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

NOVEMBER 21, 1908. The Billboard 13 DRAMATIC The Minnelli Brothers’ Dramatic Co., under their own pavilion, featuring the dainty comedienne, Mina Gennell, closed a brilMant and successful season, September 5. The Minnelli Bros. and Mina Gennell have become a household word in Ohio, and there are more demands for time than they can fill. The motto of the management is ‘high-class, cleau perform ances, courtesy to all, and all promises fulfilled.” Number of people carried is thirtyfive; seating capacity, 2,000; money expended, $10,000; size of outfit, largest of its kind traveling. Owing to the large business the past season, the catch-word of the show was, “Try to get in.”’ Next season the outfit will be brand new from stakes to bale ring. New and beautiful scenery will be carried for each pro duction, aud the entire outfit will be as comlete as capital and experience can make it. be Minnelli Brothers intend to spring several novelties for next season that will surprise their many patrous, and great activity is evident around headquarters at Delaware, Ohio, pre paring for 1909. Our people usually ordered “Old Billy Boy’? ahead, so they would always be sure to have it. Notes from the DuPree-Ayer Company, W. Hi. Vametten, manager: We opened uur summer season July 4, at Sapulpa, Okla., playing the Airdome Circuit to good busivess. We opened August 26 on Van's Airdome Circuit at Welch City, Mo., to 8S. R. O,. business. Our cegular season commenced October 8 at Rich “ill, Mo., to a packed house and we have aad good business since. We have ®ne of the strongest repertoire companies in the Middle West, have special scenery, paper and electrical effects. For each bill we carry 40,000 square feet of sceunery. The show is receiving the best avtices from the public and press. Lvery piay is pul on under the personal direction of Eiton Dul’ree. Roster of the company: W. H. Vanetten and Dupree, owners and managers; Frank Everbart,. business manager; E. W. Parker, stage wabager; Phil Davis, Jas. F. Gallagher, larry Sherwood, E. B. Dupree, Theo. Chaiiton, Marion Anderson, Pearl Sherwood, Sarah Grifdu, Mary Ayer, Cutie Moran, and Edua Bush, musical directress. Notes from the National Stock Company, Billy Howard, manager: We are now in our fifth week over the H. W. Woods’ Circult and the business has been very good. At Lexington, Mo., we broke the season's record for good business and also at Marshall, Mo. Marshall bas pot been a very good town of iate years, but with a lot of lLustiing we mabaged to get them started and kept them going all week. The company remains practically the same as at the opening. Koster: LBilly Howard, owner and manager; F. W. Rollins, advance; Jack Lockwood, director; Edd. Mocan, stage manager. The company consists of the folowing people: Jack Lockwood, beavies; Edw. Moran, characters; KR. H. Herrman, general business; Harvie J. Maxwell, juveniles; Edwin Hoyt, comedian; L. T. Swain, leads; Edna Fox, leading woman; Marion Taft, souorette; Bessie Douses King, cbaracters; Beattice Saliee, injenues. We are booked through Missouri, loWa, Wisconsin, LUlinois, Indiana and Kentucky. Everybody is well and things look good for a long and prosperous season. The Fighting Parson, W. F. Mann's latest production, with John A. Preston in the title rule, is now touring the Central States, and is meeting with success. The Fighting Parson is a meritorious production and does not lepend on scenery or gorgeous costuming for effects. The complete roster of the company is ts follows: W. F. Mann, owner; C. F. Maxwell, geuveral mavager; Harry Chappell, company manager; Oliver Martell, representative; Preston, stage manager; Eugene Handy, mechanic; cast—Mr. John A. Preston, leading man; Wayne Nunn, heavy; Bernard Craney, character; ben Greentield, juvenile comedy; Harry Chappell, character; Don Kingsford, character; Kugene Handy, comedy; Miss Sarah Marion, leading lady; Miss Lida Hall, character; Miss Grace Valentine, juvenile; Miss Elizabeth Lidder and Miss Mabel Madison, comedies. Lee Parwin, business manager of H. &. Pierce and Company's In Wyoming, writes as follows: “Since our opening, September 6, business has been, generally speaking, very good. The play, while not of the melodramatic variety, bas many strong situations and is typical of the West, where we are now playing, and without exaggerating, 1 may say that the company has been enthusiastically received everywhere. The management has furnished an excellent cast including Cecil Kirke, Nelson Leavitt, Dean Selah, Bert Rawlinson, Burt Crowell, Frank Guelings, Harriet Dunsmore, Anna Gardiner, Marie Bonsall and Flossie Moisant. frank Patton is manager with the show, while Archie C. Cracroft and myself are in advance.” Park B. Prentiss has closed his third successful season as band leader