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T11E ATLANTA GEORGIAN.
SATURDAY, SEPT EMBER 1, 1900.
P
WHAT THE THEATRICAL SEASON OF 1906-07 WILL BRING FORTH
By GEORGE HENRY PAYNE.
New York, Saturday, September 1.
O NE by one they have folded their tents, group by
group' they are gathering at the ferry houses and
railway stations, and over the strip of Broadway
that Is called t(ie Rialto—that White IJght thoroughfare
that for a month they have made populous—there settles
an unwonted calm.
Twelve thousand strong, these hopeful representatives
of the histrionic art are prepared to fall upon the country
West, South and North. All during
the hot month of August they have
worked unceasingly, learning new
steps, Inventing new tricks, studying
new and old roles, and today, the
official opening, one might say, of
the theatrical season of 1906-07, they
go forward prepared to reap their re
ward.
Be gentle with them, therefore, all
ye who live on the highways and by
ways of the theatrical country; give
them at least anniause for their poor
but honest efforts, even if you give
them not that which they appreciate
even more.
Ye critics, who mark the passage
from East to West, from North to
South, try to be generous and under
standing of all the preparation and
inspiration that lies back of Violet
Sassafras when she says, “My lord,
the carriage waits,” and pass not
slightingly over the way Clarence
Grifklns declaims “The man who
would lay his hand on a woman ex
cept In the way of kindness,” etc.
Only an approximation can bo mado of the number of theatrical ven
tures that are sturting out in this month of September with the hope of fur
nishing amusement to the 80.000,000 of the country. Those on record form
a comparatively small percentage of those that go unrecorded, playing one
night stands year in and year out. New York with its sixty-five theaters
in two boVoughs—Manhattan and the Bronx—represents but a very little
portion of what Is going on In the theatrical world, although It assumes an
importance that theatrical people of the country, rather than the theater
goers of the country, are inclined to indorse.
“One reason why New York is a great theatrical town,” said a Southern
vistor recently, "Is due to the fact that there is nothing to do in New York
but go to the theater or go craz'*’’ and only 10 per cent of the population
go to the theater.
Theatrical managers throughout the country watching New York take
more stock in the verdicts that are passed here on theatrical productions
than do the people to whose tastes they cater. That fetish—a long run in
New York city—1h lessening In potentiality for people throughout the coun-
' try ahd New York is beginning to be blamed for the concoctions of man
agerial enterprise that the rest of the country has no taste for.
Producers of plays who have asked for a New York verdict and got It
—not exactly in the terms that they wanted—point with some gratification
to the fact that many a good play that the New Yorker turns away from
can go Into other cities where there Is less pretense at theatrical expertness
and more genuine culture and be well received.
But If the Judgments of New York on shows are wrong in many in
stances; if it laughs at and encourages what the rest of the country may
find vulgar and cheap; and If It condemns and sniffs at what other cities
find serious and interesting, rather should It be pitied than condemned, for
with the nervous tension incident to some sixty-five theaters spawning
theatrical efforts weekly, there Is bound to arise more or less intellectual
and critical astigmatism.
And however badly It may do it, standing at the Theatrical Gate of the
nation, with a club In one hand and a hatchet in the other to protect the'
country, it at least Is ever vigilant, and If all ye who condemn us for our
bad taste and worse manners find that our work Is not well done; If ye are
angry and abusive over what Is approved and passed on, ye should also
think in Christian spirit how much we save you by the things that are not
passtyl on.
NE of the most successful plays the country has
known in probably ten years is “The Lion and tho
Mouse,” which has had the extraordinary' good
fortune of being able to play In the hottest kind of^weath- ,
er all summer In New York. Three companies are now ,
appearing in this play, and a fourth will shortly be sent
out, so that nobody can escape it. Its wonderful popular
ity has been tracedto many causes, but the fact that It
dramatizes crudely but forecfuily tho struggle botween
capital and labor Is perhaps its chief claim to attention.
Mr. Charles Klein, the author, ia
himself authority for the statement
that his royalties come to very
near $3,000 a week. Mr. Klein has
completed another play, called
“Tho Daughters of Men,” which
will be produced by Henry H.
Harris, the manager of “The Lion
and the Mouse.”
The same manager will also of
fer a new star, Rose Stahl, who
has made some success in vaude
ville, in a play by a now author,
James Forbes, hitherto a writer
of short stories and one act~plays.
It is called “The Chorus Lady.”
“The Social Whirl,” a typical
Casino, show, after running all
summer in New York, will go on
tour. It Is a catch-as-catch-can
sort of entertainment that catches
a great muny people.
Other companies on tour will be:
Guy Standing in a new play en
titled ”A Society Policeman.”
“A Midsummer’s Eve,” by Eve-
4yn Greenleaf Sutherland and B.
