THE SUNTDAY OREGONIAN, PORTLAND, MARCH 4, 1900.
17.
"A vlMoa entered It "was the I
Thy emlle wna seen, thy voice was heard.
It thrilled each eoul -with ecstasy.
And huah'd the note or every bird.
Then Joyfully was passed the word
She! She alone, our queen shall be."
WITH ENTIRE FRANKNESS
More "Woman Than Queen, and Yet
Glorious Is Blanche Walsh's Cleo
patra Frawley Company.
It must be conceded that, both as re
gards sumptuous beauty of stage set
tings and the vivid and powerful por
trayal of emotion, Portland theater-goers
have seldom. If ever, enjoyed anything
better than the Walsh-MacDowell produc
tion of 'Cleopatra" and "La Tosca," at
the Marquam this past week. How those
glowing pictures of Egyptian magnificence
stay with us! "We have but to shut our
eyes, to see again the terrace of Memphis,
a group of dark pillars outlined against
the quivering stars, the glimmer of the
distant, rush-bordered river, the dim,
glamorous reach of papyrus swamps, and
swinging from the portico in the fore
ground a single brazier, sending up red
and yellow tongues of flame; brown
sKlnned attendants, a-glltter with, pangiea,
fanning the summer air with slow-nodding
peacock feathers, a couch and on It a
queen, moaning, in most womanly fash
ion. "My eyes will neither sleep nor
weep."
There is a sudden quiver of haste in
the heavy air, and a gasping, breathless
slave crouches at Cleopatra's feet, with
a message from Marc Antony. We hear
the torrent" of burning questions poured
out upon him; we look down Into the
depths of a woman's heart, where hope,
fear. Jealousy, anger, hatred, pride, re
morse are fighting with love; we see her
uplifted hand and the gleam of a dagger.
There is a swift change ot mood, and
with it the impetuous unclasp of Jeweled
bracelets to reward the trembling slave.
Another Picture.
Or, moving from the portals of the Tem
ple of Isis we see a procession of blue
hooded priests in loose robes or leopard
skins, bearing idols and chanting dirge
like strains; threatening groups of Roman
soldiers, with swords bared for onslaught;
the imperious figure of a woman with
outstretched arms, seen against a lower
ing sky; we hear her calling to the gods
of Egypt to obey her; and the answer
comes. The black air flashes forth light
nings that send even the stolid Roman
soldiers cowering to the ground; against
the fires of heaven stands Cleopatra, un
moved, controlling the anger of the gods.
It would be hard to find more superb
settings for this young, emotional actress,
who so boldly essays the roles of Bern
hardt and Fanny Davenport.
The first impression Blanche Walsh
makes upon one is that of a creature of
glorious vitality and tumultuous energy,
who delights to riot in tempestuous pas
sions, and like a young animal, In the
full freshness of Its powers, cares not a
straw for that saving prudence which
dictates sobriety of effort, in the expen
diture of nerve force. Some day when
her stock of splendid vitality runs low,
she will learn to "cut corners," in mak
ing her points on the stage, but when
that time comes American audiences will
not like her half so well. She has what
William James would call the "bottled
up lightning" temperament.
Almost Feline at Times.
At times, Miss Walsh's impersonation of
Cleopatra is almost feline. When, after
being unrolled from the carpet, she stands
hidden In the recess of the palace at
Actlum and listens to Marc Antony's pro
fessions of love to Octavia, her face wears
a sly, catlike expression, and In the previ
ous act she showed herself a very tigress
in ferocity toward the messenger.