with the Sells Floto Shows and has taken out the comedy, Zeke, the Country Boy, opening at Dalhart, Texas, October 28. The following is the ros ter: Park B. Prentiss, manager; Bob Cav enaugh, agent; T. H. Delihaut, stage director; H. N. Roberts, stage manager; C. A. McGroue, electrician; H. C. Benson, properties; Glen Cut‘er, musical director; Henry Moore, Eugene Gerthe, Ed. Matt, J. H. Gates, Miss Mabelle \. Little, Miss S. Kayler, Miss Elsie Kaufer and Mrs. T. H. Delihaut. An event of much interest and pleasure-giving type was that of recent date, when Donald Robertson's company of artistic layers presented Comus at the Coldren Theatre, owa City, lowa. Following the play, which scored a tremendous hit in that college town, the eminent exponent of Art for Art's sake, and his fellow actors were banqueted by [resident George E. MacLean and Dean Charles Noble Gregory, of the University of lowa, at the Teichardt parlors. The function was a noteworthy one, many of the university's foremost professors being present. The Man of the Hour Company broke all house records, October 27, when it performed at the Nashua Theatre, Nashua, N. H. Over six hundred tickets were disposed of during the advance sale on the Saturday previous to the performance, and long before the doors were opened it was announced that standing room only could be procured. Notwithstanding this incon venience a large throng preferred standing rather than lose the opportunity of witnessing the play. Manager A. H. Davis, of the theatre, is endeavoring to procure a return date in the hear future, TL. Hans Hanson Company is now in its pinth week and doing nicely. ‘Ibe cast is the strougest this season Hanus Hanson ever had, while the band and orchestra are far above the average. Lew Wren, as Hans, and Bessie Wren, as Chick, are doing nicely. The roster is as follows: Louis Reis, manager; Lew Wren, stage manager; Sam Stendabi, waster of properties; Brauk Vilin, musical directur; H. V. Darr, Cora Darr, Bessie Wren, Bess Bertley, Baby Eugeulia, Robert Dolziel, Geo. Maryuette, Ted Nicholson aud Archie Basford. On November 3 (election night) a perfurmance of W. F. Mann's Tempest and Suushine (Central) was given at 7:30, and at 10:50 Use members of the company gave a bighClass vaudeville show. Those appearing were: Small apd Suwall, colored singers and dancers; Victor Travers, dramatic sketch; Carl Winter homl, balladist; Ethelyne D’Ardene, aerial artist; Harry K. Duffey, comedian; Littie Babe Kio, soubrette, and Marie DeBeau and Company, in a comedy skeich. Business was excellent at both performances. Roster of Burgner and Aiton’s Stock Company: ‘Thos. Aiton, Chas, C. Burguer, J. Koss Wilson, Ed. Hansford, J. P. Day, W. O. Swartwood, A. DL. Wilson, J. H. Little, A. T. Adams, J. Henry King, Miles Reed, Geo. W. Craven, Hal Denton, Joun Beran, Nellie Denton, Leiia Neilson, Della White, May Little, Mrs. Cc. C. Burgner, Edith Stafford, Rose Adaws, Kate Morris and Henrietta Wilson. The company carries Prof. Beran’s Ked Devil Concert Sand and Orchestra. The Western Texas Ranger Company, under the management of Jawes A. Normab, is baving a successful season. The cast is a strong one and the audience is always sent away well pleased. The roster: J. A. Norman, Manager; Fred H. Roberts, Alden Remfrey, Wm. X. Valentine, Otte Miller, Bruce L. Miller, Z. A. Stanton, Jack Hoskins, J. ° Nuugher, LeRoy Fink, J. F. Keller, Tuomas Granudy, Corraime Grandy, Gazel Kussell and Leon Grey. Jack Hoskins’ A Texas Ranger Company (Eastern) is now making the Suuth. The couipany is under the management of Joe Ingeil and the reception given it in the South bas been most gratifying. The company goes as far South as Rome, Ga., the Thanksgiving date, then back through Tennessee, West Virginia, Vuio and Pennsylvania and then into New Engpony , The show will close near Chicago about 2. So successful has Robert Sherman and his company been in the repertoire of plays given Waterioo (la.) audiences, that be bas decided to put out a road company. Players bave been signed and are expected ‘o arrive shortly. when revearsals will begin. My Friend From Arkunsas, a play written by Mr. Sherman, will be the opening bill. Roster of Fred M. Vice’s Maloney’s Visit Company: Fred M. Vice, Emily Viola, Al. West, Wierce Adams, Harry Crokie, Max Stern, Mary Maloy, Nellie Carroll, May O’Connell, Isabelle LaFrance, Agnes LaVoice and Freda Zissber are playing to good business through Pennsylvania aud West Virginia. Ethel Clayton, who plays Mimi, the artists model in The Devil at the Chicago Opera House, Chicago, has just received an offer of $25.000 from Marx, a famous portrait painter in Paris, to pose for him for a single portrait painting that is to adorn the walls of Windsor castle The success of John Drew in the Maugham comedy, Jack Straw, has caused Chas. Frohman to extend