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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 25, 1903)
20 THE SUNDAY OEEGONIAN, PORTLAND, JANUARY 25, 1903. 5rtT5W5 LHcizT(m3 Cabin T IS astonishmg that the members o the Neill Stock Company, now playing at Baker's Theater, have been able to present such a succession of really meri torious plays, one after another, when one considers the limited time for - re hearsals, and the fact that a new play must be presented each week. This means hard work, with little or no time for recreation for the actors. "For Fair Vir ginia" was the attraction at Baker's last week, and It was a success and played to crowded houses. Catherine Countlss never had a part, since Portland people have known her, that has suited her so well as that of Mrs. Virginia Esmond, the Virginia wife and mother. She shines in domesticity. The strongest creation on the stage, however, was that of William Bernard, as General Laughlin. The reck less Southern soldier, in love with an other man's wife, while the husband was away fighting for the North, and almost "brutal in making the will of those around him bend to his commands, was splendid ly portrayed. Elsie Esmond and George Alison made a pleasing pair of lovers. Howard Russell, as the scout, acted a realistic part. The sole attraction at the Marquam Theater this past week was Charles H. Yale's "Everlasting Devil's Auction," presented Friday night, with matinee yes terday afternoon, and final performance last night. The house was crowded on each occasion, and the production has certainly lost none of Its old popularity. There were several new scenes this time, and the transformation scene was on a dazzling scale. The life of the play is Lilly Sutherland, the pretty milkmaid and ballet-dancer. She is a good singer, but was troubled a little by hoarseness. The ballet and specialties were well worth seeing, one of the best being Irene La tour and her balancing dog Zaza. One -wonders how long Yale's "Everlasting Devil's Auction" will run as a paying shbw. It has been a valuable Investment. "A Gambler's Daughter" was the at traction at Cordray's Theater all the week, and it is a fairly meritorious pro duction of the sensational order of things. It drew good houses, and the applause was hearty. The strongest action occurs in a scene representing a gambling-house, where a daughter, whoso identity is un known to her father, plays a game of faro with him, for revenge, because ho has ruined her lover, and walks away with $70,000 as her winnings. The humor of Bobby, the errand boy, pleased the gal lery. Marie Lawrence sang several songs and pleased the audiences. "CHARLEY'S AUNT" AT THE BAKER. Beginning With Today' Matinee Comedy Will Be Produced. Beginning with a matinee this after noon and continuing all week, the wonder fully successful comedy, "Charley's Aunt," by Brandon Thomas, will be thev offering at the Baker Theater. "Charley's Aunt" first came into prom inence under the management of Charles Frohman, and. has the distinction of being performed 300 nights in New York, 150 'nights In Boston, 100 nights In Philadel phia and 150 nights in Chicago. It is a farce comedy that does not rely upon singing and dancing and Irish com edians with red, white and blue whiskers for its success. It is a clean, neat com edy, bubbling over with fun, sparkling in dialogue, and with action that Is a thing of delight and joy forever. In the college depicted one Is reminded of Thackeray as he describes Pendennls career at college, the same (Oxford), by the way. as that wherein the scene of the present play is laid. The principal char acter. Lord Babberly, Is a specimen of the type of merry fun-making college man of which Foker is so famous as ex ponent. The atmosphere of "Charley's Aunt" Is of the highest and best form of English life the atmosphere, one might say, of horses, and roses, and pleasant people. The story of the play hinges upon the adventures- of two Oxford men, who fall in love. The object of the affections of these two English gentlemen are on the eve of leaving for Scotland. They must declare themselves on the moment or never. In