The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, July 19, 1896, Page 30

30 THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, SUNDAY, JULY 19, 1896. For the past week theater-goers have had but little trouble in finding amuse- ment to suit their tastes. Comedy, melo- drama, the legitimate, grand opera and variety have all been presented, and all have done well. Full houses have been reported for every evening and from every theater, and it would seem as 1f the pleas- ure-seekers had all found their level. But San Franciscan audiences are not to be classified in any such way. The man who applauded the climax in “Rigoletto’” on Monday night might have been found be- fore the week wasoutasone of the devotees of “Carmen,”’ that play in whbich both singer and dramatic star bid for popu-| lar favor. “Carmen,” shorn of its harmo- nies and choruses, has been received with the same interest as the opera “‘Rigoletto,” a fact which seems to argue that bofh operatic and dramatic taste may abide in the breast of the constant attendant; but then this judgment may be shaken when the one who applauded grand operaon Monday and who vowed a second visit to “Carmen’’ on Wednesaay nightcan be seen | on Saturdsy night dividing his satisfac- | tion between the Orpheum stage and a glass of beer. The average San Fran- | ciscan is an easy as well as hard man to | please. To say that San Franciscans are not to be satisfied with inferior work either by playwright or actor, is no original remark, but it is also true that the cosmopolitan character of the City seems to affect the tastes of the inhabitants even to their amusements. They are easily pleased, and | while a piece must be good to run well in this Western city, it need not be aggres- | sively meritorious unless it claim to beso. | Plays must be up to their posters nowa- days or & wintery reception may be the result. But when the only claim made is one of fair merit, itis not hard to find a house full of people who will see what is really good and appreciate it. In such a case there is not that criticism against the City which has often followed the departure of a star from this coast— the caustic comment which comes like the climax which has waited too long—unheeded and derided. Amusement is what people seex at the theaters in the West as in the East, and it is hard to find amusement where expecta- tion has been wrought up to the critical point. It doesn’t do, even in San Fran- cisco. i The dramatization of ‘‘Carmen’’ is an ex- periment here, but its appearance has proved satisfactory. Can 1t be that some ears are so deaf to harmony that Bizet's music has no charm? That the plot of *‘Carmen”” taken alone is more delightful than with the garment of melody in which the master has clothed it? It would seem so to see the outpouring of the populace which is a nightly occur- rence at the doors of the California. Of course, much has reached here from the East about the tremerdous- suc- cess of the play ‘‘Carmen,” but there seems something lacking in it all. The curtain falls upon scenes as dramatic as any staged in the opera, but | what is ‘‘Carmen” without the Toreador song, or the closing choruses which bring it to a position in opera which it ean never hope to hold in drama? It has a strong plot to work upon, but it seems to be like the dramatization of Scott’s “Kenilworth’ into *Amy Robsart.” It1sa piece created for those who cannot understand the beauties of the original. But, neverthe- less, it has caught the fancy of even those whose minds dwell on the tuneful strains of Bizet's music. The plot has, after all, its fascinations. The bills for next week are many and varied. Grand opera is still on at the Tivoli; the programme changing fre- quently. “Carmen’’ will run anotber seven days at the California. “The Two Es- cutcheons”” will be at the Columbia and Howard P. Taylor's '‘Irish Inspiration’ will be puton at the Grand Opera-house. The Orpheum’s bill wili also undergo a change and some important additions will be made out at the Chutes’ casino. The California. *‘Carmen,” as presented by Frederick Warde, Rose Coghlan and L. R. Stock- well’s players at the California Theater, has made a strong impression upon thea- tec-goers, who