his season at the Empire Theatre, New York, until January 1. In the meantime the tour of Maude Adams, who will soe teh Mr. Drew at the Empire, will be extended. Denman Thompson, the veteran actor of The Old Homestead fame, has returned to his home in West Swanzey, N. H., near Keene, to rest for a time before going South for the winter. He will not be with the Old Homestead Company any more this season. Archie Robinson, who has been seriously iil in Atchison, Kan., has sufficiently recovered to go to Colorado, where the climate is expected to hasten his recovery. His wife, Ruth Robinson, bas gone to Topeka, where she expects to join a theatrical company. Jack Ball has closed with Emma Bunting at the Seattle Theatre, Seattle, Wash., and with his wife has joined A Savage King Co. Mrs. Ball (Eva Sargent) is to play the Countess, and himself to manage the company. The Bennett-Moulton Co., managed by George K. Robinson is doing the usual good business, The plays, company and specialties are the best lo five seasons, and the company is now ome of the strongest on the road. Alfred E. Aaron's production of The Devil was presented at the Messenger Theatre, Corry, Pa., November 2, with Reginald Barlow in the title role. Mr. Barlow's acting was clever ang bis support excellent. Miss Gwendolin Bowyer, pianist with the Ralph Riggs company in It's All On the Quiet, was compelled to leave the company in Webster City, la., on account of illness. She returned bome to Algona, Ia., and is suffering with typhoid fever. According to Charles Frohman, Wm. Collier will be seen in London next May in The Patriot, written by Mr. Collier and J. Hartley Manners, J. H. ESCHMAN LEAVES MINNEAPOLIS. J. Ti. Esehman, the popular lessee and general mameer of Lake Harriet Park, Minneapolis, Minn., left for the South on October 24, to assume the active management of ene of the largest circuses on the road and which is now on a tour of the South. CINCINNATI, O. Music and fun prevailed in the leading houses last week. It came as a relief after many more or less indifferent attractious which made a bid for popular recognition, and in many in stances failed to receive the warm reception “ought. As a result of the same, the box-otlice receipts bave been larger the past week than at any time the present seasen, At the Grand Zeigfeld’s Follies of 1908 drew immense business last week. This week A Waltz Dream is pulling big crowds, and tis pleasing everybody. There is no denying that the lighter form of opera is demanded by playxving people who seem weary of problem plays or plays without a problem. Next week comes Mabel Taliaferro In Dolls of the Circus. The Gay White Way, Shubert Brothers’ bigzest and best of New York Casino reviews, opened at the Lyric Theatre Sunday night. The organization is headed by three well-known stars, aud bo comment other than the mention of their uames is necessary to convince the most skeptical of their merit. Jefferson De Angelis Camille D’Arville and Euama Carus form a strong combination of co-stars. They are ably supported by a large cast, Including several wellknown wusical comedy favorites. The Columbia bill of the last week was pleasing both to company and the house, while the public showed the appreciation in which it holds the efforts of the management to give good shews. The bill for the current week Its headed by Tschernoff's Novelty Cireus, followed by Work and Ower: Four Casting Dunbars, Julia Kingsley & Co., Hayes and Johnson; Leo Ca rillo; Frederick Musical Trio, and moving pictures. The program is excellent, and business is first-class. Another week of frolic began at the Walnut Theatre, Sunday, when George Sidney returned to Cincinnati for one week, backed by a large company. Theatfe-goers invariably take kind ly to an entertainment that includes plenty of good. wholesome comedy, interspersed with catchy songs and lively music. More real entertainment is crowded into the three hour performance of Busy Izzy's Boodle than in any other similar production seen here this season. The show is ridiculously funny from start to finish. The scenic settings are good and a welldrilled chorus is provided. A very commendable review of The Christian was given by the Forepaugh Stock Co., Sunday afternoon, and while the play has been seen here several times before, keen interest was manifested by the clientele of the Olrmpie at its Initial performance, and a snecessful week is predicted. The play is a dramatization of Hall Caine’s celebrated novel, The Christian, and is a powerful story, telling of the poor of London. The play is exceptionally well adapted to stock productions. It is hardly necessary to say that the several roles were given a careful interpretation. The ensemble of capable actors brought together by Managers Fish are prime favorites in the Queen City, and no matter what play is