The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current, January 04, 1903, PART THREE, Page 20, Image 20

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    20
THE SUNDAY OREGQNIAN, PORTLAND, JANUARY 4, 1903.
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"ALiAB.AJIA" AT THE BAKER.
Augustas tTliomnV CInxsic Drama the
Bill Tills Weclc.
The offerlag: of the Nclll Stock Company
at the Baker Theater all this week, start
ing -with the usual matinee today. -Kill be
the dramatic gem of Southern life .from
the pen of Augustus Thomas, "Alabama."
The mellow moonlight of the South will
gild the battered walls around Colonel
Preston's little yard. Again the sweet
Southern melodies will rise and fall
through the shades of palmetto groves.
Again In the glamor of the moonlight
that pours down its 60f t and tender rays
through the beautiful foliage. Captain
Davenport will meet the love of his happy
youth, will find his father and his daugh
ter, and the old wounds and scars will bo
covered over with the Impenetrable man
tle of peace and poetry. No play was ever
bo fascinating as "Alabama." One can
see It over and over again, and each timo
seeing means the discovery of new beau
ties which lie hidden in the intricacies of
the beautiful blending of the Ideas of tho
author. The play is one that has been
most successful and its record most pleas
ant In the hands of the Nelll Stock
Company ""Alabama" will be given a
presentation fully equal to its worth.
Captain Davenport, a Northern railroad
man, is a iart in which some of the best
leading men in the country have appeared
and made for themselves, most enviable
reputation. This role in the Nelll Stock
Company production will be assumed by
"William Bernard, and that he will bo
fully equal to the task there is no doubt.
Mr. Bernard has proved himself to be an
actor In every sense of tho word, and
when he Is given a character to portray,
no matter what Its nature, 'a successful
rendition of It is assured. Miss Countiss
as Mrs. Page, a widow, who thinks twice
before she acts, will be, as she has always
been. Indeed charming. Carey Preston,
an Alabama blossom, is a character in
which Miss Elsie Esmond will display her
unusual' talent as a clever actress to
splendid advantage.
Colonel Preston, an old planter, will
given a correct Interpretation by Fred
Mowr. Colonel Moberly, a relic of tho
Confederacy, will be played by William
H. Dills, with the usual excellence with
which he has portraj'ed various parts In
the past Mrs. Stockton, a widow, will bo
all that tho part calls for in tho hands of
Mina Gleaeon. Carlyle Mooro will, as
usual, give a correct delineation of the
role of Squire Tucker, a Talledega County
Justice. Mr. Russell will be seen to ad
vantage as Lathrop Pago, a Southern boy,
a line of. character in which he is par
excellence. Mr. Armstrong will be ably
acted by Mr. Lamp. As Raymond Page,
Robert SIddle will not be found wanting.
Decatur, an ante-bellum servant, by Ben
nett Southard, and Atlanta Moberly,
Colonel Moberly's daughter, by Lillian
Rhodes, will call for clever acting.
"SAJTDY BOTT03L."
Romantic Plej- "will Open Today at
Cor dray's.
This afternoon at Cordray's, and con
tinuing all the week, the "beautiful play by
J. Crittenden Webb, "Sandy Bottom," will
be eeen.
No more romantic spot can be found In
the United States than the vales and hills
of Arkansas. The scenes of Sandy Bottom
nestle In these folklore hills, and tie lo
cation of the play admits of superior op
portunities In the way Of scenic display.
Tho company presenting the play is a
strong one, and has received universal
praise from the press wherever they have
appeared.
Tho following notice Is from an ex
change: " 'Sandy Bottom' Is a rough and uncouth
name, yet it stands for a niay that is as
clean-cut and sparkling as a Tiffany dla- 1
mond. It opened, List nighty and pleased
and delighted a large and select audience
more than anything presented In many
weeks past, and the house has held many
attractions which have- rated as flrst-clasa
with press and public of the amusement
centers. It is a play that is a play, the
story Is as gentle and enticing tte I
shade of leafy bowers in Summer, the
comedy as rich and full as an Autumn
harvest, the pathos deep as the ocean's
ever restless voice. It Is the 'Shore Acres'
of the Southland, set In the pine-clad bills
of Arkansas. The splendid scenery lends
an attractive realism to every act and
frames a picture of the sunny South as In
a mirror.