M. DIx.
"A Woman's Way,” a drama by Edward Peple, author of “The Prince
Chap.” i
"The Blue Moon.” the English musical extravaganza one year at the
Apollo theater, London. James T. Powers, star.
"Lady Madcap,” one of George Edwardes’ most successful English mu
sical comedies.
“Lew” Fields’ all star musical comedy company at the Herald Square
theater In a new play. Cast Includes Edna Wallace Hopper, Eitta. Proctor
Otis, Louise Allen Collier, Louise Dresser, Coralle Blythe, Edna Luby, Ce
celia Brown. George Grossmith, Joseph Herbert, Jr.; George Beban, Harry
Fisher and Lew Fields.
De Wolf Hopper, In “Happyiand," with Margueritq Clark.
Eddie Foy In “The Earl and the Girl.”
“Veronlque,” with Louise Gunning and Louis Harrison.
Peter F. Dailey in "The Press Agent.”
“Fantana.”
Camille D’ArvlUe In a new comic opera.
“The Snow Man,” a new musical comedy.
Charles J. Ross and Mabel Fenton In “The Jolly Host.”
From the office of Chnrles B. Dillingham there will emanate nine companies,
all of which are beaded by more or less well known star*. Probably the most im
portant of these from the point of view of public Interest will be the niyicarance
of Mrs. Leslie Carter, whose sensational break with hor former manager. David Be-
lnsco, has mused so much talk. Hhc will appear In a piny the name of which baa
* “ * Victor Herbert’s tuneful and high clnss
not yet been announced. Frit si Scheff, In
Lady” and “The Intense Irene;” Robert Mantell In Shakesperidn repertory
and Gilbert’s “Rosencranz and Gullderstern,” and Othelo with Mr. H. B.
Irving, who also appears under Nixon & Zimmerman’s management In
Philips’ “Paolo and Francesca;” Mr. Wilton Lackcye in “The Law and the
Man,’ adapted from “Lea Mlserables,” in ‘The Jungle” and in “The Pil
lars of Society.”
S in iier road tour In Brooklyn, ending lu the” spring In Montreal. Miss Blanche
Jug will pnponr In another of Victor Herbert's operas, ’’Miss Dolly Dollars.’ An
called “The Hod Mill,” Montgomery and Stone, of "Wizard of Os” fame, being tin*
co ntarn of the enterprise. Frank Daniels lit "Sergeant Brue,” will tour the country
until early spring, when he will appear In a new eorale opera entitled "Omar. ’
— "»ard 8h * .. . .. ... ~~ .
. The number of new plays produced last year In this country was sixty-
two, thirty-nlno of which were by American authors and the rest by for
eigners. About the same number is promised for the coming senson, and
the same percentages will, In all probability, hold. There are about 100 first-
class companies—first-class In the financial sense—far be It from any one to
insist that they are all first-class artistically. All of these are headed cither
by a star of sufficient Importance or by a leading man or leading woman of
enough prominence to make'the movements of these companies Interesting
generally. •
In telling of their plans no attempt is made to make a roll of honor—
they are down simply in the groups into which they are naturally divided
by managerial divisions.
Probably the most Interesting phase of Charles Frohman’s activity Is
that which concerns his plans for his two leading stars—Maude Adams and
John Drew—and his most interesting author, Mr. Augustus Thomas. Miss
Adams will continue to appear in Barrie’s wonderful play, “Peter Pan." She
will spend most of her year on tour, so that the country will see what is
perhaps the greatest product of the genius of this uncanny Scot.
John Drew will appear this season in New York and on tour In the lat
est play of Arthur Wing Pinefo, called ”Hls House In Order.’ It Is one of
the biggest things that the great English author has ever done. The present
writer saw It in London lost spring, and afterward talked the play over with
Mr. Pinero, who admitted by implication that he was willing to stand or fail
by "His House in Order.”
One of the most intersting things that Mr. Frohman will do this seaion
will be the new play of Augustus Thomas, probably the first of America’s
dramatists. After, having written three of the most ^successful American
Mr. E. A. Braden’s productions Include L. E. Shipman’s ”On Parole,”
Stanley Dark’s "Man and His Angel” and a comedy by J. A. Mitchell.
The firm of Sam & Lee Shubert announce that they will, have twen
ty-three companies on the road, nearly all of which either have made their
appearance in New York or will in the course of the season. They are as
follows:
E. H. Sothem and Julia Marlowe (appearing for the first time under
the Shubert management), who will produce their new plays, "Eric Mack-
aye,” “Joan of Arc,” D’Annunzio's "La Joria” and a play on the subject of
John of Baptist. They will a’so appear in a half dozen Shakespeare plays.
“The Tourist,” a musical comedy by R. H. Burnside and Gustave Ker-
ker.
Mrs. Patrick Campbell, who returns to this country to make a tour In a
new play.
Miss Lena Ashwell, a well known English actress, who will make her
first tour in America In a play that has already been seen in London, called
“The Shualmite.”
Margaret Anglin, who will open at the Prince** Theater, October J, In a
new play by William Vaughan Moody, called "The Great Divide." She will
also be seen in a revival of "The School for Scandal.”
Virginia Harned, in a dramatization of a novel, “The Girl in Waiting.”
Arnold Daly, in a series of one-act plays and his repertoire of plays by
George Bernard Shaw, with the exception,of that unpalatable drama, "Mrs.
Warren’s Profession."
Louis Mann and Clara Llppman will appear in Miss LIppman's comedy,
"Julie Bon-Bon,” a play that ran a good part of the season here last year.
George Bernard SImw's clever and Interesting piny,
^—j pn the road. Kyrlr *" c - m
Brigadier Herod.”
....„ jngcnicnt. will appoi
word l’nultoii nod Alfred Robyn,
Mr. Dillingham also nnuonnees that In the spring he will probably produoo new
plays by Hnddnn Chambers, Rida Johnson Young, the author of "Brown of Har
vard.” and Henry Blossom.
David Belasco is working on n new play. Dsvld Warfield, who has been play-
Ing to crowded houses for two yeard in “Tito Made Master,” will go on tour, trav
eling ns far west ns Kansas City, as far south as Louisville. Miss Blanche Bates,
in Belaaco'a very interesting piny of California life In the mining days, “The Girl
from the Golden West,” will also visit most of the large cities.
Of recent prominence in the managerial field Is the firm of Cohan & Harris.
The head of the firm Is George M. Coban. the versatllo young man who writes his
own plays, writes bis own mnslc, acts In them, sings In them, dances in thorn and
owns them. He Is even more versatile—be has his family set with him. himself
will go on tour lu his most recent play called “George Washington, Jr." Fay Tem
pleton will head one company with another Cohan play, “Forty-Five Minutes from
Cohan called "Popularity.” will introduce Thouiaa Itosa, — __ __
"Checkers.” This piny will Ik* Mr. Cohan'a first effort at writing what la known as
n straight piny; that la, one lu which nobody ia moved at the climatic period to
burst Into song. later In the season, Cohan Ac Harris, in conjunction with Klaw A
Erin tiger, will present Lulu Glaser In a new piny by Mr. Cohsn. Mr. Coban says
he can write a play while you wait for nnyboUy that la worth while, Nat C, Good
win iloes not agree with him.
Walter N. Lawrence announce* for the beginning of the season six ventures,
ss follows:
New York and on tour. Late* on in the season, Mr. Dlxey will he seen in a dramati
sation of Cyrus Townsend Brady's novel, "Richard tho Ilrasen,” by Edward Peple.
Harry Connor will go on tour in "Mrs. Temple's Telegram." The principal cl tie
comedies Mr. Thomas returns to 'the earlier style—"Alabama" and "Ari
zona.” THe new play deals with the subject of psychic force, and is said
to be the biggest play that Mr. Thomas has wrlten.
Ethel Barrymore will appear in Barrie’s ' Alice-Slt-by-the-FIre until
the spring, when she will appear in a new play.
name, real name; married or unmarried:
Otis Skinner will continue in Lavedan’s "The Duel.”
VV. H. Crane will apear In "The Prince of Money.”
William Ollette continues in "Clarice.”
Mrs. Clara Bloodgood is to appear in Clyde Fitch’s new play.
Miss Edith Wharton’s "The House of Mirth" will be presented by Miss
Fay Davis. . .. , „ ,
Sam Bernard will appear In "Mr, Hoggenheimer,” and Francis Wilson
continues In "The Mountain Climber.” *
Ida Conquest will be starred in “The Judge and the Jury.
, For Miss Jessie Mllward, Henry Arthur Jones’ "The Hypocrite has
been chosen.
children; their greatest success; reported
weekly Income; and manager.
Maude Adams—Maude Adnma Klskadden;
unmarried: “Peter Pan” and Little Mlnla-
later;” $1,000; 1'hnrlea Frohman.
Ethel Barrymore—Ethel Barrymore; un
married; "Cousin Kate;” $1,000; Charles
Frohman.
Julia Marlowe—8arch Frnnces Frost;
married; no children; "Juliet;" 91*000;
Shubert Brothers.
Italic Carter—Louise Dudley; married;
son; "Zana;" 11,000b C. B. Dillingham.
Pay Templeton—Fay Templeton; three
times; no children; ‘The Mascot;" $760;
Klaw Sc Er linger
Wllialn A. Brady’s new productions include “Clothes,” a comedy by Av
ery Hapwood and Channlng Pollock, and "The Richest Girl,” by Rupert
Hughes, both for Miss Grace George; a dramtlzatlon of Corelli’s “Barab-
haa” for Tyrone Power; a farce by Cosmo; a serious, play by Frederick
Lawrence; “The Specimen,” by Frederick Donaghey; "Mulvaney and Us,
a dramatization from Kipling, and two musical farces, "The Love of a
"Dolly Dollars$76J;’ C. B. Dill-
(ogham.