the nick of, time a wealthy and widowed aunt of one of them an nounces her approaching arrival in Lon don from her vast estates in Brazil. Sho will be there that day. Here's an oppor tunity for asking the two girls to lunch eon In the rooms of Jack Chesney, one of the swains. The aunt will arrive In time to chaperono the affair. The girls accept the invitation and shortly appear, but the aunt does not. A notice soon comes that her arrival has been un avoidably delayed. Meanwhile Lord Fan- rtzn u. rn mmsmir gaua zmw, S Jna GORDON V J mWk j court Babberly. a wealthy and .waggish iJ. vr' ft I L -x H the Neill Stock Company, now playing ne&nn.eena to . - rSlM A I ifcfct&t. ?MmBk the lovers do their loving. Babberly Is AYV f Lf-7 r 1 I 1 llfmm(&' JfKUMSk on the eve of going to amateur theatrl- . III I filmam$. w i cals. where he Is to Impersonate a maiden T JlJ (LJ 'jSjtm mfVw' -4 lady of advanced years. In the In- VTVV' Krf - ' CftfH wft$k IWIsMkM uUfa' that Babberly mustmpersonato the aunt- Slt tKlufl l ' liillllfl 8l who has arrived, but of which fact the . wM lrPl pg V JlfP 1 young men are unaware. On this imper- WlflfA IctSI JliljK& IfP' sonatlon hinges the whole fun of the play. ESsS tM&WT1 M$S?W Throughout the entire play there Is that tMBm ' ?f 1 ' ' W&A state of merriment abroad In which, V2 CjOk lfY'$W J - v.-r;p? whllo everybody Is grinning, one man $m. Tflfcfr f M begins to laugh, and then another; then S3 r"V '-Wi; W SB the whole house roars: then It seems lit- &W&2 crally to tire down; a man who has been e?as City to New York has social aspira tions, which appear hopeless. The son of the family coming home In the early hours of the morning brings with him a companion of whom he has no recollection later in the day. To escape the merited wrath of his tempestuous father ho intro duces the stranger as "My Friend From India," a theosophlst of note, and father and daughters take up the stranger as a drawlnsr card. The entanglements that follow are ex ceedingly ludrlcrous and the characters and Incidents are farclal. Many of the situations are excrutiatingly funny and certainly deserve credit for their skillful Invention. Most of the dialogue Is bright and clever and as an lnducomont to laugh ter the play Is a success. On Thursday. ; Friday and Saturday, January 29, 30 and 31, "My Friend From India" will entertain lovers of wholesome and delightful fun at Cordray's Theater, and thero will be a special ladles and children's matinee on Saturday. Bernard Tnlces a "Week Off. "William Bernard, of the Baker Theater. will take a one-week rest to prepare hlm- sell lor tne part or Israel Cohen, nresl dent of the Jefferson National Bank, in "Men ana womon, which will ho nre sented the week following "Charley's Aunt. xnc cnaractcr requires a great deal of study and as Mr. Bernard has played continuously for the past 21 weeks. taxing his Dram to tne utmost capacity wun long anu strenuous parts, it was thought advisable by the management to give him a much-needed rest. He will re hearse tnrough the day, rest at night and will appear fresh as a dal3y at the per formance of "Mien and Women" next Sunday afternoon. COMIXG ATTRACTIONS. Frank Daniels. Klrke La bhelle is sam to have gone to the greatest lengths to get rich and elaborate stage effects for "Miss Sim plicity," the new operatic comedy In which Frank Daniels is to appear at the Marquam Grand Theater in a short time. The scenery was painted by josepn Physloc from models by E. Castel Bert, the chief of the scenic staff of iuaunco Grau's Grand Opera Company. Tho properties are by E. Siedle, also of Mau rice Grau's staff at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York. "Weary Willie Walker." Thero will be a terrific farce-comedy disturbance at Cordray's ineiur Wednesday. Thursday, Friday and Satur day nlghte, February 4, 5, 6, and 7. oc casioned by the appearance ot wuai called the most Irresistibly funny comedy of the season, "Weary Willie Walker." "Yet." fc-avo a correspondent, every thing Is done decently and In humorous order and nothing transpires to offend the most fastidious." "It Is one lone laush from first to last. For those who