THE SUND'AY OREGONIAN, P0KTI2LNE, MAECH 25, 1900,
1?
Stern. Reality.
W Cancel together, sb and I,
One night, and found -pre danod so 'well.
That every eveninjr finds us by
Each other's side, and none can tell
How lonff we'll dance together now.
For, though there's no romance In It,
V7e song-and-dance folks make our bow
As long as we can make a hit.
Philadelphia North American.
MELODRAMA TO THE FORE
Wholesome "Toll Gate Inn" -at the
Marauam and Blood and Thun
der at Cordray's.
Those who enjoy melodrama ana their
name Is legion, In the average Western
community have been variously enter
tained this past week. There was a lurid
play, with laughter and blood-and-thunder
mixed in due proportion, at Cordrays, and
a wholesome love-mc, Jove-roewnot sort
of play, with a patriotic flavor to It, at
the Marquam.
The latter "Toll Gate Inn" sets the
theater-goer wondering why more of our
American dramas are not built upon early
Colonial ihemes such as this. It Is a field
whose, possibilities have never been prop
erly explored. Since we have at last dis
covered -that we are a patriotic people. It
ought to be a promising financial venture.
And what a pleasant way for school
children to absorb history! If "we must
have melodrama, let us, at least, take the
scenes from our own land, and put Into
them real heroes that lived and walked
the earth, in those days, when the men
carried flintlocks and powder-horns and'
brave hearts, and the women went about
in patched and powdered loveliness and
big hoop-eklrts. There is every oppor
tunity for tho manufacture of thrilling,
heart-stirring situations, the display of
Interesting customs and picturesque dress
ing, though Langdon MoCormlck, the au
thor of "Toll Gate Inn," did not avail
himself of the latter as fully as he might
have done. And what lurid dramatic pos
sibilities lurk in the feathers and war
paint of the American Indian, or In the
stated impenetrability and cunning of tho
half-breed, of whom we have Ijad so novel
and interesting a characterization this
past week.
The pleasant outblossomlng of patriot
ism at the Marquam was not without Its
counterpart at Cordray's. "In Darkest
Russia," without the smiling, happy-go-lucky
American traveler, would have been
gloomy. Indeed. He was cheered every
time he came on the stage. Blood-curdling
tragedy, by -a wave of his hand, was
converted Into a prayer of thanksgiving.
He made the Czar of .all the Russlas do his
bidding with a lamb-like docility that en
raptured every American heart and dis
armed criticism. Professionally, he may J
not have been the equal of other members I
of the company, but what difference did
that make? He was the only American on
the stage, and so the lion's share of honor
was his which was not very much, after
ftW- MERIWETHER.
"BOSTOX LYRICS" TOXIGHT. !
Colonel Tliompnon'n Company of
Singers at Cordray's Theater.
The return of the popular Boston Lyric
Opera Company to Portland Is an event of
some importance to amu?ement-lovers,
and doubtless a large audience will wel
come Colonel Thompson and his singers
at Cordray's tonight the opening night
of their two weeks' engagement at the.
popular Washington-Street house. Since
the company last appeared in this city It
has had a successful season in the Ha
waiian Islands, where the people of Hon
olulu, the capital city, greeted its efforts
with most substantial -encouragement. As
Mr. Harkinson, who has been making tho
Mies Xelllc Andrews, vrlth. the "Bos
ton Lyrics
preliminary arrangements for the Cor
dray engagement, says, it seems probable
that, but for the appearance of the plague
on tho islands, "It would be playing there
yet."
The Boston Lyrics return to Portland
strengthened in several important partic
ulars. The principals who were with the
organization when It was here last fall
and the chorus have had the benefit of
the experience coming from a long, suc
cessful season. In an extensive repertoire,
and by which they should have acquired a
confidence In their own powers, individ
ually and collectively, that should count
for much during tho present local visit
of the company. Moreover, Colonel
Thompson has secured the services of Slg
nor Domenlco Russo, the vry capable
tenor of the late Lombard! Opera Com
pany, and who Is generally regarded as
an artist of high rank, who will make
his debut here as Turride, "in Maacagnl's
K
famous composition, "Cavallerla Rustl
cana," tonight. Russo was the selection
of the composer for the part of Turride,
at the initial performance of the opera,
and is said to have been instructed by
Mascagnl In the intricacies and expres
sion of the role. There is no question
that the acquisition of the young singer
by Colonel Thompson will add greatly to
the strength of the company In its present
Portland engagement.
