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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 11, 1904)
20 THE SUNDAY OBEGONIAN, PORTLAND, SEPTEMBER " 11, 1904. YHE past week was a busy one in theatrical circles, and the show goer, who saw all the attractions put in the best part of the nights in attendance at the thea ters. ' The Columbia opening on Sim day was the big event of the week, but in spite of the fact that the Inauguration of a new stock season drew the crowds, for various reasons the other places of amusement were uniformly patronized, and one wonders where the people come from. Portland has become one of the best show towns in the country, for with eight places of amusement competing for the patronage all are thriving. One of the really notable things which have, occurred In local dramatic history for some time was the appearance of a new star or great promise 'at Cordrays. James Keane has enjoyed a local reputa tion for some years, but the local pub lic was not prepared for the fine work he did in the trying dual roles of Jekyl and Hyde. Mr. Keane fairly "burst upon us In this excellent achievement, and Mansfield aside, it Is doubtful whether Stevenson's horrible conception has ever been so completely realized by an Ameri can actor as by this young Callfornlan. Another discovery of the week was a new Tosca in Miss Dean, at Baker's. She may well feel proud of her splendid han dling of a very difficult part and at the risk of falling in prophecy it seems worth while to say that a new emotional actress of stellar proportions has arrived. The Wiedemann Company, at the Em pire, gave us a good production of "The Octoroon," a play which will never die, and as a popular-price proposition this or 1 every demand. Mr. Wiedemann has dis played much enterprise and managerial ability In launching his new enterprise, and in the brief period since the opening the company has succeeded In firmly es tablishing itself at the uptown theater. Of the Columbia Company and its excel lent first effort much that Is laudatory has been said and much more might be written. The public warmly welcomed the bid friends, who are at their best amid the new surroundings, and cordially made the acquaintance of the new members, who have lost no time in seizing upon the affections of their audiences. The new theater and its .players have "gotten away" In the best possible form, and fu ture weeks will be eagerly anticipated by those who have been delighted with the finished performance of "Lettarblair." And after all Is said, the vaudevilles un ceasingly "stood 'em up" as "If the sole and only purpose In life was the continu ous. "LORD 'AND LADY ALGY" TODAY. Columbia Theater Company Presents Pinero Play, Beginning Matinee. At 2:15 today the curtains at the Co lumbia Theater will swing back for ".Lord and Lady Algy," the play that Manager Welch has chosen to begin the second week of the theater's season. The week of "Captain Lettarblair," 'that closed with capacity houses at yesterday's matinee and last night, has been a seven days' theatrical marvel. Skeptics have not been lacking who have predicted dire disaster to the new enterprise, but now all doubts have rolled away. The Colum bia Theater Is open. Tho Portland public has given the new company tho most lib appreciation ever accorded a Portland stock company. Ovations at every per formance, spontaneous applause, brilliant audiences, standing room in midweek, tell an eloquent story of the new theater's successful debut. It requires no magnifying glass to dis cern the reasons for the wonderful re ception the Columbia has received from a grateful public. The theater Is new, the auditorium is comfortable. The decorations are beautiful and In ex quisite taste. The management Is careful and consid erate. The opening play was full of keen wit and wholesome humor. The scenery was beautiful and specially painted for the play. Tho acting was brilliant and the players all of marked ability. . The same distinction that characterized the production of. "Captain Lettarblair" will this week mark "Lord and Lady Al gy." Written In Pinero's best vein, the play that made a great success for the Empire Stock Company under the direc tion of Charles Frohman, In New York City, should add to the laurels of the. Columbia Stock Company. In this play William Faversham achieved his first fame as Lord Algy. Miss Jessie Milward, for many years Sir Henry Irvlng's lead ing woman, made her