presented, the company is usually accorded liberal applause. The current attraction at Heuck'’s Theatre ts Tennessee Tess. Queen of the Moonshiners, the latest melodramatic success from the prolific pen of Chas. E. Blaney. This play is one of the most thrilling of the many thrillers written by this. young dramatist, and it gives ample opportunity for the clever and popular actress, Lottie Williams, to show herself to the best advantage in many powertnul scenes. The initial presentation given Sunday afternoon, was played to good patronage, and there is no doubt but what the people of Cincinnati will be as well pleased with the show as have those in other cities. Two car loads of scenery ang mechanical effects are carried, and a splendid company has been selected to surronnd Miss Williams. The Tiger Lilies hold forth at People’s Theatre the current week. This attraction is of exceptional merit, and is sure to please the most exacting of the andiences. It was tendered a warm reception at both performances Sunday. Two very clever burlesques are furnished, the first being especially funny, entitled A Trip to the Moon. There are so many clever people with this attraction that it wonld be impossible to give each their just mention, so we will pass up further comment, other than to say that the Tiger Lilies are under the personal direction of Manager Drew. of the Campbell-Drew Amusement Co., and that the show is complete and artistic in every detail, having for its general make-up comedy. plenty of good musical numbers, and pretty girls. The Standard Theatre is the scene of much merriment this week. A very clever show, The Bowery RBurlesquers, have been booked for the current week, and in their two-act musical farce. made a great hit. Everything that is necessary to make a good burlesque show is evident. A particularly good-looking and active chorus is furnished, the costumes are_ in keeping and the scenery quite pretentious. The songs are all new. Plenty of comedy is furnished, and the show, as a whole can not fail to please those who admire a burlesque attraction. A distinct novelty, especially for ular rice attractions, is the offering at the Lrceum eatre this week. The play is full of sentiment and elevating in character, and gives a delightful glimpse of Irish life in Beulah Poynter’s latest play, Molly Bawn. A capable company presented the piece. The cast included J. Arthur O’Brien, Erin Fitzgerald, Harry Robinson, George Henderson, Beatrice Meade, Josie Morris Sullivan, Rose Mary Seully, and St George Daclenn. Due attention has been given to the scenic side of the production. Frank R. Roberson has been giving a series of travelogues the past several Sundays, at the Lyrie Theatre. The most interesting yet given, occurred last Sunday when Palestine was deseribed. This lecture, while intensely tnteresting. Is not in any sense, a religious one. The pictures must be seen to be appreciated, as they are beautiful beyond comparison. and a radical departure from the ordinary motion pictures used in describing travel. The Anditorium Vaudeville Theatre has again changed management, but if Sunday's performances are a sample of what the new management intends to give the general public, the snecess of the house is assured. The house was packed at both performances. Milano & Alino ave a refined comedy sketch, considered one of the funniest ever seen here. Demnoco and Rell follow in a langhable comedy, introducing the dog with a human voice, which takes down the house. McKee Richmond, the Irish monolegist. Is seen to advantage fn his funny stories and songs. Marvin Rrothers, eccentric acrobats, poll off some marvelons feats of hand-balancing which give ample opportunity to portray their remarkable strength. The bill concludes with moving pictures. New Robinson's Theatre, with the Casinova Company, continues to draw crowded honses. The Three Harts. Charles, William and Resste. have a comedy musical sketch which Is pleasing. The other acts on the bill for the current week ere the Zoyarras in a head-balancing act: Roach and Harte, interspersing comedy with a song and dance turn, which creates much amusement, an@ moving pictures. Mr. ‘lom Corby, popular advertising agent of the Standard, is rejoicing over the arrival of @ handsome son and heir. Walter Kay, who was with Car No. 1, John tobinson Shows the past season, has arrived in Cincinnati, bis bome city, and is again on the staff of the Grand Opera House. EYAM. THE HENRY SPECIALTY CO. Prof. Benjamin B. Henry, at the head of Henry's Vaudeville and Dramatic Booking Exchange and Henry's School of Acting in Minneapolis, Minn., bas met with so much success with his Specialty Company that he is starting out a second ope to open at Milaca, Minn., on November 16. This second company will play return engagements over the route just covered by the number one