Miss Josephine Stanton, the prlma
donna of the Lyric?, needs no Introduction
to a Portland audience. She has much
charm of personality, and will sing in
"Said Pasha" tonight.
Miss Nellie Andrews is another Port-
SIGXOIt nOMEXICO IITJSSO, TEXOR,
land favorite. She will sing all the grand
opera heroines with Russo. Miss Maude
Leekley Is the contralto of the company,
and will appear as the Queen lr "Said
Pasha," and Lola in "Cavall-ria Rustl
cana." Her Azcuena, in "II j.rovatore,"
has won her much favorable mention.
Other members of tho company known
to Portland audiences are: Henry Hallam,
the tenor; Stuart Haro'd, bar.tone; Messrs.
Kunkel and Henderson, comedians and
Bertha Nilsson, Daisy Howard, Katharine
Goodrich. Alexander Joel, Frank Maslln
and Charles "Van Dyne. There is a chorus
of 30 voices. The repertoire:
Tonight and "Monday, double bill, "Cav
allerla Rustlcana" and "Said Pasha";
Tuesday, "Fra Dlavolo"; Wednesday, "II
Trovatore"; Thursday, "La Mascotte";
Friday, "Faust"; Saturday matinee and
night, "La Mascotte."
Manager Cordray has "been in receipt of"
a large number of Inquiries, asking
whether there will be any advance in
prices during the Boston Lyrics engage
ment. He says that there will be no
advance, and that tho prices will remain
at 23 cents to $1.
"THE THREES MUSKETEERS.'
Harry Glazier at the Harauam To
morrow and Tuesday.
Harry Glazier, a young, romantic actor,
who has entered the stellar ranks this
season, under the management of E. D.
Stair, will appear in a new stage version
of Dumas' fascinating story, "The Threo
Musketeers," at the Marquam Grand to
morrow and Tuesday evenings.
Mr. Glazier is one of the best-equipped
of the younger generation of players. Ho
has been in the support of the late Thomas
W. Keene and Lawrence Barrett, and
was also with William Redmund. Stuart
Robson and Kathryn Kidder. Tho last
few years he has devoted himself to stock
work as leading man for soveral of the
foremost stock organizations throughout
the country. During his career he has
played over 350 parts, ranging from low
comedy and character to romantic and
classic leads.
His version of "The Three Musketeers,"
"The Threo Guardsmen" In book form
is by Edmund Day, and it follows Dumas'
great romance as closely as stage requi
sitions will permit. The strong incidents
of the plot are utilized. In a rapid and
natural unfolding of the story, and the
many adventures of the impulsive Gas
con, D'Artagnan, and his companions in
arms are said to be built up into a coher
ent, vital and absorbing drama.
Manager E. D. Stair has provided MJ.
Glazier with a scenic environment, which.
it is claimed. Is second to none of the rival
"Three Musketeers" productions. The
entire stage settings are carried by tho
company, and the costuming Is handsomo
and historically correct.
The supporting company Includes War
ren F, Hill as Louis XHT: John P. Bar
rett. Richelieu; Matthew McGlnnlss. Duke
of Buckingham; Lawrence Underwood,
Athos: Thomas B. Flndlay. Porthos: L.
G. Ingraham. Aramis: Ge'orge Denton,
DeTrevllle; Vail de Vernon. Mlladt (Lady
de Winter; Blanche Stoddard. Anne of
Austria, and Maud Durand as Constance.
"MY PRECIOUS BABY.'
Xevr Farce-Comedy at the Metropol
itan Theater Tonight.
Tonight tho company at-the Metropolis
tan Theater will produce the farce-comedy,
"My Precious Baby," an amusing skit
along the same lines as tho popular farces
of three or four years ago.
