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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 11, 1904)
. "w gHE SPl!?DAY OREGONIAN, PORTLAND, DECEMBER 11, i&O. - " ' IV V . 4 I.- BMMHwBMBMBBMBBBMBMMBBHwBHBMWBWBBBBfc ten another word. "Shore Acres" would I w HI v Bnai H St I . ' if ft-- 1 N summing up the theatrical events I events of the week, the three perform- ances of "Everyman" by the Ben Greet Company, at the- Maquam, naturally come first Nothing of Its kind had ever before boon seen here, and although it was greatly appreciated by the intelligent few. it did not attract the average thea ter-goers. The audiences which saw it were all to small, but there is hope that should the London players come this way again they will be received in a manner more worthy tholr talents. The company was good, without exception. Bach mem her seemed to work with intelligent con ceptlon of the business "in hand," arid they are deoarviiig of our thanks for their splendid performance. Other attractions at the "big house" were delightful Rose Melville In "Sis Hop kins," which was on for two nights to good patronage, and "Pretty Peggy.' also for two nights, with Jane Corcoran and Andrew Robson in the leading parts. At the Columbia, there was "Mistakes "Will Happen," not an altogether com mendable farce, excellently acted br the stcclc company, and the Empire held "Darkest Russia" for seven nights and a couple or matinees. THE announcement tVmt TwutnA nr9nAt I ingonue of the Columbia, is to star, WR3 the sensation of the week. It was a bit of news which was gladly received by the very many friends which this talented young woman has riiado during her brief Portland career. Few young actresses have shown such remarkable artistic development in smch a brief space of time as Miss Brandt She came here last Summer with a Tecord of one season In a minor stock company behind her. True, she had done bits on Broadway, but they were so few and Buch tiny bits that they hardly counted. She had the advantage of association with and tutelage under that grand old Amer ican actress. Rose Evtlntre whom "Portland is proud to claim as a resident but she was little more than an amateur when phe walked onto the Columbia stage on opening night,. Her success was instan taneous, and every week since she has grown artistically and in public -favor. Louise Brandt is well Qualified for emo tional roles, her first venture will be aire. .Dane s Defense, for she has the face and temperament She is a young woman of thorough education, stage and otherwise. She is ambitious and Indus trious. and has the health, which she should possess, as a German girl of 30, or such a matter. She may rightfully be claimed by Port land, for the home of her excellent fam ily Is here, so Portland in general, and the Columbia and Miss Eytlnge in partic ular, may well bo proud of this brilliant young candidate for stellar honors. Hertfs- wishing her luck. A. A. G. "THE PRODIGAL DAUGHTER." A Sensational andWorld-Famous Play at the Columbia. The thrilling five-act melodrama which opens at the Columbia Theater Sunday, December lL with the usual matinee, is from the pens of Henry Pet tit and Sir Augustus Harris. There will be gala and stupendous hours at the Co lumbia. The audiences will be delighted with magnificent pictorial effects, for Frank King, the scenic artist has fairly fUdonc himself this time. The Intense interest of the dramatic story was suffi cient to interest London for two years at a time continuous playing. The spectacle of the racetrack, whore a surging crowd on the stage watches an exciting running race in full view of the audience; Is second only to the won derful Ben Hur chariot race. The heart interest in "The Prodigal Daughter" is strong and It Is known as the ''sweetest, saddest story ever told." It is by far the biggest production yet attempted on the Columbia stage. It ran at Drury Lane Theater, London, for two years, and it is the play with which the American Theater, New York, was opened, where it ran for seven months. When played by the Castle Square Stock Company In Boston it ran for nine weeks, the longest run ever known for any play :n "stock." Manager Ballard secured the play at great expense through his agent In New York. The great scene of the -play is the race scone in the fourth act In which fhe racohorses participate. The full force of tho Columbia Stock Company, largely augmented In- the ensemble scene, will be employed in the production. It has taken the scenic artlstseveral weeks to Drcoare for this production. ' and Wil liam Bernard, 'the-stage director, prom ises that it win' 'transcend "in "point of artistic and thrilling effect, anything that has yet been produced at the