The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-02-07
IN LOCAL YHEATERS.

The appearance of THE Ensign" at
the Academy of Music this evening will
be theatrical event of unusual import
ance. THE Ensign" is a naval drama
and exploits our gallant tars in a
strongly woven patriotic plot 1t is
founded upon the Mason-Slidell Incl
dent of the early days of the rebellion,
when our seizure of the Confederate
commissioners very nearly set the
world by the ears. THE Ensign
comes here with q first-class company
and splendid scenic effects. 1t Is said
in New York that the shipboard scene
in the third act is one of the most real
istic and wonderful pictures ever
placed upon the stage. The beautiful
bay of Havana, Cuba, with its foreign
fleets riding at anchor, and the White
House at Washington and other new
scenery and effects form a strikingly
lovely setting to the piece.
Otis Skinner will make his first ap-
pearance in this city as a star at the
Academy of Music on Friday, Feb. 8,
when he will present the successful new
play by Clyde Fitch. entitled, His
Grace de Grammont." 1t will un-
doubtedly be a brilliant event. Mr..
Skinner has arrived at his present i'm
portant position in the theatrical world
through the sheer force of his fine dra-
matte ability, assiduous labor and
earnest artistic endeavor. Though still
a very young man he has had long
experience as an actor, occupying n
commanding position for several years
as leading man with Lawrence Bar
rett, the famous Booth-Barrett combi-
nation, and Augustin Days company.
Last season he was starred in conjunc-
ton with Madame Madjeska and
showed his capability for enacting roles
by his splendid impersonation of Shy
lock. Mr.. Skinner has surrounded him
self with splendid company of actors,
the list of names including Frederick
Mosley, r. Payton Carter, Frank l..
Sylvester, Wordsworth Harris, J. II.
Bradshaw, John Burgess Weeks. W.
Norwood Wordsworth, Mack Fenton,
Miss Maud Durbin, Miss Sarah Truax,
Miss Rose Shuman, Miss Pamela
Keith and Miss Maud Mareau.
People do not tire Of novelty or sing
ing, dancing, pretty girls and beautiful
costumes. This is evidenced by the at
tendance at the theaters where the at
fractions are playing that present these
acceptable feaures. Charles Il. Blaney,
the author, has been highly successful
because he has the faculty of making
a performance. by writing stuff" for
him or her that just suited them.
Blaney has turned out four successes in
the last two years, and his "A Baggage
Check" which comes to the Academy
of Music next Saturday night, Is said
to be the best of them all, as he had
an unusually clever lot of people to
write for.
William Kellar Mack, an eccentric
comedian of unusual merit, Is the star
of Miss Telephonia, an Electric BELIZE"
which will be presented at the Davis
Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mr..
Mack has been identified with some of
the most successful farce comedies of
the past five years He was the prin-
cipal comedian with Jennie Yeamans,
was also u special feature of Tony Pas
tors Grand company, and for the past
season was the star of the "Prodigal
Father" Miss Telephonia," which
gives him ample scope for the display
of his ability, Is a rattling musical
farce, full of life and action, and one
that will please any audience. 1t has
met with much success the past two
seasons and will no doubt draw large
bpnGng