The opening scene Is in the drawing
room of a certain Mr. and Mrs. Burkett,
ayhn hntra a son whose mother imagines
him to be very Innocent, although he has
grown, to the age of discretion and has a
chum who assists him in passing many
pleasant hours. The mother concludes
to engage a private tutor, so that her son
may not be endangered in crossing crowd
ed streets or get lost A Mr. Dawson
secures the position, and, on discovering
the temperament of his pupil and friend,
concludes that life will be more pleasant
as a congenial spirit than as an Instruct
or. Many revels are arranged, in which
many characters take .part, and that is
tho keynote for the fun that follows.
The play is cast to the full strength of
the company, and will run all the week,
with the usual prize matinee on Saturday.
3ISS WAKEMAK'S VOICE.
Hoarsened by La Grippe "While the
Pravrley Company Was Here.
PORTLAND, March 23. (To the Editor.)
Last Sunday's Oregonlan discussed tho
Frawloy Company "with entire frank
ness," but the critlo probably was not
aware, when referring to Miss Wako
xnan's voice, that It was only her deter
mination that permitted Porttand theater
goers to hear that organ, even in its ap
parent "want of control." as Miss Wake
man arrived in this city with a serious
case of grip. Her doctor had to resort to
sprays of cocaine to make it possible for
Miss Wakeman to speak at all the first
few nights, and, considering that her
temperature went high enougtv to make
her delirious, it was remarkable that she
appeared at all. Had she not been a
professional woman, most of her time in
Portland would have been spent in bed
Instead of at rehearsals dally opd on tha
stage most of the nights.
Miss Wakeman. in London, is called
"the golden-voiced," Just as Bernhardt la
in Paris, but as every word she spoke
in Portland was uttered with difficulty,
and much to the anxietyofherdoctorjit
WITH IJOSTOX LYRIC OPERA COMPAKY
is not to be wondered at that hoarseness
was mistaken for want of control.
ONE WHO KNOWa
AS TO DRAMATIC CRITICS.
Shonld Remember That They Are
Giving" Their Own Opinions.
Astoria, Or., March 23, 1B00.
To the Editor: It was Shakespearo who
said: "All the world's a stage and we
are players," or something to that effect.
He was right in a -.ense, but I think he
should have gone a little farther and
thrown In a few dramatic critics, for
what vould play or player do If there were
no "knights of the pen?" It Is of these
gentlemen that I wish to say a few words.
X believp In a Just dramatic criticism.
Harry Glacier, In the "Three Blna
Iceteers." If, in the opinion of the critic, the play
is poor, it Is his duty to say so; If good,
he should be Just as quick to acknowledge
Its good points. The critic should always
remember that he is giving his own opin
ion, not that of the universe. It Is the
great public that decides for or against
a play.
Sometimes when I read the so-called
dramatic criticism, as It appears in the
current papers, I have to smile. The
critic seems to be so earnest In his en
deavor to 6ay something wise and to oc
cupy space that he forgets he Is supposed
to he giving his views on a certain dra
matic performance and. Instead, delivers
an oration as it were in print on the sub
ject of drama, literature, art and any
Popular With the People.
FUN AND MELODY J
- -
Boston Lyric Opera Co.
REPERTOIRE' FOR FIRST WEEK
Sunday and Monday i Cavallerla Rustlcana
(Doubi Bill) ( Said Pasha
Tuesday Fra Dlavolo
Wednesday - II Trovatore
Thursday . Mascotte
Friday Faust
Saturday Matinee and Saturday (Sight Mascotte
other old thing that may bob up in his
fantastic mind.
It is my humble belief that the sole duty
of a dramatic critic is to give his own
views or opinion, as to whether a per
formance Is good 'or had, and his reasons i
for thinking so. In all cases, be should at- '
tach his signature to the article written.
Then the public knows whether it is read
ing the flowery notices that originate in
tho "advance" agent's mind or an honest
opinion as to the good or bad qualities
of a play, from an uninterested outsider.
S. TERRY il'KEAN, JR.
BEK STEARIC'S BIG ROAR-
Dlxtln&niaaeii Himself, as a. Cannon
eer In "Cleopatra."