Co lumbia Theater. Mr. Bernard himself, who has been out of the bill for three weeks, will make his reappearance In "The Prodigal Daugh ter," and every member of the company has a chance to distinguish himself or herself. As the Portland public likes sentiment fine acting, beautifully artis tic scenic effects and extremely thrill ing situations. It may look forward to a real treat all this week at the superb Columbia Theater. There has been widespread comment in town during the last week and expres sions of satisfaction from the public generally that JIanaqer Ballard has taken charge of the Columbia Theater, and he announces positively that the theater will be continued as a stock the ater with the present very popular com pany permanently. Citizens' of Portland and the people generally have by word of mouth and many letters of approval pledged their loyal support and most lib eral patronage. The cast of characters: Sir John Woodmere.. -William- Dills Maurice Deepwatcr Frederick Eemelton Captain Harry Vernon "William Bernard The Hon. Julian BeUord..,, Ed rax Bauxne lord Banbury Donald Bovrlwj Dudley Roper...... Scott Seaton Tom Blinker George Bloomqueat Miserable Jim George Berrell Joseph Gunn Charles Tork French Waitress f Roy Bernard Concierge ...Laurette "Allen James, servant Charles York Major Ormsby W. Greenlcsa Mr. Wood, bookmaker.... ....Charles Wilson Maid Servant Edith Miller Captain Woodstock Beresford Webb Man, bailiff ........ R, Jjanz Hose Cathrlne Countlsa Violet '. Marlon Barhyte Dorcas Louise Brandt produced under the direction cf William Ber nard. STNOPSIS .OF SCENERY, Act 1 Woodmere Hall. Act 2 Scene 1. the Grand Hotel, Paris. Scene 2, Hotel Mlrabeau. Scene 3, Julian's rooms. Act 3 Scene 1, training stables (exterior). Scene 2, a country road. Scene 8, training stables (Interior). Act A Scene 1, Alntree, exterior of welghlng room. Scene 2, the Grand National Steeple chase. Act 5 Scene 1, at Deepwater's. Scene 2, a country road. Scene 3. the lawn. "A LITTLE OUTCAST." AT EMPIRE Engagement Opens With a Matinee This Afternoon. "A Little Outcast" which appears at the Empire Theater "for "an engagement of four nights, starting with the usual matinee this .afternoon, shows a strange union of the upper and lower strata of society 'in New York. The plot hinges on the frlendshlo of Pnul Wftnn a vnnnr bank clerk, for "Bob," a little street ur chln. Weston, falsely accused and Im prisoned In his earlv VOUth. mnnappn tn retrieve his fallen fortune and wins the j confidence of a wealthy brdkerl who nrn. poses to make him his business partner j ana nis son-m-iaw. i In the meantime- the young peoplo have I taken things Into their own rinnrte nnrt : nave neen secretly married. Just at this point a former cellmate of Weston ap pears and threatens to tell Weston's past to sar. xiarcourt, tne nroker, unless a certain amount of monev !: fnrthmminr. Weston, fearlnir that Hareourt wni nnr admit a Jailbird into his business and his home, takes a bond from the safe for his prosecutor, wno is none other than the father of Bob. th nswulinv Thn of the bonds are stolen by De Voe, tho graceless nephew of Harcourt, who is Jealous of Weston's success, and by his scnemes ana plots with the villains of the under world, the crime nf tAni!ntr y,a bonds is placed at Weston's door, who is disowned by the banker and all his friends and cast adrift After many exciting sit uations the truth la dlseot-ArAd Jhmimh little Bob. the faithful friend, and Weston is restored to tho Harcourts' confidence and to his young wife and child, while Bob is discovered to be the son of Har court's dead sister. Dolly DUDree. in th role of Tlnh i said to be a most convincing little gamin. FLORENCE ROBERTS RETURN. Portland's Favorite Actress to Present "Zaza" and Other Successes. Florence TlnVinrt ino n k c. quam Grand for a week, commencing to morrow night, with one of the most re- rfn flit f- tin cr Xnr presented in this city, including David Belasco's mastemleci "Znxa" Tn-imor Stoddard's, brilliant -dramatization of Thomas HsTdr'c nnvtl '"TMe nt i D'Urbervilles" ; Anthony Hope's exquisite romantic comedy. "The Adventure of 3- 3 3 $5 m . AT 77V JPJ&G?fGcAJL SIT 7TE Lady Ursula"; Hendrlk Ibsen's powerful social problem play. ' "A Doll's House," and Angel Gulmera's charming romance of Spain, "Marta of the Lowlands." The engagement Is rendered additionally interesting- from the fact that Melbourne MacDcwell, who has always been a star himself, -comes as Miss Roberts' principal support, and according to all account Is doing the most artistic work of his career. z.aza" is always welcome. Like good wine, it Improves with age. besides It Is unquestionably Miss Roberts' finest achievement The event of