The Billboard 1909-02-13: Vol 21 Iss 7 (1909-02-13)

10 The Billboard FEBRUARY 13, 1909. Events Amusement of the Week Usual Modicum of Good Things in Baltimore’s Weekly Bill---The Thief Visits Pittsburg in the Form in Minneapolis Changed to Princess---William Morris Visits San Francisco- BALTIMORE, MD. Baltimore still enjoys theatrical prosperity, a condition that does not seem to exist all over the country. The prosperity has especially fallen to the lot of the higher-priced houses, and this week is no exception. Julia Marlowe appeared at the Academy of Music in The Goddess of Reason, and had a most flattering reception accorded her. The spacious Academy was crowded at every performance, the business comparing favorably with that of the two previous attractions, The Witching Hour and The Thief, both of which had exceptional success. Cohan was again the magnetic word that drew crowds to Ford's this week, to see The American Idea. This latest effusion of the famous George M is up to the standard of his previous plays, and, as some has said, it ‘‘exceeds the speed limit’’ in the play line. George Beban, Trixie Friganza and Robert L. Daily furnish most of the fun. The man who had the selection of the chorus is a past master. Several of the songs made decided hits, whistlers are working overtime. At the Maryland the bill this week is another ten-strike. Valeska Suratt, the original Gibson Girl, and Billy Gould head the bill. Their work surely merits it. The Pianophiends have been here before, but their work is equally pleasing as when first seen. Harrigan, the tramp juggler; Angela Dolores and Co, Ida O’Day, Carbrey Bros., The Montrose Troupe, and pictures of the Italian earthquake are also on the bill The necessary repair at the Holliday Street Theatre have been completed, and melodrama again holds forth at the old playhouse. In Old Kentucky was the attraction this week. Moving pictures have opened at Blaney’s. Manager Ballauf presented a good bill for an opener, and a continuation of such pictures and vaudeville means certain success. The business during the week was all that could be desired. The Wizard of Oz, with all of its well-known people, was at the Auditorium and had a successful week's business. . Rene Aubrey, vocalist, topped the bill at the Victoria, which is showing itself to be a veritable little gold mine these days. Others on the bill included Elverton, Chester and Jones, Whitely and Bell, Young America Quintet, Gormley and Adubato, George C. Davis, Judson and moving pictures. Annie Abbott, the Georgia Marvel, whose peculiar feats of strength have been the subject of much discussion, is playing a return engagement at Lubin’s. Others appearing in the theatre and picture parlors there are Higgins and Phelps, Gracey, Alva Moore. Phyllis Gordon, Jos. Freed, Tony Bernard and moving pictures. The Casino Girls packed the Gayety during the week. The famous Golden Marenko Troupe was an added attraction. The Kentucky Belles proved the right sort of entertainment at the Monumental, according to the box office. Arthur Conradi. a young violinist of this city, gave a recital during the week, and re ceived exceptional praise from the local crities. He is undoubtedly the best voung violinist In this city and a New York manager Is now arranging a western concert tour for him. The Kneisel Quartet gave another of its concerts during the week, and was assisted by Mr. Harold Randolph, director of Peabody Institute, at the piano. Peabody Institute hall was literally jammed. These visits of The Kneisel Quartet are eagerly looked forward to, and Baltimoreans consider themselves fortumate in heaving Mr. Kneisel and his assistants visit us a half dozen times during the season. The Oratorio Society, of this citv, under the direction of Mr. Joseph Pache, sang Mendelssohn’s Elijah this week, and the concert was one of the most successful ever given by this well-known organization. The Goddess of Reason, which Miss Marlowe presented at the Academy of Music, is a rather long show. The management announced that the curtain would rise promptly at 8 o’clock, and that no one would be seated bv the ushers during the action of the play. The announcement was carried out, and those who were of the opinion that it was mere talk to get patrons there early, found themselves much mistaken. Miss Marlowe and the Messrs. Shnubert, who are conducting her tour, are to be congratulated on making late comers realize they are a decided nuisance. Manager Ulrich announces that he will give another Sunday concert February 7, at which admission will be charged. It will take place in the afternoon. and the participants will include Miss Germaine Arnaud. the _ talented young pianist. who has scored success upon success since her arrival] in this country. Thad” deus Rich, concert master of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, will also give several solos. Whether or not the police will take any action