18
THE SUNDAY 0EEG0NIA2T, PORTLAvD, FEBRUARY 21, 19fl
IRVING WITHOUT ELLEN TERRY
Sir Henry as Skylock Snowed Diminished Power ia Trial Scene.
OST o the people who went to the j
Marquam to sec Edward Morgan
In "The Eternal City" expected to
at least see him as often on the stage as
lie appeared In "The Christian." Tet
"when Mr. Morgan's lines did allow him
to appear before the audience his com
manding personality and undoubted abil
ity were all-powerfuL Frederic de Bell
ville had a much stronger part as Baron
Bonell. the shifty, cruel, bloodthirsty Ital
ian Prime Minister, and he shared honors
with the star. Sarah Truax, who once
acted in John F. Cordray's Third-street
theater, filled the romantic role of Donna
Roma. She has a charming personality.
Frank C. Bangs, as the Pope, and W.
E. Bonney, as Rocco, did finished work.
As forthe Incidental music, composed by
Mascagni, and for which his fee is stated
to have been $5000, it is weak and spirit
less. It also lacks originality and when
once played over one could hardly recall
a single bar. "The Eternal City." with
Its thrilling story, fine company and splen
did scenery, is a success without Mas
cagnl's music
For gorgeous gowns and spectacular ef
fect, "Mistress Nell" was one of the most
ambitious shows over presented at Ba
ker's theater, and the fine stage pictures
and play of wit were very much enjoyed.
At the same time the merry comedy was
clearly written for the leading woman,
and Miss Lyon had a most unusual op
portunity, of which she took advantage
Hoi; fine work will be remembered. Carlyle
Moore had a part which suited him as
Jaok Hart, and William Bernard shone
in one of those dolicious creations in
which disappointed love is the waking
dream. George Alison was sufficiently
gorgeous .as King Charles, and he was
regal in his art as welL Gertrude Rivers
made a fascinating Duchess. William
Dills was realistic as Strings, and played
satisfactorily.
There's a good deal of charm in the
title J'One Night In June," and people
wee accordingly In a pleasant humor
w4afore they even visited Cordray's Thea
leroseetixls tearful melodrama. Grace
Turner had to enact a difficult role as
' Mainline Jpeavy, a woman who mystori
ouslklcluhg to a man although he per
slsteittly, abused her and threatened hor
life. jhy Mrs. Peavy remained the pa
tient saint told In the play Is unexplained.
"William JU. Holmes worked hard in vari
ous channels to make the play go, and
succeeded. James Willard ought to have
been strongor and less ethereal as Rev.
Herbert Aldrlch.
The Japs at the Arcade proved to be
winning cards all week and after reading
bo -much war- news people looked at the
clever performers with added interest.
Leslie and Langton presented an amusing
act in "A Country Cousin," and the Bals
dans aro good trick bicycle riders. Jessie
More's Illustrated songs aro pleasing.
"THE BOSTON1ANS."
Four Performances to Be Given at
the Marquam.
Next Tuesday night, February 23, the
famous Bostonlans will open an engage
ment of four performances at the Mar
quam Grand Theator. The following rep
ertoire will be given: Tuosday night,
"Robin Hood"; Wednesday night, "The
Soronade"; Thursday night, their new
opera, "The Queen of Laughter"; Wed
nesday matinee, "Robin Hood." This is
the silver jubilee year of the Bostonlans,
and it has been punctuated by magnificent
reylval of "Robin Hood," If the word re
vival may appropriately be applied to
new performances of an opera that has
never been out of public view more than
a single season since it was first made
known. In any event the peoplo of this
city are to be treated to a series of per
formances of that incomparable work at
the Marquam. Tho cast of principals In
cludes Messrs. Henry Clay Barnabee,
William H. MacDonald and George B.
Fothlngham in their oiglnal roles of Sher
iff of Nottingham, Little John of Brown
October Ale renown, and Friar Tuck, of
soup-kettle delight; Agnos Cain Brown,
a soprano, the freshness, purity, feeling
and range of whoso voice have already
mado her famous, will sing Maid Marian;
the new Will Scarlet Is the accomplished
Dasso, Howard Chambers; Robin himself
is the well-known Canadian tenor, Doug
lass Ruthven; Campbell Donald, Guy of
Glsborne;. and Miss Adele Rafter, con
tralto, Alan-a-Dale.
This Is surely one of the happiest com
binations for a cast of "Robin Hood" that
the opera has ever known, and it should
make the engagement In this city a record-breaker.
Local muslclovers will feel
a personal Interest in assisting, as the
French have It. at the celebration of the
quarter-centennial of the Bostonlans. Seats
are now soiling.
"CASE OF REBELLIOUS SUSAN"
High-Class Comedy at the Baker This
Week.
High-class comedy will continue to hold
the beards at tho Baker Theater for an
other weak, the Baker Theater Company
producing for the first time In Portland
at popular prtcs "The Case of Rebellious
Susan." It will start with the matinee
this -aftarnoon and continue through the
wook with the usual Saturday matinee.
Th story is of the marital infelicity of
"Se." the wife of James Harabin. Sir
Rlefcard Kato figures conspicuously in the
pley as the adviser of the unhappy pair.
The weight of his mature judgment is of
no avail, for Susan deserts her spouse In
n nun at me close of the first act. A
young man, Luclen Bdensor, is the ob-
Jeat of the fair lady's affections. Their
association csmos to the verge of a liaison.
wfiec tne mentor. Sir Richard Kato. ap
pears again and succeeds In persuading
her to return to her home. Some of the
Xtetit oemedy of the play centers about
th equivocal interchange of experiences
during the separation between James and
Sasan, There are two other mated pairs
QWGiSW? . 1 tUAMK i A CA7ZLYL? jKCCRF
??ZzX717? I WfSS) 1 V' '( STAGE
CHASAJWRI&iy
GLUE Wf
AMGHr Oat
AT
in this lively drama, more or less unhappy,
out comicauy so. one is Admiral Darby,
who portrays the aged benedict who has
been on duty away from his wife. Lady
Darby, six months. There is a Mrs.
Quesnel, to whose charms the wise men
tor, Sir Richard Kato, succumbs. After
many humorous complications, hearts are
mended and peace and happiness are re
stored by reconciliations between all the
couples but one, and marriage between
these two.
"DOWN BY THE SEA."
Romantic Comedy-Drama Opens
at
Cordray's Today.
"Down by the Sea." a romantic com
edy drama, opens at Cordray's Theater
with a matinee today.
There are few authors who possess
the faculty of blending tho elements of
humor and pathos so happily together
as Mr. Mortimer Murdoch, and few to
whom the art of expression comes so
oasily and spontaneously. His ro
mances of the sea havo made his namo
a household word with tho playgoers
of England. "Down by the Sea" Is one
of his most popular stories, and has
been an immense success as a play over
there for the past eight years. For Its
presentation in this country, th story
has been slightly changed, and the ac
tion now takes place on tho Long
Island shore. Instead of the English
coast.
Tho story of the play Is interesting
and strongly written, and is told in a
pleasing manner. The characters are
drawn from real life, and the language
in which it is told Is good idiomatic
English, with hero and there tquchr-, of
poetic beauty. Tho love of a good man
for a woman whom he believes is false
to hor marriage vows Is strongly set
forth.
The comedy clement Is quite pro
nounced, and the production has so
many good points about it that it is no
exaggeration to declare It ono of the
best comedy dramas recently pro
duced. The company comprises 14
players, ay of whom were engaged es
pecially for their respective characters.
The play will be staged with entirely
new and elaborate scenic effects, and
many novel specialties will punctuate
the action of the drama.
MURRAY AND MACK.
"A Night on Broadway" to Be Pre
sented at the Marquam.
"A Night on Broadway," the second
edition of Murray & Mack's musical fan
tasy, will bid for popular notice at the
Marquam Grand Theater next Friday and
Saturday nights, February 26 and 27, with
a popular-price matinee Saturday.
In the new edition, the author has
framed a fantastic story, having for its
important and almost sole object, an
evening of solid fun for intelligent thea
tergoers. Kcrker Morton, the composer,
has written an interesting score, which
abounds In tuneful numbers of the sort
which make a strong bid for popularity.
The management have given this mu
sical comedy a superb mounting, and a
groat outlay of money has been expended
upon its mechanical scenic equipment and
.costumes.
The principals engaged are Broadway
favorites and singers and comedians of
merit. The chorus is composed of some
scores of pretty young women and young
men with good voices. There is also a
coterie of "show girls." whose beauty and
vocal talent are expected to work won
ders in the heart-breaking line. The ad
vance sale of seats will open next Wed
nesday morning at 10 o'clock.
STAR ACTS AT THE ARCADE.
Continuous Programme Today-New
Bill Monday.
Today at tho Arcade a continuous pro
gramme from 2 to 10:30 P. M. will present
the bill that has delighted thousands of
patrons the past week. The Japanese
jugglers, the trick bicycle riders, clever
comedians and jolly singers offer a feast
of vaudeville.
The new WH starts Monday at 2:3) P.
M.. with the following attractions: The
Three Renos, comedians who present ecr
centric marvels; Leslie and Langton. in
a new society sketch; the Three Mal
voras. artistic acrobats; Jessie More, in
new Illustrated songs; S tod dart and WU-
BTrWDUty '
son, In a tuneful musical novelty act;
the American Bioscope, with moving pic
tures of rare interest.
COMING ATTRACTIONS.
A Beautiful Comedy.
Howard Kyle and a capable company
will appear at the Marquam Grand The
ater shortly in "Rosemary." with the
original New York Empire Theater pro
duction, under the direction of George H.
Brennan. Mr. Kyle is said to have
scor.ed the greatest success of his career
in this beautiful comedy.
"Slaves of the Mine."
Cordray's Theater on February 2S will
have a special attraction In a new play
whose scenes are laid near Wllkes-Barre,
Pa., entitled "Slaves of the Mine." Tho
plot turns on a law peculiar to the state
of Pennsylvania on the, subject of sub
surface ores, and Is said to bo natural in
character-drawing, very bright In dia
logue, and full Of both exciting incidents
and healthful ltumor. One ecene. de
scribed as the acme of realism. Is the bot
tom of a coalshaft, and an explosion of
gas that reducees the mines to a wreck.
"Uncle Tom's Cabin."
Stetson's big production of "Uncle
Tom's Cabin" -will appear at the Mar
quam Grand Theater In the very near fu
ture. I has been organized this season in
a manner that will make it far superior
to any previous production ever seen
ture. It has been organized this season in
the staging of the piece, and the scenery
faithfully portrays several scenes of
Southern life during the ante-bellum
days in the far South.
RIchard3 & Prlngle's Minstrels.
J. J. Holland, manager of the "Richards
& Prlngle's Famous Georgia Minstrels,"
Is In the city. Twenty-eight years Is
.a long time for one company to be on
tho road, and making nearly the same
territory season after season, but this is
the record of Richards & Prlngle's Fa
mous Georgia Minstrels.
Dan Sully.
That natural actor, Daniel Sully, sup
ported by a representative company' of
New York players, will be the attraction
at the Marquam Grand Theaer in the
near future. Mr. Sully 'will produce for
the first time in this city a new three-act
society play entitled, 'The Chief Justice,"
from ,the pen of that clever dramatist,
Fitzgerald Murphy.
Olympia Opera Company.
An eafly attraction at Cordray's Thea
ter will be the Olympia Opera Company.
The company has played in New Orleans
for 20 weeks every Summer for several
years and has the largest repertoire of
any opera company traveling.
STAGELAND.
A valuable and unusual present has been
given to Mrs. Fleko and her husband Last
season, in a New York theater, she gave a
performance of "Mary of Magdala" for tho
benefit of the Itegina Angelorum, a home con
ducted in New York City by the Sisters of
Mercy for girls without friends or employment.
A large sum was realized from Mrs. Flake's
performance, and the Bisters were very grate
ful for the benefit. , Their gratitude has been
shown by a rcmsikablo token presented by
thm to Mr. and Mrs. Fislce by the hand of
the Rev. John Talbot Smith, chaplain -of tha'
Sisters of Mercy. This was in tho form of a
sentiment in verso embodying an acrostic f
Mr. aad Mrs. Fiske's names, the whole illumi
nated la the mediaeval style by arts of the
band, commonly presumed to have been lost to
this. age. It would seem from this beautiful
souvenir that the year that has elapsed has
been involved la the making of it, and that the
hands of many Sisters wero employed in Its
various details, all of whloh aro marvels of
skill and infinite pains. Wild flowers and buds,
some of them almost microscopic, but all of
them perfect in design and coloring, with con
ventionalized flowers and leaves in decorative
phases, make up In a beautiful whole. A tiny
figure f the infant Jesus in the .manner .is
painted as a pendant to the design, while the
monograms of Mr. and Mrs. Fiske ornament the
lower corners. As a work of art the testi
monial Is unique, showing as it does the ehar
acterUUc patience and purity of its makers, to
whom it was a labor of love.
William Bernard and Frederick Earn el ton, of
the Baker Theater Company, send thti com
munication to The Oregonlan: "As two Aus
tralian actors, we beg to take exception to
statements In Leigh Bruckart's interview pub
lished in last Sunday's Issue. First "and fore
most,' American actors and actresses are Just
as popular In Australia, even more so than
English artists, and Australia Is a British pos
session. Sarah Bernhardt, Nance O'Neill. 'A
Trip to Chinatown, The Belle of New York'
and TVUby are a few good American attrac
tions that have done a record business in the
col on lee. and the members of these companies
have been received with open arms, socially.
John L. Sullivan was a dire failure thers
proving conclusively that Australians know
good actors from 'good prlrefighters. When
Mr. Braekart says that the pirate reigns su
preme all over Australia, be states what Is
absolutely incorrect. Manager J. C "William
son, who is to Australia what Charles Froh
man is to the United States, produces all
American and English successes, and protects
in every sense of tho word his own rights as
well as thoss of authors. In an Interview Mr.
Williamson gavo In New Tork two weeks ago
he showed conclusively how business Is legit
imately conducted at the AnUpodes."
The personnel of the new Nelll-Morosco Com
pany starting with Nat C. Goodwin's success.
"When We Were Twenty-one," at the Bur
bank Theater, Los Angeles. February 2S: How
ard Gould. Ieadlnglman;. Amelia Gardner, lead
ing woman; George Woodward, character come
dian; Harry Mesrayer, Juvenile; Elsie Esmond,
Ingenue; Therese Maxwell, principal support
ing roles; Phosa McAllister, Frank McVlcars.
Thomas Oberle, Robert Morris, Wilfred Rogers
andH. J. Glnn. H. S. Duflleld is- alated as
the acting manager. Mr. Gould starred last
season in "The Prisoner of Zenda." and was
also starred In the East under the management
of Daniel Frohman. Miss Maxwell has Just
concluded a season as1 leading woman for Law
rence D'Orsay in "The Earl of Pawtuchet."
Helen Lackaye. a sister of Wlltoa Lackaye,
has been engaged for James NelH's Company.
Tho fireproof ballet girl Is next! This and
similar rubjecu have been engaging the atten
tion of the management of the San Francisco
Alharobra, and they have determined that no
Inflammable material should bo used la the
new ballet called "The Year Bound" produced
there. A 'number of Interested guests wero
Invited to the Alhambra to witness .the experi
ments. Even the costumes which come into con.
tact with electric-lighting effects were rendered
uninflammable. In woodwork, every fiber was
Impregnated with a Are-res Istlng solution. A
block was split open and a shaving taken
from the center. Even that was Incapable of
combustion when subjected either to the -flames
of a gas Jet or the Intense heat of an uncov
ered electric arc lamp. Experiments with can
vas, gauze, cotton, wool, artificial flowers,
paper, end all manner of flimsy fabrics proved
equally successful.
Nat Barling, well-known in vaudeville work
throughput Pacific Coast cities, la a letter to
a friend, says that he recently met his affinity
In San Francisco, becoming engaged to her
two hours and -IS minutes after first meeting
her. His letter continues: "After conversing a
few minutes- I said to myself. 'Here's a good
girl. Til try my' hand at proposing.' I told
her that, sorry to relate, I was not as well
fixed financially as I would like. She said that
was nothing against me, and I said, TVell, It
you'll take a chance with me, I will marry
you.' She came right into my arms and I am
engaged to her. It was 0:13 o'clock when I
met her, and at 0:03 we were engaged." Dar
ling has given up the stage, and will continue
his old trade of plumber, in San Francisco.
To "protect the Interests of tho organiza
tion," the Theatrical Managers' Asosclation of
Los Angeles has been organized, with these
members: President, H. C. Wyatt. of the Ma
son Theater; vice-president, Clarence Drown,
of the Orrheum; secretary and treasurer, Oli
ver Morosco, of the Burbank, and J. E. Wal
deck, of the Casino, and Wlnfield Hocaboom,
of the Grand. The association will principally
fight the new license Imposed by the City
Council on theaters In Los Angeles. $1200 per
year, until tne last city iwuncu camo iaio
office the license was ?300 a year. It is stated
that la New York City the theater license is
$300 a year: In Seattle. $100; and in Boston,
S23. Tho new association will make the fight
a political issue at the next city election.
Wa centals & Kemper have purchased from
Helnrlch Conrled the American rights to Heln-
rlch Stobltxera German comedy, "Ilselotte,"
which Is now running at the Irving Place I
Theater, New York. They have not decided
who will be seen in the tlue role of tuzaoein
Charlotte. The character Is one of the great
poeslbllltles for a woman of Intensely human
mold, portraying humor and pathos to a dra
matic degree. A prominent dramatist will be
called upon to adapt the comedy to tho Amer
ican stage, and the first production will be
made In Chicago next December. The play Is
laid during tho reign of Louis IV, and as the
period permits of elaborate staging, Wagenhals
& Kemper promise one of the most elaborate
productions of the year.
Attractions last week at San Francisco the
aters: Columbia, Louis James and Frederick
Warde, In "Julius Caesar," "Othello," "Mac
beth" and "Alexander the Great"; Tlvoll,
"When Johnny Comes Marching Home";
Grand. Weber and Fields' Company, in "Whoop
Da Doo" and "Catherine"; Alcazar, "The
Charity Ball": Central, "The" Men of Jim
town"; California, "Devil's Auction"; Fisch
er's. "Holy Poly"; an'd Orpheum, Eight Vassar
Girls. Werner-Amoroso Troupe; Zlska and
King. Harry Thomson, Thome and Carle ton,
Snyder and Buckley, Rice and Elmer, Orpheum
motion pictures; and Billy B. Van, Rose Beau
mont and company.
Richard Mansfield's statement that ho will
produce a- drama based upon Wagner's "Par
sifal" next season and appear In the title-role
himself. Is interesting. The name of the au
thor who will adapt Wagner's libretto to the
uses of the dramatic stage is not given, but
it Is shrewdly guessed that the dramatist will
be Mr. Mansfield himself. Ho announces that
selections from tho Wagner score will be
used for "incidental music" but this will be
a detriment to tho ears of those that have
heard it rendered in its lntegrityby the Urge
orchestras of the Metropolitan. New York, and
the Festival Theater at-Beyreuth.
Robert North, who has been one of the big
bits of Murray & Mack's "A Night on Broad
way," and who has few equals In Hefirew
characterizations, has left the company, open
ing In Los Angeles at the Casino tomorrow In
"Holty Tolty." Mr. North will succeed popu
lar Barney Bernard, who has left to Join
Harry James' Company, that will sail from
San Franclsoc for Australia.
Few authors desire to prodaco a play in
Rome until it has received a baptism in some
other city In Italy. Romans prefer to make
failures, not successes. For Instance, D'An
nunzlo's "Francesca da Rlmlnl," which was
hooted In Rome on the first night of its per
formance. It has been cheered almost every
where else.
Clarence Mackay, son of the late John
Mackay. lately transferred one-half of his In
terest in the Grand Opera-House property, in
San Francisco, to James L. Flood, who. In
tprn. transfered it to James E. Walsh, his
private secretary, who holds his power cf at
torney.
James Neill, as Baron Chevrial. In "A Pa
risian Romance," on a recent occasion received
WITM
ten curtain calls after the fourth act In Loa
Angeles. A surprise ensued when Gertrude
Keller, the Ingenue, refused to go on the stage
in tights as Rosa in another attraction. Kath-
erine Oilman played the part, at short notice.
very acceptably.
Julia Marlowe has returned from Italy to
New York City. She may play a Spring en
gagement in a new play. Edwin "Varrey, the
veteran Shakespearean actor, has been engaged
for the supporting company of E. H. Sothern
and Miss Marlowe when they appear as Joint
stars next season.
A contract has been let for the refitting and
redecorating of the Iroquois Theater. Chicago,
and the playhouse will be reopened In- the
early Spring. The cost of the repairs will be
In the neighborhood of 522.000. The name of
the theater will be changed to the Northwest,
Mayor McClellan bas ordered the closing of
these New York theaters: Grand Opera-House,
Madison-Square Theater, Princess Theater,
Hurtlg & Seamon's, and the theater part o;
Huber's Museum, until certain alterations for
eafety are made In these houses.
Frederic Belaeco and his general manager.
E. D. Price, are going to New York shortly.
and are awaited with expectation upon the
Rlalto, as they will have some 125 players to
engage for their Pacific Coast etock companies
and traveling organizations.
Joseph Hart and Carrie De Mar have changed
the name of the musical farce which they
have chosen to follow "Foxy Grandpa." It 13,
"Tho Courteous Cannibal." "Fcxy Grandpa"
will continue on the road next season without
either of its present stars.
Frederic de Bellvllle, who played the part of
Baron Bonell I In "The Eternal City," at tha
Marquam. last week, has been offered a -position
for next season with the Baker Theater
Company, but has not so far accepted the
offer.
Alice Lennon. the young California actress,
who has been E. S. Wlllard's leading lady at
the St. James Theater. London, has signed a
lC-weeks contract to appear "with him In the
principal cities of England la "The Cardinal,"
Actors are often their own severest critics.
A clever one who scolded himself and the' en
tire profession recently said:
"The trouble with actors Is that they are
one-inch man and six feet flesh."
1
Russell. Drew and French will Inaugurate a
Summer etock at the Seattle Third-Avenue,
beginning about May 1. William Gleason, the
well-known character man, will be a member
of the company. .
May Buckley, who was a member of the
Nelll-Morosco Company at the beginning of the
present season, la one of the cast of "The
Shepherd King," to open at the New York The
ater, April 4.
Isabel Irving was to have appeared lately In
"The Crisis" at Marietta, O., but a real crisis
occurred when the entire town was flooded in
two feet of water. The engagement had to be
canceled.
Frederick Hartley, who played leads for two
seasons for Julia Arthur, and who fulfilled
stock engagements In Chicago theaters, is
dead at New York from an, attack of pneu
monia. N
The benefit performance of "One Night in
June," last Friday night, at Cordray's, for
the funds of the Home of the Good Shepherd,
netted for that Institution the sum of $215.
Ada Rehan denies tha truth of the report
that she was to be a co-star with Sir Henry
Irving; and also that she had refused to sign
With Llebler & Co. for another season.
Clay Clement will continue to use "The New
Dominion" for the present season and next.
After next season he will use a sew play writ
ten by himself, entitled "Idols."
Mayor McClellan recently refused to permit
a 4-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl to ap
pear In "A Doll's House" at the Manhattan
Theater, New York City.
Asa Lee Willard. formerly leading 4han la
Manager George L. Baker's "The Christian"
Company, has been engaged for heavy roles
with Alberta Gallatin.
George M. , Cohan, of "The Four Cohans,"
announces his starring tour next season in a
new musical play, "LJttle Johnny Jones,"
written by himself.
Cecilia Lof tus, E. H. Sothera's leading "wom
an, ia to star next year in a dramatization of
one of Israel Zangwlll's stories, "The Serio
comic Governess."
Maurice Hyde, who has been a member of
David Warfleld's Company, is home at San
Francisco after the disbanding of the company
la New Orleans.
Yvette Gullbert has entirely recovered her
health and signed a contract with the manage
ment of tho Follea-Bcrgera, to appear there
shortly.
May Edouln and Fred Edwards, in a musical
comedy called "A Bachelor's Dream." begin
an engagement In New York City March 7.
Georgia Calne has replaced Jeanette Lowrle
as Miss Venter in "Tho Medal and the Maid,
at the Broadway Theater. New York City.
Richard Carroll has signed to become the
leading comedian of the company at the
Fischer Optra-House, San Francisco.
Next Fall Robert Mantell will bo seen in New
York la revivals of "Hamlet" and "Othello,"
and In a new romantic drama. '
Pollard's Lilliputian Opera Company will re
turn to this country from Australia next De
cember, entirely reorganized.
"How Old Is Ann?" Is tbf namo of a the
atrical attraction Just started, with "Harry J,
Gates as business manager.
David Warfleld Is studying the part of Shy-
locK- David Beiaaco may offer him In the part
before long.
companies ciosea: a Little Outcast," at
Wheeling. W. V.; "Man to Man," at Hamll
ton. O.
' -
Frank Blair will succeed Barney Bernard in
charge of the stage at the Los Angeles Ca
sino.
Chicago Journal. '
C EAN'S Shylock, said Jerrold, was
I like a chapter of Genesis. Sir Henry
Irvlngs Shylock la like an essay by
Schopenhauer. It puts the spectator out
of conceit with life. Shylock, as Irving
shows him, 19 a malignant scoundrel; yet
he has enough of Hebraic dignity when
his punishment falls upon him not only to
demand and receive something of our re
spect. 1 nothing of our sympathy, but to
bring us close to despising all the other
characters- in. the drama, who triumph
over him and take so unholy and ungener
ous a Joy In having- robbed this defense-
leas creature of his daughter, his wealth
and his religious fellowship."
Shylock, as Shakespeare obviously In
tended him, was a supremely base Jew
and In Shakespeare's day when, the- antf
Jewlsh feeling of the dark ages still sur
vived In bitterness, Jew was synonymous
with evil Incarnate taking advantage of
a supremely noble Christian. There were
no extenuating circumstances. Therefore
he should be punished severely, though
not as severely as was possible la that
age of the thumbscrew and- the "hang
man's daughter," for Shakespeare had hu
manity In advance of bis environment.
Shylock was the villain in a melodrama
sweetened by liberal doses of Shakes
peare's poetry and comedy, and then, as
now, more than SCO years later the villain
in a melodrama had to be all villain. He
(.was not a human being, but a passion
embodied, the passion of revenge.
.If this view Is correct, Portia is the
chief figure in "The Merchant of "Venice,"
not Shylock. but in reversing their posi
tions Sir Henry merely follows tho prece
dents of eve'ry perform.nce since Kean's
time. Indeed, much less than some of the
notable Shylocks of which we have mem
ory or authentic tradition does he yield to
the wholly modern and false sentimental
ism with which we have come to regard
the Jew of Venice. E. G. At the close of
the' trial scene, when Shylock hag been
crushed, Irving shows him bowed and
broken and in sorrow, but not humbled or
abandoning anything of his hate.
The present writer has had the privilege
of seeing Irving in this character a great
many times, but It seemed to him that
never ief ore had the'actor played Shylock
quite as well as ho played It, except, per
haps, in two points, last night. The first
Mascot -Hoodoos Understudy
Sometimes Star Is Too Healthy, Complains Marie Tempest's Shadow Lady.
THERE- are two kinds of understudies
the mascot and the hoodoo. The
mascot Is always an understudy, as her
presence Insures the good health of the
principal, for whom she is a substitute.
The hoodoo sometimes gets, a chance
to Hhow off her ability, as the star or
some of the more Important satellites run
a very good risk of falling a victim to
grip or bronchitis and other ills of the
flesh while the hoodoo Is around. But
mascot or hoodoo, the understudy always
has to be on the spot. In most English
companies the understudy of the principal
character does not act, but draws her
salary just the same. Sher takes the place.
in fact, of a "sleeping partner" in a mer
cantile firm, says a New York newspaper.
Not that she hasn't any duties to perform.
On the contrary, her task is by no means
an easy one.
MIs3 Celestlne Bertram, Marie Tem
pest's understudy, has something to say
on this subject, which is most Interesting
from the fact that for the better part of
her stage career Miss Bertram has been
understudy to some leading actress.
"The fact of my being tho sister of my
brother," she says, "probably gave me
my present position, for he Is Miss Tem
pest's manager, but during my short ex
istence on the boards I have had the I
suppose pleasure of nearly always under
studying some one of Importance. In fact,
I began as an understudy. Mr. Bertram
had a company out 'on the road, as you
call It, and one of tha ladles was taken
111. I volunteered to go on In her place.
and, as I knew the play, I was accepted,
and got through all right. That was how
I commenced on tha stage. Since then I
have been with Forbes Robertson, Mrs.
Patrick 'Campbell, Kate Rourke, In 'The
Message From Mars, with Fanny Brough,
and others.
"What are an understudy's duties? "Well.
first of all I have to be ia the theater to
report half an hour before the perform
ance commences, and stop In ,front until
the first act Is over. Then I have to attend
one rehearsal every week. That Is about
all, but added to this Is the anticipation
of having to go on at a moment's notice.
Generally speaking, anticipation is much
nicer than realization, but in the present
case you can't blame me for being nerv
ous about following Marie Tempest. "Would
I copy her If I had a chance to play her
part? "Why not? I would certainly try
my best to be like her, and I am sure
there could be noimprovement on her act-?
Theater Life at the Antipodes
Veteran Manager Thinks Actor's Australian Experience Most Valuable.
New York Telegraph.
JC "WILLIAM SON, whose profes-
slonal career as an actor began in
this country some 40 years ago when ho
was a member of Lester Wallack's 3tock
company, believes in the future of the
Australian stage. Ho I3 the Napoleon of
a powerful Australian theater syndicate,
and visits this country once every three
years principally to find out how near to
Yonkers the theatrical district is creeping.
Asked about h3 ventures in the Never,
Never Land, Mr. Williamson said:
"In Melbourne I control Her Majesty's
and the Princess Theaters. George Mus
grove, formerly my partner, has the oth
er houses there. Besides Her Majesty's I
have in Sydney the Theater Royal and
outlying playhouses in other portions of
Australia, and New Zealand.
"Among my organizations is the Royal
Comic Opera Company, organized 24 years
ago, which presents all the Savoy Theater
operas, the Gaiety comedies and Daly's
productions, together with other musical
pieces. My musical comedy company, at
present on tour, presents lighter pieces,
as, for Instance, 'The Belle of New
York. We also have a dramatic com
pany headed by Cuyler Hastings, an
American actor, producing such plays as
Sherlock Holmes,' 'The Llghtr That
Failed,' 'Secret Service,' 'If I Were. King
and 'The Admirable Crlchton. Then we
manage the concert tour of Ada Crossley
and produce many of the Drury Lane
pantomimes. In fact. 'The Sleeping Beau
ty and tha Beast' Is now running at the
Theater Royal, Sydney."
Mr. Williamson sighed at the thought
of the responsibility involved, and In
voluntarily extended his hand as If reach
ing for a box office statement.
"But how about these productions?"
he was asked. "How do your plays and
players compare with ours?"
"Compare?" exclaimed Mr. Williamson.
"In Australia we have the best schools
of acting in the world. My advice to
actors who wish to attain the most valu
able kind of experience is to start imme
diately for Australia. Where do you In
America have any schools for actore such
as our companies offer? We change the
play eight or ten tlme3 3. year, and wo
play only established successes.
"Through Mr. Sanger, in New York,
and another representative m London, I
of these was the diminished power, whlc
seemed to show physical weakness. wiUl
wmcn ne spoKe tne words, "Come, pre!
pare!" to Antonio in the trial scene. ThcsJ
words ho used to deliver in a manner thai
curdled the blood, but last night he chosJ
another method, apparently based utv
.observation of the fact that anrr pnfool
oica ine voice instead of maklne it VfcorJ
ous. This may bo true and it may b
suouer art man tne old way, but it mlsse
tne marK or tne auditor s terror.
The other point in which last night's
performance seemed less excellent- thnr
some of Its predecessors was Shylock:!
exit irom tne courtroom, which was al-J
together too much elaborated, so lhat it!
losLjOignity ana Became almost grotesque.
But in the street scene surely neither he
nor any otner actor ever surpassed Henrj
Irving last night. The walllne and ralUnc
by turns over his ducats and his dauch-1
ter, the grief of mixed motives over the!
turquoise ring of his lost Leah, now inl
the hands of a Christian who would waste
Its value all this was really wonderful.'
Nor could anything have been finer thanl
the way the trial scene was managed by!
this consummate artist. Shylock walked!
into the courtroom a god about to aportj
witn nis piaytntngs and feed fat the"
ancient grudge he bore them. Power was!
his and the victory, and you say the con
sciousness of it not only In his grlm.j
biting, sarcastic numor, but In every I
glance of his eye, every movement o hlsl
body, every expression on his face, every 1
turn of his bead.
Shylock, after the delivery of Portia's
decisive counterstroke, was no less a god,
though fallen, for. though his head was
bowed and his limbs gave way and grief I
embraced him, yet he was still the uncon
quered master of his fate, the unconquera
ble captain of his soul. This was not act
ing?; It was revelation.
Of the company Sir Henry has brought
to us this time. It Is enough to say that
almost any member of It, If ho or she had
reached on the American stage an equal
skill, would have been "starred" long ago
b7 some one. Certainly, they all acted
much, more Impressively than many of our
so-called stars, and. as for our minor ac
tors, they are not worthy to be compared I
with theso English players. Perhaps Por
tia was not the most satisfactory member !
of tho cast, but it were unsafe, to say so
unless we could dissociate from the part
our memories of Ellen Terry. Special
commendation must be given to Laurenca
Irving's Antonio, which had real distinc
tion.
Ing. That's why I am almost frightened
at times, but It would certainly give me a
chance I have never yet had. I suppose,
if I tell you that it happens very often
the more you Btudy a play the more liable
you aro to forget the lines, you would bo
captious, but, truthfully speaking, one
gets very rusty, especially If you have not
been acting for a long time, oven though
you have the weekly rehearsal. An under
study's position Is. of course, rather mo
notonous. For Instance, I understudied
Kate Rourke for a long time, and was dy
ing to play her part, but no I She was too
healthy! I am a veritable mascot In that
way, a qualification which Is being pretty
well recognized. In the present play, Tho
Marriage of Kitty,' I understudy the part
of the maid as well, and I actually had a
chance the other night to play It. Beyond
putting tho cart before the horse In one
sentence I came off with flying colors.
Some time since we used to have two com
panies of 'The Marriage of Kitty ona
playing and the cither understudying.
which, I fancy, wongi be a. novelty over
"Whenever I do p!ai, a. paL I nlwai
have some sort of,jince.wndo
time I played the injured nsFC
when In the very depths of woe had to buy
some coal, which an old woman Imme
diately took away from me. I suppose I
must have been very realistic In my act
ing, for I was met at the stage door after
ward by a dear old lady, who, on Intro
ducing herself, gave me this advice:
" 1 was surprised to see a young, strong
woman like yon allow yourself to be put
upon. Now, look here; tonight, when that
hag goes to take away that basket of coal,
you Just go for her and give It her hot and
strong!'
"Here's another experience, which had
to. do with a theatrical lodging-house I
was stopping In in England. The landlady
was extremely nice and oBliging, but she
would insist on giving me steak and
onions for breakfast every morning. I
protested, but it was of no use; so, when I
went away I took her family Bible and
placed ar piece of paper in It with 'Read
Hebrew xlii:S.' I hope she did. for the
passage runs to this effect:
" 'The same yesterday, today and foe-,
ever!'
"She had plenty of Irish wit, did this
old lady, and I think If she had known
my exact position In the company she
would have had sense enough to have sub
stituted an understudy in the way of
breakfast food on me!"
get all the principal newspapers and
criticisms of current attractions. 1 loa
how English successes are received in
America, and how American successes aro
received in London. In addition is this,
I get weekly comments from my repre
sentatives. Having digested all those I
aro In a pretty fair way to select tha
real wheat from the chaff. No other or
ganization In the world offers its players
so wide a variety of excellent parts.
"We take our time over there. Wo
don't shove on productions without prep
aration. Why, right In Sydney we've
built better spectacles than any I've seen
in London or New York. I have my own
scenic artists and my own corps of cos
tume. We don't accept In their en
tirety the spectacles we purchase, but
add material of our own. Besides wo
make original productions, such as 'DJln
Djin' and 'Matsa, Queen of Firo,' two
spectacles I have never seen excelled."
At this point Mr. Williamson was re
minded of an old stage tradition to tha
effect that he alone, of Lester Wallack's
celebrated players, ever received so in
sistent a recall that he was obliged to re
peat a scene.
"Let me see," he said. "I Joined Wal
lack's company In 18G3. That incident
must have occurred somewhere about '70.
My port was that of Sid in "Wild Oats."
At the conclusion of the scene came tho
cue for Lester Wallack's entrance, but
he generously permitted mo to do tho
scene over again. No, I don't think ho
believed-1 hadn't done it right the first
time.
"And, speaking of Lester Wallack3
company, that was the greatest organi
zation that ever played in the English
language, and I don't believe Its equal
will be seen again. Wherj are the play
ers for another such company? Why,
we used to divide the company and play
'Sahool for Scandal In New York and
The" Rivals' in Brooklyn the same night,
and still have a surplus of a dozen ex
cellent actors."
Mr. Williamson recalled reminiscences
about his earlier associates, and told how
later he had originated the role of Dick
Swlveller In Lotta's production of "Little
Nell." In 1874 he began a starring tourN
which took him to - London, India and '
eventually Australia.
Visitors to Portland
Should not miss the delightful trips up
and down the Columbia River. Particu
lars at O. R & N. city ticket offlce.
Third and Washington.