the week, however, will be "A, Doll's House," on Friday night and Saturday matinee. Miss Roberts is the latest of the great female stars to take up Ibsen, and if her past accbmpllsh roents may be taken as a criterion, she OUEht to achieve an immense Kiifw;ti Melbourne" MaeDowell. Lucius, Hender son and William Ye ranee will have Im portant parts, and the Indications are that the performance will be of more than ordinary artistic quality and value. To those who enjoy a hearty laugh, and one they need not be ashamed of, An thony Hope's comedy,' "The Adventure of Lady Ursula" -will strongly appeal. It la clean and wnojesome, and admirably writ ten. The action occurs In the ISth cen tury, and gives scope for some beautiful costumes. Seats are now selling for the entire en gagement "THE BILLIONAIRE." Klaw & Erlanger's Musical Comedy at Columbia Thursday and Friday. "The Billionaire," a two-act musical comedy presented by Klaw & Erlanger's company of over ICO people, will be seen for the first time In this city, at the Co lumbia Theater, next Thursday night and ivriday afternoon. December 15 and 16, with the original Daly production, as seen during its four months' run in New York last season. The book of "The Billion aire" was written by Harry B. Smith, who stands at the head of American hu morous writers for the stage. The music is by Gustave Kcrkcr. who made a great reputation through his score for "The Belle of New York." which captivated both America and England. The story of "Tho Billionaire" Is a satire on a new type in American life, which will be readily recognized the man possessing so much money he has to resort to all sorts of expedients to get rid of it The character of John Doe. the billionaire, will be played by Thomas Q. Seabrooke. and in it, it is said, ho has an exception ally meritorious vehicle for the display of that Infectious humor which has made him famous as a comedian. Besides Mr. Seabrooke, the company of principals includes such well-known names as Diamond Donner, Josie Intro pldl, Helen Dexter, Helen Carpenter, Lois Ewell, Vesta Stantop, Ethel Intrepid!, Bessie Elnsolla, Pauline Harrice, Harry Macdonough, Tony Hart, Walter Percl val, A. Seymour Brown, Frederic Scott John SteppHng, Charles Halton, James Grant and Abraham Frledland. The ad vance sale of seats will open next Tues day morning, December 13, at 10 o'clock, in the lobby of the Marquam Grand Theater- Not more than six seats will be sold to one person for any single per formance. FRANK JAMES AT THE EMPIRE "The Fatal Scar," a Big Scenic Pro duction, This Week. "Tho Fatal Scar," the big scenic pro duction, introducing Frank James, "the man who never broke a promise," will be given at the Empire Theater' Thurs day. Friday and Saturday nights, also Saturday matinee, of this week. It Is different from the ordinary drama for the reason that it is not only bub bling over with the most delicious humor and permeated with delightful and nat ural sentiment as tender as It is true, but at the same titme the scenes and incidents, which are true to life, have been brought together in the most dramatic and effective manner. Those who have witnessed the produc tion of the story say that the action is swlftmovlng, carrying the Interest of the spectator from one incident to another with, at times, bewildering rapidity, and then, JuBt as a mountain stream, after dashing down a steep declivity, all roar and excitement, will suddenly rush Into a sheltered nook and then glide on with tender murmuring, so does the robust and melodramatic elements suddenly blend themselves Into the purest and most re fined sentiment. It Is produced by a most excellent cast and will be given the most sumptuous, as well as artistic, investitures. A Manager's Varied Career. Colonel J. E. Caven. who is hero in SI Jzrr sarr2s-z advance of Frank James, who comes ,to tne lmplre next week, Is a unique-and Interesting figure in the theatrtmi ten rlrf He and James have been personai friends since the outbreak of thA r?vii War, when they served together under Quantrell. tho famous guerilla leader on the Kansas-Missouri border. In 1S62 Colonel Caven was tmnofon-wf to the regular Confederate establishment and the remainder of his mllltanr Ice was In the command of General Jo Shelby. He went to Mexico with Rhi by's army after the downfall of the Con federacy with the intention nf tnn Maximilian. Tho withdrawal of France irom Mexico left the Confederate adven turers without a cause and thev niftr? back Into "the States" after amnesty was declared. Incc tho war. Colonpi Cavan has been principally engaged In the newspaper business. For 21 years he was one of the owners of the Kansas City Times. Selling .his Interest l)e went to