The Billboard 1908-11-21: Vol 20 Iss 47 (1908-11-21)

NOVEMBER 21, 1908. The Billboard aN KV ITH a new musical comedy hold ing the boards at the Chicago Opera House, where Victor Herbert's Algeria is pleasing, and the welcome return to our midst of the universally admired David Warfield, Chicago with its hoblover attractions presents to the patrons of the theatre a veritable treat. Mr. Mantell at the Grand, Maude Adams at the Illinois, Fritzi Scheff in her continued triumph at the Studebaker, Geo. Cohan in his whirlwind blend of song, dance and story at the Colonial and Edgar Selwyn in his powerful portrayal of Pierre of The Plains at Powers’ theatre sup plemented by the excellent musical plays whose long run records brand them as Chicago fixtures, furnishes a selection which lovers of the theatres’ best are taking every advantage of. A GRAND ARMY MAN. Those who remember the finished art of David Warfield in his last engagement In this city, when his artistic portrayals of The Music Master in that tender little comedy drama, took Chicago by storm, are thronging the Garrick for a glimpse of this same great Warfield in his version of A Grand Army Man, which i conceded by many to be even superior to the wonderful art we knew him by. The majority of critical writers and theatre goers are agreed that artistically this piece is his greatest triumph. The play itself is a vehicle of wider scope than The Music Master, and is perfect as adapted by Warfield, who in tender emotions strikes the true note of tragedy and adds another to his already wonderful gallery of characters. The scene is laid in rural Indiana; time, early in the eighties. David Wartield. as Wes Bigelow, the village sage, philosopher and arbiter of local differences, content in his love and care of the son of a dead sweetheart whom he wooed in vain, a legacy from a dying comrade of our great civil strife, is brought to the painful realization that this boy, his idol, has misappropriated funds intrusted to his care. Here we see Warfield in a gamut of emotions, loyally striving to clear the name of one who to him represents all that is left of the treasured past. Interwoven we have the tender love story of a girl, and the interesting actions emanating from paternal opposition demanding revenge. The climax in which Warfield in his plea before the village court, bears his soul in eloquent resolve, is thrilling, a human tragedy indeed, in which he is seen at his best; a complete master of every situation and grasping thoroughly each dramatic opportunity. The original New York company is with us intact and presents a performance of merit and worth, well rounded in every particular. A Grand Army Man is an unqualified success, materiasly appreciated by Chicago's amusement lovers. ALGERIA At the Chicago Opera House, another effort of the ambitious Victor Herbert is meeting with a tuneful success, where Algeria, which is being produced by Mr. Frank McKee, furnishes opportunity for Harry Bulger to exploit his delightful brand of comedy. Madame Helen Noldi, prima donna; William Pruette, George Moore, Harriet Burt, Ernest Lambart, Katherine Bell, William J. Walsh. Jane Grover and a chorus of sixty assist the popular comedian and claim their share of the success with which the play is meeting. The locale, as may be inferred from the name, is in Algeria, a country abounding in romantic atmosphere, and offering vast opportunities to the seenic artist and costumers, who realize in it a wealth of luxurious color. Arabs, French soldiers, English and American tourists vie with one another in picturesque activity to the harmonious strains of Herbert's original melodies. The plot affords varied opportunity for the expression of Bulger’s laugh dialogue, and he, as nsual, makes the most of his part, earning many encores. The ensemble is good and the music, carrying the name Herbert, is suffi— guarantee that the play is a musical comedy. PIERRE OF THE PLAINS Edgar Selwyn, as Pierre of the Plains is drawing capacity houses at Powers’ Theatre, and by his clever and powerful acting ‘dds daily to his already long Ist of admir ers. This role he interprets to its fullest extent, and as Plerre embodies all that is sug xested by the author of the character in the novel, Pierre and His People. In his own ‘daptation of Sir Gilbert Parker’s book, Mr. Selwyn has grasped every idea of dramatic work and presents a successful play of worth, capably presented by his excellent company. MR. MANTELL Mr. Robert Mantell has even more than exceeded the predicted success voiced by his many friends, and does much by his artis tle efforts to maintain the high plane on which is the best of American drama. He continues to be seen In repertoire, and will remain at the Grand for the rest of the month. Second Week—Beginning Monday, Nov. 16. DOG WN sacivikiatpane King Lear Tuesday Romeo and Jnuitet Wednesday matinee—best seats $1..Richelleu