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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 11, 1900)
IT Hghtful Sir Peter it is not for any one of these reasons that we draw our breath with delight every time the -curtain goes up In the '"School for ScandaL" But rath er because of the courtly graces of the old school, the bepatcbed and powdered love liness of the women in their trailing gowns and soft fall of laces redolent of laven der, the gorgeous brocaded coats of the men, sparkMng with jewels. The atmos phere of aristocratic old England as It was a century ago Js more successfully caught In the "School for Scandal" than in "The Rivals. Mrs. Vandenhoff and Mr. Langdon are the only members of the company who carry it with thorn in the' latter play. While these two are on the stage the Interest never flags. It is the former In particular whose Incomparable flow of humor in the famous old role of Mrs. Malaprop keeps the audience in con vulsions of laughter. She is a precious adjunct to any company that lends itself I at Cordray's will be William Gillette's I famous comedy, "Too Much Johnson," which, for simple, unadulterated fun, has not many equals on the American stage. , "Too Much Johnson" was one of the first j and best of the farces that have been so 1 long the rage, and It has not grown old in the public favor. It is said to be this j year in the hands of a capable company, MARQUAM GRAINDI CJamKXPBifr. 3 NIGHTS" MONRAYr TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 13 AND 14 and to be staged elaborately, "THE LITTLE MINISTER. Barriers Successful Flay- at the Mar-q-naitt Tomorrow Night. Portland theater-goers are to have An j opportunity to see the famous play, "The Little Minister." It will he presented at the Marquam Grand for three 'nights, com mencing tomorrow evening. "The Little Minister" has achieved a ; . IcIMR.' CHARLES FROHMiAlf J . ft N PRESENTS & to old English comedy. I success and is greeted everywhere by large ana rasmonaDie audiences:- It Is Scotch, through and through. "Wha 13 thalr BACK AGAIN AT CORDRAY'S. Moore-Roberts Company- Begin a Week's Engnsement Tonight. After a considerable absence from Port land, the Moore-Roberts company of Australian players will return to Cord- PRESENTS are the first words of the play. But dlnna I fear, lassie and laddies. The dialogue of the-play la not peppered with 'hobt mons" , and "dlnna kens," and the Scotch burr Is. but little In evidence. In face, there Is '-. THE'sOdCESS OF THE" CENTURY THE SUNDAY OREGOFIAN, PORTLAND," FEBRtTAEY 11, 1S00. bssssssHbH2& Henry Miller, as Sidney Carton. 'What though the actor leaves no lasting mark? Today to hi! Aad his the power to lift The -worn and -weary soul from out the dark. And show between the clouds the golden, rift. Thufl hast thou with true enchanting' art Taken the story oC poor Carton's strife? His follies battM&ff with bto noble heart. And breathed into his form the breath, of life, Teaching' that fallen man nay yet be freed Finding' there lurks unknown within hi breast The strength to do one great and glorious deed, Worthy to earn that "far, far better rest," And raise hie pardon's soul to God above Through mighty force of sacrifice aad love. Julian Magnus in Chicago Times-Herald. TREAT FOR PLAYGOERS Brilliant Engagement of the James- ICIdder-Honford Combination at Portland's Marquam Grand. It is with a lively sense of gratitude to Mr. James, Miss Kidder and Mr. Hanford that Portland theater-goers look back upon the brilliant events of the past w eek. Up permost la everybody's mind usurping even the place of the Boers, the Kentucky malfeasance, or the exigencies of the forthcoming campaign has been the re vival of "The Winter's Tale." It may well be asked w"hether the Marquam boards have ever shown any nobler stage pictures than those seen In this most unfamiliar of Shakespeare's comedies a grand sweep of stairway for background; helmeted Greek soldiers, as immovable as Corinthian pil lars, StctUaa. women, in loose-flowing ness, Miss Kidder went rather beyond Shakespeare's lines, for Paulino, speaking to the king, says: "Nay, present your hand; When ehe was young- you woo'd her; now in age Is she become the suitor?' Leoates O, ehe's wannt If this be magic, let it be an art "Lawful as eating. Pol. She embraces him. Cam. She