Yet she knows how to set bounds for
herself, when the right time comes. In
the really great moments of the play, she
shows absolute self-restraint, and this Is
the more remarkable because of her usual
impetuous vehemence. When, In the last
scene. Marc Antony Is brought in, mor
tally wounded, she does not rant, or tear
her passion to tatters: her anguish Is too
deep for that. In the tender, clinging
caress with which she receives his last
breath, and the horrifying quiet of her
own death, sitting upright In the chair of
state, with Egypt's diadem upon her brow
with which he accepts the homage and
the tyranny of Egypt's queen, adapt him
admirably for his place in the play. It
would be manifestly absurd for all the
tragic splendor of Cleopatra's love to be
wasted upon a man of Insignificant ap
pearance. A superb stage presence is one
of the essentials of a Sardou hero. As
for psychological subtleties, those are apt
to be appropriated to the exclusive use
of the heroine.
"La Tosca."
"LaTosca," which Is stll! fresh In our
memory from last season's production,
shows Miss Walsh in a stronger light than
does "Cleopatra." Possibly, It is because
a regal manner is not required of her, as
In the role of the Egyptian queen. In
this most harrowing of Sardou's plays,
she is not upheld by such splendid spec
tacular devices as in "Cleopatra," yet she
is very responsive to the heavy demands
made upon her versatility perverse and
charming in the earlier scenes, full of lit
tle piquant petulances and pretty caresses,
whllo, as the tragedy develops, she gives
us a remarkable study of heart-eating
Jealousy, and of that prolonged and terri
ble struggle to save her lover that ends
at last In the sacrifice of four lives.
The refined and sickening cruelty of the
baron, with its brutish sensuality and
flashes of Mephlstophellan wit, make that
role an exceptionally difficulty one for a
man of ordinarily humane instincts. It
would be hard to find a more repulsive
stage-villain. Mr. MacDowell's remark
ably intelligent and consistent interpreta
tion of the role; the rare art with which
he depicts Scandla'B heartless glee, and re
morseless tyranny, are more or less fa
miliar to us, owing to his previous ap
pearances here in that role. But it Is so
unusual for such a part to win the appro
bation of en audience that the curtain
calls he received are particularly worthy
of note. These must be taken as valuable
testimonials of his worth as on actor.
The management of the Marquam de
serves, and should receive, the gratitude
of the public for refusing to permit lata
comers to take their seats while the cur
tain was up. This pleasant innovation
added materially to the success of the
Walsh-MacDowell engagement.
The Frawley Company.
It must be sorrowfully admitted, with
a sigh for the pleasant hours of the past,
that the Frawley company Is not what it
used to be. It has deteriorated; there can
be no d.oubt of It. Mr. Frawley's old-time
WALTER WALKER, IN HENRY GUY CARLETON'S COMEDY, "THE NOMINEE."
and Egypt's scepter in her hand. Miss
Walsh puts a curb upon her nature and
bends It to the bidding of her wlIL Viewed
as a whole, her Cleopatra Is a passionate
creature, lacking somewhat In dignity and
respose; more woman than queen; clear
and transparent of soul, less complex than
one expects, and so strongly Invested with
human interest as to make it compare
favorably with Fanny Davenport's imper
sonation. How easily the dignity of Marc Antony
sits upon Mr. MacDowelL The 10 years of
training he received with Fanny Daven
port have not failed in their work. He
wears his toga as though he had been
born to It The noble molding of his
head and shoulders, and the splendid ease
v
T. DANIEL. FRAWLDY AS NAPOLEON, IN "MME. SANS GENE."
penchant for selecting actresses with a
well-bred air, a distingue style. Is still in
evidence. The women of the company wear
chic and becoming gowns with that air
of pleasant unconcern which suggests a
more Intimate acquaintance -with them
than is likely to be acquired at the hands
of a stage costumer; they are comely of
face and figure, and will bear a close scru
tiny through the lorgnette; they use their
broad English a's with admirable ease,
and make commonplaco remarks with an
air of extraordinary enthusiasm and en
joyment. But we expect something more
than this. It Is quite possible to find these
attractions in the private drawing-rooms
about us.
"The Sportlnc Duchess."
