The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, February 21, 1897, Page 28

28 THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 1897, Ly Alice-Gongon INDERELLA InG AT Tne CALIFORNIA HENRIETTA A BYRoN “\ RPAEUM The San Francisco public has turned its back on the legitimate, and has shown its preference for Bowery drama. There is no knowing what will be the result of this frivolity. Possibly when the putlic gets & change of beart and yearns for “‘Ham- let,” “Othello” and *‘Julius Cmsar” it may be answered with, “Too late, here- after frivolities will be thy portion, the classic drama shail know thee no more."” The long rows of empty red plush seats which have been so conspicuous a feature of Louis James' season at the Baldwin are not San Francisco’s first offense against the legitimate. These rows of empty seats were a feature of Frederick Warde's last season and of the seasons of several other eminent tragedians who have rent the echoes of the Baldwin. These tragedians have not returned lately and it is said that Louis James is the one star tragedian the management put on its Dist for the present season, and he was an experiment. The red plush seats have spoken more plainly than words. The de- mand for star tragedians and for the le- gitimate is duller than ever. One thing may be said in palliation for Ban Francisco, and that is star tragedians are too fond of shining alone, and most of the legitimate drama, alus! was written in the days when the star system bad not dawned on the minds of enterprising managers, so that the plays do not fit into the present way of performing them. There were no featurea stars in Shakes- peare’s days. The immortal William bim- self did not crave to play Hamlet; he acted the ghost, and was not featured in the role. They have changed al: that since then. Nowadays Shakespeare would be compelled to act the Princeof Den- mark, and the press agents would be booming the performance as, *‘The ‘actor- autbor, William Shakesp-are, in his im- mortal rendering of Hamlet.” No doubt Shakespeare thought the ghost, in his way, deserved just as artistic and conscientious a rendering as Ham/et, Theater-goers are very much of that way of thinking still, beguile them as vou will. They generally refuse to pay their money to make astronomical observations of one big, lone star. They would rather see smaller stars and more of them. The worst of it is that actors can seldom be brought 10 see that nothing pleases the public o much as a gooa all-round per- formance. As soon as they become lu- minous enough to become visible to tne naked eve they wunt to star alone. The list of people who areabout to star the coming season is positively appalling, and the ery is *'still they come. "’ “America’s representative actor,” as James’ press agent delights to call him, is remarkably gifted, but he is not such an astronomical phenomenon that he can illumine Shakespeare's dramas entirely by his own presence in the cast; I doubt 1f any living sctor can do that. Henry Irving does not attempt it. James’ supvort is neither strikingly good, nor strikingly bad—there’s the rub, there is nothing striking about it. Now and then some part bappens to suit one of the sctors and he glimmers a little, but the next night his light fails again. Cassius Quinby, for instance, is a fairly good Michael Cassi but his King Olaudius gives one the im. pression that the king’s valet is masquer- ading in his master's purple and fine linen. One of the most reliable and artis- tic members of the company 18 William Sprague, who seems to have a special pre- dilection for shining as the heavy father. Miss Alma Kruger is picturesque, and that is all one can say in favor of :he female side ot James’ support. Buf with all these extenuating circum- stances, it was too bad of San Francisco to leave so many of those plush seats vacant. James is such a genial actor, and invests each part he piays with such a magnetic and unobtrusive personality that one can see him in every character of his reper- tory and never be oppressed with a feeling of sameness. My parting wishes for him are that he will come back next seazon, leaving “Spartecus” on the dusty shelf where he found it, that he will have addea to Lis company by at least one actress who can really act, and that San Fran- cisco will have experienced a change of heart toward the legitimate drama. MarIE EVELYN, Baldwin Theater. James A. Herne begins his three weeks’ engagement to-morrow evening, when he will appear in his successiul comedy drama, “Shore Acres.” The scenesof this play are all laid on the Maine coast, where Mr. Herne, the author, spent severa months studying the peculiarities of thel people whom he has transplanted to the stage. The plot, it isstated, was suggestea by an incident in real life. Herne impersonates an old New England farmer, and there are nearly thirty other character parts in (he piece and a number of children aid in unraveling the plot. Among the players supporting the star are Robert Fischer, James T. Galloway, David M. Murray, Franklin Garland, Alden Bass, James V. Dailey, Guy Cramer, Alexander Panl, A. L. K and Miss Grace Gayler Clark, Miss Lucy Morrow, Miss EliotegEnneking, Miss Celia Clay Paul, Miss Emily Wakeman, Miss Lottie Hanna, Mis<s Gladys Crolius, Miss Lizzie Barriscale and Miss Edith Ta ferro. There will be some novel mechan- ical effects. Golumbia Theater. Fanuy Rice and her company of singing comedians will open to-morrow nigh “At the French Ball,” a play which con- tains plenty of laughter, pathos, mirth and song. T scene occurs, the Phoite Pinaud trouve will appear in acrobatic feats on the line of those practiced by the Majiltons. The company includes: George Brod- erick, besso, formerly with DeWolf Hop- r; Jobn S.Jerry, tenor, iate of the Lil- ian Russell Opera Company; Charles H. Drew, comedian, formerly th the Bos- tonians; Jonn Conley, comedian, of Don- nelly and Girard, Nat Goodwin and Fran- cis Wilson Company; Miss Kate Miche- lena, soprano, late with “Robin Hood”; Bickneil and Haight, Ifrom Hammer- stein’s Olympia; Frank E. Morse, late with Hoyt's Chinatown Company; Miss Beckie Haight, formerly with Nat Good- Wwin; Alex fiaig. late with Hoyt's China- town Company. PAlcazar Theater. The well-known comedy drama, “Saints and Sinners,” will be produced to-morrow night. George Osvourne will make his re- appearance as Jacob Fletcher, a part which he has already played in this City. Miss Frances Jolliffe, late of the Modjeska company, is to make her first appearance with the Alcazar Company, to play tue part of Letty, the minister's daughter. Hugo Toland will be Captain Fanshawe, | May Buckley will play the part of Lydia, the housekeeper to the minister. Francis Powers, Gordon Foster, Joln Armstrong, { "\ MISS FRANCES \ N JOLLIFFE |09 Last tsmaccaqqaan ? co, Charles Bryant, Maurice Stewart, Kate' Belmour, Julie Crosby and the rest of the comynny wiil be seen in character parts, for “Saints and Sinners” is a play which contains opportunities for every member of the company. QrandT)pera-}'{ousz. ‘The vlay at the Grand Opera-house to- morrow evening will be “Ten Thousand Miles Away,” one of the most exciting productions from the pen of Oliver Byron. Its stage settings are varied and pic- turesque and include a moonlight view of San Francisco from the deck of th steamer Honolulu, a penal settiement in Australia, a lawn party in England and a mill and farm at Paramatta. There will be muny interesting specialties intro- duced. Among those specially engaged for thic production are Landers Stevens, who formed par: of Modjeska's support, and Baby Lewis, the child actress. Lorena Atwood plays the leading role with Mor- timer Snow as support. The cast also in- cludes John J. Pieraon, Fred J. Butler, Edward Heron, Lottie’ Williams, Julia Blanc, Leslie Morosco, Bert Morrison, Frea Fairbanks, C. A. Bennett and Georgs Nicholls. Tivoli Opera-House. This week a grand double bill will be presented, including for the first timein many years Von Suppe’s one-act mytho- logical comic opera, “The Lovely Gala- tea,” and Gilbert and Sulliver “Pa- tience.”” The vlot of “Galatea” is yery much on the lines of “Pygmalion and Galates.” The casi wili include Eivia Crox Seabrooke as the animated statue, Galatea; Bernice Holmes as the Greek boy, Ganymede; Rhys Thomas as the young scuipior, Pygmalion, and W. H, West as the Hebrew critic and art patron, Mydas. In “Paticnce” Miss Seabrooke will sing the titl- role, and Ferris Hart- man will play Bunthorne. N .colai's *“The Merry Wives of Windsor” will fol- low, to be succeeded by the, revival of sev- eral works, including the production of a new burlesque founded upon a well- known story. Galifornia Theater. “Our Latie Cinderella” Sompany will give a matinee to-morrow for Washine- ton’s birthday. There will be a perform- ance to-night, and_the last performance will take place on Tuesday evening. At the Orpheum. The present bill at the Orpheum has proved so successful that the management In the third act, when the French ball | has decided to retain all the features, with R = = NA Zscdre ano NEW TO-DAY—AMUSEMENTS. FRANCE THE GIANTS WHO ARE TO STRUGGLE FOR NATIONAL HONORS AND BIG PRIZES. The above sketch shows the anchormen of the diffe appear at Mechanics’ Pavilion next Saturday night. This contest will undoubtedly be strength, skill and endurance ever witnessed in the world. the Bank of California, subject to the decision of the referee the best efforts of the extraordinary men engaged in the str of the captain? of the ten teams, has kindly consented to act manly sport. Judge James A. Campbe rent teams in the great tug-of-war tournament as they will the greatest test of manly The money inducements, $2110, which is to be placed in and the prifle of “Mother Country,” will be an incentive for uggle. as referee for no other consideration than his love of honest, 11, at the unanimous request | ome changes, for this week. Two addi- tions will be ‘made, however, in the per- | sons of Barney Fagan and Henrietta By- ron, who will appear in a one-act farce comedietta. Fagan is well known as the author of “My Gal Is a High Born Lady” and many other catchy songs. Miss By- ron, a comedienne, is a native daughter, and was last seen here in ‘‘Africa.” The grand opera singers will change their repertoire, Guille giving the grand sria SHORE ACRES, JAdwiN mr memanneness 65 messkasos | feceemmmccoooaagan ~n ®acccoecenn con o aosase from ‘“Aida,” Abramoff singing *In- felice,” from “Ernani.”” The concerted number will be the trio from “I Lom- bardi Miss Cotte will also sing an operatic selection. At the Chutes. Great times have been planned for the chutes to-day and to-morrow, with the kind permission of the weather. On both afternoons and evenings Bresino, the Cuban wire-walker, Johnson and Lundin, the strong men who appeared with Cor- bett last Sunday, and Busch, the *human vampire,” will give exbibitions on the big oven-air stage. Markeberz will make balloon ascensions both afternoons, and the animatoscope will be seen at night. In honorof Washington’s birthday there will be an elaborate display of tireworks to-morrow evening. Hirschbach Benefit. Next Thursday afternoon at the Tivoli Opera-house a grand testimonial benefit will be given by the musical and dramatic profession of this City 1o Joseph Hirsch- bach, once the musical director of the Tivoli and other operatic organizations. A fine programme will be presented, in- cluding grand opera selections by M. Guille. Signor Abramoff, Yves Ramyaton and Bernice Holmes, an orchestra of over filty in varied selections, a violin obligato by B. Jaulus and piano accompapiment by C. M. Rosner. Miss Tilile Morrisey, the popular soprano, wili sing *Love's Old Sweet Song” and “For All Eternity.” Humorous songs and skits will be given by the members of the Tivoli pera Company. Sousa’s Band. Sovusa’s band, which opens at the Cali- fornia Theater on the 25th inst. is said to be unusually strong in soloists this sea- son. Franz Hell, the popular fluegelhorn player. will be 'with the organization. Mrs. Elizabeth Northrop, the vocal soloist, is said to be a good soprano. Miss Martina Johnstone is the violinist and Arthur Pryor, the trombonist, has been here be- fore with Sousa. Beach's Gunning. William Beach is fairly prosperous now, but there was a time when, for the sake of “‘another merry round’” with the boys he let himself run into debtand out of clothing, and on one occasion he had to set his wits to work to obtain the where- witbal to keep out the cold. It seems that Beach and J. Wilfert were engaged for a season at Halifax, N. 8., in a small gripsack, observed with envy that Wilfert was the happy possessor of a substantial saratoga, The cold in Halifax I was intense, and as Beach sat shivering | in the greenroom of the theater his envy was increased by seeing Wilfert enter in a warm overcoat. Beach at once resolved | that the coat should change bands and | made overtures to that effect, but Wilfert rejected them. n the opening night of the season Wilfert had a scene which be considered gave him an especially good opportunity for displaying his talents. To his dismay, Beach, who was on the stage with him, ‘‘guyed” him and spoiled all' his best et- forts. “I'li not let up until you promise me that overcoat.”” whispered Beach. The scene was nearing its climax, Wiliert felt that it was a case of now or never, and he bissed out, as he tock the center of the stage, “Take tho coat, but let me get my curtain.call.” That night Beach went home, wearing the coveted garment, and Wiifert lulled himself to sleep with the reflection that no envious comrade would so spoil this great scene the next night. Alas! he was reckoning without his host, for the foi- lowing evening Beach began his old tactics. “Didn’t I give whispered Wilfert. *‘Yes,” replied Beach, “but 1'm out of socks. IS A SPIRITUALIST. Sardou Makes a Gonfession of Faith and Incidentally Booms His New Play. No play has ever had such preliminary booming as Sardoun’s new work “Spirit- ism.” It began with a few paragraphs dealing with spiritualism generally, then the European papers got intoa contro- versy over it, and now they have pub- lished acres of literature on the subject. Sardou himself boldly affirms his belief in the phenomena of spiritualism. He says that for forty years he has been & wonder- ful medinm himself, and hes had wonder- ful manifestations at his house. My piano has played of itself. Flowers have falien from my ceiling upon a table, and itis 1 who have brought this about, ana they dare not lay at my door calum- nies, such as true mediums are exposed to, and say to me as they had the impudence to say to Home that I am a charlatan. For the last forty years I have said to | whoever would listen to me that I would consider as idiots those who ailow them- selves to be taken in by the agents of jug- glery, frauds and mountebanks. I should equally regard as imbeciles those people who deny the reality of phenomena tested to by men of science and people like mysell. For that reason my play is awaited for tosce what I shall say. Itis the first time thatany one hasdared to put spiritualism on the stage,and the papers have been publishing recently experiences which are very similar to those referred to in my first act—the misplacing of objects without touching them, hands seen and felt. These hands have been pressed in mine. And this I have told to the world briefly. People will deride me; they will argue; the increduious will deny, the be- lievers will send me flowers. It will be a struggle and a test, but it will be power and honors; and I do not wish to com- promise the victory in the battle by de- vriving myself of a single cannon-ball, For this reason I wish to retain the ar- rangements I bring forward in_my play.” The above confession of faith is con- tained in a letter which Serdou has wril- ten to Charles Frohiaan in reply toa re- quest that certan ‘“‘cuts” be made in the American production of “Spiritism” at the Knickerbocker Theater. He has also written to several of the French papers, and has told startling anecdotes of his adventures with spirits, and Beach, who carried his wardrobe | | you the overcoat?” | Dramatic Brevities. In consequence of the interest aroused by Mile. Trebelli’s singing her managers have decided to give one or two concerts before her final departure East. Belasco & La Fallle of the Alcazar Theater have secured for their company Charles Wyngate, who was seen here last year with tie Frawleys. Mr. Wyngate is now en route from the East. Frank M. Kelly, the young California bary- tone, member of Stanford Parlor, Corinthian Yacht Club and Company B, N. G. C., is study. ing In New York under Edwin Hoff--forme of the Bostonians—and will make his debut September. The second of the second series of the Bacon- Minetti ensemble concerts will take place on Saturday afterncon, March 6. The following programme will be rendered: Brahm’s C minor pianoforte trio, Grieg’s G minor duet for yioliu and piano, G. Minetti; soloist, Miss Thorey, mezzo-sopran, XEW TO-DAY—AMUSEMENTS. Last performances to-day (matinee and migh() of dou’s comedy, = SCRAP OF PAPER. TO-MORROW, MONDAY, FEB, 22, Beginining with (he HOLIDAY MATINEE, The famous Madison-square Tneater (N. Y.) suc- STINTS D SINNERS, Renppearance of ME. GEORGE OSBOURNE! JA m Al MAYMAY L NCORP'D HEATRE Sl ProPS s THREE WEEKS, COMMENCING rsvsvrsssrrsrrsrs MONDAY, FEBRUARY TO-NIGHT (SUNDAY) LAST PERFORMAN MR. LOUIS JAMES 22 COTEEILILIO! MATINHES SATURDAY ONLTY. Direct S A. HERNE as—NATHANIEL BERRY— SHORE ACRES. inn of HENRY C. MINER. 'TRICDLANIER GOTTLOD & G- Le35E3 AT PANAGLRS - BEGINNING MON DAY, FEBRUARY 22. ANNUAL ENGAGEMENT OF CALIFORNIA’S FAVORITE COMEDIENNE, — ARTISTIO — 1 A FANNY RICE In the New Version of the Latest Laughing Success, AT THE FRENCH BALL “The Supporting Cast are such Well-Know n People as: Mr. George Broderick Mr. Alex Haze Mr:. John Coniey Mixs Kat- Michelena s Alice Gail ard Beckie Halzh rles Drew And :h mous ¥ MOROSCO’S GRAND OPERA-HOUSE WALTER MOROSCO. ..Sole Lessee and Manager. COMMENCING MONDAY A THlS AFT AND TO-NIGHT. Last Performances of | “OUT I§ THE STREETS,” | With Its iiver of Fire. FTERNOON, FEBRUARY 22. Grand Revival ot Oliver Byron’s Great Play, 10,000 MILES AWAY. Presented With a Splender Never Before Atiempted in a San Framcisco Theater. HONDAY—SPECIAL WANHING Moonlight View of San Francisco! OTHER BEAUTIFUL Many Specialties by N \ TENTH OCEAN i TO TRIUMPHAL | OCEAN TOUS " GULF 21,000 TO MILES GULF ELIZABETH NORTHROP, Soprano MARTINA JOHNSTONE, Violiniste | ARTHUR PRYOR, Trombone | FRANZ HELL, SIMONS MANTIA, Begular Prices Sale opens Euphonium y Morning. Ctgion ¥ rrel] SLree , CAT S.OCK 0.t First appearance of MISS FEANCES JOLLIFFE! ompany. The play produced under the direction of MR. GEORGE OSBOURNE. Our Regular Pric 991 Telephone for seats—Black San Franclsco's Fimily Concert Hall. By HERR FERDINAND STARK, - The famous Hungarian Violln Virtuoso. and his Brilliant Organization, THE VIENNA OKCHESTRA. AarGrand Concert Every Evening at & o'clock. GOLDEN GATE HALL. Tuesdav Next, Feb. 23, at 8 P. M., HASKETT SMITH, M.A. ““ARTENIA AND CONSTANTINOPLE;" Or the Crisis in the Turkish Empire. SUTRO BATHS. FINE P ROGRAMM Grand Concert Every Sunday Afternoon. General Admission, 10¢; Children, 5e. EVENING PRICES—10c, 25¢ an~ 50 Fluegelhorn | 75¢, 81, 81 50 ‘TON'S BIRTEDAY MATISEE—NONDAY Deck of the NEW SCENERY merous Clever Artists. eamer, Honolulu MATINEE This Aftarnoon at TiVOL! OPERA-HOUSZI N EnEANERTING KRELN 1. Proprietor & Managas TO-NIGHT-LAST TIME— THE SUCCESS OF SUCCESSES! ALADDIN, Or, THE WONDERFUL LAMP, Commencing To-Morrow Evening, GRAND DOUBL{I BILLi! “PATIENCE"—"GALATEL” Interpreted by The Best All-Around Opera Company in This Country. Popular Prices———25c and 50c Sy, MATINEE TO-DAY AND MONDA Parquet, any seat, 25c; Halcony, any seat, Lo hildren, 10c, EYS. Cham: < ‘Camille Up t Funny Demon: erous Novelties Concerts by ‘the Royal Huneariau Court On hestra immedlately after the evening perforse wisce in the Orpheum Annex. COLUMBIA THEATER FBIEDLANDER, GOTTLOB & Co., Lessees& Manngess | TO-NIGHT WE Go. —CHARLES HOPFPER — Aud Ul Clever Company in "CHIMMIEFADDEN! Every Member of the Urigiuul Company and All the Fault age Effect TO-MORKOW NIGuT....FANNY RICE CALIFORNIA THEATER. AL HAYMAN & Co. (Incorporated)....Proprietors % Monda ay and i TO-NIGHT, Mgriny. Tueedsy an Maticee To.M ToOw— (W ashington Birthday), LAST PLREORMANCES ! "OUR LITTLE" —CINDERELLA CO.— Remember, Last Perormance Wed. Nigpt, Thursday, Feb. 25, Sousa’s Concer: Band THE CHUTES. THIS AND TO-MORROW AFTERNOONS AND EVENINGS. AND LU arth ; | JOH |soms DIN. the Strongest JUH, the ““Golde, Vampire” ; BRESINO, Wire- Walk. and u host'of atiractions on che o yirstage. ANIMATOSCOPE EVERY ! NiG BALLOON ASCENSION THIS AF1ERNQON, Fireworks Washington® ih- duy (Monaay Nighy Sr B NO EXTRA CHARGE. ADMISSION 10¢ CHILDREN 5e { 1 | | | | 1 i