Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 30, 1900)
THE SUNDAY OREGONIAN, POKTLAND, DECEMBER 30, 1900. 17 fe&&&i Th A MVJT A rVA k -o ,. -Sggg&ffi j 1 WmWk M JLaJW f? i K5! 1 M V Aa WEEK IN THE THEATERS "Warde at His Beat in "RIcnellen" FxaTTle' LnrRt Repertoire The Mistake of Clarke. Portland playgoers are always glad to 6ee Frederick Warde, and whether he comes as a lone star, or twinkling In a company with Louis James and Kathryn Kidder, he is made to feel that he Is welcome. It cannot be denied, however, that Warde, singly, with such support eas his managers see fit to accord him, is not as acceptable as when he comes with other actors of equal eminence. There Is something pathetic about the average actor who composes the rank and file of a Shakespearean company, and while Warde's company was something above the average, and contained at least two members (Mr. and Mrs. Spencer) who rank well in their profession, it was not the kind of a company in which a good actor can do his best. Nowadas, when managers are recognizing more and more the necessity of giving a good actor a good company. It Is particularly irritating to see men and women who have not the fear of English In their hearts, spouting the lines of Shakespeare and other classic authors. It is to be hoped that the next time Mr. Warde comes to Portland his managers will place him in better com pany. Warde was at his best In "Richelieu." The part of the crafty old fox suits him exactly, and It is doubtful if any Amer ican actor can Uc the part as he does. Cecco In "The Duke's Jester." gives him a chance to show his -versatility and to convince his friends that he has discov ered the spring of eternal youth, but there Is something lacking In the play; It leaves the audience disappointed, and wondering why Warde should have se lected it as the chief attraction In his repertoire. The Frawleys gave for their second en gagement a large, perhaps too large, re pertoire of plays. "Madame Sans Gene" Is the gem of the collection; In this play as in no other does the company pull together, helping each other and uniting to give a magnificent production of a great play. It is in this play that Miss Van Buren proves herself an actress of a very high order of ability, and those who have seen Kathryn Kidder in the part, declare that Frawlej's leading lady in terprets It far more satisfactorily than Miss Kidder. Both "The Great Ruby" and "The Sport ing Duchess" are overloaded with scenes and situations, and while their presenta tion Is calculated to Impress the spectator that a great dramatic triumph Is in course of achievement, neither can compare with "Madame Sans Gene." Harrington Rejnolds has probably his best opportunity In "The Middleman," and wero it not that he sometimes allows his voice to burst the bounds of age that the character he assumes have imposed upon him, no criticism can be made of his por trayal of Cyrus Blenkard. All in all, the Frawleys have Improved since their appearance in Bprtland last Spring. Alice Johnson Is an actress who has a brilliant future, while dainty little Pearl Landers will one day find a part that suits her so well that she will achieve that goal of all mummers a hit and become famous. Mlnnette Barret too, has improved since her last appearance in Portland, ana the future promises well for her. As for Frawley himself, he has become a good actor, which is more than his best friends ever hoped for him. The mistake Harry Corson Clarke has made is to get two amateurs to write a play for him. Clarke got the part he wanted, and that satisfied him, but he should remember that the other members of his company, as well as the public, are entitled to some consideration. There s no plot to "What Did Tompkins Do?" there are gaps in it that even specialties will not fill, and there is hardly a situa tion that Is mirthful of Itself. Clarke la too good an actor for a play like that. He ought to get some of Crane's dramas and present them In the West. He would crowd Crane himself pretty hard In tho race for fame, if he appeared in "David Harum." "A Bell Boy" at the Metropolitan is a farce comedy which has. numerous lively spots in it, and it seemed to please the good houses which witnessed It all the week. "OLD JED PROUTY.' Richard Golucn'a Kerr England Drama Monday Xieht. Richard Golden, In "Old Jed Prouty," opens his engagement at the Marquam Grand Monday evening, December 31, and continues New Year's matinee and night, closing Wednesday night, January 2. The sale of seats has been very heavy and indications point to large and fash- poverty, keeps us