are attenaing the perform- ances of the drama in large numbers. In fact, the piece has caught on s0 well it is announced that it will be continued foran extra week, commencing to-morrow (Mon- day) night. It was at first intended to bring out Rose Coghlan’s **Madame’’ next week, but the idea had to be abandoned on account of the heavy demand for seats for “*Carmen,” which has certainly made the hit of the season. There is to be a special professional matinee of *“Carmen’’ on Thursday afternoon. The last performance of the drama will positively take place next Sunday night, as extension is impossible on account of the numerous orders for seats already sent in for the production of “The Merchant of Venice,” to be put on Monday, July 27. | Everything about the production will be of the highest order, and nothing will e left undone to make it a fitting perform- ance for the farewell week of the stock sea- son. Mr. Warde will appear for the first time in this City in his interpretation of Bhylock, and Miss Coghlan will make her initial bow in this City as Portia, a role in which she hasalready won no little honors. The regular season of the California Theater will begin on Monday, August 3, -when will appear the celebrated singing comedian, Chauncey Olcott, in his popu- lar comedy-drama, ‘‘Mavourneen,” sup- ported by Augustus Pitou's excellent organization. - Mr. Olcott, since the retire- | ‘ment of Scanlan, is undoubtedly our fore- most Irish actor. He is graceful in ac- tion, of very pleasing personality, and ‘possesses that peculiar magnetism which made Fritz Emmet and Scanlan so popu- lar with the public. Besides “Mavour- neen” Mr. Olcott will appear in “The Irish Artist” and “The Minstrel of Clare.” Columbia Theater. To-morrow evening the curtain will roll up at the Columbia Theater upon as clean- cut and fascinating a play as Syduey Rosenfeld has ever constructed, which is saying considerable. The storv of ‘“The | Two Kscutcheons” is plausible and con- | nected, the lines bright and the situa- tions well chosen. Without provoking | any hysterical excitement on the part! of the audience, 1t attracts close and attentive interest throughout. Monday evening also ushers in the *‘farewell” week at_the Columbia Theater for Miss Maxine Elliott, as she will remain only for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with the Frawlev Company. The many friends of Miss Elliott will say “farewell’’ to her with & feeling of regret. She has fulfilled all that the East and London has said of her. She is beantiful, she is charming and she is a good actress. There is anotber treat in store for the trons of the Columbia Theater. On ‘hursday, Friday, Saturday matinee, Baturday night and Sunday night, Miss Margaret Craven will make her reappear- ance with the Frawley Company in' Ouida’s masterpiece, ‘‘Moths.”” When it was first produced at the Columbia The- ater it filled the house to the doors at every performance and hundreds were unable to secure seats. The Columbia has had an array of plays this season. excellent The ex- a ladder while vlaying a trombone. Ross Snow (Tatters the tramp) has since taken to the vaudeville stage, ana with Burt | Clark as s partner they make a great comedy_team. 2 The Washburne Sisters will appear in songs, dances and character impersona- Hinrichs for his season of Italian and Eng- lish grand opera at the Tivoli Opera-house next week is as follows: Monday, Tues- day, Friday and Sunday evenings, Thomas' romantic opera in four acts of *“Mignon,” with Nina Bertini Humphreys in the title role; Mme. Natalias Filini, the actress; Anna Russell as Frederick, the young galiant; Signor Michelena as Wilhelm Meister; Signor Abramoff as Lothario, the wandering minstrel, and Richard Karl as Laertes, the actor. On Wednesday and Saturday evenings Flo- tow’s charming opera of “*Martha’ will be given with the favorite prima donnas, Mme. Natali and Nina Bertini Humphreys, alternating in the title role. I'hu}'sdui evening to commemorate Gus- tav Hinrichs’ twenty-fifth anniversary as a director a special bill will be given, in- cluding orchestral selections from ‘‘Han- sel and Gretel” and other works by an en- larged orchestra, and a special rendition of Leoncavalio’s tragic