in the matter is of much doubt. Mrs. Tom Thumb, who appeared at Lubin’s last week. went to Washington with manager Earle, and was received by appointment by President Roosevelt. The chief executive of the country was much interested and was im and the) ‘has been substituted. | cludes Jefferson DeAngelis and Ed. préssed by the anecdotes of the famous little woman, who has appeared before most of the crowned heads of the world. was particularly interested in her anecdotes of the time she was received by President Lincoln. It is stated that Kyrle Bellew, who was here last week in The Thief, will in a year or so retire permanently from the stage and go to England, his native country, where he will write his stage memoirs. Manager Ballauf has had a monster electric sign erected in front of the Gavyety, showing an automobile in apparent motion. It is a copy of the much talked of sign in front of the Knickerbocker Theatre. New York. Peculiar markings in marble are not uncommon, outlines of faces being often noticed. One of the marble slabs in the Academy of Music lobby shows a face very plainly, and there is a very strong likeness in it to that of Doorkeeper John Kilduff. who has been taking the pasteboards at this playhouse for the past twenty-two years. Manager Lehmaver jokingly remarked that the shadows from the electric lights have struck the marble in the same place so often that the reason for the strong resemblance is easily apparent. It is said that George Beban, of The American Idea Company, will be starred by Cohan and Harris next year in a dramatization of Rex Beach's novel, The Barriers. EMANUEL DANIEL. PITTSBURG, PA. The Thief is making its initial bow to Pittsburgers at the Nixon this week, and is meeting with liberal patronage. It must be classed among the best we have had this season. San Toy was billed to play the Duquesne this week, but for some reason The Gay Musician However, The Gay Musician is giving entire satisfaction, is very tuneful and amusing. and is plaving to satisfactory business. The Alvin is packing them in this week and Joseph O’Mara in Peggy Machree is the cause. Anything Irish always makes a hit here, and Peggy Machree is a play worthy of liberal patronage, especially when in such capable hands. The Grand has a high grade bill this week, more amusing than the general run. It inReynard. Selma Herman, in A Bad Man's Wife, is the Bijou offering this week. It is a thriller, very satisfying, and is playing to good business. The distribution of prizes to the Marathon winners of the Press race, which was the feature of the opening night, proved a great card in pack| ing the house. Texas Jack, at Blaney’s this week, is one of the best melodramas this house has had for some time. The New Highland, which is playing Yiddish, and this week is presenting King Lear, The Jewish Hamlet and Uriel Acosta, is meeting with good business, and the new venture promises great success. To Pittsburg belongs the distinction of being among the verv few cities with an exclusive Yiddish playhouse. The Jersey Lilies, at the Gayety this week, are worthy of liberal patronage. The many specialties are meritorious. and, as a whole, the bill is very pleasing Merry Maidens, at the Academy, are livening things up quite a bit with a very good olio and well-balanced variety show, and promises to make this week one of the best of the year. Bert Feibelman will succeed Mr. Edgar Frank as district manager of The Eastern Obio Theatre Comnpanv. Fannie Vedder, a Pittsburger, is playing the leading role of The Jersey Lilies at the Gayety this week. 5 The benefit performance at the Bijou Friday night, Feb. 12, by the International Alliance Bill Posters and Billers of America, in the interest of charity, promises to be a great success. The sale up to date gives assurance of big business. The attraction will be Genaro and Bailey in Tony, the Bootblack. Selma Herman, who is plaving the Bijou this week, presenting A Bad Man’s Wife, will appear Wednesday afternoon and Thursday night with her company in Camille. The races at the Gardens are arousing considerable interest. The fact that this week will be the last for the present season is another factor in attracting the crowds. The Gardens close earlier this season than heretofore, and will shortly be thrown open to automobile enthuslasts. The Automobile Show comes off some time during the present month. The fact that we have some speed artists entered at the approaching world’s champlonship event at the Exposition Rink next tweek., and that the entries include the best in the business, makes it a foregone conclusion that the largest attendance in the history of this. the largest roller rink in the world, will be the outcome. Much interest is centered in our local boy, Kid Emannel, and his efforts will be watched with much interest. He is in championship form. The rooting. which is in evtdence, if counted, would make him the cham. pion of