"Hampton & Hopkina present the piece
in the hands of a most capable company,
every one of whom are welcomed In their
entrance and regretted In their exit. The
incidental music of the quartet and Miss
Babcock deserves the name It l3' music,
tuneful, harmonious and satisfying. The
entire performance from rise to drop Is
one harmonious, delightful" "whole. The
company deserves and Is finding unbound
ed success."
The usual ladles' and children's matinee
Saturday will be given.
"OAPTAKS JIITICS."
Latest Saccessful Comedy of Clyde
Iiteu at the Mn-rqnam Tomorrow.
Tomorrow (Monday) night, at the Mar
quam Grand Theater, Miss Elizabeth
Kennedy, in "Captain Jinks of the Horse
Marines," a most delightful comedy, will
begin an engagement of three nights.
Monday night will be military night, when
General Randall and staff, together with
the officers from the regular Army post at
Vancouver, "Wash., will attend. "Cap
tain Jinks" Is the latest successful com
edy from the pen of Clyde Fitch, and
contains not only humor, wit and satire,
but tells also a beautiful love story
which warms tho cockles of the hearts
of both j'oung and old alike. The love
affair is between Mmc. Trenton!, a young
opera singer, and Captain Jinks, a dandy
of SO years ago. "When the play opens
Mme. Trentonl, who originally comes from
Trenton, N. J., Is expected back from
a European tour, during which she has
been very successful. She Is to make her
debut at the Academy of Music In New
York In 'La Travlata." Captain Jinks
it one of several gentlemen present oa
BA3COC1
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Mr. "Wright," which come3 to the Mar
quam Grand Theater, next Saturday night,
January 10, will give to us an engagement
of more than usual pleasure and that the
presentation will be one of the notable
events of this season's successes. "The
Wrong Mr. "Wright." as is well known,
is George H. Broadhurat's best play, and
has transported millions of people into a
state of brightness and mirth by Its bril
liant comedy lines. In fact. It may truth
fully be said that no comedy on the stage
of today has taxed the risibilities of
more people than this continuous laugh
producer. Of Mr. Beresford. who plays
the title role, much has been said In
his praise. Sufficient, though, to state
that while he succeeded the late Roland
Reed. In, the part, he has gone that come
dian one better and has scored a distinct
and decided hit, being one of the few
coroedlans who has been able to sink his
own Individuality and personality Into
that of the character he assumes, a gift
that is rare even among starts' of greater
magnitude. 'The "Wrong Mr. "Wright"
Itself is an amusing farce, and not Impos
sible. Its complications are of such a
nature that even, the most fastidious can
! witness Its presentation. It Is clean,
wholesome and free from that double en
tendre that characterizes many of tho so
called comedies of today. Its lines are
bright, witty and snappy, its situations
piquant without beinff vulgar, and its
climaxes are said to be of the most thrlll
Ingly ridiculous character. The. company
which Mr. Beresford Is said to have sur
rounded himself with ranks, wo ore told,
as one of the best now on tour. Many
of Its members are well-known favorites.
Every one desiring an evening's enjoy
ment should not fall to witness this pre
sentation, ho advance sale of seats
will be placed on sale next Thursday
morning at 10 o'clock.
"Down by the Sea."
Next week beginning Sunday matinee,
January 11, will be 3een at Cordray's The
ater a quaint and successful comedy
drama of life on the sea coast, entitled
"Down by tho Sea," which cornea over
whelmed with laudatory notices from crit
ics wherever It has been presented. This
production will be one of the theatrical
treats of the season. The usual Sunday
and Saturday matinees will be given.
"The Tyranny of Tears.
"The Tyranny of Tears," which Paul
ailmore will present lero shortly, at
the Marquam Grand Theater, has nev
er been presented outside of New York
and London. Jule3 Murry has furnished
every requisite aid in the way of stage
furnishings, clever actors and a talented
star In the person of Paul GHmore to
make up a delightful evening's entertainment.
the pier to bid the great singer welcome.