work in two acts, ‘‘Pagliacci,” with Nina Bertipi Hum- phreys, Signor de Vries, Signor Michelena and John 5 Raffael in the principal roles. On this occasion the original orchestra- tion, procured from the composer by Gus- tav Hinrichs, wili be used. Mr. Hinrichs gave the initial performance of this opera in the East about three years ago. For the fourth week a magnificent production of “Tue Huguenots'’ will be given, and a re- vival of Balfe’s ever-popular opera, “The Bohemian Girl.” Grand Opera-House. The return star engagement of the pop- ular young comedian, Emmett Sheridan, is announced for to-morrow night. He is to appear in the principal role of an Irish comedy-drama by Howard P. Taylor, en- titled, “Irish Inspiration.” The title does not convey the fact that this isa story of Irish life during the last century—one however, that has thrilled and delighted audiences throughout the Eastern States. Irish wit, humor and pathos are in turn | brought into play, the warring instinet not being forgotten” either, for a duel with swords is among its striking features. The production is to be beantifully staged. Among the scenes specially pre- pared are a moonlit castle by the sea and a . Mrs. Siddons Monument to Be Unveiled. A Gy 7 / / // Iv/”// i 7, fi ool 185559 7 A l‘ iz Sir Henry Irving consented to unveil the beau- tifol new statue in memory of Mrs. Siddons, the celebrated actress, which will stand at Paddington in London. It will be recalled tha: he took an activepart some months ago in the preparatory work of the movement that will result in the erection of the statue. Few people, even those familiar with the history of the great tragic actress, knew until recently that ber ashés had found their resting place in that part of the world’s metropolis. Paddington Z b 1777 ¢ is noted chiefly for ita rallroad station. Tn the fu- ture it will be known for the beautiful statue of Mrs. Siddons, which will s00n be unveiled by Sir Henry (rving. The model which tae lste Lord Leighton selected from those sent in for competi- tion was that offered by M. Chavalliand, the noted scolptor. The statue will be chiseled in white marble withont delay. Chavallland bas produced a very fine portrait of Mrs. Siddons. He used va- rious portraits of the actress in his studies and notably the Dumortal painting of Sir Joshua Reynolds, In which Mrs Siddons & A 9, traglc muse. Chavallland !for fiftven years was a student in the Ecole des Beaux Arts at Paris. He studied with Falgulere, and ten years ago gained the second | Prix de Rome. In 1891 he carried off the honors | and a medal from the Salon,and is a member ot | the Academy, section des beaux arts. The Sid- | dons statue will be erected on the plat of ground | oprosite the children's hospital at Paddington | Green, and eluborate preparations have been made | for the ceremonies of its unveiling. — Chicago | Pimes-Herald. figured as the ceptions have indeed been few and far between. Society drama has been its favorite, and has been dished up in a manner extremely satisfactory to those who liked that sort of dramatic pabulum, but “Moths” for the coming week will eclipse all previous efforts in that line. At the Orpheum. The novelty offered at the Orpheum this week is the Great Biondi, the Ttalian who plays a whole opera by himself, im- personating all the characters. This he does so cleverly that the audience would never suspect but that they had seen at least a dozen or more different actors on the stage were they not prepared for it by the announcement. He-will open his en- gagement at the Orpheum with a short dramatic comedy which he calls “The Chameleon,’" and in whi¢h four characters, two male and two female, are introduced and made the vebicle by which M. Biondi Yresents his specialties to the audience. t is a favorite trick of his to walk off the stage at one side in male character, ana to return at once as & woman In evening dress. This he accomplishes ouly by a method peculiarly his own, and unknown to any one except his skilled dressers, who always accompany him. ‘The Vaidis Sisters are announced as the ‘‘Queens of the Air,” and it is claimed for them that they do one of the most daring aerial acts ever witnesced in any theater— at least