champions. LOUIS l.. KAUFMAN. The President | | Bijou Opera House, in 1887. MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. The name of the new East Minneapolis theatre has been changed from the Family to the Princess Theatre, as a result of the naming contest which was arranged for by the management of that house. The prize of $50 was won by Charles E. Rennison, of 20 South Fourth street, this city, and the theatre will be known in the future as the Princess Theatre. Manager L. N. Scott, of the Metropolitan Opera House, has completed arrangements for the coming of Adeline Genee, week commencing February 18., The rights for Graustark, which played to 8. R. O houses at the Bijou this city, last week, are controlled by James W. Castle, familiarly known to Minneapolitans as ‘‘Daddy’’ Castle, who was for many years stage manager of the old Ferris Stock Company at the Lyceum Theatre here. He is in the firm of Delemater & Castle, and secured the rights to this production from Dick Ferris. While in the city he became a member of Hennepin Council, Knights of Columbus, and accordingly extended an invitation to the officers of Hennepin Council to attend the performance, Thursday, January 28, as his guests. Joseph Callahan, the star feature of the bill at the Princess Theatre, East Minneapolis, last week, originally produced this act at the Peo ple’s Theatre, this city, known today as the He also appeared in the oldest theatre in Minneapolis, the Pence Opera House, as Shamus O’Brien, in 1886, and was the first character man with the Pence Stock Company, which was composed of such actors as Frederick Bock, John Murray, Edwin Barbour and R. Fulton Russell. His many oldtime friends wer glad to welcome him back once more to the Mill City. Through the courtesy of Manager Ike Speers, of the Miles Theatre, twenty children who live at the Sheltering Arms (the orphan home of North Minneapolis) were entertained at the first matinee performance of the Miles, Satur | day, January 30. The children were chaperoned by Miss Heinz, the matron of the institution. Manager Speers announces that every orphanage in the city would be extended this same courtesy, and that next Saturday matinee the children of the Catholic Orphanage would attend in a body. The Entertainment Committee of the Minneapolis Automobile Show are getting events ready for the coming show, which will be held at the Armory in the near future. An elaborate plan of poster distribution has already been laid out, and all of the Northwest will be billed and posted in a most attractive manner. Part of the Armory basement has been turned into an | entertainment room, and here continuous vaude ville programs will be given. The balance of the basement will be occupied by exhibitors, the ‘orchestra and singers will be stationed on the baleony, and vaudeville will also be put on at stated times in the afternoon and evening In the | ball room. Decorators are now busy at work, and it has been decided to use lights every eighteen inches. Most of the space has already been contracted for and an immense success Is assured in every respect. In an open contest a prize of $25.00 for the best cover design for the show program was awarded Otto Boechner. Blaine Allen, for four years leading violinist at the Orpheum Theatre, has just organized a solo orchestra which will open a long engagement at the Miles Theatre, as the regular house orchestra of this theatre. The Miles has also contracted with J. H. Kerr, the well-known Minnespolis baritone, to sing the songs with | special pictures, The new singer at the Princess Theatre, Miss Dubay. has met with marked approval from the audiences, and her voice is excellently adapted to this work. The Princess is enjoying an excellent patronage, and the amateur performances on Friday night continue most popular. Handsome souvenirs are presented each lady | attending the Friday matinee performances. This week’s attraction at the Dewey Theatre is The Star Show Girls, a Minneapolis company, owned and operated by the Dewey Theatre it self. A tremendous advance sale has been made. Chooceeta, the famous dancer, will play a return engagement at this theatre in the very near future. Ralph Stuart, the well-known actor and road star, is new in vandeville, playing a sketch in| New York vandeville houses. Among the near future bookings at the Metropolitan Opera House are included Louis James, Feb. 7; The Mimic World, Feb. 11; A Woman's Way, with Adelaide Thurston, Feb. 14; The Alaskan, Feb. 21; When Knights Were Bold, Feb. 25: Cupid and the Dollar, Feb. 28, and many others of equal note. Fire destroyed nearly twenty business houses In the central district of St. Paul, January 29, and consed a total loss of $400,000, damaging the Majestic Theatre, of that city, which Is partially owned by Charles Miles. of the Miles Theatre here, to the extent of $2,000, Edmund Vance Cook, poet and lecturer, will give one of his characteristic