in Shakespeare's “‘As You Like It." Next week the attraction will be Barbara Frietchie ” Ten-Iehi, the roval who is annearing at Sanvare Jananese madiclan, Keith's this week, 18 certginiv the most marvelous entertainer in his line whe bas vet anneared on the loea! stage. The thumb-and-tie trick ts ereating more talk than anything of the kind every before performed in Boston