that is what the New York World says of them, while the Boston Herald s their entertainmentis the poetry of athletics. A strong comedy feature is an- nounced in Ross Snow and Burt Clark. No one who saw “1492”” when here last winter, fails to. remember Tatters, the tramp, and bis funny fall from the top of tions, and Hugh J. Emmett, the ventrilo- quist. may be looked to for a clever enter- tainment. These give the Orpheum five new acts, which, with John Mason and Manola Mason and other strong cards re- tained from last week, give that house a cascade of real water with novel light effects. Morosco’s entire company will take part in the production. [ The Macdonough. | A monster programme will be arranged papsiac and attractive bill. Matinees will | tor the testimonial which will be tendered given every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Tivoli Opera-House. The repertoire anncunced by Gustav | by the patrons of the Macdonough Theater to the retiring manager, Charles E. Cook, | Thursday evening. Representative talent from the leading theaters of San Francisco will participate and many attractive fea- tures bave bzen secured. The sale of seats will begin next Thursday at 9 A. M. A large number of tickets have already been disposed of by Mr. Cook’s many friends. Theatrical Brevities, “The Gay Parisians” follow the Empire Theater Company at the Baldwin. The great production for this City dur- ing carnival week will be “The Prisoner of Zenda.” There is to be a professional matinee of “Carmen’ at the California Theater on Thursday afternoon. There is to be a big Native Sons’ benefit at the California one night during the last week of the Stockwell company. Steve Brodie, the famous bridge-jumper, will bring his play, “‘On the Bowery,” to the California in the near future. “The Merchant of Venice’’ will require an extensive cast, and Manager Stockwell has engaged some additional talent of ex- cellent merit. Rose Coghlan, Frederick Warde and the Stockwell players will take the produc- tion of “Carmen” on the road atter the season at the California Theater. Frederick Warde is preparing the entire play of “The Merchant of Venice” for presentation at the California on Monday, July 27, It will be given in six acts. T. Daniel Frawley, J. J. Gottlob, Miss Louise Thorndyke, Miss Alice Evans and Miss Alice Pixley form a party who will arrive from New York City next week. Following the double bill at the Colum- bia Theater “The Highest Bidder’’ will be presented by the Frawley Company with every member of the company in the cast. The Empire Theater Stock Company will be the next attraction at the Mac- donough Theater in_Oakland under the management of Friedlander, Gottlob & Co. Al Heymen will rechristen Abbey’s Theater the Knickerbocker. He has some big attractions for that house and intends to send the best of them to San Francisco. Wilton Lackaye, Louise Thorndyke, Alice Pixley and Alice Evans will all be in the cast of “A Gold Mine” when the Frawley Company produces that play at the Columbia Theater next month. Miss Maxine Elliott leaves for Australia on the 25th of this month. She will ap- pear but three times longer at the Colum bia Theater, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights, in “The Two Es- cutcheons.” On account of the heavy demand for seats the management of the California Theater has decided to continue the pro- duction of “‘Carmen’’ through all this and next week instead of producing ‘‘Madame” to-morrow evening. Miss Margaret Craven will make her reap- pearance with the Frawley company on Thursday evening next in her favorite role of Vera in “Moths.” There have been any number of requests for arevival of Ouida’s famous dramatization. Wilton Lackaye is expected to arrive here the coming week and will at once be- gin rehearsing at the Columbia Theater with the Frawley Company in the new play written for him by Hillary Bell and ansar Morris entitled “The Social Trust.’”’ The play will have an advantage of fine interpretation at the hands of the Frawley Company, as it also includes Louise Thorndyke, Alice Pixley and Alice Evans. On July 23 Gustave Hinrichs will cele- brate his twenty-fifth anniversary as a con- ductor in this City. During that time he has conducted all the important events, opera seasons, eic., given here until ten years aco, wten he was engaged by Theo- dore Thomas to go East. Mrs. Kreling has tendered him a benefit on his anniversary, and he has engaged a large orchestra for this special occasion. As mentioned else- :nce:;‘ “Pagliacci” will be the work pro- u “Bohemia,” the first play in which Charles Frohman’s Empire Stock Com- pany will appear at the Baldwin, is said to possess the cleverest lines that Clyde Fitch, 1ts author, has yet put into a com- edy. In going back to Henri Murger’s “Vie de Boheme” Mr. Fitch has succeeded in weaving a_play success out of material with which Dion Boucicault and others failed. The Empire Theater Company will arrive here in a few days. The com- pany’s next season begins with its Bald- win Theater engagement. Besides “Bo- hemia” we are to have during the engage- ment “The Benefit of the Doubt” and “The Masqueraders.” Manager W. A. Brady, who returned from Europe a few days ago, has brought home some very interesting information. What he has to say about the craze for foreign vaudeville performers and the ex- traordinary figures which managers are willing to pay them to come to this coun- try has a pertinent interest. They are substantial facts and precise figures that deserve weighty consideration : “The extravagant offers of American managers are turning the heads of the vaudevillers. Where they get $25 per week in London they ask §300 per week to play in America. Three minstrels in Paris, who were virtually picked up from the streets by the manager of the Ambassa- deur, who got $75 at first and now receive $§90, ask $750 per week to come to America. Otero, who received $500 when she first visited America, will get $2000 per week when she comes over next season. Fou- gere returns at $1000 per week next season, where she formerly got $150 or $200. The five Barrison sisters. who receive $200 in Paris, will get $1750 per week in this country next season, and their fare both ways. Dan Leno,a very clever low comedian, who gets the highest salary on the English vaudeville stage, $625 per week, and does his turn at five different halls each night, is coming to America to do one turn each night, for which he will receive $1500 per week and his fare both ways. Anna Held, a French soubrette and a very beautiful woman, has refused $750 per week to come to this country. She wants $1000. Her salary over there is £40. “The same is trne in other fields of the business. The craze has spread into all the details of theatricals. Americans are regarded as ‘good things’ and an easy prey to foreign performers and managers.”’ 8ir Henry Irving, Miss Ellen Terry and their associates’ bave returned to London at the close of their very successful pro- vincial tour. Preparations are already s&lmm_:-mw_w-m@@ 3 ] Ittty oy, R " well under way for the autumn production at Irving’s theater, the Royal Lyceum, of Shukogpenm's “Cymbeline.” Alma Ta- dema is designing the scenery, costumes and appointments for the production. Minnie Maddern Fiske will star next season under the management of A, M. Palmer in a new play. Those who are in a position to know, Mapleson, the Imperial Opera Company, will overshadow all former attempts of its kind in America. We are to be favored with the presence of this organization early next year. The three big attractions for Hayman’s new house in New York during the coming season will be Francis Wilson, in his new opera, ‘‘Half a King,” the big production of Wilson Barrett’s success, “‘The Sign of claim that the present venture of Colonel | the Cross,” and the Bostonians. NEW TO-DAY—AMUSEMENTS. YORK OFFICE 42 W. 30TH. STREET. SAN FRANCISCO. CAL. estaa. is87. Los ANGELES CAL. EsTs. 1394 PEW GUSTAV WALTER. DirecTorR GENERAL. O'Farrell Street. bet. Stockton and Powell Weelt Commencing Monday, July 20, 1898 THE GREAT EUROPEAN MARVEL, BIONDI ; ONE-MAN eI TAT.ITAN OPER.A e COMPANY! The Greatest Character Transformation Novelty of the Age—OPERAS, MUSICAL SKETCHES and COMEDY FARCES—Rendered by the ONLY BIONDI, Producing Character Changes With Lightning-like Celerity of Movement—Also 8 E OTHER NEW ARRIVALS! VAIDI SNOW AND CLARK, _ WASH LES DONATOS, The Uniped Clowns. TWIN