Initial appearance in America as Lady Algy. The comedy drama Is even more of a laugh-maker than "Captain Lettarblair." Keen, In cisive lines, full of clever satire, situa tions that convulse, every audience with laughter, and at the same time a thread of delicate pathos, appeal to every theater-goer. The second act will be a tri umph of the stage director's art. Frank King has painted new scenery for this act,, and with the gorgeous costuming of the players, the ballroom scene will pre sent a dazzling stage picture. The actors appear in fancy dress attire, Mr. Baum as the Duke of Marlborough. George Bloom- quest as the Young Pretender, Mr. Ber nard as Sir Charles Surface, Mr. Dills as Claude Duval, Miss Angus as Madame Du Barry. Miss Barhyte as Peg Wofflngton, Roy Bernard as Little Bopeep. This Is also tho most amusing act of the play, the complications following upon the pur suit of an imaginary rival by a jealous husband provoking the audiences to par- part of the suspicious husband, Brabazon, Tudway, and It Is safe to say that this fine character actor never had a part more to his liking. Two characters more lovely than Lord and Lady Algy do not appear in modern drama. The plot takes up the story of the estrangement of Lord Algy and his wife, the former a pleasure-loving noble man, a follower of the turf, but withal a man of honor. Lady Algy Is a spirited gentlewoman, with the same love for horseflesh. But the two have decided to go it alone, and their comings and go ings give Pinero the material for a so ciety drama of rare Interest. Mr. Baume and Miss Countiss have admirable parts in the title roles, blending comedy and the emotional scenes with rare ability. Mr. Bernard has the role of a villain In high life, which he plays with his usual cleverness. The cast Introduces new members of the Columbia Company. Miss Edith An gus, the juvenile woman; Miss Marlon Barhyte, the second ingenue; Mr. George Berrell, and Mr. W. Kenney, giving Stage Director Bernard the full strength of his company. The complete cast Is as fol lows: CAST OF CHARACTERS. Duke of 'Droneborough George B. Berrell Marquis of Quarmby, his elder son William Bernard Lord Algy Chetland, his younger eon Edgar Baume Hon. Crosby Jethro, of the Coldstream Scott Seaton Lieutenant Standldge. of the Coldstreams Donald Bowles Brabazon Tudway William Dills Richard Annesley Harry W. Hawke Mr. Jeal, reporter of the Weekly Search Light W. Kenney Klnch. a Sheriffs officer Walter Hill Swepson. Lord Algy's valet ....Scott Seaton Mawle Jemmett, Lord Algy's Jockey George Bloomquest Lady Pamela Malllnson Rose Eytlnge OtlUne Malllnson her niece.... Louise Brandt Emily Caxdew Marian- Barhyte Mrs. Brabazon Tudway Edith Angus Mrs. Voklns, her mother Roy Bernard Lady Algy Chetland Catherine Countls SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY, Act 1 Lord Algy's flat in Piccadilly. Thurs day midday. Act 2 Corridor in Brabazon Tudway's house in Mayfalr. Friday night. Act 3 Lord Algy's flat. Saturday, late evenlnr. "GISMONDA" AT THE BAKER Sardou's Play Will Be One of the Most Ambitious Productions. Have you stopped , to consider that Mel bourne MacDowell, the greatest living ex ponent of the Sardou drama. Is playing a limited engagement at the Baker The ater, supported by Charlotte Deane and an excellent company, starting with the matinee this afternoon and continuing all week in a spectacular scenic production of Fanny Davenport's version of Sardou's 'Glsmonda"? When one takes the above Into consideration one can hardly imagine how the management of this popular the- atcr can afford to give the same produc- played this city at $1.50 a seat, at the small admission charged for this engagement. "Glsmonda" possesses real dramatic power, and Sardou's cleverness Is not equaled by any modern dramatist. There is no time for side Issues in "Glsmonda." Every line In the dialogue serves to ex plain, to illustrate, or intensify the ac tion. The scenes of " the play are laid in Athens in 1451. Glsmonda Is the widow of Nero, the last Italian Duke of Athens. She Is acting as the Duchess Regent during the minority of her son, Francesco. At the opening of the piece, Zaccaria, a cousin of Nero, is a suitor for the hand of Gls monda, and her 6-year-old son, Francesco, stands between him and the Dukedom. He conspires with Gregoras, and they drop tho young Duke into the den of a tiger, and in maternal frenzy Glsmonda swears upon the cross that she will wed the man who saves