hangs about his neck; If she pertain to life, let her speak, too." A Question. It seems hypercritical to point out a blemish in Miss Kidder's noble and con vincing characterization, but one Is in clined to ask whether she does not go a Jot too far in removing Hermlone from the plane of ordinary humanity. Shakes peare did not intend to make her so pas sive and unresponsive as to cut her off entirely from human sympathy, v In no other play that Shakespeare has given us are the contrasts so clean cut or sharply drawn. As a foil to Hermlone's grand and steadfast serenity are the two violent, clashing natures of the king and Paulina, haughty, impetu ous and untamed, both of them, the one in his disloyalty, the other In her loyalty to the queen. The best work Mr. Han ford did while in Portland was put into this role of Leontes. He seems to be well fitted to depict moods of sullen, glowering passion. After four overcrowded acts of tragedy, there are two of unadulterated fun. Was ther ever seen anything prettier on a Portland stage than the sudden outblos- somlng of gay shepherdesses and their swains, with Perdlta in the lead? Simple- minded, all oS. them, but with the spirit of wild mischief that is born' of country air and plain living. The sutmy blithe ness and buoyancy of Perdlta are as far removed as possible from the lonely dig nity and aloofness of Hermlone; and Miss Kidder gives unmistakable proof of her versatility in being able to take this double role. She succeeds In Imparting to Perdlta a subtle flavor of refinement even In her wildest pranks. The role of the crafty rogue, Autolycus, "The BBB BBsJ bH mister BY J. M. BARRIE Founded on His Novel of the Same Name' -9 "The Little Minister" Is a triumph for purity in theatricals. rhem YHeraw. PRESENTED FOR 300 NIGHTS IN NEW YORK t- miss charity martin, who will sing at the metropolitan thea. ter this week. ray's theater this evening, to open a week's engagement in Irish comedy. For the opening performance, and subsequent ly till Thursday, "Mrs. Qulnn's- Twins," a rollicking comedy written expressly for Miss Moore, by Clifford Robertson, will be the attraction. Thursday night It will be succeeded by Bouclcault's "Arrah-na-Pogue," which will run the remainder of the week. The Moore-Roberts company needs no praise to recommend it to the Portland public Opening here last fall, entirely unknown locally, It Jumped at once to the front rank In popular favor, and has since then not failed to draw good houses, wher ever it has played. Mr. Roberts Is an ac tor who stood at the head of his profession In Australia, and he has made nn envi able place for himself among the actors of America during his brief stay here. Miss Moore has entirely recovered from the lung trouble from which she Tvas suf fering when last seen In Portland, and she will sing a number of Irish songs, In the Inimitable fashion which has made her a favorite with the lay-going public. Manager Cordray will stage "Arrah-na-Pogue" according to the directions set down In the original manuscript, and fol lowed by the playwright himself when he brought out the play. Although hitherto best known In melodrama, the Moore Roberts company is perhaps at its best In comedy, and the patrons of Cordray's theater are consequently promised a treat which does .not come many times In the local theatrical season. "Too Much Johnson' Next Week. Following' the Moore-Hoberts company only just enough dialect td create an at mosphere of highlands and heather. When you are considering Barrie's play, you might as well dismiss the book from your mind. Story and play vary but little to the end of the second act, but from that point the play la- practically a new creation, and not a dramatization of the-' book. The main scene in the third act, and the denouement in the fourth, are cold to be capitally managed. The play begins at Lord Rlntoul's cas tle. Barbara Lord Rlntoul's daughter In the olav not his betrothed. ns In tht hnnle I acknowledges her love for Gavin, "The , Little Minister." Lord RIntoul and Cap tain Jtuuiiweu, a suitor for Barbara's handr are furious. Then they learn that the night the soldiers passed through Caddam wood, Gavin, to protect a gypsy girl, ac knowledged her as his wifer in the pres ence of witnesses. By Scotch law this Is a valid marriage. Lady