Wednesday night...... The Merchant of Venice RS 554 pidive sds iens BoeieRe eee lingo Aten, A. CO re PPE ees Richelieu Saturday Matinee ..........csce0se ....Hamlet WARNS WAND vidi scicdoeveceeanl King Lear Third Week—Beginning Monday, Nov. 23. IND aniniky is knks dotewa Cone ente Macbeth | Pep pppes vesececese Meemalet Wednesday matinee—Rest ” seats, Gh osecas eee 1OG64 5H KORES 50600 0ubS RE RKEN Lady of Lyons Wednesday night...... The Merchant of Venice VRNUINE cideckl ccinossuhcmsalacaal Richelieu Thanksgiving Matinee—Play to be selected by popular vote, i Ce Saturday matinee Saturday night enreeencnet aeuaceke Othello sduatounenseusan King Lea Lehus@eanwana Richard 111. THE YANKEE PRINCE The management of the Colonial Theatre are announcing the end of the long run that has been enjoyed by The Yankee Prince, and the Chicago public but sort of tempers the loss to theatregoers by giving us the right to anticipate the newest of Cohan’s comedy, The American Idea, Cohan as usual, has played during his engagement here to consistently large and enthusiastic andiences and delivered the goods of the well-known Co han standard and dash. THE PRIMA DONNA It is with great general regret that Chicago receives the notice that Fritzi Scheff is soon to leave us for other successes outside our city, for without doubt her’s has been one of the biggest and most delightful ‘‘hits’’ in (US: Ai { Us —— BY QUR_ CHICAGO CORRESPONDENT CeIPAEE MEL CMIOSR ICOM Ct has annually revisited Chicago with general success At MeVicker’s Theatre, Mrs. Lottie ‘lair Parker's play is pleasing big audiences, vho are enthusiastic in their realization of the inticipation of months. Several of the orignal cast are in the company now playing not thly, Miss Phoebe Davies and Miss Ella Hugh Wood. A BROKEN IDOL Williams & Von Alstyne’s song play 's golug big at the Whitney Opera House and s drawing consistently crowded houses. Otis Harlan’s comedy songs, Rig Night Tonight and "olities, and Alice Yorke’s rendition of China Doll regularly evoke applause, and the play in its entirety is a melodious success. CARMEN At the International Theatre, Carnen is being produced by the Grand Opera company A new work, never before performed in Chicago, is announced for early presentaion. The Tales of Hoffman. T. M. WEINGARDEN. Trocadero Manager, the history of theatricals. In the Prima Donna Mme. Scheff has not only maintained her preeminent position in the operatic world, but has displayed artistic ability of intrinsic worth, her depiction of human emotions being wonderful in it's scope and power. Her great work now demands recognition as coming from one of our best composite artists. Positive proof of her appreciation from all quarters is evident in comments from press and public, and the fact that there has not been an empty seat at the Studebaker during her engagement. MARY'S LAMB At the big Auditorium, Richard Carle is playing to crowded houses of enthusiastic admirers, and is getting his usual generous appreciation from those who claim him as one of America’s best eccentric comedians. Mary's Lamb is well known to patrons of Chi eago’s theatres, but continues to demand recog nition as a laugh producer in a class by itself, and it's risque drollery moves successfully along. WHAT EVERY WOMAN KNOWS The usual and expected merit of Rarrie’s play and the great persenal popularity of Maude Adams have meant capacity business at the Illinois«Theatre since the beginning of the engagement of What Every Woman Knows. The great master of comedy shines in every line of the piece, and at all times Miss Adams comes into her own. WAY DOWN EAST Eleven years ago Way Down East Was produced in this city, and since that time Theatre, Chicago. A STUBBORN CINDERELLA Catchy music, beautiful settings and costumes, Sallie Fisher and John Barry more, a capable chorus and crowded bouses are all at the Princess Theatre, where A Stubborn Cinderella continues on its tuneful way to success. The end of the run is net yet in sight. THE GOVERNOR AND THE BOSS Gus Edwards’ School Days gave way to The Governor and the Boss at the Great Northern Theatre, but the big business still remains. The new show is pleasing and has an interesting plot. A GIRL AT THE HELM The little Madison street show house is getting its share of the prosperity wave, where A Girl at the Helm is merrily singing its way along to the inevitable LaSalle success. Cecil Lean is his usual ‘“‘hit,"’ and the chic Florence Holbrook more than satisfies her big following. The chorus is up to the Askin-Singer standard; ‘nuff sed. A WINNING MISS South Bend, where A Winning Miss was given her initial performance, thought well of the company who are to make their Chicago habitation at the new Garden Theatre, and said many nice things of the play. Of music there is plenty; also the plot is described as rather dramatic at times. With Toby Lyons, a good support and a broily chorus, trained