want to enjoy an evening of merriment, hear catchy music and songs and see graceful dancing It will just fill the bill. Thero will be the usual Sat urday matinee. Murray and Mack. Those brilliant comedians. Murray and Mack, who distinguished themselves last season by the capable manner in which they handled the principal comedy roles in their unique farce-comedy, will offer a new musical comedy. "A Night on Broadway," at the Marquam Grand Theater in tho very near future, assisted by a company of EO people, this season, as will also dainty Kittle Beck, a clever llt tlo artist who has been engaged in the principal soubrette role with the organiza tion during the past five seasons. "The Rnrslar and the Wnif." "The Burglar and the Waif," an excel lent play, will be seen at Cordray's next Sunday matinee and evening, and Monday and Tuesday nights, February 1. 2 and 3. COMEDIAN TO PLAY SHYLOCK I EW. YORK. Jan. 19. (Special Corrc- i perfectly natural reflections of child life I spondence.) The funny man al- ever staged. In fact, there is none to ways believes himself cut out for a ! compare with It save Its predecessor. The among the slaves Is given. It shows tho black man In his joys and his sorrows so realistically that it is hard to imagine the spectator is not actually on the plan tation. The evolution of the negro since the late unpleasantness is forcibly demon strated in the great cakewalking contest, wherein 20 dusky belles and beaux vlo with each other to win the cake. The cast of white artists with the company Is said to be the strongest artistically ever seen In this production, while the parade and Its many novel features are, wo are assured, a revelation In outside dlsnlay for a company playing In opera' houses. The advance sale of seats will begin Monday (tomorrow) morning at 10 o'clock. tragedian. This is almost an axiom In the theatrical profession. The latest to demonstrate it is Louis Mann, who an nounces he is to play Shylock next Au tumn to the Portia of his wife, Clara Llpman. For prototypes, they have Nat C. Goodwin and his wife, Maxlne Elliott, who wero seen in an all-star production of "The Merchant of Venice" two years ago. xneir experience was not tne most gratifying, but that does not dismay Mr. Mann. He has unbounded confidence in himself as a -serious actor, and the only reason he has not put himself to the test before is because he could not find the manager who shared his confidence. He seems to navo aiscoverea tne man m "Walter D. Yager, who Is directing his tour In "Tho Consul" formerly "Hoch der Consul" In which he began a metropoli tan engagement at the Princess last Mon day. Manager and actor say they will have a production which in magnificence will outdo that originally made by Augus tin Daly and used by Goodwin. Mann grows very indignant when asked If his Shylock is to bo a burlesque. He takes what he Is to do as seriously as If he were Henry Irving. He says if the public regards him at half his own valuation as tho Jew of Venice. "The Consul" will be the last comedy In which he will appear. 5cw Plays of a Week. Besides "The Consul," the new plays of the week In the metropolis were "Mr. Bluebeard," the latest Drury Lane extrav aganza importation at the Knickerbocker; Mice and Men," the Madallne Lucette Ryley play, In which Forbes Robertson and his American wife, Gertrude Elliott. made successful In London, presented here by Annie Russell and John Mason at the Garrick. and "Mr. Pickwick." tho comic operatization of "Pickwick Papers." brought to the Herald Square by De "Wolf Hopper. At first glance It would seem that all are destined to meet with ex tended patronage, each having many of tho elements of success, with some quite apparent weaknesses. "Mr. Bluebeard," in many ways, is the most pretentious Bpectacular musical play ever produced here. How It compares with its spiontua predecessor, "The Sleeping Beauty and the Beast," will be discussed later. "Mr. Pickwick" Is provocative of a good deal of fun, but ardent lovers of Dickens will say it is but a poor reflection of his fa mous character studies. DIgby Bell as Sam "Weller places De wolf Hopper at a disadvantage. Bell