It Is in the "Sporting Duchess" that tho
Frawley company puts its best foot for
ward. This Is full of the Derby races;
pretty women in pretty gowns; clever talk
that smacks alternately of the stables,
fashionable scandals and the hnr-ronm
so brimful. In fact, that there Is no room
left for legitimate acting. There Is a
change of scene every few minutes. As
'soon as the spectator begins to be really
interested and concludes that he has, at
last, found a thread to the plot, the cur
tain goes down and he is left in confu
sion, wondering what share of the re
ceipts at. the box-office is expended as
"tips" on the scene-shifter.
With only two or three exceptions, all
the members of the company are new to
us. Mary Van Buren, apparently. Is the
most promising. She seems to be a dec
orous young woman otherwise, accus
tomed to well-bred society; yet she plays
the part of an adventuress who tosses oft
brandy and soda with her men frlend3
and smokes cigarettes. Miss Keith Wake
man, also a decorous young woman when
in the drawing-room of good society, takes
the role of the Sporting Duchess very
much as though it were a big Joke. Even
the men look sheepish when they say
Improper words such as are never heard
in church. There Is no denying It, the
play is decidedly risque.
"Countess Guckl."
But at least the "Sporting Duchess"
goes with snap, which Is more than can
be said of "The Countess Guckl." It de
volves upon Mary Van Buren. In the title
role made famous by Ada Rohan, to carry
the play with a piquant manner and pret
ty coquettish glances of the eyes. She
makes use of these freely, but. some way,
they do not quite succeed In carrying the
play. Perhaps this is because she is not
supported quite so well as she should' be.
for she certainly has as unconstrained
and charming a stage presence as has
been seen in Portland for many a long
day. There is a great deal of enthusiasm
and explosive laughter on tho stage too
much. In fact. Some of It ought to be in
the audience. MERIWETHER.
Popular With the People
CORDRAY'S THEATER
JOHN F. CORDRAY, Manager
UNANIMOUS VERDICT:
"The Best Company Mr. Frawley Has Ever Brought to Portland"
ONLY MATINEE
SATURDAY
THE
ONLY MATINEE
SATURDAY
FRAWLEY COMPANY
1 I ONIUH I SUNDAY TONIGHT
and MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (only times), First Presentation In this City of Sardou's Greatest Comedy Drama
"MADAME SANS GENE
99
Thursday and Friday
AN UNCONVENTIONAL HONEYMOON
The best-liked comedy of the Portland
engagement of The Frowleys last season.
9
t
Saturday Matinee and Night
u
5J
Strongest ensemble performance of tho
entire reportoire.
PRICES
Lower Floor ....TBo
Lioge Seats $1.00
Boxes (4 seats) J5.00
Balcony Loges 75o
Balcony Circle 50c
Gallery 25a
Matinee Prices 23c, 50c and 75o
FRAWLEY AT CORDRAY'S.
"Madame Sana Gene" Will Iead This
"Week's Production.
The Frawley Company will be seen In
three important productions this week.
The business accorded the organization
during the past week has been such that
Mr. Frawley says he eels encouraged
to play a three-weeks' season here every
year. The second week will open tonight
with the first production In this city of
Sardou's great comedy-drama, "Madame
Sans Gene," which will be presented until
Thursday evening. On Thursday and
Friday evenings, Augustln Daly's delight
ful comedy, entitled "An Unconventional
Honeymoon," will be presented, and on
Saturday afternoon and evening the fa
vorite drama of "Trilby" will be given,
with Mr. Frawley as Svengali and Mary
Van Buren as Trilby. Commenting upon
Sardou's "Madame Sans Gene," a well
known writer says:
"The public is really less Impressed by
awful and Irresistible beauty than It Is
by a personality which, llko Madame
Sans Gene, resists, fights and brushes
aside the temptations, the disagreeable
intrigues and the vulgar assumptions of
those who would her betters be. Sardou
is a clever painter In words; his lines are
sharp and clear, his colors vivid, his
grouping masterly, and each Individual
stands out from tho canvas distinct.
sharp and unmistakable. In his Napole
onic episode, fictitious for the greater
part, but In which historical personages
are introduced to give a color of truth
fulness, he, with a fine art, lifts the
plain washerwoman above the socially
better-placed and equipped people who
are about her, points out her merits to
the audience, furnishes her with weapons
of defense and offense, 'and ends by leav
ing her with a, public that has learned
to love the rugged honesty and refresh
ing singleness of purpose of Ketherine
Huebscher, tho whilom laundress.
