The record-union., 1891-03-29
music And DRAMA.
"The Pharisee" Proves a Failure
in New York City.
Beautiful Scenery In the Production of
''The Power of the ePress',-Another
Melodrama that VIII Make Hit
Stage Notes.

A. P. Dunlop, writing from New York
on the 21st inst, says:
"a. M. Palmer's new production at the
Madison Square Theater, is beyond doubt
failure. At any rate, it is three acts Of
long drawn out misery, well acted no
doubt, but the average theater-goer will
rather run away from it than go to see it.
The Pharisee' was made in London by
Malcom Watson and Mrs. Lancaster
Wallis, and tells the story of man who
finds that his wife had led an impure life
before marriage, and for a time refuses to
condone her guilt. The interest of the
play lies in this woman's agony, and she
excuses her degradation by explaining
that her father was gambler and COM
PEELED her become rich mans property.
This horribly dreary play was preceded
by stupid piece called "A Dinner at
Eight by a very young Canadian named
j. A. Richie. 1t was only fifteen minutes
long, and its brevity is its only charm.
The Power of the Press by George
n. Jessop and Augustus Pitou, after elab-
crate scenic preparation, was produced at
the Star Theater on Monday. AS dra-
matte work it does not amount to much,
but there can be no mistaking its excel
lence as scenic production. 1t is tale
of life in the great metropolis, and it
takes fourteen shifts of scenes. One
scene showing the South street piers was
so charmingly painted that it caused a
call for the artist. The exterior of the
Manhattan Athletic Clubs new home
was another picturesque success, with its
bright lights, its imposing stone front,
and its excellent perspective. Then there
were glimpses of the East River, the Bat
terry, and notably graphic ship scene,
that caused round after round of applause.
In its delight with this panorama the au-
dience possibly lost sight of the plays in
herent defect, and if every nights audi
ence shall be similarly forgetful, THE
Power of the Press may triumph over
its own obstacles, and so gain the appro-
val of the multitude"
Cruel London, a five-act melodrama,
by Frank Harvey, was also produced at
Miners Peoples Theater on Monday.
He has selected the theme which never
fails to touch the human heart, when
clothed in poetic and weIl-chosen Ian
guage, namely, the struggle of the poor
and weak against the unjust domination
of the rich and powerful. Cruel Lon
dom has much to commend itself to
recognition, and will serve Kate Claxton
excellently for a road piece.
Wealth has turned out to be another
of the frequent failures at Palmer's
Theater, and yet it displays more than
any other what a sterling artist E. S. Will
lard is.''
ADJUSTMENTS THIS WEEK.
Sacramento will have a variety in enter
talnments this week. Tomorrow even
ing McFadden's Uncle Toms Cabin
Company will appear at the Clunie Opera
House. On Thursday evening Cleve-
lands Minstrels will occupy the boards
at the Metropolitan, with the old-time
favorite Billy Emerson among the per-
formers.
On Friday and Saturday next ga Social
Session with its bright fun, catchy music,
clever comedians, magnificent Black:
Hussar band and orchestra will be the
magnet that will attract amusement
seekers to the Metropolitan Theater.
This play was creditably presented here
last season and was well received. 1t
has been somewhat revised and re-
modelled but the changes are said to be
Tor the better and will doubtless succeed
IN pleasing good audiences.
CLEvELAND's MINsTRELs.
Arrangements have been completed for
appearance of Cleveland's Consolidated
Minstrels at the Metropolitan Theater
next Thursday evening, April I'd, giving
one performance only. This is an excep-
honally strong attraction. Among the
many prominent names ON its roll are
those of Billy Emerson (who is still
happy as big sunfiower"), Hughey
Dougherty. Barney Pagan. Luke School
craft, Griffin and Marks, Fields and Han
male soprano IAN Importation, Raymond
Shaw, Charles Noble and j. Marcus
Doyle. The Cragg Troupe of gentlemen
acrobats, another novelty from Europe,
will be featured in the olio; Eddie Fox
will conduct the grand orchestra. Fagan's
two productions will be put ON elaborate
Iy, having cost, it is said, not less than
$4,000 for scenery and costumes.
STAGE NOTES.
Nat Goodwin will open his next season
in San Francisco.
James I. Powers has purchased resi-
dence in Harlem.
John J. McNally Is to write a new play
for Annie Pixley.
I. H. Winnett has called his new COM
edy His Nibs, the Baron"
Dan Sully and 1.-THE Millionaire, have
caught on big in San Francisco.
Lizzie Daily is to star next season in
revised version of upside Down.
Lew Dockstader will open with his own
minstrel company at Wilkesbarre, Pa, in
July.
Frank Daniels is anxious to revive the
characters of Toodles and Paul PRIV on
the stage.
Mrs. Berlan Gibbs denies the rumor
that she is the financial backer of Love
and War"
Frank Ives Frayne died of neuralgia of
the heart at the Clarendon Hotel, Chicago.
March 10th.
Helen Bancroft viii be the leading lady
OF Mrs. Leslie Carter's Company again
next season.
Mrs. Girard, wife of Eddie Girard. of
Donnelly and Girard, died at Long Island
City last week.
Sarah Bernhardt's business in Boston
last week was tremendous. She PLAYED
to nearly $4,000.
barney Reynolds has signed with John
X. Rogers for the tour of Annie Lewis in
My Sweetheart"
Richard Mansfield will follow "Be-
trothed" at the Garden Theater for an ex-
tended engagement.
Daniel Bandmann, the ex-tragediau. has
given up acting for keeps and is living on
his ranch in Montana
The Gray Mare" is the title of another
of Charles Coghlan's plays which his sis
ter Rose will soon produce.
Geraldine Ulmar has been engaged to
Ivan Caryll, young operatic composer.
Inc wedding will occur March 30th.
Mrs. Langtry wants to produce .tShen-
andoah" III London, and is now negotiat-
ing with Charles Frohman and All. Hay-
man.
Edwin Stevens, jeff D'Angelis and Ed
gar Smith, of the Casino, are known as
Russell's Comedians. Not Johns, but
Lillian's.
"Thermidor" has been given at the
French Theater in st. Petersburg, before
large audience, which included the I'm
perial family.
Bessie Dunn, late of the NJ. B. Curtis
Schatchen" Company, has been en-
9 N~xsnN0