by Renjamin Teal, a long run may be anticipated — ODN rT eS ; S| OLYMPIC MUSIC HALL The long promised innovation at the Olympic materialized last week, and Chicago can now claim a novelty show house of merit. The music hall idea is carried out in so far that smoking is permitted, sans pipes, however, and the bill is made to read with London color. The opening was attended by those prominent in Chicago theatrical circles, and the floral offerings displayed in the lobby were evidence sufficient that the management embarks with the well wishes of a host of friends. The Eight Palace Girls, Mile de Dio, Dick Crolius, Charles and Fannie Van and Mabel Maitland were on the opening bill. MAJESTIC Last week, at the Majestic Theatre, The Naked Truth, a miniature comic opera, em.ploying the services of eighteen people, mostly pretty dancing girls, who can sing, too, was the hit of the bill, while A Modern Pocahontas, enected by Emma Rainey, the Indlan actress, went well. Others who got a good hand were Niblo, with his talking parrots; Eleanor Falk, the pretty singing comedienne; Keene and Brisco, Clifferd and Burke, Marlo Trio, Hathaway and Siegel, The Fernandez-May Duo, Joe Brennan and Miett’s Trained Dogs. HAYMARKET The west side vaudeville house presented an excellent bill the week of November 8. including such well-known acts as Frank Nelson and Co., Merian’s Canines, Harry Richards and Co., Carlotta, the loop the loop lady. Others who embellished the bill were Bowers. Walters and Crooker, Mitchell and Cain, Dean and Price, Mrs. Dan McAvoy, Borden and Zeno, Joe Garza and Elinore and Ray. FROU FROU. Mildred Holland is now giving her repertoire at the Columbus Theatre. Her offering for this week is Frou Frou, the most surcessful of Angustin Daly’s many plays. Its scenes are laid in provincial France, aris and Venice. Miss Holland has presented Frou Frobh several times in the last few years and has always a success. ALL ON ACCOUNT OF ELIZA. The play in which Louis Mann scored his first success, All On Account of Eliza, is being presented this week at the College Theatre by a capable company of stock performers. It is said the production compares favorably with the original, and the house re ports capacity business. BROWN OF HARVARD. Henry Woodruff’s whirlwind success and one of the greatest love stories ever written, Brown of Harvard, is holding the boards at the Marlowe Theatre. Mr. Albert Phillips plays the part of Tom Brown excep tionally well. The other members of this excellent company portray the parts assigned to them in good style. LA BELLE MARIE. At the People’s Theatre this week is La Belle Marie, a play somewhat similar to Zaza. It is one of the strongest emotional dramas ever written, and tells a story that is straightforward and strikes home. The acting of Miss Marie Nelson as La Belle Marie, and that of Eugene Frazier as George Leighton, the destroyer, is especially good. e other members of the cast are good. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. The Thanhouser Company at the Bush Temple are staging a revival of Shakespere’s The Merchant of Venice, under the personal direction of Mr. O'Neil. The regular company is largely augmented and the production is on a pretentious scale. BURLESQUE. Sid J. Euson’s.—Fred Irwin's Big Show, one of the most brilliantly equipped of all the burlesque organizations, is now playing its annual engagement at Sid J. Euson’s house. Two musical skits, The Great White Way and Ladies’ Day at the Actor’s Club are staged as the curtain raiser and finale. Murray Liningston, Harry Campbell and other clever comedians have the fun-making roles. Folly.—The Yankee Doodle Girls, considerably strengthened since last season by the addition of such well-known comedians as Harry Seyan, Harry Hearn, James Hazelton, Wil) Davis, Charles Collins, Sam Hawley. Julia Seyan, the Gladstone Sisters, and the burlesque favorite, Sadie Huested, are now paying their annual visit to the Folly Theatre. THE MILLIONAIRE AND THE POLICEMAN’S WIFE. A. H. Woods’ latest effort, The Millionaire and the Policeman’s Wife, the sensational melodrama, is playing a week's engage ment at the Alhambra Theatre. THE END OF THE TRAIL. Willis F. Jackson is presenting this week at the Bijou Theatre, an exceptionally good melodrama, The End of the Trail. The locale of the story is in New Mexico on the old Santa Fe trail. The cast is one of the best playing the popular-priced houses. TONY, THE BOOTBLACK. A stirring four-act melodrama with twelve scenes is Tony, the Bootblack, at the Criterion. A. H. Wools has chosen this vehicle to introduce his latest stars, Dave Genaro and Ray Bailey, the well-known team of vaudeville headliners. FROM BROADWAY TO THE BOWERY. At the Academy this week, Chuck Conners will be seen in a thrilling melodrama replete with sensational situations draped around a story running From Broadway to the Bowery. (Continued on page 41.) a