Texas, where he lost a fortune In the cattle business. Later he was on the New York Commercial Advertiser for a number of years. He was managing edi tor of the Denver Times until two years ago. since which he has been connected with the theatrical business In a mana Si 38 V sr- -; 3 gerial capacity. Ho Is. a, man of delight ful personality, striking appearance and distinguished bearing. has had an unusually Interesting career and talks entertainingly of mon and matters of the past 40 years. Black Patti Troubadours. Manager Baker is evidently determined to make the Empire Theater a success, and there Is no doubt that he will If he continues to give his patrons such at tractions as the Black Patti Trouba dours, which comes to this popular up town theater five nights, beginning Tues day evening, December 20. It has been two years since this organization has vis ited this city, and theatergoers in general are awaiting their coming with a great deal of interest The company Is headed by the famous SIsserrata Jones, Black Patti. and has among its members some of the 'cleverest colored entertainers In the world. Black Patti travels In her own private car. and" the organization num bers' over 50 people. "Shore Acres" at the Empire. If Mr. James A. Heme had never writ- ten another word. "Shore Acres" would have sufficed to place him In the fore cast rank of native dramatists. This Ideal comedy-drama of American home life is to have a fine scenic production at me empire Theater for a special engage ment Sunday matinee. Sunday and Mon day nights. December 18 and 19- The company engaged for tUis season Is, with but few exceptions, the same that ap peared with It last season, and, In fact for the last ten seasons. Mr. James T. Galloway, who plays Nathaniel Berry, was a member of Mr. Heme's own com pany and gives a most delightful and In telligent portrayal of this quaint and homely hero. Mr. Atkins Lawrence, as Martin Berry, has met with" equal suc cess, and the same may be said of all the players in this organization. "The Princess Chic." In "The Princess Chic." the opera comlque which Is to. appear at the Marquam Grand Theater in the near .future, the chief male character is Charles the Bold, of Burgundy, played by Gus Vaughan. It Is probable that in writing his. libretto, Klrke La. Shelle took some points as to the character of this medieval warrior from Sir "Walter Scott's novel, "Quentin Durward." In one passage Sir Walter describes Charles as "the last great survivor of the sturdy lords who for centuries had maintained their feudal rights against m the oppression of Kings and Emper ors." Gus Vaughan, whose magnificent baritone voice is familiar to most of our opera-goers, has made a tremend ous hit In this part THE BIJOU.- New Bill' That Is Good All the Way Through Opens Tomorrow. "Quality, not quantity," has always been the slogan of the Bijou. The pro gramme which opens with the ever-popular matinees tomorrow afternoon. Is no exception tp this rule. It's good from end to end, and the comparative excel lence of the acts depend upon personal preference. The Five Rennees, famous character change artists, present one of the biggest feature acts of the month. Take a glance at their photographs In the lobby of the Bijou, and you will see that a father, a mother and three cute little girls com pose tho team. The funny little kids have a miniature show of their own that Is the fun limit Kendall and Thompson are the two cleverest women cornetists in the business. Every music lover will enjoy their act. Prior and Norris are premier funmakers. Ben Jarrett has a great black face sketch. Joo Thompson has more than made good with his illustrated songs. Entertaining pictures on the vitascope. Every afternoon and evening during. the week. Continuous today, 2 to 20:30. THE-STAR. All-Feature Acts on New Bill Starting Tomorrow. All the acts at the Star Theater this week are big feature acts, worthy of headliners In any theater on earth. Such a galaxy of world-famed performers as the Molassos, Blmm Bomm Brrr. the four Close Brothers, and the Fielding Comedy Four, has never been gathered on one stage In Portland, and these brill iant performances will attract thousands to the opening bills. The first show is Monday at S P. M. The Molassos come all the way from sunny Italy. Turin Is tho home of these three topllners, and there they learned the terpslchorean art with all the grace and abandon that marks dancing in that clime. Their sensational whirlwind dance and en trancing pirouettes are the most novel and artistic dances ever witnessed on any stage. Bimm Bomm Brrr Is the remarkable name. oZ the Inimitable musical- act pro duced by three performers. The act in cludes such novelties