The herald., 1894-12-16

be that anticipated in the engagement
OF the celebrated romantic actor, Alex.
ander Sslvini, who will occupy the
boards of the Los Angeles thester dur
ing Christmas week. The advent Of
this exuberant son of "fair Italia" is
thoroughly in keeping with holiday fes-
tivities, for at no other time would one
80 wish to forget the humdrum OF every
day lie, and few dramatic affairs could
offer such an absolute antidote as can
Mr.. Salvini and the romances which he
has made so popular in recent years.
The event OF his coming engagement
will undoubtedly be the production of
Victor Hugo's great masterpisce. "Ruy
Blas," play that although familiar to
the stage OF our grandparents, is almost
q novelty to the present generation
Of theatergoers. The play is one of alb
sorbing interest, not only for it's exciting
incidents, but for the greatness Of Its
purpose. 1t gives Mr. Salvini q chance
to show his aptitude for the path Of
tragedy which his father trod to the ad-
miratioD of the thinking world. Even
the language, romantic and stately.
proves q stimulus to tho attention of the
audience. The critics who are never
prodigal OF tb cir praise paid the popu-
lar actor unqualified compliment for his
portrayal OF this difficult character.
These critics too have said some very
kindly things about the company sur
rounding him this season. Miss Eleanor
Moretti, the leading lady, having come
10 for special approval. The exact ar
raugement of the repertoire will be forth.
coming in few days. The sale OF seats
will not commence until Friday morn
ing, although Manager Wyatt announces
that applications by mail will receive at.
tention in the order OF their receipt.
x*x
At Unity church, on next Tuesday and
Wednesday evenings with Wednesday
matinee, Blind Tom. that musical prodi-
Ky, will give three performances. This
boy or man waa the son of ordinary
southern field hands. untutored and
siohtless from birth. He has been pre-.
sented for years to a critically disorimin.
ating public. There is no art about
him. Unlike the great masters whose
manipulations result from deep and un-
varied study, his Instructions came from
higher power, and this, philosophers
sre pleased to term genius, which sna-
bles him. without a knowledge Of either
language. to sing in German. French
and English, and without understand
ing single rudiment OF written music,
to compose, evincing rare natural abili.
ty, and to perform the most difficult
classical compositions. He can execute
three airs simultaneously. each in a dif-
feren: key, and perform music correctly
with his back to the instrument. He will
also play the second or base to any
piece of music that can be produced by
any performer from the audience, and
will afterwards change seats and play
the prime. His wonderful memory and
remarkable faculty for snalyzing and
locating sounds enable him to initiate
upon the pianoforte almost any known
musical instrument, and to repeat with
out understanding their meaning, the
speeches of our greatest orators Ito
which he has listened at different times)
with most faithful accuracy, and repro
duce upon the piano any piece played in
his presence after once hearing it.
The three programmes to be given
here also contain selections composed BY
"Blind Tom" himself. which are said to
be remarkable co mpositions.
x~*
The management of the Imperial an.
nounces for this evening a company OF
vaudeville stars direct from the east,
making their first appearance in this
city. Their engagement here is limited
to one week, thence going direct to San
Francisco and other points where they
are under contract to appear. This
policy of importing talent will be adopt.
ed hereafter 30 as to insure q complete
change of programme weekly, with ar
rangements in store for Los Angeles to
have first call on vaudeville talent.
The most laughsble of comedy special.
lists will be the frat introduction OF the
Mayes, a family OF fancy trick skaters,
who make their second appearance in
America this evening. Bowen & Wall
ters, eccentric comedians, will introduce
their original trick house aud some new
absurdities on the aerial trspezs. Rex
Foster and Alice Evans are another
clever couple who come highly recon-.
mended as being the only artists in their
line. "Cappolo," who calls himself the
living knot, and ia q mystery to the
scientific world, is one of the most be-
wildering feature ever presented to the
amusement world. His exhibition of
forward bending and tying himself into
complete knots, together with his won-
derful globe pyramid balancing is some-
thing new and novel. The Lamont
brothers will also be strong feature in
their difficult scrobatic feats. The fret
appearance of the Gonzales sisters at
this house, together with other we'll
known artists should bring out the
lovers Of vaudeville and pack the house
for the coming week.
This evening will mark the last ap-
pearance of Russell & Ryder, Geo. Har.
rison. Miss May Dsvilliou, Ward &
Martin, Quigley brothers, Toner & Fro
bel and the Sansoni sisters.
For the week commencing December
%, a strong programme is being ar.
ranged for the holidays. This will be
the first appearance of the Big Four, q
quartette of clever comedians, Who will
only be a part OF the many surprises for
Christmas and New Year weeks. There
will be matinee today at 2 O'Clock.
x*x
At the Burbank theater tonight per.
formance of the Corsican Brothers will
be given.
During the coming week the theater
will be closed, completely renovated and
decorated and fitted with storm doors and
a steam heater. With these improve
ments the place will be one OF the most
comfortable and cozy theaters in town.
The Burbank will be rsopsned on Sun.
day evening. December 23d. with mag.
nifosnt spectacular production OF the
Black Crook, with strong cast, good
scenery and grand ballet, and high class
vaudeville by the French grotesq ne
dancers, Les Desmondes and Quszina;
Siegrist and Lee. the celebrated Euro.
pean pantomimists and acrobats, in
THAR ORIGINAL tho Clouu ord Tho