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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 15, 1903)
. SUNDAY OREGONIAtf. PORTLAND.. NOVEMBER 15, 1903. IS. tees f 7 ' 'n wu. ,hfa 111 i W v 1 M Q? 7 A7 (ZzjC- &&OzrA?JT 6l L.L classes of "Portland theater goers were more than Interested In Manager George L. Baker's com- pany presenting Hall Calne's play -"The Christian" at the Marquam. For it Is es sentially & Portland production, as all the Fcenery was painted here, the attraction is owned here and several of the members of the company look on Portland as their home. So it was like a pleasant family reunion. In many respects Sir. Baker's production of the play Js equal to the original offering: of Llebler & Co., of 2Cew York. First honors belong: to Cath rine Countiss, who was the Glory Quayle, and she gave a strong, emotional and cliameJon-llko portrayal of the part. She is broadening in her artistic work. Asa Leo "Willard was satisfactory as John Storm. He has a fine presence. John ST. Sullivan surprised his friends by his unexpectedly strong acting as Horatio Drake, and ho made a hit. Ethelyn Palmer added to her reputation by her finished work as Polly' Love, the unfor tunate. The company tako with them on their tour all the good wishes of their many Iriends. Poeple were not prepared for the genu ine treat thoy got in seeing Hose Mel YiHe In "Sis Hopkins." Miss Melville was delightfully natural and it seemed as if she were not acting at all, but actually living on the stage as an innocent, amus ingly awkward Indiana country girl. She seoms destined to occupy a high place In character work. The members of her company gave hor intelligent support, and 1 there was not a dull moment in the play, which specially 'appealed to women and children. The 'arious musical numbers given were above the average. A glad wolcome awaited the Baker The ater Company on its return to the home theater with Henry Arthur Jones' "The Dancing Girl," an English society play made familiar by Sothorn and Frawley. The actors and actresses were treated like old friends. Naturally, much interest was aroused in tho appearance of tho new leading lady, Edna Archer Crawford. She 'is artistic and talented, and has the ad vantage of a fine voice and figure. Still, she had to play an unwelcome part in portraying the woes of Drusilla Ives, a rather improbable creation. Miss Craw ford will become a favorite. George Al ison and William Bernard made good, as usual. Carlyle Moore was exceptionally strong as John Christison, and France A. Denson swung herself into popularity by her charm as Faith Ives, Quaker maiden. Norma Hyatt made a distinct hit as Sybil Crake, a cripple. "Tennessee's Pardner" has been seen on several occasions by Portland theater goers, but the play is still a great drawing oard by reason of Its inherent "excellence, and it played to good business at Cord Tavs. James M Brophy carried off first honors by his easy, finished acting as Caleb Swan. Estha Williams was forced to play against the natural sympathies of her. audience, in personating Nettle Bice, ex confMence woman. Her conception of the part is a good one, however, and she Is strikingly realistic Harry E. Dunkin son created roars of laughter by his amusing comedy work as Gewhllllker Bay, habitual liar. Mildred Hyland gave a beautiful rendition of the part of Ten nessee Kent, mountain daisy. The play was woll staged. Tho Arcade is gaining popularity, and the vaudeville venture will do. Lamar Is a most amusing monologlst, and he has a good bass voice, but he ought tJ have obanged -his song, "It Was the Dutch," as the latter is nearly sung to death. Mozarto, the musical genius, makes good, and the Melnotte Sisters de serve praise for their attractive costum ing. "The Great Two and One Half" act is a topliner. Virginia Hayden makes a sensation as the "girl" baritone. "THE PRISONER OF ZENDA." Dramatization of Anthony Hope's Famous Romance at the Baker. In "The Prisoner of Zenda" Edward E. Rose has adhered closely to Anthony Hope's romance of the same name, but the play is preceded by a prologue in itself a mastorploce in which the incidents upon which the play hinges the .remark able llkonoss of Rudolph Rassendyl to the King of Rurltania Is explained in a brief but dramatic episode wherein the infat uated wife is surprised in an impassioned interview with her royal lover by her hus band, an Englishman. A duel follows, and the play proper opens 350 years later, when the descendants of these characters take up the action. Hero the Prince of Ruri taala, on the eve of his coronation, in dulges in a drunken revel and is drugged. by a Jealous cousin who covets not only the throne but the beautiful Princess Flavia, to whom the young King was be trothod for reasons of state. At this junc ture Rudolph Rassendyl appears. His as tounding likeness to the Incapacitated King suggests to the latter's followers that Ru dolph be substituted for the coronation ex oroisos. The King is secreted and the plan' carried out When the pretender and bis OJ -! 's y h companions return, after the ceremonials, to liberate the King, he has disappeared, and it is discovered that he has been re. moved by his jealous cousin, Michael, to a dungeon in the lattcr's castle in Zenda. Then follows plotting and counterplotting on the part of the principals to release and restore the Xing. Meanwhile, the Princess Flavia and tho pretender grow to love each other, and at the close of the play, after confessing that he is an impostor. Rudolph storms tho castle and releases the captive King. Then in a very beautiful love scene Fla via and Rudolph part, she to take up her duties to her people and her King, that go with her exalted station; Rudolph to follow the only path that honor holds open to him and go his way alone. "RUDOLPH AND ADOLPH." Mason and Mason at Cordray's This Week in Musical Comedy. "Rudolph and Adolph," the musical comedy of Charles Newman, in which Ma son and Mason are so successfully star ring, isunllke the average so-called musi cal comedy. Inasmuch as It contains a well-developed plot, which of Itself is suf ficient to provoke roars of laughter with out the aid of the many meritorious pe cialtles and musical numbers which are introduced during the action of the play. The first act talces place in" tllo home of Rudolph Dinkenspeil, a horse doctor. This character is played by Charles A. Mason, long known as one qf the clever est end funniest delineators of the eccen tric German characters on the stage. Ru dolph, in the absence of his wife, has rent ed a furnished flat in an apartment build ing. Staying with him is a young friend. Jack Harden. His servants include a cook of pugilistic tendencies, by name Rosalind McGoern, and a maid. This maid Is in reality tho soubrette of. the Casino; she is to play a "slavey" in the next produc tion there, and wishing to know her char acter at first hand, has arranged to have her understudy play her role in the piece then running so that she can go forth and accumulate actual experience. The flat across tho hall from Rudolph has been rented by Adolph Dinkenspeil, a ladles' tailor, played by H. P. Mason, an other exceptionally clever German dialec tician. His wife has been away on a visit, and, coming home unexpectedly, on in quiring for Sirs. Dlnkenspeil's apartment, she is directed to that of Rudolph Thero she proceeds to make herself very much at home. When Rudolph arrives he finds a charming woman comfortably domiciled in hist flat. Moreover, the young woman greets him most affectionately, mistaking him for her husband. To this he does not seriously object until his own wife arrives. Then he tries to get rid of his visitor, who strenuously refuses to leave. To add to the complications Adolph ap pears on the scene. From this point the situations come with unusual rapidity till Rudolph and Adolph discover that their troubles are caused by their marked re semblance. Then each one makes up his mind to shave and so informs his wife. Each carries out the plan unknown to the other, and as they still look alike, their troubles begin all over again. The third act is a decided novelty. The action takes place- in Adolph's dressmaking cstablsh ment. Rudolph, however, has purchased an Interest in the business, and much to the chagrin of Adolph and, the bewilder ment of his patrons, he brings his horse phraseology and methods into his new occupation. During tho action of the play numerous specialties are introduced by Mason and Mason, who are clever singers and dancers, and the other members of the company assisted by a chorus of par ticularly pretty girls. In tho cast are: Beatrice McKenzle, Bessie Phillips, Ada Henry, Louise Rutter, Magda Foy, Emy Precan, Birdie McGowan, Lizzie Lempke, Charles H. Bates. Robert B. Mack, James Hornberger, Charles Connors and other clever farceurs. FAMOUS MAGICIAN Will Introduce Bewildering Sensa tions at the Marquam. Herrmann "tho Great, under the direc tion of Edward Thurnaer, will be the attraction at the Marquam Grand Theater tomorrow (Monday), Tuesday and Wednesday nights, November 16, 17 and IS, with a popular-price mati neo Wednesday at 2.15 o'clock. Herr mann has been creating nothing short of a sonsatlon this year with his bewilder ing illusions. His new "Bride Elect" and the "Queen of Flame" are beautiful be yond description. His magic is more as tonishing than ever. Herrmann, is aided by the military musicians, "The LarkyV who are receiving flattering notices from tho press for their finished performance. There is but one Herrman, the acknowl edged entertainer of tho world. The nov elty of" Leon Herrmann's worlc is Its originality. Probably no better eulogy of his skill need be written or said than to mention the fact that at Herrmann's re cent engagement at the Grand Opera House in New York, his audiences In cluded every prominent professional and amateur magician at the time In that vicinity. It is said that at tho Monday evening performance fully 200 followers of magic were in the audience. Leon Herr mann's sleight-of-hand is marvelous, and he can surely be said to be an enthusiast in all he attempts. He is constantly at practice, and in this respect he might well be called the Paderewskl of Magic. He is still a young man, and. while not posing' as a matinee hero, is attractive In appearancej while still having much, ol f && fi-Hkia... Vi 4 jiv -. h M? " m .(9 v. uj7fcfZl 3ri7?6te?mfizM' r Tfis ?mrJzwvy7&i iT-T&EimRcpzmZ'js&mpjmzu&E that machlavellan appearance associated with men of his profession. Seats are now selling. ' JAMES NE1LL IN MELODRAMA. Will Present "A Gentleman of France," at the Marquam. I has dealt with probabilities, with all tho easy-going imaginativeness or a weatner prophet. The witty Max Beerbohm gives tho differences between comedy and melo drama as follows: "In comedy," says he, "the dramatist trios to imagine how certain people' would probably act In a given situation. In melodrama he tries to imagine how they possibly could act." Ono might think that from this differ ence would result that melodrama pre sented a succession of difficult problems to the spectator, the solution of each one of which was a thrilling surplus. But, no, the result Is really the exactly opposite to this. Melodrama never surprises the experienced play-goer, for he knows be forehand that, in a given situation, every, one concerned will be sure to do exactly the last thing any living mortal would be likely to do. The thrill of melodrama does not reside In the solution of problems in a surprising manner, but in the break neck character ofthe situations them selves. It depends upon that curious per sistency of hope or fear in the human breast, which neither long experience of life nor long experience of plays seems able to diminish by an iota. Tou know that the acrobat has hung from the trapeze by the back of his neck a thou sand times before without accident; but you feel that this thousand and first time may bring Ill-luck, j and you hold your breath In terror. You know as well as" you know the multiplication table, that the hero of melo drama will come out scathless and vic torious in the end; if he did not. It would not bo melodrama at all; but every fresh scrape ho seemingly gets Into brings your heart to your mouth just the" same. Explain this who can, but let no one at tempt to deny It. Mr. Nelll will have a cordial welcome in "A Gentleman cf France" at the Mar quam Grand Theater next Thursday, Fri day and Saturday afternoon and night, November 19, 20 and 21, and there is con siderable Interest being evinced in Har riet Ford's dramatization of Stanley Weyman's thrilling romance. Theater goers like to be thrilled, and "A Gentle man of France" Is a thriller. The actor is credited with a good supporting com pany and, of course, his 'charming wife, Edythe Chapman, will be seen In the leading-woman xole. The advance sale of seats will open next Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock. Sale for "BerSHur." For the benefit of out-of-town persons who will want to take In the Klaw & Er langer spectacular production of General Wallace's "Ben Hur," which Is to be staged here in December, the local man agement "will fill all mail orders for seats in the order of their receipt, after the first day's box-office sale is concluded. The scale of prices for the engagement here will vary from 52J50 to 50 cents, ac cording to the location of the seats. This Is In keeping with the price list charged in New York, Chicago, Boston, San Fran cisco and elsewhere. HAPPY HOME FOR VAUDEVILLE Arcade Theater Announces New At tractions Beginning Monday. Continuous vaudeville has found a happy home at the Arcade Theater, and thousands' of patrons have greeted tho acts of the past week with the pleased palm. Since the new management as sumed control on October 19, a noticeable improvement In tho character of the programmes offered to a fastidious public has been noticed. The Arcade Theater Is cosy and comfortable; for its size it Is the model playhouse of the city. Tho management has a high standard of good taste, and the entertainment of fered has won the plaudits of large audi ences of women and children at the two daily matinee performances. The bill that begins Monday will main tain the management's reputation besides adding a few well-earned laurels. "What Happened to Brown" Is one of the most .laughable comediettas ever presented on a vaudeville stage. Mr. Brown certain ly has things coming to him, and they increase in funnlness in geometrical pro gression. The Athens, -Wilson, Clarke Company, presents this one-act comedyt &' "S ? j w? IPTi t m and for mirth-makers of renown they are ' entitled to the position .of hcadliners. Fancy jumpers there are, but the dar ing and skillful specialties of Flood and Hayes have Avon them the title of cham pions. They do their difficult feats grace fully and "accept their applause modestly. Mozarto, melody-maker, has been re tained from last -week's bill. Last week he surprised 35 audiences with his musl- i cal -novelties, and he has more yet that J-IiO 'will spring. '"He Is an artist on the ' saxophone, and her can. make the mando- lln tinkle entertainingly. His entire new programme will be full of harmony, as -wellas -novelty. I "An acrohat that .is' an acrobat and whose act has -not. a dull moment is William Pearson, who does a startling series of specialties. - The management will also present this wcok the American bioscope with a new ldt of amusing views. There are two matinees dally at 2:30 and 3:30, and evonlng performances at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30. The admission is 10 cents. EMPIRE THEATER TO OPEN. "King of the Opium Ring" to Be Presented Next Week. After being closed for tho past and present week, the doors of the Emplro will be thrown open to the public again, starting Sunday next, November 22. On tills occasion the big scenic success, "King 6f the Opium Ring," will commence a week's engagement at that popular play house. The play needs no Introduction to the Portlahd theater-going public, as It has visited Portland twice, and each time was received with record-breaking business. "The King of the Opium Ring" is a melodrama that appeals to every one with a desire to know something of the ! doings of the underworld. It deals with the smuggling In and tho efforts of the Government agents to break It up. There ta a supply of heart Interest provided by a loVe story, or rather two talcs of tho heart, and the plot Is relieved by a num ber of specialties of a lively nature. Tho play makes way for great things In the way of scenery and stage effects, and j the company presenting It thl3 season Is said to be well equipped In that line. At the Arcade Theater Today. There are five shows at the Arcade The ater today. There are five opportunities to see tho I present clever bill before the stellar at tractions tor next wcck iaKe tne stage. Two matinees are given dally at 2:30 and y' o I: THE BAKER THEATE One Week, Starting Sunday Matinee, November 15th. Matinees Saturday and Sunday MR. GEO. L. BAKER ANNOUNCES FOR THE SECOND WEEK OF THE AKER THEATER COMPANY A Dramatization by Edward E. Rose of Anthony Hope's Brilliant Romance Notwithstanding the Enormous Expense of this t Next Week William Gillette's Greatest Comedy, TOO . jtja. !. J?L-.