Barbara, with the fine humor that Barrle has instilled in the character; feigns indignation and la ready to accompany RIntoul and Cap tain Halllwell, in seeking out the wit nesses. They are found and, under cir cumstances that add to the humor of the situation, recognize in Lady Barbara the gypsy whom Gavin acknowledged as his wife. There Is nothing tedious In the way of fine speeches In the play, yet it is said to be admirable from a literary standpoint. for it has atmosphere, and the characters are clearly drawn. Lady Barbara, or "Babble," Is a creature of Infinite variety, with all the virtues that make a woman charming and. all the faults that make her I more charming. She Is simply buoyant with life and humor, sensitive, passion- GRACB HEVER, AS LADY BABBIE IN "THE LITTLE MINISTER." robes, their dark tresses bound Into Psj che-knots. engaged In merry banter tilth the sunny-faced royal boy, above whose head bangs so dark a destiny; a black-browed, fuming king, casting looks of angry suspicion at his queen. Against all this for a background, is seen Kathryn Kidder, as Heraato&e, pure, heroic, passion less Swift as a lightning flash, the tragedy bursts upon her. The center of a seething fun of sueplcton and hatred, she is yet the one calm aad immovable figure In it Though she faints under the lash of sorrow, her dignity cannot be broken. She seems so far removed from the Jmpetuous ness and frailty of common, every-day hu manity that It is not easy to arouse the eymp&thy of the audience in her behalf. She Is weakened by suffering, yet the com manding repose of her bearing forbids pity. She Ifi the purest and the coldest among all of Shakespeare's heroines. An Admirable Hermlone. By virtue of temperament aad physical endowment, Mies Kidder is admirably adapted tor the role of Hermlone. In no scene, not even the Impressive one of the public tribunal, was her art shown to greater advantage than in the statue scene, the last of the ptey. One may wall ask whether this could have bean better done on any stage. The classic molding of her face aad figure fitted her so well for her place upon the pedestal, her pose was one of such simple, unconstrained grace, the drapery swathing her was audi a marvelous study of charm ing curves; she was se perfectly the mistress of her nerves not an eyelash quivered the awakening was go easy and natural, quite ttke that of a child from bi umber But It wm in the descent from the pedestal that Xtes Kidder's native deli cacy and reHncsaent of Judgment were most strongly marked Hermlone had suffered the one wrong which a perfectly neh$e and pure-minded woman finds It hardest to forget. Seventeen years had elapsed, an immeasurable gulf lay between her aad the kins. Z presenting this idea of aloof- seems a small one for an actor who makes such an Incomparable Falstaff as Mr. James, and plays the part of Hamlet, Or lando, or the Fool In "Francesca da Rimi ni" with equal facility. There Is alwajs danger that the thievish tricks of Autoly cus shall seem due to the stupidity of his clownish victim rather than to the cun ning of the rogue who perpetrates them. It is as the debonair, open-hearted scapegrace In "The School for Scandal" that Mr. James allows his humor full scope. It may notile strictly legitimate work to Interpolate present-day slang Into a comedy of 100 years ago, but Mr. James does Jt. and his humor is so breezy and full of captivating surprises that no one would hae him do the part of Charles Surface differently. Stepping daintily about among the gossips in his gray coat and knee breeches, yellow satin waistcoat buttoned with brilliants, lace ruffles and perfumed and powdered wig, he Is as reckless, generous and happy-o-lucky an incorrigible of the ISth century as can well be Imagined. What airy extrava gances of speech and manner he invents, on the spur of the moment, and throws Into the auction scene. He may tweak Mr. Sheridan by the nose, if he will, and play all sorts of mad pranks with the text i he only establishes himself the more firmly In public regard. j It is not easy to speak of Mr. Hanford's I Joseph Surface without contrasting Ms Impersonation with that of Frederick Warde. who played the part last season. , Neither in physloue, action nor voice Is Mr. Hanford sufficiently supple for this . famous role. Not unkindly Is this said. Mr. Hanford Is fitted for very lagh dra matic work, and shines in Shakespearean drama, but not in broad EngMsh comedy of a later date. Atmosphere of Old Englifth Comedy. j Net because Mr. James as Charles Sur ' face shows such gay Insouciance and bon- homie, or because Miss Kidder throws ' such a halo of grace and refinement about her portrayal of the naive aald piquant willfulness of Lady Teazle, nor yet be . cause Mr Harry Langdon makes such a j dimple-minded, magging, but wholly de- tcUi-r-, Ipl . Lower floor 1.50 .