Fritz! Scheff—Frltxl Scheff; married* no
children; "Mile. Modiste;" $1,000; C. II. Dill*
lughnin.
Blanche Bates-BInnche Bates; unmar
ried: "The Girl of the Golden West;” $600;
Dsvld Belaaco.
Mrs. Ffske—Minnie Maddern: married; no
children; "Becky Sharp;" $750: Ilarrlaon
flnj Flake. ^
Viola Allen—Viola Allen; married; no chil
dren; ''Glory Quayle;” $1,200; Nlzou & Zlm-
Lllllnn Russell—Helen Louise Leonard;
three times; daughter; "Isi Clgnie; $800;
Klaw Ac Erlnngcr.
Lady i
theater for the season. William F. Ilawtrey, a brother of Charles Rawtrey, _
well known English actor, began n starring tour st the Madison Square theater In
fit. John Rankin’s play, "The Two Mr. Weatljorbys.” CsrlotU Nil Ison wlU bo starred
in Ituehael Crothers' western comedy, "The Three of Us.” She opens st tho Mnd-
Ison Square theater late lu Hd|Iteml>er. 8he will afterward go on tour.* "TBe Great
er Lovo," a sensational piny built around the life of Mozart, goes on tour.
Prominent among the Llelder attractions a‘*e Miss Elsie Jsnls In “The Vander
bilt Cun,” a musical comedy, which serves to display the young actress in her
clever Imitations of prominent actors. A second company will he headed by "Bar
ney” Clover. William Faversham In Edwin Milton Royie's western drama, "The
Squaw Man.” A second company will present the same play headAl bvHsnry Jew
ett. A dramatization of Sally Pratt Maclean's novel of r ’Cape Cod rblka.*' MIsh
Eleanor Robson will be seen In a repertory of plays. Including n new version of
llntlanil'a "1.11 I'rliumaati Ijilnfnlno " \lma Vntla nnllharf un.l I Hurt- • 1 *...«•11.._
nrd Mansfield.
John Drew—John Drew; married; daugh
ter; ; $1,200; Chnrles Frohman.
Robert Mantell—Robert Mantell; three
times* son and daughter; "King Lear;” $1,-
200: W. A. Brady.
David Warfield—Dsvld Warfield: married;
uo children; "Music Master;” $1,400; David
Rostand's “l.u Princesse Lotntalne,* Mom. Yvette Gullbert and Albert Chevalier
iu a new play. Miss Ellis Jeffreys In "The Deer, Unquiet Sex.” Miss Jessie Bus-
ley In "The Bishop’s Carriage.”
Henry W. Savage’s productions fall Into two groups, dramatic ami ronslcal.
Belasco.
E. H. Rothern—E. H. Sot hern; married:
children; "Hamlet;" $1,000; Shubert
Brothers.
Edmund Breese— Edmand Breese; mar
ried; no children; "The I Jon and
Mouse;" $200; W. II. Harris.
the
ow.” The leading musical production by Mr. Savage will be Puccini’s new opera,
"Madame Butterfly,” which will be heard in this country for the first time in Wash
ington on October 15. and afterwards In various cities. Musical plays In lighter
vein Include "The Man from Now," by John Kendrick Bangs and Vincent Bryan,
with music by Manuel Klein; the Pixley-Luders opera. "The Prince of Ptlsen," now
In Its sixth year, with Jess Dandy as the brewer. liana Wagner; "The Student
King," by Reginald DeKoveu, an opera which bgs already been seen In Chi
cago. • * . v •
The Klaw & Erlanger productions are beaded by their well-known production of
Otis Skinner—Otis Skinner; married;
daughter; "The Duel;" $1,000; Chnrles Froh
man.
William Faversham—William Faversham:
two times; son; "The Squaw Man;” $760;
IJebler St Co.
Wilton Lnekaye—Wilton Igioknye; mar
ried; son; "Svengall;” $800; W. A. Brady.
Forties Robertson is to appear under their management with bis wife. Miss Ger
trude Elliott, In Bernard Shaw's "Caesar and Cleopatra.” Miss Llllinn Russell, for
saking the lyric stage, appears as a legitimate actress In “Barbara's Millions.” Mc
Intyre mid Heatli. the old minstrels, continue In the tuualesl melange, "The Ham
Tree." while Joseph Caw thorn ami the Sousa Opera Company will be Been here In
H/.imti *■ ***rh*» t .i..-*" At Easter, the entire company will go to Londou to
Caj-iatiivHiilS
Margaret. Okie..
E H. Sothem.
rntxi/Scheff. ■