company, which Is at present playing in lowa. The dates followin Milaca include, in order, Mora, Cambridge an ine City, Minn., and Grantsburg, Wis., after which the company again returns to Minnesota and plays North-Branch. The balance of the route will be played in Wisconsin. The roster of the number two company is as follows: Barnett, the funny tramp; Leo. Wilder, in a Chinese novelty juggling act; Pauline Weir, in @ novelty club-swinging act; Ethel Flyun, highclass voealist and sketch artist, and Benj. B. Henry and Lulu May in a comedy sketch, entitled Marriage Is Sublime. Henry and May also present a musical comedy act. ese companies of Prof. Henry play H. L. Walker’s time and have so far met with the greatest success. Prof. Henry figures on bringing out a female Minstrel Show of ten ladies, featuring a ladies’ band, in the near future. KEITH & PROCTOR’S NEW YORK THEATRES, WEEK NOV. 16. 125th Street Theatre.—Mabel Barrison and Joseph Howard head the bill at the 125th Street Theatre, in their amusing comedy and singing act. Charles Evans and Company, in George Arliss’ clever sketch, It's Up To You, William, is one of the added attractions. The Tuscany Troubadours, a big musical act, and Ida Fuller, the fire dancer, is featured. headline acts are the Six American Dancers and Fred Lindsay, the wonderful Australiap whip manipulator. Quinn and Mitchell, in a talking act, and Fox and Foxie, the clown with his clever little dog, and the smallest horse in the world, complete the bill. Fifth Avenue Theatre.—Zelie De Lussan, the famous grand opera prima donna, is the headline attraction. The Novellos, in their big circus act; Julie Ring and Company in a comedy sketch, 2 A. M.; Clarence Wilbur’s Funny Folks, the Madcaps, dancers; Charles Kenna, The Street Fakir: James Francis Dooley and Corinne Sales; and Selbini and Grovini, in ap acrobatic act, constitute the problem. T. M. A. NOTES. . M. A. Lodge No. 73, of Springfield, Ill., which was organized January 9, 1908, and has been less than a year In existence; hae experienced a very fast growth, and is in @ prosperous condition. One bundred and ar eight members are now enrolled, and others ip sight. Two well-attended meetings are held each month. The officers are: Chas. W. Morgan, past pres.; Henry Bolte, president; Lee X. Merkle, vice-president: A. H. Schlange, treasurer: Earl Enos, recording secretary; E. A. Grogan, financial secretary; L. A. Tomlinson, assistant secretary; N. J. Luther, marshal; Her man Goa, sergeant at arms. What will be known as Local No 100, of the Theatrical Mechanical Association, was formed at Paterson, N. J., Sunday, No vember 8. ASKIN-SINGER SUCCESSES. Harry Askin and Mort. Singer, of Chicago. are names ‘“‘to conjure with’ in theatrical circles in lowa City, lowa. he latest La Salle Theatre success to score In Iowa City, is The Honeymoon Trail, which made a distinct hit, November 11, at the Coldren Theatre. Prior thereto, the same company delighted record. breaking audiences with three other attractions sent to Iowa City, The Girl Question. The Time, The Place and The Girl, and The Umpire. The Askin-Singer management evidently belleves in sending amusing plays, good singers, large, handsome and well-drilled choruses, competent comedians and attractive scenic effects on the road, and they have s following tn the Unt versity City of Iowa that insures them a packe@® house every time one of their splendid musical comedy treats comes hither. NATIONAL DAIRY SHOW. Beginning December 2, and continuing until the oun the National Dairy Show will be held at the Coliseum in Chicago. Many special attractions have been booked for the occasion, and the affair promises to be one of the big events of the fall season. Among the attractions will be Lew Sunlin and his trained bull; Fred Les lie’s Country Cireus, comprising trained sheep, roosters. pigs, ete.: ten ladies, the ‘Dairy Maids’ Chorus,’’ who dress fn costume corres ponding with the different countries noted for glooded cattle: a milking contest, ete. Young's Chicago Band has been engaged for the event INFORMATION WANTED. Denver, Col., Nov. 12, 1908 The Billboard. Dear Sir:—Wil!l you kindly give me informa tion regarding the wheresbouts of Mr. Joseph Aldert, at one time with Geo. Primrose’s Min strels. afterwards working in a sketch on the Orpheum Cirenit, under the team known af Connors and Aldert. If you will oblige me ad dress W Doty, 1352 Lincoln street, Denver. Col. ORPHEUM, WATERTOWN, N. Y. REOPENS. The Orpheum Theatre. Watertown, N. Y., re opened ite doors Monday, November 9, playing Kefth’s vaudeville On the bill were ¢t Omega Trio. Bell Roy Trio, A_Night with the Poets aml other big acts. The Orpheum ® managed by W. C. Mack. Frank Harcourt, who has_ been playing the principal comedy part in A Buneb of Keys closed November 16, and bas returned’ to New York City.