her child. Uppn seeing the res cuer of her child, she regrets her vow upon learning of his low birth. Glsmonda sends for Almerlo and offers him gold and riches if he will release her from her vow before the cross "that whomsoever saves my child shall also be my husband." Al merlo, refusing to accept gold and give up his intention of marrying Glsmonda, whom he passionately loves. Is thrown In to prison, and a plot to kill him is set by his rival, Zaccaria. Just as Zaccaria Is about to carry out his murderous design Glsmonda fells him with an ax. As he lies upon the ground before Almerio's hut, Almerlo Is accused of the crime, but GIs monda, seeing his willingness to shield her by admitting his guilt, and as he is about to be executed, announces that It was she who slew Zaccaria, and mastering her pride, before all she asks Almerlo. to mar ry her and all ends happily. "Glsmonda" Is perhaps the largest pro fductlon ever produced at the Baker The ater, and the cast numbers, over 50 people, Scenlcally It Is superb and the costumes are beautiful. A feature In this great play is the incidental music throughout. written especially for Glsmonda" by the great composer, Verdi. "ON THE BRIDGE AT MIDNIGHT' A Thrilling Melodrama at Cordray's Theater, Beginning Today Matinee. "On the Bridge at Midnight" opens week's engagement at Cordray's today, with the matinee In the afternoon, and if success In other cities means anything at all, It ought to play to the capacity of Cordray's Theater during the entire engagement. This production had a run of 176 nights in the City of New York and was immediately taken to Chicago, In which city Its success was duplicated for 126 nights. The Cordray management at the opening of the season promised Its patrons variety in the nature of the at tractions to be presented, and this prom lse is kept when It Is remembered that the performance of last week was a ter rlble tragedy and that the bill for this week Is a thrilling, though pleasing, com edy-drama. "On the Bridge at Midnight" has for Its story the interesting and untiring search of a blind mother for her lost child, who had been kidnaped by an un grateful scoundrel. It has a most unlqu collection of scenery, which cost Mr. Kllmt $10,000 for its construction, and one scene alone required the services of some of Chicago's best artisans five months to construct. This scene Is one of the most unique ever attempted In stagecraft. It represents a huge bridge, which opens in the center and rises at both ends, allowing the passage of a large lake steamer In full view of the audience. The other scenes are masterpieces In themselves With Frank Weed and Catharine Crego In the parts of Germany and Reddy, one Is easily assured that tho comedy In the hands of these two clever artists will be a genuine treat. It gives them both an opportunity to display that versatility with which their names have long been associated. Although the somber features are very strong, the vein of humor throughout lightens that effect and keeps the audience constantly between laughter and tears. The usual devices generally usad by scenic productions of this kind to produce sensational effects have been eliminated; although offering startling cli maxes and humorous situations. It is done without straining for effect. A strong supporting company presents this wonder ful scenic drama. There will be the usual Saturday matinee. "A TEXAS STEER' COMING. Hoyt's Most Popular Comedy Will Be the' Attraction at the Marquam. In satirizing the fads of everyday life, Charles H. Hoyt has over wielded a keen and humorous, but kindly, pen and In none of his productions Is he in a more delightful vein than In his satire on politics, "A Texas Steer,' which will be at the Marquam Grand r-Theater next Friday and Saturdav nights, September 1G and 17, -with bargain matinee Saturday at 2:1 o'clock. Politics being uppermost In the American mind at this time, this mirth provoking parody on the politicians at Washington, and their various and de vious ways, will be received with added Interest by lovers of the play. In "A Texas Steer," from the tuneful entrance of the plantation darkles as they come singing through the Texas chaparral, to the final exit of the committee down the back stairs and out throush th alley, where they dump the garbage from the Arlington Hotel kitchen 1 Washington, D. C. one laughable situa tlon follows another, and each stroke of wit becomese wittier, while the In terest