looks to- nave macie the hit of his career in this play, stopper hasn't. After the Eloplnpr Prince. Trust some New York manager to make a old tor any juropenu vuieumy uu comes unduly forward In the public eye because of scandal or ocnerwise. we knew it was only a matter of days until one would say he had mado an offer to Princess Louise of Saxony, who gave up prospects of a throne a small one, to do sure, but still a tnrone tor ireeaom, re Miss "Rose Cecelia Shay, is ono of the season's sensations. She Is one of the v.n,tt!ftii nf tho vnuntr American t aML-inr hmnnHft nerKonalitv Hrpmpnt and life with tho man she loved being splendidly enhanced by the superb M. GIron. the French tutor of her chll rtr.hnf?i of a velvety mezzo-soprano dren. Oscar Hammersteln has offered her HOWARD RUSSELL as CHARLIES AUNT at BAKERS'- THEATRE hitherto silent, suddenly "sees It" and breaks out with a fresh hilarity that starts everybody laughing again. The performance Is one which should be seen by every one who enjoys laughing. There is no doubt but what "Charley's Aunt" will do a record-breaking business at the Baker. "WHOSE BABY ARE YOUT" LauKh-ProYokinjr Comedy Will Open at Cordray's Theater Today. Unrestrained mirth will hold sway at Cordray's matinee today and continue for four nights, when tho laughing success of the dramatic season, "Whose Baby Are You?" will be presented. ' Notwithstanding the ragtime sugges tion 'of Its title this bright, three-act farce belongs to that refined order of en tertainment popularized by Frohman. It was written by Mark E. Swan, author of "Brown's In Town," and deals with the ludicrous adventures of a rapid young ar tist and his friends because of tho un expected appearance of an innocent baby In his studio. The plot Is a veritable Chinese puzzle and the reign of error that characterizes the entire farce Is said to be uproariously funny. The piece was written for laughing purposes only. Its manager, Mr. Myron B. Rice, Is seri ously contemplating asking some medical college for a doctor's diploma, fpr he de clares that he has discovered a sure cure for the blues and all other forms of de spondency that the human mind is heir to In "Whose Baby Are You?" The piece abounds In excruciatingly funny situations, new jokes, brilliant epigram and a new stage sensation, "Tho Model Behind tho Screen." Mr. John F. Ward and Miss June Mathls, supported by a clever company of farceurs, will in terpret the play. "UNCLE TOBl'S CABIN." The Stetson Company Will Give Ar tistic Production at the Marquam. A big feature and a taking one with pretty nearly all classes of theater-goers J is tne oia plantation songs anu puaumus by genuine negroes, such as existed In tho old South on the big plantations In ante bellum days. 'Twas In the evening when the day's work In cotton fields was done and massa had gone to bed In the dark ened days of slavery, that tho dusky toll ers were wont to gather together around their humble huts and there hold high carnival under the pale light of the moon. Almost true to nature and tradition is the plantation scene presented by Manager "Washburn of the Stetson Company in "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which Is booked to appear at Marquam Grand Theater next Wednesday and Thursday. January 2S and 29, with a popular matlneo Thursday. All tho old melodies are sung in that rich, plaintive voice so peculiar to the Southern darkey. Songs that our daddies sang when they went to tho war, and songs that our mothers hummed as they rocked the babies to sleep. "The Old Folks at Home," "Suaneo River," "Pick ing Cotton" and Stephen Foster's never dying melodies will all be rendered by a large contingent of genuine plantation darkles, male and female. A Mississippi landing wfth the arrival of a cotton boat and the manner of its unloading, also genuine buck and wing dancing will be shown. In tho Stetson company, a wondorful exposition of life in tho Sunny South TO PRESENT GRAND OPERA. Gordon-Shay Company Opens at the Marquam This Week. The only company that is presenting grand opera upon the road this season is tho magnificent organization booked at the Marquam