"There Is much that is trifling or even
common in tho dialogue of 'Madame
Sans Gene,' but tho ago of the Imperial
Corslcan, when at Its fullness, was so
cially chaotic. The shifting of the peo
ple on the social stage was constant and
kaleidoscopic; every hour brought new
Individuals to the front; every hour saw
the retirement of others who had basked
In the sunshine but a little while before.
Vulgar In his tastes, although an em
peror, knowing no law but that which
he created and enforced. Napoleon yet
bowed to the broad traits of honesty and
unselfishness, and could and did recognize
worth In persons who were not hostile
to his alms and purposes. He was also
honest in that mere rank made no dif
ference to him; he could create a duke
today and make him again a common sol
dier tomorrow, and so It Is pleasantly re
called of him that the friends of his
humbler days never appealed to him in
vain.
"It Is easy to understand, therefore,
that the Corslcan, for whom the washer
woman had done a trifling, but, as it
turned out, a momentous service, would
seek to pay his debt, even though It de
manded of him a sacrifice that went
counter to his plans."
Cast of "3Ime. Sans Gene."
Napoleon T. Daniel Frawley
Marshal Lrefebvre... .Harrington Reynolds
Fouche Wallace Shaw
De Nelpperg Francis Byrne
Savary, Duke of Rovigo.-..J. R. Amory
Tulip Clarence Chase
Despereau George Gaston
Laurlston Thomas Lowell
Cannauvllle Frank Mathleu
Junot Frederick Sparr
Duroc Harry Kingsbury
Rouston H. S. Dufiield
Corso Charles Warner
Cop Frank Wllmot
Constant James Stewart
Vinegar Harold Fremont
Queen Caroline Marlon Barney
Princess Eliza Christine Hill
Mme. de Bulow Phosa McAllister
Mme. de Canlse Margaret Barrett
Marie Harriet Qulmby
Jennie Lillian Pearl Landers
Julie Mlnnette Barrett
Catherine Hubscher (Mme. Sans Gene)
Mary Van Buren
"RIP VAN WIXKLE."
Legend of the Catuklllii at the Met
ropolitan Theater.
Commencing tomorrow night, Mothersole
Sz Abbott's stock company, at the Met
ropolitan, wlli present Washington liv
ing's famous legend of the CatsklH's, "Rip
Van Winkle." Charles W. King will play
Rip; Miss Laura Adams Is cast for Gretch
en, the vagabond's wife; little Olllo Cooper
will be Meenie, Rip's daughter. In the first
act, and Miss Georgie Cooper will play
grown-up Meenie in the second and third
acts. Incidentally. Miss Adams will sing.
"Die Wasserfall," and Georgie Cooper w ill
introduce new specialties.
To Joseph Jefferson, dean of tho Ameri
can stage, more than any other actor. Is
due the popularity which "Rip Van Win
kle" achieved among the theater-goers of
the last generation, and which has not
waned at the end of the century. De
spite his faults, every one sympathizes
with the good-natured, hen-pecked toper
who falls in with the dwarfs and drinks a
soporific that puts him to sjeep for 20
years. It is a very simple play, yet It has
a fascination for young and old that is
not easy to analyze. While It lacks what
nowadays Is called "dramatic" situations,
it has strong Interest, and the legendary
human basis upon which the story rests
becomes almost historical. Resides, the
tale of "Rip Van Winkle," told in Wash
ington Irvlng's charming style. Is now an
American classic. It Is to be found in
every good collection of masterpieces of
this country's literature, and Its value in
the treasury of letters Increases with age.