in the fortunes of Maverick Brander and his family never lingers nor flags for a moment, The frailties of American politics are held up to view in a most humorous manner, and a love story, pretty and i dainty, Is Interwoven into the plot. Mr. Hoyt has given In the character shrewd old Texas cattleman, a strong picture of an honest man unwillingly plunged Into National politics, whose Intentions are all good at the start, but who finds the tide in Washington setting so overwhelm ingly towards self-aggrandisement that ho Is unable to resist, and Is soon taking as a matter of course things that would have shocked him before he entered politics. His defense of his new condi tion Is so eloquent that it stands out a pathetic appeal for his hilarious fellow citizens. Harry B. Emery playa the part of Brander. "Bosay le portrayed by petite and' pretty May Stockton, formerly with Augustln Daley's New York company. The Minister from Dahomey Is done by "Will H. Bray, the original; that of Bras ey Gall by Lawrence Williams, and that of Major Yell by B. M. Kimball. The original "Texas Steer Quartet" will be feature of the performance. The ad vance sale of scafe will open next Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock. AT THE EMPIRE TODAY. Wiedemann Stock Company Will Pre sent a Fine Production. A play that is timely and pertinent at this time Is "Michael Strogoff." which the Wiedemann Stock Company will offer this afternoon at 2 o'clock and for the rest of the week at the Empire. Manager Wiede mann has made elaborate preparations for presenting this great drama of Russian military and diplomatic life and It will exceed any former production of the piece ever seen In Portland. Everybody Is deep- Interested In the present war between Russia and Japan which Is to determine the future of the Orient, and nothing cap serve to throw so much light on the secret practices of Russia as "Michael Strogoff." It Is accurate and true to history. It abounds In thrilling situations and dia logue. The heart interest predominates to a great extent and there Is sufficient com edy to spice the whole. Every member of the fine organization wnicn won sucn Jarge place In the hearts of the local pub lic will be cast In a manner calculated to develop the best results, and the acting of the play Is certain to be the very best. Soecial scenery has been made for the production at great cost and the costum Ing has occupjed the attention of modistes and tailors for the past week, nearly everybody has already "got the Empire habit" but the few who have not will get it after seeing one performance of "Mi chael Strogoff." THE STAR. D'Armos, Aerial Artists, Open Tomor row in Sensational Act. The Star Theater s new programme opens on Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock, and the most sensational act presented at this house for some time will bo persented by the D'Armos. This team which Is comDOsed of a man and woman, are described In the billing matter as "aerial artists supreme," and their spectacular turn contains some of the most thrilling features on the flying trapeze and Roman rings which are being shown anywhere in American vaudeville at the present time. The Star management has also obtained for the coming programme a whistler who has all the mocking birds of Florida put to blush. His name is Shearer, and the marvelous and melodious effects which he produces are a revelation to those who have not heard him. Stan ley and Scanlon, two musical come dlans, are a team which Is also com posed of a male and female performer. Their act Is sprightly and will certain ly make a hit with people who like to laugh. An original conception of two clever vaudevillians is booked under the name of tho "Bold Mr. Timid," and this comedy act will be presented by Le Witt and Ashmore. Hazel Ashmoro, who takes a leading part in this screaming farcical absurdity, is known to the profession as the ' girl with the real voice." The reason for this will be apparent to all patrons of the Star Theater after they see her act. A pe tite soubrette who, in addition to being small, Is dainty, charming and attrac tive, will be presented In the person of Miss Flo Russell. A close bid for the laurel wreath will be made by the Lakolas, the American Japs. To those who do not believe it Is possible for Americans to rival tlje marvelous dexterity of Oriental acro bats and jugglers, this act Is cordially recommended. Will C. Hoyt will sing a new illus trated