-, Balcony, last 8 rows ...-. Woi Balcony, first 3 rows 1.00 PRICES Gallery 36ST Balcony, second 3 rows 75c Boxes and loges ."..)MWQ) Seats Are Now Selling ' ' SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - . --' In response to numerous requests, I have the honor to announce the return engagement of the Louis James Kathryn Kidder-Charles B. Hanford combination on Saturday next, February 17, when this admirable organ ization will present Sheridan's brilliant comedy, "The Rivals," at the special matinee, and either "The Win ter's Tale" or "Macbeth" at the evening performance. The choice between these two latter plays will be deter mined by votes of patrons, which they are requested to register on vote -slips, which will be placed in the pro gramme during "The Little Minister" engagement. , Respectfully, CALVIN HEILIG, Manager. ( CORDRAY'S THEATER JOHN F. CORDRAY, Manager " go bragh" Ail Week, Commencing Tonight, Sunday, Feb. 11 "HRIN GO BRAGH A COMPANY THAT STANDS PAR EXCELLENCE IN IRISH DRAMAS THE MOOR E-ROBERTS CO. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday MRS. QUINN'S TWINS Thursday, Friday, Saturday Matinee and Evening, Boucfcault's great play "ARRAH-NA-POGUE" Correct Costumes, Special Scenery, Strong Cast. Usual Prices. ate, quick of temper, yet with a depth of feeling- that makes her always lovable. v Gavin is a strong foil to her, and even the minor characters are skillfully drawn. FOB, MONUMENT FUND. Charity Martin and EUU Broolc at Metropolitan. A clever company of New York artists will give the "Charity Martin Grand Opera Recital" and Bills Brooks musical spectacle, "Victories of Old Glory on Land and Sea," at the Metropolitan theater four nights, beginning on the evening of favorite here last winter, when "The ! be welcome Intelligence to the many ad- Geisha" was produced; Miss Laura Ad ams, for two season with the Frawley company: Charles King, who has the rep utatiort of being a versatile leading man, and Alexander Martin and Charles Dinni thorne, both accomplished actors. These, with others, will be seen- in. the opening play, "O'Brien, the Contractor." Man ager Jones promises that every play will be produced in its entirety, with all requi site scenery and properties to make it equaL to the original production. ."O'Brien, the Contractor," is a new ver sion of "The Mlll'onalre," which has been made famous by that fine character, Dan iel Sully. It tells the story of a contractor who has undertaken to dujw a railroad St. Valentine's day, Wednesday next, Feb ruary 14. This popular attraction la , naa unae,W-Tit lo S VTX brought here under the auspices of the 1 a -specified time. Default in the . " .. .. . . . T, . wnrlc wrmlri ruin him: completion on timet Oregon JNauonai uuara, ana ine periorm HISS MAGGIE MOOBJEi AS THE TVIDOW QUINTJ, ances will "be for the benefit of the monu ment fund. The coming organization is entirely musi cal, possesses much variety, and will In troduce many pleasing Innovations and features. "Victories of Old Glory" Is a story of the life of both the soldier and the sailor from the Ume they enter the service of Uncle Sam until the close of war. It Is illustrated by magnificent views, flhowing the soldiers on transports, their disembarkation, the trenches and battles, and the reception given upon their return home. It also shows the crews of our warships In routine duties and battle. The mu3lc, composed and directed by Ellis Brooks, who Is one of the best band masters In the country, assists one In understanding the stirring scenes and events as rapidly as they are depicted. This work Is given in addlUon to a grand opera recital by artists who have sung in some of the principal theaters in the world. Scenes from "William Tell," "U Trovatore," "Faust," "RIgoletto," "Er