Unlike dramatized novels, the play of "Rip
Van Winkle" tells the whole story, and Is
not devoted to one or two Incidents. In
deed, It Is more complete than Irvlng's
sketch.
Judging by his performances the past
two weeks. It may bo reasonably expected
that Mr. King will give a very satisfactory
performance of Rip.
MARQUAM GRAND!
CALVIN HBUaUgr.
TWO NIGHTS ONLY mmxmn
K?"gflBiY MARCH 9 AND -10
THE SEASpN'S COMEDY EVENT
Engagement of the Admirable Actor
MR. WALTER WALKER
Accompanied by
MISS MILDRED ST. PIERRE
And a Sterling Company of Player. Presenting a Three-Act Farcical Play. Entitled
i ne nomiii
By Henry Guy Carleton. Author of "The Butterflies' "A Gilded Fool,'
"The Lion's Mouth." Etc
ee
Just as Presented 300 Nlgnts In New York by
NAT GOODWIN
And for a London Season by
MR. CHARLES WYNDHAM
"A COMEDY WITHOUT COARSENESS"
PRICES
Lower floor, except last 3 rows JL0O
Last 3 rows 75c
Balcony, first 6 rows 73c
Balcony, last 6 rows 50c
Gallery 25o
Salo of seats will begin Wednesday
morning, March 7th.
LAST
TIME
Metropolitan Theater
Red
White
AND
Blue
Matinee
Today
at 2 P. M.
COMMENCING
7 NIGHTS and
2 MATINEES
MONDAY,
Complete Scenic Production of
the Favorite Drama
AH the Favorites in the Caste
MR. CHAS. KING MISS GEORGIE COOPER
MISS LAURA ADAMS
Popular Prices 15c, 25c, 35c, and 50c
"THE XOMIXEE."
Will Be Produced at the Marqnam
Friday and Saturday.
Walter Walker, supported by Miss Mil
dred St. Pierre and what Is claimed to be
a company of clever players, will present
Henry Guy Carleton's comedy success,
"The Nominee,' at the Marquam Grand
on Friday and Saturday evenings next.
Mr. Walker Is said to be making the hit
of his career, in the role of Jack Med
fofd, and to be doing a good business with
his present production. He will be best
remembered by theater-goers for his per
formance In the principal male part of "A
Bachelor's Honeymoon," last season.
"The Nominee," In which he makes his
bow at tho Marquam this week, was orig
inally produced In London, by Charles
Wyndham, under the title of "The Can
didate," and was an Instantaneous suc
cess. In America Nat Goodwin kept New
Tork laughing for something like 300
nights, In the clever composition. It
brought Mr. Goodwin and Its talented au
thor both fame and money. The play
ranks with Carleton's most brilliant suc
cesses, among which may be mentioned
"Tho Glided Fool," written for Mr. Good
win; "The Lion's Mouth," in which Fred
erick Warde has starred so long, and
"The Butterflies," In which John Drew
made a distinct hit during several sea
sons. "The Nominee," as its name indicates,
finds Its theme, In a general way, In mat
ters political, and tells the story of a
young married man, without political am
bitions, who accepts a political nomina
tion, merely to serve a convenient pur
pose, and thereby causes the most amus
ing entanglements.
is as easily recognizable as the coun
tenances of the principals themselves.
Many other celebrities are shown.
Scalchl May Come.
Music-lovers will remember with pleas
ure Mme. Scalchl, who appeared at the
Marquam Grand several seasons ago. This
great artist Is making a farewell tour of
the Pacific Coast this season, and will
shortly appear In San Francisco. Manager
Heillg has been negotiating with Mme.
