The morning call., 1893-12-05

=: Mr.. Charles Il Davis, better known by
.:his play name, ''Afsin Joslin." opened at
the New California with that play to fair
? attendance. Joslin says his play was
!. written to make people laugh. 1t is but
= fair to firm that he iulfills his purpose in
thfsrespeet. But it is not a play that will
: bear criticism. The first act is burdened
.. with business. and 1t chiefly con-
. sisis In bunko steering and the
panel game. with JOslin getting the
:. .best:of the New York fancy men who con-
sp[Fed agalnst his money. and if needs be
his life. The whole plav is. in fact, the
experiences Of an old Vermont farmer
. EJ0slin) who has come to the Empire City
to see his nephew, and as a 'hayseed" is
regarded as fair game for the criminal ele-
medt that infests its streets. When this
is told, all is told. The whole gamut of
viee-is run through as it is ia "Under the
: GasEght," 1.-THE Streets of New York" ct
: id: omnes genus. There is nothing really
new in it. Vice is the same in every hate
:. .ful :mien it assumes. 1t is Joslin's busi-
ness::tO defeat its Vaccinations. and be
does this in the most comieal manner.
The Queen of Sheba," adapted from
: the French of NJ. Adrien Barbusse by j.
.L.:.Kimbley affords.an excellent opportu-
nifty Ito re-introduce Rhea to our city au-
+oiCHSso' OtOCn Cii % nut Aucu,
held very intelligent and appreciatiye
gathering. Following closely upon the
Davenport production Of cleopatra" it is
Only fair to say that from scenic stand
point and also from the costumer's
view 1T almost rivaled its prede.
cessor The star. as lamar, Queen
50 of Sheba, retains the same dramatic
instinct, excellent stage presence and
genHfal knowledge of her art that almost
canies one 10 forget her very pronounced
accent. which at times sounds most incon-
gruous. Her leading man, W. S. Hart, is
good actor. free from rant and
afectation, and that one thing-a
death--so necessary to plays of This
Sort: he performed In a way that
Immediately brought him to life and made
hin, come before the curtain with the star
OF the rest of the support not so much
may be said "Conslder the lilies of the
field" and the gentleman who played
Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed
artistieaily like one of them. hiss Edith
Meek PLAYED Balkis, handmaid to the
Queen, acceptably, and the introduction
Of dance of the ''ventre" order secured
an encore. As spectacular production
the piece is great success and should do
an excellent business.
The play by the. German company at
the Baldwin last evening was Erckmann-
Chatran's DE Rantzaus." and those who
failed TO attend missed very good per-
iormance. The plot is simple, but strongly
written, ard the dramatis persona jistiu-
gulsned themselves in their respective
assignments.
NeXt Sunday The company will produce
wei y. known farce. "Tbe Pretty Hunga-
iiau; D} Mannstadt and Weller, which
mas nau fn-night run in Berlin. and will
Eye Eve We talented soubrette If The company,
MISS 1aftner, an opportunity to display
her taients. The piece is full of pretty
music and songs.
lhe Alcazar held a large audience to
greet Clay Clement in his first perform
ance here of "Belphegor," The mSupte-
bank. and his various scenes were re.
warded with hearty aud well.merited an.
'piaase. Mr.. Clement is obtaiiing firm
hold upon San Francisco tbeater.posrs and
the business Of the Alcazar is increas-
ing accordingly. Mrs. Mckee Rsnkin
as '.Zephyrina" displayed her remarkahl.
versatility by jumping from such a role
as Carrots, IN "'49," to that Of th.
danseuse. Fannie Young. who reannea red
after long absence from tue local boards
and Minnie Young. as the son. were ho,t
excellent. Lorimer Johnstone assisted
greatly 10 the support. "rhe Mounte.