naai," "Somnambula," and other stand ard works, will be given. In speaking of Charity Martin, the Chicago Critic re cently said: "Charity Martin, our own American prima donna, whose voice was developed under the same tutelage as that of Iadame Nordlca, has wonderful purity, richness and depth In her tones, and last night virtually outsang any of the artist3 who have appeared In grand opera this season. Her success was immediate and spontaneous, the audience becoming wild In its applause." STOCK COMPANY NEXT. Excellent Organization Engaged for the Metropolitan. Manager Clarence H. Jones, of the Met ropolitan, has secured, for a season of four weeks, commencing- next- Sunday, Mother sole & Abbott's stock company of players, which will appear in a series of modern, popular plays. This company comes with the reputation of being strong, well bal anced and most thoroughly drilled. Each member, it is claimed, ha3 been selected work would ruin him; completion on time would make him rich. Seeing an oppor tunity to balk his enterprise, a syndicate of foreign capitalists seeks to thwart his mlrers of thte great organization, who, for one reason or another, were unable to at tend the Marquam during the recent en gagement. The very satisfactory business of the company continued all this week, and the gratifying spectacle of large and well-pleased audiences greeted the eye of the players at every performance. For the return engagement, Saturday next, Mr. Heillg will probably give "The Rivals" for the matinee performance, but as to the evening bill, he has not definite ly determined what to put on. It Is his purpose to give his patrons a choice of two plays, namely: "The Winter's Tate" and "Macbeth " In order to facilitate the plan, a slip will be placed in each programme during the engagement of "The Little Minister," so that each in tending patron can thus register his (or her) efeotce of play. Thus far, "honors are about even" between "The Winter's Tale" aad "Macbeth," with possibly a little leantar in favor of the latter. "Macbeth" hasn't bee seen In Portland since the James-Kldder-Warde engage ment, last season. If this play receives the largest number of votes, Mr James will be seen, as Macbeth, which, by many critics, Is claimed to be bis best char aster la tragedy. Mr. Hanford will bo Maeduff, aad Miss Kidder Lady Macbeth. The sale of seats and boxes for both per fsnaaaees wm pen Ttausday mem tog. "THE SPORTING D1GHWS. FraTVIer Makes a Hit With. It-Hia Kerr Leading: "Woman. "The Sporting Duchess,' m which the Frawley company will open He engage ment at Cordray's, Is provijr one of th greatest sweesses Mr. Frawley has yet put en. It te a five-act drama, dealing with the aristocratic racing set in Eng land, and affords a lifelike gUmpse of both the high and low etosses who follow the turf. It was written by Cecil Raleigh, Henry Hamilton and Sir Augustus Harris, and ws originally produced at the Drury Lane theater, London, where It ran for one year. In New York it ran a whole winter at the Academy of Music, under the direction of Charles Frohmaa. It Is still tearing the Bast. Mr. Frawley se cured the coast rights of "The Sporting " ' " aat anraraar. work and thus secure the road, through ' The San Francisco papers hare devoted forfeiture of the bonds. A strike Is or- much space to Miss Keith Wakeman, ganlzed among the laborers, which ' whom T. Daniel Frawley has brought O'Brien throttles. A very pretty love from London to appear as leading lady n story, with a happy ending, runs through Qls company. This is possibly due to the the play. Popular prices will prevail I fact that she Is a daughter of the West, Mr. Loul James. throughout the engagement. PLAY RETURN ENGAGEMENT. bavin? been born In Oakland, CaL Her tether was & noted navigator, and the author of a hook on navigation, which Is well known. Miss Wakeman went from California sight yaxsago to New York, and thence to London, where she rapidly Heillg; Secures James-Kldder-Han-ford for Next Sotnrday. Manager HeJMg has induced the. James- I came to the front. For the last .two years SaVd to fleTs Se parT fff combination to. return to ZfZtT&SZ 1ptw1 Amontr the neonle are: Mlsa Geor- Portland for two performances, on Satur- 1A . j niA-n- arut mmumh 4iSLb7 lOlJ vi rruuvni swam iwwvswww a distinguished bearing: