The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-08-05

Aside from the stars whose wardrobes are
Teplenished annually at an expense ranging
from the hundreds to the thousands of dol
lars, it is estimated that the 3, 900 actors
and actresses who represent the profession in
this country spend in the neghborhood of
$4,000, or about one-twelfth of their in
come, on dress every year. This ratio ap
plies more particularly, perhaps, to the
lone part" players, or those who travel in
support of some attraction other than those
engaged in legitimate roles, and is not
significant from the fact that, as a rule.
the stage dress of this season is taken after
the years work is ended for street wear
Artists supporting such stars as Booth, and
Barrett, Irving, James and Wainwright,
Downing, Keene, and others of their class,
however, spend a little more, and can only
economic by taking great care of their
effects.
Lawrence Barrett is believed to be the
most carefully and best dressed actor on the
American stage. Charles Hawthorne
who designs and manufactures all of this
stars wardrobe, has carte blanche on every
der given him, and is called upon to fur
nish costumes not only historically correct,
harmonious in color and faultlesS in make,
but rich and expensive in quality. The
costumes worn by Mr.. Barrett in "Rienz"
cost over az, 000 and those now being made
for him for his forthcoming Venetian re-
most elaborate and expensive ever worn by
an American actor.
While Mr. Barrett is the best dressed
man on the stage, his associate, Edwin
Booth, is probably the worst dressed. BY
this it is meant that Mr.. Booth pays little
or no heed to what he wears. His costumes,
once made, are used until threadbare
This, however, has its advantages in some
cases. Notably that of Shylock. The COS
tune as now worn in this character, it is
said, was made for Mr.. B 10Th lagos ago"
BY constant usage it has become shiny and
soiled to an extent that rather heightens
than detracts from its effect.
Fred Warde and Bob Downing are credited
with spending vast sums of money to the
end of securing complete and accurate
furnishings, and while neither approaches
Mr.. Barrett in magnifcence of dress, their
wardrobes are none the less perfect. Fred
Warde excelS III attention to natural eff .cts
and has been known to go on the stage in
his bare feet in order to complete the repre-
sentation of a character Downing, on the
other hand, looks to his comfort as well as
the completeness of his work.
I. W. Keene and Louis james also domi-
nate their performances bv attention to
dress No matter what the cost, the
trouble or the time necessary to secure the
proper wardrobe, neither of these actors will
consent to appear in a garb that is not
as near perfect in appearances at least as it
can De made. Keene is said to possess the
largest and slost complete wardrobe of any
artist in his line, not exceptin Irving or
Barrett. His wardrobe is heavily insured,
and was picked up piece by piece while
playing in stock companies. Louis James
great forte is knowing how to wear cos
tune. A dress of cheese cloth on his form
will show to better advantage than one of
the most expensive and most desirable ma
terial will upon some others