Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-07-02
THE TOPICAL TALKER.


Some theatrical ews-The National Drama
In the Fuiure-The Local End Of 1t.
1T is a little early to talk Of what the the
atrical season of 18S9-90 has In store for us In
the way of new plays but the managers and
actors don't think SO. for their advance an
nouncements are falling fast and thick In news
paper Offices. w. II. Crane, the comedian, now
divorced from his partner, Robson, writes me
that the comedy written for him by
Messrs. Brander Mathews and George
H. Jessop, has just been named ION
Probation" The scene of the comedy is laid in
France and Switzerland. but its authors claim
for II distinctly American theme and treat
ment. Mr.. Crane says he feels at home in the
principal character. a middle-aged American
man of business, which seems to be a little like
the part he played In 'The Henrietta" There
is real comedy in the misunderstanding. Mr..
Crane says, but the situations which involve
Mr. Crane with an elderly sister, three Ameri-
can gfls Of pronounced types. and number OF
cosmopolitan personages, are farcical, very
farcical.
1t is about time for two such clever writers as
Mathews and Jessop to write play that shall
be worthy addition the SMALL list of good plays
written by Americans.
-.
Mr.. BRANDER MATHEWS and his collabora-
tor had better beware of following the advice
which Mr.. Howells gave them in the last num-
Der of Hdrper's Magazine. The Americ1u
school of dramatists will never produce ary-
thing that will live decade or surely season
II Mr.. Howells' theory of writing plays Without
plots is adopted by it.
The thinness OF Mr.. Howells' argument that
because one or two sketchy plays dealing with
American types of character have been sue
cessful therefore the American play must
henceforth be devoid of plot if it is to succeed,
is SO thin that no dramatist is likely to be de-
luded by it. This is not saying that play deal
ing exclusively with American Characters and
scenes with strong American plot is not
wanted. On the contrary, it is such combina-
tion of cognate appeals to its national taste
and patriotic feelings that the American audi-
ence desires. The most successful plays ofthe
future in America will be plays OF this order.
So
Mr.. GEORGE c. JENKs, whose comedy, "The
United States Mail" is certainly American
from the heart of the soubrette to the outside
buttons of the special delivery messenger who
both figure in the piece, has just returned from
New York, where he has been gathering first
class company for some weeks.
Mr.. jerks says the company is now virtually
complete. Miss Kate Davis, with whom he has
been in negotiation some time, has signed
contract, and that wonderfully clever young
actress will add greatly to the ~. s. Mairs'
chances of instant success when it is produced
next fan. Frank David, who will be remem-
bered as the original Brabdnto In 1.-THE Cor
sair," will bring out the lowest comedy side of
Mr.. jerks piece. He is q low comedian of no
little ability and has to boot q good voice. !
notice that he is just now making quite
hit as Sir Joseph Porter in the revival of
"Pipatore" in Mr.. Harris Academy of Music
at Baltimore-a frst-class theater, by the way.
Ned Hanson, the well-known minstrel, is
another pillar of comedy strength Mr.. Jenks
has engaged. Then there is Mamie Hayman, a
pretty and dashing soubrette; Tony Murphy
who is to play the special delivery boy; Ed
Hubbard and Julia Earnest and several others
equally above the average rank.
Kirkland Calhoun, who is managing the sum-
mer season Of the Thompson Opera Company
at present with unusual success, is to be Mr..
jerks stage manager, and the advance agent
is likely to be a local newspaperman with
good deal Of natural and acquired ability in
such work.
Altogether. the end of the American drama
in the hands Of Mr.. jerks is prospering in its
earliest stages It is probable now that the
United States Mail" will be given an extended
trial in New York, where several managers are
anxious to get 1t. Pittsburgers will see it at
the Bijou during the latter part of September.
WILLIAM HAwoRTH is receiving some
rather odd advertising prior to his tour in
paul Kauvar" next season.
IA few days ago." writes Mr.. Haworth from
New York, II received small box by express,
and was surprised. as well as pleased, when
found therein fox terrier. A card in the box
read, With the compliments of William
Mallory, Montreal"
. Mr.. Haworth's friend and admirer in Mon
49, al.h,o
Mallory, who had to skip out because of his
connection with the bribery of the New York
Aldermanic boodlers in 1884
Nina Van Zandt has also threatened to join
Mr.. Haworth's "Paul Kauvar" Company as the
leader of the mob in the last act of Steele
Mackaye's play or Haworth's manager says
she has.