from revisiting the old homestead and the old folks, but none of us ever loses his love and veneration for the dear scenes and tho kindly spirits about which the tendrils of memory cling so tenderly. In old Jed Prouty we recog nize an old friend; we knew him in Maine. Vermont, New Hampshire yes, and in York State, too. His name was not Jed Prouty In the old days, but he was then the same lovable character as he Is today, his heart as tender, his char ity as universal, his humor as quaint, his pathos as tender. So, while you and 1 and. others may disagree as to who he was when we were boys, we do agree that each of us knew him then, and that we all love him now. He is an old friend coma from among the hills, and he has transplanted out here, among the prai rie, patches of old New England; and we seem to breathe once more the atmos phere of those hills, and we seem to hear the humming of the bees and to scent the fragrance of lilacs and wlntergreen. AT CORDRAVS.- "A Strnngrcr In & S trance Land "Will Open Tonlcht. The New Year's attraction at Cordray'B Theater, commencing this Sunday night, with Now Year's and Saturday matinees at 2:45 P. M., will bo "William A. Brady and Joseph R, Grlsmer's production. "A Stranger in a Strange Land." It Is a matter of congratulation, that In these days of Frenchified farces, when bedsteads and pajamas seem to ba a necessary adjunct to create laughter, that an American farce, constructed on legiti mate lines, pure, clean and wholesome, without the shadow of suggestiveness, has scored a greater triumph than any of the imported doses. "A Stranger In a Strange Land" Is the Joint work of Sid ney Wllmer and Walter Vincent, two American authors who have had some success already in bringing into existence some laugh-provoking creations. This play had -its Initial presentation at tho New York Manhattan Theater last season and from the opening night scored, it Is said, a great hit, and at each succeeding performance the capacity of the theater was taxed by tho crowds who desired to witness it. The scene Is laid in England and illus trates a family that one often hears of on the other side, where the knowledge of the topography of America Is encom passed In the Idea that San Francisco Is a few hours' ride from New York and that Niagara Falls Is just In the rear or Harlem. An American Indian who is generally Introduced to the stage be daubed with warpaint, wildly flourishing tomahawks and scr.lplng knives. Is here shown in his true character, uncouth, not tidy, with a propensity for stealing every thing he can get his hands on and an ever unsatisfied thirst for liquor, with no higher ambition than to eat and sleep. The complications that arise by the Intro duction of a bogus Indian along with the genuine, are extremely novel and funny. A glance at the cast evidences very strongly that an entertainment out RICHARD GOLDEN, IX "OLD JED PROUTY," AT THE MARQUAM. lonable audience to witness Mr. Golden's famous picture of New England life. The play of "Old Jed Prouty" is one whiqh can be enJoed over and over again; each time some new and delicate beauty appears some pleasant memory I awakened, or some sweet fancy Is sug I gested. Certain It Is that no other play t before us at tho present time abounds in I such wholesome material as we find In the j homely pictures and the genial humor and i pathos presented by Golden In his latest work. Richard Golden himself Is unques I tlonably the only delineator of Yankee i character the stage has had. The West Is under peculiar obligations to Richard Golden for the good he brings to It in this rare work of his. Sometimes busi ness, sometimes ill health, and sometimes mrMM of the ordinary Is in store for those who witness this production. Mr. Joseph Cusack, an actor unknown to stellar fame, impersonates the role of the Indian, while the leading Juvenile role Is assumed by William Friend. Charles Drake Impersonates the Jolly old uncle, one of those unctuous creations In which he Is happy. The other members of the cast Include Beatrice Norman, E. J. Mack, Charles Lum, Frank Gorman, Charles Deland, Otillie DeLano, May Cam eron and others. Notwithstanding the enormous expense Manager Cordray has been put to In se curing this attraction, regular prices will prevail. RAGTIME OARMVAL. Xew Yenr'i Offerlnsr ai the Metropol itan. At the Metropolitan Theater tonight, the Colored Aristocracy Company in "A Ragtime Carnival," which in all requires 27 persons, will make their first appear ance before a Portland audience, and prcra'sc to present the most refined and plesslng potpouri of minstrelsy, burlesque and polite vaudeville, superior to any ever Introduced by colored entertainers, and entirely different from that presented by any other combination, white or black. Tap programme consists of a novel first part, in which the women figure conspic uously, arranged by Thomas Sogan, show ing the temple of Mornus, occupied by a merry crt-w of capable delineators of mirth, music and song, with Miss Vincent Bradley as conversationalist. The co rnelians, Jerry Mills, Brown and Howard, Kid Austlt. and Tom Sogan, will be seen In clever contributions of comicalities and h'lircr. M:r- Mabel Do Hurde will intro duce a laeilme refrain, and Miss Dlssand ond Mis Henderson will contribute new ballads and the latest operatic selections. Robert Logan, the powerful bass, and Leon Rcckr. the gifted tenor will be heuid In rclcf. The finale is a musical melinge. In which the entire company lake raiL The second part of the pro gramme Introduces the renowned Truca doio Quartette. Kid Austin and Mabel De Hurde. refined sketch artists, Madah Hyer, t e operatic soprano (of the famous Hyer sisters). Brown and Howard, Kitty Carter. America's champion buck and wjng dancers, and Jerry Mills In his ec centrlcalltles. The closing number of the performance Is said to be the funniest of afterpieces. It Is entitled "Coontown 400," or Darktown reception. In which will be Introduced ragtime in plenty, and tho latest novelty, a singing cakewalk. This ccrrpany made a 1200-mile jump so as to be able to play New Year's week at tho Metropolitan. A special matinee will be given New Year's Day Tuesday. POPULAR WITH THE PEOPLE AY'S THEATER JOHN F. CORDRAY, Manager THIS SUNDAY NIGHT AND ALL WEEK Matinees New Year's NO 'ADVANCE IN PRICES THE FIRST TIME IX PORTLAND. TTIE FUXXIEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED. THE NEW YORK MANHATTAN THEATER SCREAMING COMEDY SUCCESS JIbJIKSl , a r RANGER it wa5 laughed at until the Dewey arch down on Madbon Square trembled with the vibrations of joy." New York Evening World, Octo ber 10. 1899. Praised, Approved, Extolled, Cemmended. Lauded. Eulogized and Cheered as the Brightest ami Cleanest American Comedy Seen in Years. BOXES AND SEATS NOW READY FOR ALL PERFORMANCES. AT NEW GRAND, SALEM, MONDAY NIGHT, JANUARY 7 PORTLAND'S DOWN-TOWN ...THEATER... ETROPOLIT 'PHONE GRANT 741. CLARENCE H. JONES, Msrr. THIRD AND YAMHILL PORTLAND'S DOWN-TOWN ...THEATER... The Black Clouds Am a Moving SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT, NEW YEAR'S WEEK, ..STARTING TONIGHT, DEC. 30 MATINEES TUESDAY AND SATURDAY The Coiored Aristocracy Company IN THE FIRST TIME ...HERE... NOTHING LIKE IT A rvonrwpffiSnaonoiaBaaJOaflOSC 5Wfc9o(ctacwgxM5e REFINED MINSTRELSY AND BURLESQUE DIRECT FROM A TWO-YEARS' TOUR OF AUSTRALIA. A NOVELTY" COON TOWN 400 " THE GREATEST COLORED SHOW IN AMERICA PRICES JUST THE SAME. II. Next Attraction: " A TURKISH BATH.' PRICES JUST THE SAME. play and company havo been eevrywnere greeted Is so pronounced as to leave no doubt aa to their popularity, and their appearance at the Metropolitan next week Is ample evidence that the engage ment -will be a profitable one. "The Day of Atonement." Artists are now busy painting the scen ery for Phil F. Rogaway's five-act drama, "Din T"nv nt Atonement." which will be presented at the Marquam Grand, Mon day, January 7. Among the features ff the play will be the appearance of Com pany F, O. N. G., In costumes especially made for them. Special music has been arranged for the play and those who are to present It have been rehearsing for sev eral weeks. Collarnmhrlnl In "Carmen." Elgnorlni Entefanla Collamarlnl will ap pear as Carmen, Mlgnon, Azucena and "II Trovatore" with the Boston Lyric Opera Company during their engagement In this city, at Cordray's Theater, commencing Sunday, January 6. No better evidence ot pluck and determination, coupled with a desire to clve the music-loving people of tbls city an opportunity to enjoy the very best the musical world affords can be offered through Colonel Thompson's engagement of Collamarlnl, Russo and Alessandroni for the Boston Lyric Opera Company. It is safe to say that Colonel Thomp son's liberality will be fully appreciated, and that capacity houses will be in order, i Collamarlnl Is unquestionably the great est Carmen that has ever sung the part, i It Is a creation that belongs solely to her , great art. The very greatest artists of the lyric stage, including Melba, Gadski and Nordlca, declare her performance of this role to be the very greatest of the lyric arts. She will be supported by the entire Boston Lyric chorus, with Russo as "Don Jose" and Alessandroni as "Es camlllo the Toreador." Drnxnatlc Notes. Maclyn Arbucklc was a lawyer before he became an actor. He was also a tragedian before he became a comedian. "William A Brady's production of " "Way Down East" will be seen at the Marquam for one week, commencing Monday, February 4. The Baker City Opera-House, which is under the management of George L. Ba ker, will be opened January 18. The opening attraction has not yet been def initely decided upon. Managers Thall & Kennedy, of a "Stran ger In a Strange Land" Company, will BEATRICE XORMAX, AS THE AMERICAN GIRL, IX "A STRAXGER IX A STRAXGE LAXD." "A TnrUlh Bath." Llko a freshy opened bottle of cham pagne, the new "Turkish Bath" has bub- i b'ed and fizzed Its way into the hearts of the amusement-loving people. Miss , Etta Merrfs portrays the soubrette part j with rare charm and refined methods. Mr E. L. Gr&vee. the really funny comed ian, is too well known to require praise, and the other members work together in friendy rivalry to make the performance notably perfect. The cordial xnanrxsr with which the CXLV1M flEILIG, Manager MARQUAM GRAND CALYM ilEILIO, Manager MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHTS, DEC. 3! AND JAN. 1-2. MATINEE NEW YEAR'S DAY, 2x15 P. M. MAINE FOLKS VISIT OREGON FOLKS THE SWEETEST STORY EVER TOLD ... IN .. OLD JED PROUTY "I consider Richard Golden the best living character actor, and when I say this I am not forgetful of Joseph Jef ferson, Denman Thompson and James A. Hearne." Amy Leslie, in Chicago News. EVENING PRICES: Lower floor, entire parquette, $1.50; entire parquette circle, $1; balcony, first six rows, 73c; last six, 50c: gallery, 25c; boxes and loges, $7.50. MATINEE PRICES: Entire parquette, 51; entire par quette circle, 75c; balcony, first six rows, 50c; last six rows, 25c; boxes and loges. 55. THE IXDIAX AXD THE BUTLER IX "A STRAXGER, IX A STRAXGE LAXD," AT CORDRAT'S. place on tho road next season a half a dozen different attractions, and will give employment to over 100 people. "A Stranger in a Strange Land" will play In Salem at the New Grand Opera-" House, Monday nlghf, January 7. This Is tho only city outside of Portland this at traction will visit In Oregon this season. R. D. McLean and Odette Tyler, the leading members of the Modjeska's Com pany this season, are receiving much praise for their Impersonation of King John and Prince Arthur, In "Wagenhal's and Kemper's revival of Shakespeare's "King John. "A Daughter of a Million," an English melodrama of which Managers Thall & Kennedy secured the rights for the United States and Canada, will be produced for the first time in America at Belasco's & Thall's Central Theater, San Francisco, tho latter part of January. Nat Goodwin has announced that he proposes 10 play Shylock In "The Mer chant of Venice," and .not Bassanlo. The Information is important. Maxime El Hot, of course, will appear a3 Portia. Mr. Goodwin hopes to render the play with an all-star cast with Stuart Rob son and "William Faversham already In his mind's eye for leading roles. E. H. Sothern. the well-known actor, who has been laid up for some time from a serious accident that resulted In the cancellation of numerous dates and a ; consequent heavy financial loss, arrived at St. Louis last week from the East, in company with Virginia Harned and other members of Daniel Frohman's Company. For the first time 'since his Illness Mr. Sothern appeared at the Olympia The ater in "Hamlet," In which he assumed the leading role. It Is said that he has entirely recovered from the effects of hl3 accident. San Francisco Is In great luck thl3 year. It has had Grau's grand opera- at 57 a seat, and now Mrs. Fiske and James A. Heme aro both headed Coastward. Ada Rehan has made a hit with her play on "Nell Gwynne" in Chicago. Sho Is playing other cities, while Henrietta Crossman Is detained In New Tork by the success of her play on the same subject, be produced by "Wagenhals and Kemper, Here Is good news. Louis James la to play Caliban in an elaborate revival of "The Tempest" next year. The play will who take kindly to Shakespeare since their success with "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and with "King John," In, j which Modjeska Is making her farewell I tour. The success of the single matinee. Browning's "In a Balcony," with Sarah Cowell Le Moyne and Otis Skinner in i the chief parts, was so great that Liebler & Co. will take those actors on a brief Spring tour in the tragedy, playing a. week In Boston, Philadelphia and .Chicago, and giving one or two performances in smaller 1 cities.