Their love comes near being thwarted
through the attempted Interference of one
Lamartlne, a friend of Captain Jinks, who
himself Is In love with Trenttfnl. The part
of the prima donna is played by Miss
Elizabeth Kennedy, who was the author's
own selection for the part, and who has
scored in- it greatly. Theodore Babcock,
a young actor of much ability, will bo
seen as Captain Jinks. There are about
40 people in the balance of tho organiza
tion, which comes here fully equipped In
every detail to give a worthy perform
ance: Seats are now selling for the en
tire engagement.
"THE PROCESS CHIC."
Dainty Opera-Coraique at the Mar
QHam Tkarsday-and Friday.
The Klrke La Shelle Opera Company,
presenting "The Princess Chic," will be
the attraction next Thursday and Fri
day night at the Marquam Grand The
ater. No opera presented here last sea
son made so profound and wide-spread
Impression as did this dainty opera
comique, and Its return is therefore just
ly regarded as one of the chief events of a
season which has been well supplied with
j musical entertainments.
I It will be recalled that "The Princess
Chic" holds a just title to the name
1 opera-comique, slnco it has a coherent
libretto of much dramatic power. The
story deals with the closing splendor of
feudal days and introduces among other
. historical personages Louis XI of France
I aad Charlca the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.
It is the quarrel of these two which gives
I the war motif to the opera, and In thla
Princess Chic herself participates, 'as aux
iliary to Charles. Tho Princess Is de
scribed as the most beautiful woman of
her province, and while entirely a fiction
of Klrke La Shelle's fancy, the severest
critics of medieval lore say that she is
In harmony with that age.
The music of "Tho Princess Chic" is
by Julian Edwards and Is undoubtedly
one of his best efforts. "Vera Michelena,
tho prima donna has ample opportunity
for the display of her charms, first dis
guised in male attire, later In the pic
turesque costume of the Norman peas
ant girls, and at last in the royal robes
of tho Princess. She Is also given several
solos which are beautifully interpreted by
her rich soprano voice. A strong favorite
among these is "The "Wood Nymph and
tho River God." Another ono of the most
charming solos is "The Love Light in
Your Eyes." which falls to the lot of
Miss Adele Stoneman, the contralto.
A chorus of 50 singers assists In the
ensembles, and the opera is staged and
costumed In the lavish manner which al
ways characterizes Kbrke La Shelle's at
tractions. .The sale of seats and boxes
will open at the box office of the Mar
quam Grand next Tuesday morning at 10
o'clock.
"THE "VHOXG Mil. "WRIGHT."
Delisrhtful Comedy at the Marquam
Saturday ftircut.
Every indication points to the fact that
"that odd fellow," Mr. Hany Beresford,
in his delightful comedy. "3Che "Wrong
TRUE WORTH OF VERSATILITY.
"William Bernard to Tlay Lending
Part in "Alabniun," at the Bnker.
Once more does William Bernard prove
to the amusement-loving world the true
value of the real actor and the absolute
necessity of experience and ability so In
dispensable to tho success of the artist
who asnlres to fame In the great sphere
of the drama. Slnco Mr. Bernard's ca
reer In Portland, as well as long before,
he has successfully played a great va
riety of characters, a fact which speaks
highly of his ability as a thorough actor.
He has played every kind of character im
aginable, from the low comedy to the
roles of the leading man. Thero Is a pop
ular Impression that a leading man Is the
most important factor in the presentation
of dramatic productions, an Impression
which la a great mistake and which does
an Injustice to the profession. People do
not seem to realize that the parts gen
erally played by leading men are com
posed of lines and speeches of a charac
ter which in themselves gain the hearty
approval of the audience. This makes
him popular from the start, provided, of
course, he possesses the principal quali
ties of the leading man, -'good looks."
Owing to the fact that the arrival of
Mr. George Allison, who Is to play the
leading parts at the Baker and who will
make his first appearance In Portland
with the Nelll Stock Company In the
part of "The Little Minister," has been
somewhat delayed, it falls to Mr. Ber-'
nard's lot to play the leading role. Cap
tain Davenport, In the production of
"Alabama" at the Baker this week. How
well Mr. Bernard will play the part every
one knows, for since he has been here he
has proved himself a most thorough, actor ,
and one capable of properly delineating
tho most difficult characters written.
"When an actor shows that he can handle
a role in the manner that Mr. Bernard
does, there is no question but that he will
play a leading man's part with a finish
and intelligence of which only the genuine
arust s capable.
After this week Mr, Bernard will re
sume his regular position with the Nelll
stock company, and will be seen In the
line of parts for which he was especially
engaged, which few actors are competent
to fill to the satisfaction of a public as
critical r.3 that of Portland. Mr. Bernard
has made himself popular here not only
by his excellent acting, but by hl3 con
geniality as a man, ana he never fails to
come up to the mark when he Is called,
no matter what that call may be.
PLAYS AND PLAYER FOLIC
Ifevra and Gossip of the Stase
"World. NEW YORK, Dec. 20. (Special Corre
spondence.) That Charles Frbhman and
David Belasco are to combine for the pro
duction of Franklyn Fyles' version of
Tolstoi's "The Reaaurrectlon, Etc.," the
rights to one version of which were re
cently acquired by Oscar Hammersteln, is
the, quite surprising news which has just
been mada public. Logically, if things
are what they seem In the world theatri
cal, theae managers should treat each
other with haughty disdain, for Belasco Is
at heated enmity with the syndicate, in
which Frohman Is admittedly one of the
foremost figures.
Open and bittar warfare now Is on be
tween Belasco and Klaw & Erlanger, heads
of the syndicate, the Immediate cause of
which are the charges of plagiarism pre
ferred against Belasco by Otano "Watanna,
the authqr of "A Japanese Nightingale."
which Is to be produced by Klaw & Er
langer. She declares that "The Darling
of the Gods," written by Belasco and John
Luther Long for Blanche Bates, and in
which the latter Is having the most phe
nomenal success ever enjoyed by a star
In New York, represents theft of her
Ideas. Belasco says that Klaw & Erlanger
are tho real movers In the accusation,
being Jealous that he forestalled them
In production of a Japanese play. He
had the authoress arrested on charge of
criminal libel and is suing her for $20,
000 damages. Tho recriminations, printed
and spoken, which have been Indulged in
on both sides have been food for much
delighted RIalto comment. '
The astonishment caused by the an
nouncement that Frohman and Belasco are
to go Into a big enterprise together then
was almost boundless. By many It was
taken to mean that tho long-prophesied
split In the syndicate had come. This
seems Improbable, though, through the
assertion of Mr. Fyles that Messrs. Froh
man and Belasco agreed to stage his play
so- long ago as last Spring, his contract
with them, therefore, antedating the Be-lasco-Klaw
Sz. Erlanger squabble by sev
eral months.
Hammersteln's adaptation of "The Res
urrection" and that made by Fyles will
probably be rivals; as the present outlook
Is for them to bo presented here at about
the same time ,the latter coming a short
time ahead. There Is some prospect of a
legal contest to see If either has x-
I elusive rights to the Russian story.
Another Patti "Farewell."
It now looks as If Adellna Patti will
again como over to say good-bye. Her
previous many farewell tours ap
parently were only "au revoirs,"
after all. Many managers have en
deavored to get her to come again,
but she yielded to none. Robert
Grau. however, has about moved her to
acceptance of an unusually liberal offer.
Contracts have not been signed, but Patti
told Grau to send a representative to her
home, Craig-Y-Nas Castle, to close tho
matter. The manager's man is now on
the ocean. Grau offered Patti what seems
like a fabulous salary. He guarantees
her J4.S0O a performance for 30 concerts
and will give her 40 per cent of all money
over JSOOO taken in at each appearance.
The 30 concerts will be given In 2i cit
ies. She stipulates that not more than
two concerts shall be given In any one
city and that this number shall be al
lowed only in five. She must be fur
nished with a private car and other con
veniences free of charge. To meet all
these requirements Grau Intends present
ing her only in the largest halls In each
city and of charging from $2 to $7 per
seat. Patti will be flanked by a tenor,
contralto and basso. Solos will make up
the first part of the performances, while
tho second part will be deyoted to aa