as musical wheels, cornet solos and musical coins, and their act is regarded as unparalleled In some respects In vaudeville. Tho Four Close Brothers are the acro batic feature, of the programme. This troupe of four can produce many features which are Impossible for a team of two. They will certainly mark a new record In tho wonderful history of the Star Theater, Still another quartet of performers, the Fielding Comedy Four, will present com edy and song in such rapid succession and in such surpassing merit that their suc cess with the critical patrons of the Star is not to be doubted for a moment "All the way from London comes Dai3y Harcourt. England's favorite music-hall character comedienne. Miss Harcourt is known by the double title of "The Dresden Doll" and also as "England's Female Mimic." This Is her first American tour. Tho illustrated ballads will be attended to by Ed Turner, a pleasing baritone, while Edison's projectoscope will present as It always does, something new In the film line. Today's bill Is continuous. 2 to 11 P. M. THE GRAND. The Most Sensational Acts Ever Seen in Portland This Week. The programme for the new week com mencing Monday afternoon is without doubt the greatest ever offered west of the city of Chicago, the crowning fea tures being the wonderful radium dances of the Ripley sisters, an act which Is the most expensive ever brought here, anoS tho Cliffords in their sensational swora act The Martels, royal bicyclists, are the greatest performers with the bicycle in tho world, having begun their profes sional career in this city. They have be come famed In every civilized country, and their act this week Is also a star fea ture. But, in addition to these extraor dinary numbers, the programme contains such noted artists in their respective lines as O'Brien and West, the greatest rapid-fire talkers In America; Berger brothers, equilibrists and acrobatic mar vels; Mils. Smith and Chester, who pre sent in most artistic fashion gems from the greatest operas ever composed. Mr. Alf Bonner will sing the latest illustrated son, entitled "Down at the Baby Store." The grandlscope will furnish four moving pictures, all of the highest quality, the most Important being "Burned at the Stake," showing the punishment meted out to a man who held up and robbed a woman. The bill Is so varied in its nature that It must meet with every possible pub lic demand. Xhere Is a laugh for those who like humor, physical courage for those who like to see marvels of strength and dexterity, good music for the lovers of melody, mysterious dancing for those who like to see marvels of strength and dex terity, good music tor tbe lovers of mel Jdy, mysterious dancing for those whe admire grace in motion, and sensation for those who demand a genuine thrill. The management this new week has ao solutely surpassed every previous effort and the theater will ,not begin to hold the people who will try to see this week's bill. THE ARCADE. "The Youngest Rough Riders in the World" This Veek. "The youngest Rough Riders in the world" are the three Renneo babies, who appear at the Arcade Theater this week, with the two elder Rennees, In a great novelty singing and character change act. The little tots are 3, 4 and 5 years old, respectively, and their win some ways will make a hit with the most hardened theatergoer. The Rennees head a bill made up of the best feature acts In vaudeville, and the management has spared no, expenso in arranging the most attractive bill ever presented In Portland. The first show starts Monday at 2 P. M. Banjo playing, such a3 the old planta tions of the South never heard, will be presented by Rollins and Wilson. These two experts on a Senegantlan Instrument will pick the catgut strings until the whole Arcade Theater trembles with rag time melodies. A prize will be offered to any human being who does not feel light In the feet while listening to these per formers play. A novelty bag-punching act which ha3 reached some degree of fame, will be the offering of Aumann, an expert In thl3 line, who Is making his first appearance In Portland. The comedy sketch, without which no programme Is complete, and upon which every play must depend for much of Its mirth and melody, will be presented on the new bill by Dell and Monitor, two performers who are guaranteed to create a continual stream of laughter from the most solemn assemblage anywhere. Genevieve Ardell, the sweet singer of Illustrated songs, will continue to make good the title and fill the throne vacated by Kate Coyle, and the American bio scope will present some more of Its always up-to-date moving pictures. Today'3 show Is continuous from 2 to 11 P. M. STAGELAND. Elsie De Wolfe will appear In a comedy