ballad, and the pictures on the projectoscope this week will prove of ex ceptional Interest. THE ARCADE. George Campbell, Magical Juggler, One of Novelty Acts. The new programme at the Arcade Theater this week, which begins- on Monday afternoon, will contain a num ber of gilt-edge examples of refined vaudeville. A Juggler who not only mystifies his audiences, but causes them to rock in their seats with laugh ter is George Campbell, whose act, apart from Its merit as a magical turn, is also a distinct success as a mirth producer. Benson, a novelty artist, who, unlike many other performers, scorns to prefix his name with the com mon title of "Great," although he is certainly entitled to do so, will be onb of tho attractive offerings of this bill. A man who can make people laugh merely by coming out on the stage and looking wise at them Is Billle Miller, one of the most notorious jesters and fun factories In the business. A smart and snappy refined comedy sketch will be presented by Earl and Hampton. Miss Hampton, it Is ac knowledged. Is without a doubt one of the best actresses In the country out side of the legitimate stage, on which Bhe has made many successful appear- Ami Crega lu "On the Bridge at Midnight,' at Cordray's. ances. Mamie Neswick Norris. whose feelings would be hurt If her name were not spelled out In full. Is also on the programme, and this dashing serio comic actress is bound to make herself an immediate favorite. The Arcade's favorite cantatrice, Kate Coyle. who has endeared herself to the patrons of this premier house, will sing a new illustrated song, and the bioscope pic tures have ,been selected because of their exceptional Interest. THE LYRIC. Coming Bill at This Popular Theater Will Excel All Previous Efforts. When the new Lyric acts afe offered the many patrons of the popular Seventh street house for the week commencing Monday afternoon the programme will represent the completed labors of a corps of, booking agents who never make a mistake In the selection of vaudeville talent. This has been the rule at the Lyric For the coming week unusual efforts havo been made to break all rec ords, and the management feels confident that it has succeeded. The bill will be headed by Ted McKenna and his wondeiful dog, who come here fresh from a triumphant engagement at the Orpheum at San Francisco. The Mc Kenna dog Is conceded by experts to be the most marvelous trained animal, bar ring none save human beings. Another great" team which has been, secured Is Gardiner and Stoddard, impersonators, mlmicsjand musical artists. These clever people 'have created a sensation where ever they have appeared and stand at the head of their line. William Ellison. monolgue comedian, "who has been a great favorite In the East, Is another of the stars this week. The Cox family will, no doubt, prove very popular, and Thomas W. Ray. who will sing "The Ban quet In Misery Hall." Is certain to repeat his former successes. The vitascope will show pictures of the career of Joan of Arc. Continuous today from 2 until 10:0 P. M. THE BIJOU. New Burlesque, Pony Ballet and Pop ular Songs on New Bill. Never mind buying a ticket to St. Louis. A ticket to the Bllou will take you there in company with Zinn's Broadway Bur lesquers. "A Trip to St. Louis" is the piece of fun, frolic and music scheduled for this week, beginning with the- matinee tomorrow afternoon. AH the poular Zlnn Company will take part. The six pretty, graceful girls who com prise the pony ballet will be there with a lot of new songs, dances and costumes. They will sing such songs as "Ephasafa Dill," "Good Old Glory." "Gliding Down the Bay," "Hlnky Dee," Harry Morris" big hit, and "Meet .Me in St. Louis, Louis," the song of the Summer. The three Barneys .will present their original conception, "Singing In the Lane." This is also the first appearance of Baby Harney, the little girl with the big voice. The vitascope has, as usual, the newest and most entertaining pic tures. Every afternoon and evening. Con tinuous today. COMING ATTRACTIONS. "The Burgomaster." Pixlcy and Luders merriest musical masterpiece, "The Burgomaster," will be the strong attraction at the Marquam Grand Theater shortly. The company Is a notable one, being headed by Oscir L. FIgman as the Burgomaster. Others in the cast are Charles Sharp, Oscar B. Rag land. Fred Bailey, R. J. Moye. George McKissock. Olga ' von Hatzfeldt. Louise Brackett, Harriett Sheldon. Dorothy Raa and the Sisters