When Melbourne MacDowell slipped on
Denver's Icy sidewalks, a month or two
ago, and put himself temporarily out of
the bill with a bad ankle, several quick
chances in the cast of characters for
"Cleopatra" were made necessary. For
one thing, Ben Stern, manager of the
"Walsh-lfacDowell Company,, was pressed
into service to play tho slave, Mr. Arthur
Elliott, MacDowell's understudy, is six
feet one inch in height and lean as to
figure. Mr. Stern is short, shows com
fortable living that is, he is portly, and
nothing would make him shave his mus
tache. Unfortunately the property man was
pressed into the cast and Mr. Stern, In
his tights and shield, had to rush to the
rear of the stage and conduct the storm.
It is then that witch of the Nile mounts
the steps of tho temple, while Romans,
Marc Antony and Cleopatra's cowering
subjects, kneel before her, and with loud,
defiant voice calls on the prompt and
dreadful Typhon. The climax of Ty
phon's anger Is sounded in a roar great
as if the rage of a thousand lions were
given expression from as many throats.
It Is made the roar by a- cannon loaded
with gunpowder and wax.
The property man, on this particular oc
casion, had rammed one charge in the
cannon, but of this the puffing Stern,
who had escaped from the stage, while
tho heavens were illuminated by lightning
and the trees were swaying before the
blast, knew nothing: Besldea Miss "Walsh
had asked Mr. Stern to see that tho re
port was louder than usual. In his zeal
Mr. Stern rammed a double charge.
"Crash! Zip zip-bang, bang! There was
a yell from the stage, which instantly
plunged Into entire darkness. The drop
curtain was dissipated into fragments.
Miss "Walsh fell down the steps of the
temple; the lank Marc Antony was on
his back, and it almost killed Stern.
There was a quick curtain, and then the
gas Jets were relighted.
"Well!" gasped Stern, to a grieved, yet
astounded company, "its the first time
I've ever touched a cannon."
COXFINED TX BURNIXG CAR.
LottIs Morrison, His "Wife and Man
ager Have Narrow Escape.
Lewis Morrison and his wife, Florence
Roberts, and several members of his com
pany had a very perilous experience on
the occasion of the burning of his private
car on a Maine railway, brief telegraphic
mention of which was mado recently. His
business manager, W. E. Denlson, was
one of those in the car.
The train, on the Washington County
Railroad, was running from Calais to
Bangor, Me., at the rate of CO miles an
hour. Its occupants were all asleep when
the fire started, and its origin is un
known. When It was discovered, the
steward made every effort to stop the
train,, but the bell rope had parted and
the flames prevented him from entering
the next car forward, and the next car
In the rear was a "blind baggage." In
this perilous plight the five travelers spent
a terrible quarter of an hour, the flames
gaining rapid headway every instant, un
til the passengers In the other cars saw
the fire and stopped the train. Mr. Mor
rison and his companions were taken from
the burning platform Just in time to save
them from serious Injury. They were clad
only In blankets, and were carried to
other coaches.
Efforts were then mado to extinguish
the fire, but they were unsuccessful. The
car was burned down to the trucks, and
every article that it contained was de
stroyed. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison and Mr.
Denlson estimate their loss at $40,000. The
car was once the property of Mrs. Lang
try, and was hired by Mr. Morrison from
tho Wagner Palace Car Company about
a year ago. It was valued at $25,000, and
was not Insured. The scenery and cos
tumes for "Frederick the Great," with
which Mr. Morrison is starring this sea
son, were not damaged, and the tour of
the company was continued.
MORE TRUTH THAN POETRY,
San Francisco Painted Oil Map hy
Many Theatrical Attractions.
A great majority of theater-goers In San
Francisco pay no further attention to the
real amusement Interests of California
than is exhibited in a liberal patronage
of the local theaters. Assuming that a
city of San Francisco's size and impor
tance would naturally get the best the
atrical entertainment procurable, they
give no thought to what other cltle3 on
tho Coast are getting.
It is a significant fact, however, that
the great Northwest, In addition to quietly
getting the best of California in the Im
mense commercial and mercantile trade
opened up by the mining interests in
Alaska, is stealing California's amuse
ment and recreation. Not a week has
passed this season that has not given
strong proof of a determination by East
ern managers to pass California up as a
field for theatrical venture. Portland, Se
attle, Tacoma, and even "Victoria and
Vancouver, in British Columbia, have had
first-class presentations of late Eastern
successes, while San Francisco has been
deliberately painted out of the theatrical
map.