SISTERS, Revolving Electric Wheels. | BURN SISTERS, % America’s Greatest Singing Soubrettes. | FOUR MAISANOS. COLLINS AND COLLINS. MACARTS DOGS AND MONKEYS. JOHN MASON AND MANOLA MASON, The Popular Uperatic Stars, MATINEE TO-DAY (SUNDAY), JULY lo. Last Appearance of the Celebrated ROSSOW MIDGETS. Parquet, any seat, 25c; Balcony, any seat, 10c; Children, 10c, any part. AL HAYMAN & CO.’S THEATERS. AT THE The Truth is mighty and must prevail | ALIFORNIA CARMEIN! A SUCCESS! A SUCCESS! MRE. FREDERICK DISS ROSE WARDE COGHLAN AND L. R. STOCKWELL’S PLAYERS. EXTRA—PROFESSIONAL MATINEE THURSDAY, JULY 23. SPECTAL-Owing to the enormous success of this big production ‘“ CARMEN " WILL BE PLAYED ALL NEXT WEEK. SEATS NOW READY. MONDAY, GRAND ‘“SHAKESPEAREAN” REVIVAL, July 27{ MERCHANT OF VENICE B AT THE N GRAND REOPENING! ALDWI MONDAY, JULY 27. » SEVA:::J!AL l CEARLES FROEMAN'S oox: | EMPIRE THEATER GOMPANY! From the Empire Theater, New York, presenting the Principal New York Successes. CLYDE FITCH’S COMEDY, MONDAY, eer | BOHEMIAL As Presented for Over 100 Nights at the Empire Theater. “THE COMPANY INCLUDES: First week only. Viola Allen, Ida Conquest, Wm. Faversham, J. E. Dodson, Annie Irish, May Robson, Robert Edeson, Ferdinand Gottschalk, Mrs. Thos. Whiffen, Jane Harwar, W. H. Crompton, E. Y. Backus, Ellen Gail, Katherine Malkins, J. E. Finney, Charles Young, Lottie Nicholl, Rose Morris, Walter Day, George Pierce. Second Week—Monday. August 3 THE BENEFIT OF TH® DOUBT Third Week—Monday, Auzust 10 2 “THE MASQUERADERS. All plays Presented with the Empire Theater Scenery and Accessories. &5 SEATS READY THURSDAY,JULY 23........................REGULAR PRICES . m M@_‘_} PRICDLANDER.GOTTLOD & o+ LESSES ANDRATGLRS -+ A DOUBLE ATTRACTION—TWO GREAT SUCCESS. AD THE NOUNCEMENT ! —Farewell _Appearance of— MISS MAXINE ELLIOTT. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday— “THE TWO ESCUTCHEONS® Jnanimouns Request). ——NEXT—Reappearance of. MISS MARGARET CRAVEN. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and ‘. Saturday Matinee— O S Ouida’s Famous Dramatization. Both Plays Presented by the Superb FRAWLEY COMPANY In Their Usual Masterly Style. Monday, July 27— BIDDER.” MOROS€E€0O’S GRAND OFERA-HOUSE. omest Family Theater in America. --+....Sole Lesses and Managee COMMENCING TO-MORROW (MONDAY) EVENING, JULY 20. ANOTHER WEHEK OF CROWDED HOUSES! Return Star Engagement of the Popular Irish Comedian, EMMETT SHERIDAN. First time here of the Sensational Irish Comedy-Drama, by HOWARD P. TAYLOR, entitled =|RIM ¢ INSPIRATION = A GLIMPSE INTO THE LAST CENTURY. WALTER MOROSCO. LOOK, Waterfalland Cascade of . FOR % Duelat the MIIE to e o el Water, THE New Music and Songs. NO ADVANCE IN OUR POPULAR PRICES. THE CHUTES, CASINO Sfugritwas EVERY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. OPEN TO-DAY FROM 10 A. M. TO 11 P. M. Wonderful Success of Our Performances in the Casino! First time of RYDER and s e R T AL HAZARD, the Worla's Premier Ventriloguit! MISS DU N AM GINI s Wire Walkers! -And the Marvelous MARLO-DUNHAM FAMILY 1 A CON, Queenof Wir Special This Afternoon at 4:3o0. BALLOON ASCENSION AND PARACHUTE DROP BY PROFESSOR ROBERT EARLSTON, TH EMINENT ARRONAUT. Admission, 10 Cents. Children. Including Merry-Go-Round Ride. 5 Cents. e — TIVOLI OPERA-HOUSE | Kutva Maths ; MBS ERNESTINE KRELING, Proprietor & Manags: Season of Italian and English Grand 0PEra | saturday ana Sundsy, July 18 and 18, ENTIRELY NEW PROG .AMME, ‘Under the Direction of MR. GUSTAV HINEICHS. NIG The Sutro Scenic Kailway Has No Equal. TO-NIGEIT. AT Aboard; The Hirst oar starts 1% M. LA TIME— Saturday, July 18. Verdv's Tragic Opera, GENERAL ADMISSION— Adults, “ RIGOLETTO." 10c¢. Children, 5c. CAL. BASEBALL LEAGUE. SIXTEENTH AND FOLSOM STS. SAN FRANCISCOS vs. OAKLANDS. ~—TO-MORROW EVENING— Also Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, MIGNON.” Tuestay and Satarday, Game Called Sunday at 2:30 P M. ‘MARTEIA." ADMISSION 25 CENTS. LADIES FREE Thursday Evening, 25th Anniversary Gustav Hiurichs Directorship, WE’RE OFF ‘I PAGLIACCI? And orchestral selections from *‘Hansel and Gretel” FORTHE WRECKOFTHE COLOMBIA! The Al S.8. CORONA, CAPTAIN HALL, | Broadway Whart at 9:30 A. 3. o Returns at 5:30 . a0 Popular Prices—25c and 50c.