Lockhart. Gorton's Minstrels. Gorton's Minstrels will be an early at traction at the Marquam Grand Theater. STAGELAND. Vhomaa Jefferson, who stars this season In "Rip Van Winkle," says: "J want it dis tinctly understood that I do not indorse th sentiments herein set forth, but the story is a good one. - "A young boy, who had been Drougnt up to the country standard, came to New York to make his way. "Where he came from docs not matter. Well, he got a Job and about two weeks later, after having been tossed about on the city's sea, he wrote to a friend of his father's telling something of hla hopes and fears. " Do you think.' he wrote, 'that I can lead a Christian life on $4 a week?' " I don't think you will be able to lead any other,' was the wise response." One of the favorite stories of Robert B. Man tell la about a man who, accompanied by his little boy, had occasion to cross a lot where a good-sized goat was feeding:. The father was a Christian Scientist and al ways carried a copy of Mfs. Eddy's works in his pocket. As they approached the goat the boy showed fear, whereat his father told him to think It not possible for tho animal to harm them, but the boy, remembering a previous encounter with a goat in which he came out second best, did not grow any braver. "Papa, you're a Christian Scientist all right." he said, "and, so am I; but the goat doesn't know it." There are few happier stare in the theatrical world than Frederick Warde. who is now starring with Kathryn Kidder in Wagenhals & Kemper's production of "Salammbo." As he Is to retire from the professional stage at the close of this season, he was more than anxious to secure a role by which he might be remem bered. Ho has found it an Matho in "Salamm bo" and reports everywhere indicate that he has made ono of the biggest triumphs of his career. Miss Kidder as Salammbo Is also enthusiastically received and the combination has been breaking records since its opening on August 20. Milton W. Seaman, assistant manager and treasurer of the Baker Theater, left last Thurs day night for San Francisco and Southern Cali fornia on an extensive busimss trip in the in terests of George L. Baker and the different Baker enterprises. On the way South he will stop over and Inspect some important placer mine holdings near Grant's Pass on Rogue River that have been In the course of develop ment for some weeks, and from there will go on to Los Angeles and probably San Diego. Jean Clemens, daughter of Samuel L. Clem ens (Mark Twain), waa injured while riding horseback at Lee, Mass., recently, her horse Jumping in front of a trolley car. The horse was killed and Miss Clemens' ankle was sprained. Her companion was a son of Rich ard Watson Glider. "Daisy" M. Rice and his wife, head of Hoyfs "A Texas Steer," are visiting Mr. A. R. Wil bur, a veteran theatrical man, of the Hotel Lindell. Mrs. Rice will remain in Portland for ten days visiting, while Mr. Rice will Ieae for California in a few days. Howard Russell, formerly of the Baker Stock Company, has been engaged as light comedian of tho Castle-Square Stock Company, Boston. He has been cast as Andre in "Rose Michel, the opening play. King Edward recently entered an effective protest against long stage waits by leaving the Covent Garden opera performance during an intermission of needless length. Sanford Dodge, the well-known "Western Shakespearean actor, will include "Richard III." "Macbeth" and "Corslcan Bros." in his repertoire the coming season. Harrison Grey Flske has accepted for produc tion by Mrs. Flske and the Manhattan Com pany a play by Rupert Hughes, dealing with New York society. A new song. "In Society," has won 'favor in "The Eurgomaster." It Is sung by Louise Brackett and a chorus of handsomcly-gown'ed girls. Otis Skinner has gone to France to consult with M. Rlchepln, the author of the drama he Is to use thla season, "The Harvester." The Chicago critics almost without exception pronounce "Bird Center," the McCutcheon car toon comedy, crude and uninteresting. Walter Craven, late of "The Maid and the Mummy." will stage the Paine production of "The- Destruction of St. Pierre." Clara Thropp Is to be starred the, coming seaton in Ibsen's "Doll House" and "Di vorcons." There are 1003 members In good standing in, the Chicago Lodge of Elks. vamzauon seems 10 cave xeagonaea werai patronage, ana me most enmusiasucjjxysms oi laugnter. air. inns pi ays thejj tlon, and tho same -artists tnat naveor. AiavericK .eranaer, a f