-.. .- . . . ,---.-; rtW'vzmzw .V. fc V i. -?S? tf .& Vz & aifj Vifr"! i-tc-s. :i ?v' "" N & J!iS .V5 f j8F&S i1c' vafes & 3:30r and evening performances at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30. When the curtain dropped on the 30th performance last night, the management decided that the popularity of the pres ent bill was unquestioned. There is not ono act that is not a rich dividend for tho price of one dime. Mozarto, the musical genius, has won unstinted applause as a melody-maker. The one-act sketch of the De Graus, "The Grerit Two-and-One-Half," Is the vaudeville hit of the season. The infant. De Grau.a tiny tot in red, Is clever enough to Be featured as a head liner. Virginia Hayden surprises with her wonderful baritone. L. C. Lamar, the blackface comedian, is full of fresh folly. The Melnott Slaters, pretty soubrettes, delight with their graceful dancing and melodious warbling. COMING ATTRACTIONS. ''Ben-Hur." "Ben-Hur" will make a bid for popular approval at the Marquam Grand Theater on Tuesday evening, December 1, when an engagement of five nights and two mat inees will be inaugurated. This gigantic undertaking of Klaw & Erlanger has been one continuous triumph since its produc tion in New York City four years ago. Nothing like it has ever been attempted In this country before. It makes a dfstlnct epoch In the matter of staging plays. In tho first place because so many appar ently unsurmountable obstacles have been overcome in a most artistic manner, and because of the generous outlay of money, making If; necessary for producers who have any ambition to follow in the footsteps of Klaw & Erlanger to go down deep Into their wallets and spend thou sands, If they wish to reach results at all approaching those achieved by the marvel ous staging' of "Ben-Hur." Undoubtedly no one of the thousands who have read this most fascinating novel have missed seeing Its transference to the stage, for It Is possible for one to come In actual contact with and hear Ben-Hur, Messala, Iras. Slmonldes, Esther, Anirah. Arrlasv Sheik Ilderim and the other strong and picturesque characters of the book. The Nazarenq, while mentioned in the novel, is not seen upon the stage, for never yet, outside of the "Passion Play" at Oberam mergau, has the Savior been successfully presented or impersonated. The play in tho now world-famous little village of the Tyrol, Is given every ten years as a religious ceremony, and the introduction of the Christ is looked upon as part of a sacred function. It is different, of course, with a play w.hlch makes a general ap peal to the rilay-gotng public, and In which the presence of the Nazerene :THE FASHIONABLE POPULAR PRICE PLAY HOUSE: AN ELABORATE -f ft& ' tLi $S . &Ew tP iSS& n?- & s2SM.' , v-sdCfeosSf-- - .2 TsH&i&rtPS-' " $r t y, - 'ZIZXWk -JZZ 5i'ir-:r ;W&aLL&:& TJHE-BA5ffiR COMPAMY AKER THEATRE mJt i. ifi'SM TAONi fNDMAfON" GLPJKi p would undoubtedly bo looked upon as sacrllege. "The Storks." The "girl" choristers of "The Storks" Compariy, announced for an early produc tion at the Marquam Grand Theater, are a distinctly different class of girls as heretofore selected, by the Dearborn The ater management) for their various at tractions. "The Storks" girls, popularly PRODUCTION OF Productfon the Regular ??gs?n rz&?a SJP" &: p?- ?Cjvi bsS,., - $! PT' & W V -vwKv ?Q35s s v i&5aca-&-"4ss1' - "si36 Tri X , C-il! o a 7. Eft V? i ' j"". :$r &(!&: i Syt W? ,V as RUDOLPH & ADCEPIi named "birds" by the press and public, are all high-flyers. That Ts, two of them own their automobiles, most of them em ploy maiJs, one of them Is Interested in a racing stable and peculiar, as It may seem, every one of them are financially independent of their salary In fact, "Tho Storks" management claim to have under contract the highest salaried, most youth ful and eminently beautiful array of chorus girls on the road this season. At any rate, they are one of the brightest GEO. L. BAKER SOLE LESSEE AND MANAGER. Thono Main 1907. A Production Com plete with Elegant Costumes and Special Scenery. Baker Prices will Prevail MUCH JOHNSON X