Scalchfs manacer to hn.v hr annpnr in
I Portland this month. If a suitable guar-
antee can he raised, her appearance Is as
sured. Manager HelUg will place a sub
scription list at the box office of the theater
on Wednesday morning of this week.
"With, the Frnwleya.
Miss MIgnon V. Oxer, tho daughter of
Mrs. R. J. 0::er, who Is known In Port
land musical circles, has been given an
opportunity to appear in minor parts with
the Frawley company in this city. Miss
Oxer has developed "considerable ability in
local amateur theatricals.
JEFFRIES- SHARKEY CONTEST.
Blogrraph. Pictures Will Be Shown at
the Marqnam.
Manager Helllg, of the Tarquam Grand,
has, by special arrangement with Messrs.
William A. Brady and Thomas O'Rourke,
succeeded In obtaining, for three nights,
beginning Tuesday evening, March 13,
the blograph pictures of the Jeffrles
Sharkey pugilistic contest, which are
said to be the best of the sort ever taken.
It Is contended for them that they show
the movements of the fighters, their
feints, blows, parries, advances and re
treats, as clearly as If the spectator were
at the ringside. Wherever they have been
shown they have attracted large aud
iences, and those of the best class, in
many of the principal cities.
"Bob" Hllltard, the actor, figures prom
inently in the pictures. He Is shown
In a seat at the ringside, and his faco
SOMETHING ABOUT 'PROPS."
Fine Distinctions by Unwritten. Laws
of State Convention.
When the property man of the Montauk
Theater opened a fat envelope handed him
the other day, says the Brooklyn Eagle,
he discovered that It contained a list of
properties or "props" for "Sister Mary,"
the comedy in which Miss May Irwin
will be seen there. It covered several
sheets of foolscap, pasted together end
wise, wrapped like a Roman epistle, and
called for everything from a grand piano
to a cigar.
A long list of "props" Is a terror to the
proporty mac. It means additional work;
for, beg, borrow or steal, he must have
every Item on the list. He never steals,
ho seldom begs, he sometimes borrows,
he frequently buys, but usually rents.
One of the "props" called for In "Sister
Mary" Is a stick of grease paint. This
suggests the nice distinction established
by stage customs In regard to "props."
Every actor has a stick of grease paint
in his make-up box, but as a "prop" la
something seen and handled on the stasra.
but not used In costume and make-up.
it is eviuem mat me actor oniy touches
it or affects to paint with it, or else It
would not be a "prop."
Another on the list a green shade sug
gests another distinction. If an actor
wears something other than a garment
on the stage and takes it off after he ar
rives on the stage, it Is a part of his
costume or make-up and he must sup
ply it. But if he arrives on the stage
and the scene requires that he pick up
something and put it on. then It is a
"prop." and he does not have to furnish
it. The green eye shade Is doubtless picked
up by some one In "Sister Mary," for if
it were worn It would not be on the
"prop" list. Other articles that come
Into the list are books, cards, photographs,
aprons, canes, umbrellas, a traveling
bag, etc
There Is considerable discomfort on tha
part of an actor In "Sister Mary" because
he has to come on the stage smoking,
and hence has to furnish his own cigars,
for fear that the "props" might make him
sick. Another character whom he en
counters picks up a cigar from a table.
Tho "prop" man furnishes this one. Such
are some of the curiosities of theatrical
stage conventions.
When the Birds Go North. Asaia.
Ella Hlgginson.
Oh, every year hath lto winter,
And every year hath Its rain
But a day 13 always coming:
"When the birds go North again. "
"When new leaves swell In the forest, " -.
And grass springs green on the plah
And the alder's veins turn, crimson
And tho birds go North again.
Oh, every heart hath Its sorrow.
And every heart hath Its pain
But a day Is always coming
"When the birds go North again.
'Tla the sweetest thing t remember
If courage be on the wane, j;t
"When the cold, dark days are ova -"'
Why, the birds gb North agata.