entertainments | at the First Unitarian Church, Tuesday evening. February 2 Etta Farnvsworth, of this city, is cast for | the role of Jennie Buckthorns in the revival of | Shenandoah, to be produced at the Auditorium Theatre, February 8-13, under the auspices of the Minneapolis National Guard. Miss Farns worth is a former pupil of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. M. Holt, of the Minneapolis School of Music, Oratory and Dramatic Art, and has appeared with the Christine Hill Stock Company at the Lyceum Theatre, and also in repertoire on the road The seat sale for the big T. M,. A. Benefit, which Minneapolis Lodge No. 50 will give at the Metropolitan Opera House, Friday after noon, February 5, opens on Tuesday, February 2, and it is estimated thet a 8S. R. O. audience will be the result. Feature acts from every local theatre will appear at this third annua) benefit. Lottie Williams. in Tennessee Tess, is next week's offering at the Bijou Opera House. Among other attractions scheduled for appear ance at this house are The Cowboy and the Squaw, The Awakening of Mr. Pipp, 8S. H. Dudley in The Smart Set, The Four Huntings and Buneco in Arizona. The Isis Theatre continues to offer novelties in the way of Cameraphone attractions. Cheely and Miller, owners of the Isis, contemplate erecting similar houses at St. Paul and Dulutb in the near future. Manager L. E. Lund, of the Novelty and Wonderland Electric Theatres, will open Feb ruary 6, his new theatre, The Gem. located on Seventh and Wabash streets in St. Paul. The Gem is one of the most up-to-date motion pictue houses recently constructed. The’ cold weather put something of a crimp in all theatrical business locally during the past few days. The motion picture houses suffered somewhat from this. as well as the larger theatres. The Scenic Theatre, Novelty, Milo and Majstic all report business as having dropped somewhat, due to weather conditions. At the Gem Family Theatre the houses kept up well, although Managr A. J, Kavanaugh re ported a slight decrease in patronage. RODERIC STE. FLEURE. BUFFALO, N. Y. Plans for the new vaudeville theatre, to be erected by Wm. Morris on the Central Church site, are well under way. Elsewein & John son, of this city, are the architects. The Genesee and Pearl street frontage will consist of stores, and the upper floors are for offices. Bids are being entertained. The auditorium wil) seat 1,800 and the cost will be 8150,000. It will be called the Orpheum, and is to be fin ished early the coming season. R. L. Carter. representing the Fiske attrac tions, Mrs. Fiske and George Arliss, in The Devil, was in the city 27, arranging for their dates at the Teck. George Arlisa comes Feb. 1-6, and Mrs. Fiske 15-20. Littie incidents will happen on the stage, and the third act of The Writing on the Wal) might recently have been spoiled. The necklace that is used by Olga Nethersole broke during the emotional part of the scene, and the 73 pearls, said to be valued at $7,000, were scattered over the stage. The scene was saved by the stage presence of the actress, and the oong afterward recovered, much to her de ight. Quite a ripple is being cansed by the beau ty contests that are takine place under the auspices of the Lyric Theatre and Evening En quirer. The Irish and Germans have had an inning, and now the French Beauties will have a trial. The Fanny Rice Company offered a prize while here, and the company did a big business In A Day Off. The star introduced her miniature stage characters, taking big. Manager Frank Abbott. of the Bon Tons, Is making a bie feature of Rawson and Clare ip Just Kids, and the company had crowded houses at the Garden the past week. Guy Rawson, as the principal comedian, and Francis Clare, {Dp the singing ensemble, were all to the good, and the big company presented an excellent program. Irene Franklin has them all beaten in yau deville when it comes to ‘‘expressions’’ and the singing of Red Head, with Bert Green at the piano, as was fully expressed by the audiences at Shea's the past week. She made her entry on the stage in this city with Pete Baker in The Emigrant. and also later in Edith’s Burg lar and The Prodigal Son. Shea still bas the run in vaudeville. Crowded houses were had week of February 1. Nat Wills, that happy tramp. and his monologue was a warm one. A Night With the Poete was delightful. transferring to the stage the Riley characters, presented by a company of twenty. Fred Hawley and Company, assisted by Frances Haleht. in The Bandit, was very clever. The Four Fords. a great family of dancers, and The Nichols Sisters, in their well known Kentucky Belles. were fine The Pic colo Midgets are little. but they get big laughs. Oscar Lorraine. a Buffalo bov. received a warm | welcome as a violinist. DeWitt. Burns and | Torance, in The Awakening of Toys, was & | pleasure, and some excellent moving pictures made up the bill TRAP RPEEICTT Ete = Lathe “ei: gba oa