Grand next Friday and Saturday nights. The Gordon-Shay Grand Opera Company Is tho strongest organiza tion of Its kind In tho United States. In fact, it Is the onty one. This year Maurlco Grau confines his operations wholly to the Metropolitan Opera House, New York. The Castle Square Opera Company does not leave Chicago. Tho Gordon-Shay company, everywhere hailed with ardent enthusiasm as the criterion by which In the future, all other musical organizations shall bo judged, combines In Its principles and scenic accessories tho artistic strength of tho Maurice Grau forces, with the tremendous popularity among the people enjoyed by tho Castle Square productions. The tour of tho Gordon-Bnay upera Company has been a series of triumphs since Its New York Inception. Miss Rose Cecelia Shay made her debut there at the Grand Opera House. There also sang her present associates: Helene Noldl, Mme. Schalchl's favorite soprano, and Achllle Albert!, the baritone who accom panied Mme. Nevada on her last concert tour and who was one of Colonel Mapel son's proteges. Others supporting Miss Shay are: Pauline Johnson, soprano, and Elolse Bishop, contralto of the American Grand Opera Company, and Lillian Beard, contralto; James Stevens, baritone, An thony Swinton and M. Goodwin, bassos, formerly of the Carl Rosa English Opera Company. The tenors are Joseph Fredericks, who was formerly with the Boston Ideal Opera Company, and the American Grand Opera Company, as was also Mr. Walter Wheat ley, who last season was with the Amer ican Grand Opera Company, and the con ductor is Mascagnl's Intimate friend and fellow composer. Carlo Nicosia, who di rected the first American performance of tho immortal "CaVallerla Rustlcana." The chorus represents the cream of tho New York Musical Conservatory. Its singing strength is exceptional and Its attractiveness of face and figure Is a cor i responding measure. Tho prima donna, voice, clear as a crystal, of marvelous vnluma and wide range. Miss Shay .is moreover a social favo-i-lto. her father.- Judge Shay, of Cincin nati, being one of the best-known jurists in Ohio. The rencrtolro presented at the Mar- niinm Grand will be: Friday evening. Bizet's masterpiece, "Carmen"; Saturday TTi.it!ne. Verdi's Immortal "II Trovatore ; Saturday night the double bill "I'l Pag Haccl" and Mascagnl's greatest work. "Cavallerla Rustlcana." The cast ior Friday night's production of "Carmen" Is as follows: r-nrman Koso Cecelia Shay Don Jose .Walter H. Wheatley Escamllo - Achllle Albertl Zunesa James Stevens rnr, r-ntrn M. Goodman Rcmandado George Francis Beard MnriiP Merle Manning Mlchaele Helene Noldl Frasquita - Pauline Johnson Mercedes Elolse Bishop Th ndvanco sale of seats will be placed on sale next Wednesday morning at 10 o clock. "MY FRIEND FROM INDIA." Entertnlnlnff Farce-Comedy Will Be at Cordrny's This Week. "Mr Friend From India" Is a compound of funny Incidents that brings convulsions of lauehter from pit, balcony and gallery. After a man has laughed for a couple of nnd M. GIron a supposedly fabulous sum If they will do a specialty next Summer in the Paradise Gardens, as no cans tne resort on top" of his Victoria Theater. The manager says ho Is credibly Informed the Princess has considerable dramatic ability, and ho believes she would be a success through her histrionic ability, as much as because of the talk fine nas occa sioned. Mr. Hammersteln has not had a reply from the Princess, it is almost needless to add tne cnances or nis uuing so are very remote. Another "Little Lord Fauntleroy." "The Little Princess," the children's play by Mrsu Frances Hodgson Burnett, in which Charles B. Dillingham Is fea turing Millie James at the Criterion, Is proving a second "Little Lord Fauntle roy," which made and sealed its autnors fame. It Is one of the most artistic and play is n dramatization of Mrs. Burnett's story, "Sarah Crewe, or What Happened at Miss Minchen's." Millie James, who playa Sarah, cornea even nearer realizing child character and actions than she did as Simplicity Johnson, the waif. In "Lovers' Lane." She has command of an art which Is perfectly applied In roles of this kind. Mabel