The record-union., 1891-11-07

position-Stage Notes.
A. P. Dunlop, writing from New York
under date of October 31st, says: '"The
much talked-of La Cigale' was brought
out at the Garden Theater on Monday
evening. 1t was originally composed by
Audran,o of 'Olivette' and 'Mascotte' fame,
but Ivan Caryl husband of our own
Geraldine UlIner) touched it up for Lon
doners. Chivot and Daru wrote the orig
inal Hbretto, and it was put into English
by f. C. Burnand of Punch. 1t deals in
heavy manner with the fable Of the ant
and grasshopper, the latter frolicking
through the summer and wasting its sub
stance in riotous living, being compelled
to crave assistance from the industrious
former. In the opera, the ant and the
grasshopper are sisters, the former the
prima donna, the latter the village
maiden. The ibretto is heavy, lugubri-
Gus and lacking in fun. There are but
three catchy numbers, one beginning
with One Day Margot,' the second a ga
Vote, and the third a concerted piece.
The Hbretto is of course well written and
the music Is always agI eeable, but neither
1Inpresses itself upon one. That the book
is not interesting may not astonish any
one, for the English comic opera
IS woefully dull, but if the music
be Audran's, then he must be
thoroughly played out. The only feature
OF the performance to rave about
is Lillian Russell. Her voice was mag
nificent-pure, ringing and unerring. She
has never appeared to better advantage,
although 1t is not possible to compliment
her on her acting. In Paris the part Miss
Russell sings was created by the wonder
fuI Jeanne Granier. Our own Lillian
sings better and looks better, but the
other members of the company cannot
be compared to the original French cast.
Tagliapietra, who has been in this conn
try long time, has not mastered Eng
llsh sufficiently to make himself under
stood, and Carl Strietman speaks in dis
located German, which makes the per-
formance somewhat polyglot. The opera
was put on, literally regardless of eX-
pense, and nothing produced on this side
OF the Atlantic speaks more plainly of
managerial hberality and less artistic
value.
The Kendals, having been pulled over
the Goals for their poor production of
Home last week, have ransacked the
cellar of the Star Theater for better seen
cry, and have rehearsed SO vigorously as
TO give good production of THE Iron
MASTER which by the way has been
done to death by the Kendall company.
AT the Windsor Theater, Leonard
Grover let loose his wolves of New
York which has pleased East side au-
dlences Immensely, and which is sure to
make good deal Of money for him be-
lore the flowers bloom again. Taking it
as whole, the theatrical business in
New York continues very bad, and but
lew managers or organizations are max
ing money"
THOMAS w. KEENE.
The Denver Republican has a long ar
ticle on the International Operatic
and Dramatic Exposition to be held in
Vienna next summer, and says that
Thomas w. Keene and Clara Morris will
probably be selected as Americas rep
resentatlves on that occasion. AS our
nelghbor, the Bee, has requested us to
name some dramatic authority who
places Mr.. Keene at the head of the list of
American tragedianS, we quote the opin-
ION of the talented critic of the Republican
which is concurred in by all the leading
dramatic critics of the day He says:
I'm this country there is scarcely a
doubt that Thomas w. keene will be the
first choice, and if a lady is also to be
selected. Clara Morris will be considered
the strongest favorite. This latter con-
lecture might prove erroneous if that
lovely and marvellous kentucky girl
were again in public life.
All the leading Eastern journals have
almost with one voice expressed a
preference for Mr.. Keene, and in
thus readily making choice, they
have anticipated correctly the perfer-
ence the American public have set
tied IN their own hearts. 1t is no
longer question that Mr.. Keene has,
by the retirement from public life of the
magnetic Booth, and the recent and la
mented death of the cultured and talented
Barrett, taken first place among the
tragedlans on the American stage. It is
true that there are other actors of great
merit, whose ambition and efforts have
not yet reached the acme of their hopes,
and there are laurelS awaiting them, but
for universally recognized dramatic sue
cess Mr.. keene surely is without a peer.
He was born in New York City fifty
ago and has given thirty years of his life
10 the stage. His admirable traits of pri-
Vate character, his kindness to those
Whom he draws around him to aid him
IN the success of his laudable endeayors.
IN conjunction with his conscientious
presentations of stage characters, has
brought him to pinnacle of superior
excellence that places him above chal-
aenge.
His first great success was as Cassius.
while supporting Frank Bangs in the
year 1879. He won other .bright encom-
lums in the play of 'L'Assamoir,' and
coming down to current times has given
q new conception to Louis XII that viii
be guide for all coming actors who may
essay this difficult impersonation. His
richard is yet fresh In the minds of all -
sULLY'S ''MILLIoNAIRE."
The Buffalo Inquirer has the following
in regard TO the appearance of Daniel
Sully's company in that city:
An actor who has a play written es-
'pecially for him-written with part
which TITS him even in the most minor
partlcularS-haS the satisfaction of know
ing that he is creating that part and doing
better work with the same lines than any
other could. 1.-THE Millionaire.n which
IS being played at the Star this week bv
Daniel Sully, was written for him by the
clever pen of Leander Richardson, a
prominent dramatic writer of New York
City, and was seen for the first time here
early last season. Since that time the
play has undergone many changes in the
way of elimination and refinement. until
now the character of the honest Irish
contractor stands out in the strongest and
most agreeable light. The cast is some
what different from that of last year, and
some of the old company appear in other
and more prominent parts, noticeably G.
Jay Williams. who was seen last year as
Sharp, the detective, but who now tax es
the part of Baron Won Steinburger, part
which gives him opportunities for a dis
pay VI Ills dDlllItS is a COUlSulan, WDlc1
could never be true of the other.
The plot, explained briefly, concerns q
clever Irish contractor who is project
ing line which will ruin a rival road
now controlling the traffic through the
Western States. Scheming tinanciers
aim to defeat the young contractors pro-
ject. STOPPING TO anything however base
which will further their ends. They pro
mote dissatisfaction among the laborers
and nearly cause strike at critical mo-
Tnent when q few strokes u-in ,,nal-o