The "Little Minister," recently present
ed by a good company in the Northwest,
goes East over the Oregon Short Line,
and tho announcement Is now made that
many other first-class organizations which
come out over the Northern Pacific will
return from the Northern territory in the
CORDRAVS THEATER
VVO WEEKS CM
COL; W. A.
40 SINGERS And the
SIGINOR DOMENICO RUSSO
METROPOLITAN THEATER
COMMENCING
MY PR
PR
EC
i)s
Ba
By
POPULAR PRICES
Two Nights Only
TheThre
PRICES Lower floor (except last 3
same way, or vice versa. The citizen of
Sau Francisco, who, outside of any per
sonal appreciation of good entertainment,
has the wolfare of tho city at heart, may
reflect with considerable benefit to himself
upon the causes which lead to this dis
crimination against the great metropolis
of tho Pacific Coast.
"WTille the leading journals of San Fran
cisco give pages of valuable Bpace to
freak pictures of unimportant plays, their
critics are evidently Instructed to roast l
every theatrical attraction that appears
in the city. Music and Drama is In pos
session of positive proof that a large num-
'P
Miss Josephine Stanton, with, the
"Boston Lyrics."
ber of Eastern managers have determined
to stay away from the Pacific Coast until
they get something like Justice from the
San Francisco press. San Francisco Mu
sic and Drama.
?Tot Convinced.
A few years, ago Henry Pottltt hap
pened to meet an old schoolfellow.
"By the way," said his friend, "are you
any relation to Henry Pettitt, the drama
tist?" "I am he," replied Pettitt
"No, no," was the reply. "I mean the
great Henry Pettitt who writes plays for
Drury Lane."
"Tes," said Henry, modestly, "that's
me."
"Well," said his friend, with disgust,
"you always wero a liar, Pettitt" "Week
ly Telegraph.
11 1 1 U.V "V l.I CfJ
l' x Jn
-TONIGHT M A R G H
THOMPSON'S
Great Tenor 40 SINGERS
joseestxt: staxtojt
maude leehxey
hbxry uax.la2x
stuart earold
And a Superb Chorus of 30 Voices
-PRICES-
Lower, floor EOc and 75o
Balcony 26c and 50o
iiatinee 2&C ana wc
Special Notice During the opera
March 25
Roaring Farce Comedy
NEW SONGS NEW SPECIALTIES NEW FACES
Georgie
er Latest Lee Johnson Successes. Lauah In Every Lino
MARQUAM GRAND
uensdd8.yy.r
A-faitfiful and absorbing stage version of ... .
Dumas' immortal story of "The Three Guardsmen'
e Musketeers
MR. HARRY GLAZIER AS D'ARTAGNAN
Is a production that has never been excelled in attention to historical details.
Company, scenery and costumes on the same high order of merit A series of in
tensely interesting situations set In a framework of scenic beauty and grandeur.
rows) $1.00; last 3 rows, 75c. Balcony, first
Gallery 25c Seats now on sale.
A MUSICAL FEAST
LOUISE BRDHANT.
allad "
Giving a program full of novelties and
musical gems. The second half of
the concert will consist of the pre
sentation of act two in full costume
of the
GRAND OPERA "MARTHA"
YJ.CA Hall, Saturday, March 31
PRICES: 50c, 75c and $1.00
Tickets on sale Tuesday morning at business office Y. M. C. A.
JOHN F. CORDRAY, Manager
25 SATURDAY
. "-
NHLME ANDREWS
BERTHA NXL8SOX
JOHX HEXDECRSOW
GEORGE KUHKLB
Gallery
Loge and box seats
...23o
..L00
to any part of the house.
season curtain will rise at 8 P.'M. promptly
Tfi
.SUNDAY...
Cooper
15c, 25c, 35c, 50c
CAlVINHBUG,Mgr.
March 26 and 27
6 rows, 75c. Balcony, last 6-rows, 50a
BY
Opera Co.
AT
Louise