Taliafero Is scarcely less prominent and successful In "Tho Little Princess" than Miss James. Society Has a New Entertainer. As an illustration of the ends to which &ew York society will go for a new fad, nothing is more in point than the engage ment of the Count Robert de Montes qulou to give a series of "conferences" at Sherry's during the remainder of the Win ter. The Count has all the esthetlcism of the late Oscar Wilde, and most of his vanities. His modesty Is best explained by his first remark after he stepped on the pier from the steamer La Savoic a day or so ago: "I shall instill an Idea of high art Into the dull American mind. I am the only French poet authorized to do this." These asinine mutterings, combined with highly embroidered lace underwear and other eccentricities of dress which every man of healthy mind in this coun try will frown upon, seem to recommend him to the high society of New York, which Is suffering for the want of some thing to do. The series of seven lectures cost the patrons 33, or $3 a conference. In commenting upon which the New York Sun Irreverently said, "More specifically, $5 per con." Miss Elisabeth Marbury. the play broker, is responsible for his appear ance in America, and the list of patron esses Include such names as Mrs. Corne lius Vanderbllt, Mrs. Ogden Goelet and Mrs. Levi P. Morton. Weber; and Fields Pension WidoTT. Weber and Fields, tho comedian-managers, have just performed an act of gen erosity most unusual in theatrical an nals. Some time ago they arranged a benefit performance for Mrs. Nata Strom berg, the widow of John T. Stromberg, the first musical director of their theater, and the man who wrote all their earlier musical successes. Mrs. Stromberg her self had been a member of the company, but was forced to retire after the death of her husband last Summer. In addition to the benefit performance, for which Lillian Russell has already sold eight boxes at 200 each, the managers havo desired to do some further act of kind ness. Accordingly without any prelimi nary discussion or announcement they I last week placed her name on their salary j list for life, giving her each week tho I amount she earned when last she ap peared under their management. Lillian Rusell Flirts With Public. Lillian Russell is guilty of undoubted! coquetry with the public these days. At I first sho say3 she will, then she says! sho won't whenever the question of a I starring tour next season under the man-! agement of David Belasco Is mentioned. Several weeks ago she declared emphati cally that the plan had been abandoned because Mr. Belasco had been unable to find a suitable starring vehicle and be cause he could not offer her sufficient! financial Inducement Of course, MIsbI Russell's demands are unusually high, asl she will not for a moment consider a salary less than $1000 a week. Now it seems quito likely that Miss Russell has chanced her mind, for, upon excellent authority. It has been learned that Be lasco contemplates sending her on tour! in a revival of Shakespearean comedies! with musical settings. The Idea is novel.! and Mr. Belasco would be sure to equip! these productions lavishly. Miss Rusaclll is as beautiful as ever, and while her! voice has suffered more than her physical! beauty, she Is still one of the most de-l llghtful sopranos on the light opera stage. Jack Slunroe's Contest With Drama. Jack Munroe, the Montana miner who lately sprang Into prominence through his defeat of Jim Jeffries in a four-round i bout, began last week his first contest ATHLETIC EVENT OF THE SEASON SEATTLE Y. M. C. A, :VS.: PORTLAND Y. M. C. A. COAST CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH DON'T MISS THIS EXHIBITION OF CLEVER TEAM WORK Y. M. C. A, GYMNASIUM, JANUARY 31, 8:15 P. M. PRELIMINARY MATCH AND LEADERS-CORPS' EXHIBITION BETWEEN HALVES Mi- .Tnlin V. Ward, in "My Friend From India," at Cordrny'M. hours he remembers only that "My Friend From India" Is one of the funniest things he has ever seen. The "Dnderholt family, coming from Kn- General admission, 35 cents; members, 25 cents; reserved seats, 5(f cents. Tickets now on sale at Y. M. C. A. office both phones.