Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1895-08-06
THE PLAY IN ALASKA.
SUCCESSFUL TOUR OF A COMPANY
OF CALIFORNIA AMATEURS.

In the City of Juneau They Performed In
a Big, Empty storehouse - Receipts,
81 900 In One Night-some of their Flu
ture Plans.
A few weeks ago, when Mrs. Louis F.
Auzerais and her company Of amateur
actors and actresses left for Alaska, hcl
friends laughed in their sleeves Mt the no.
ton of theatrical tour in that young
country They predicted that the fisher
men Of tho far north and the miners would
rather see n show like "The Black Crook"
than tho polite society plays that consti-
tuted the rcpertory of Mrs. Auzcrais and
her support Mrs. Auzerais, who had
money even before she went on the stage
purchased stunning lot of dresses and
costumes. Her friends said she might bet
ter have bought some short skirts
But with tho bravery of inCXpcricnce
Mrs. Auzcrais set out. Hcrcward HoytC,
her leading man, knew something of tho
ups and downs Of barn storming, but he
took care to picture everything to the star
as one long dream Of triumph and pleas
urc. This was because Mrs. AuZerais was
also the financial hacker Of the enterprise.
Mrs. Auzerais and the company left
Victoria for Alaska on June 20. 1t was
their intention to play one night In Juneau
and then 90 to Sitka and return from that
point to Victoria and Puget sound cities.
When they arrived mt Juneau they discov-
cred that the steamer would only remain
in the haRbur for a few hours and would
then continue northward on her course,
and they would have to stay in Juneau II
days until the next steamer came along.
Juneau is u progressive young place, but
the star of empire has not struck it with
sufficient force just yet to induce its in
habitnnts to build II thcatcr. The only
place there in which shows can be given Is
an empty stOrchousC, which was used for
a powder magazine some years ago. The
Au2erais company found it empty, but al
together too empty. A STAGE had to be
built and chairs put in, and it was also
necessary to have dressing rooms. Tho
males of the company set to work, and
under the direction of DR.. George II. Red
ding soon had thcatcr which was quite
worthy Of its name. Tho christcncd 1t
tho Auzrrais Opera House and added it to
their unlimited circuit.
The first performance given was Love
on Crutchcs," by Augustin DAILY. Every
seat was taken long before the curtain
went up. The government officers were
given the place of honor in n box which
had been especially constructed for the oc-
casion. The play went off without hitch,
and all the players were at their BEST but
| tho audience took such a deep interest in
tho matter tlrnt it seemed as if it would
lose itself and lombard the stage. Once or
| twice Mr.. Holbrook Bllnn who plays the
heavyvillain, was in danger of losing his
| life but hasty action Of the curtain boy
| saved him.
The seats were sold mt s1.5O apiece, and
| 1915 was taken In on the Cpening night.
| On the second night the box office sales
| amounted to over 81 200, when 1.-The Vel
| low Curtain" was presented.
Mrs Auzcrais' company was in Sitka
recently, where it filled weeks engage
ment. The members write that all are en-
| loving good health and that perfect har-
mony has prevailed among them since
they left. When they leave Sitka, they
will play Victoria, B. c.; Seattle, Tacoma,
Portland and Oregon City and will then
return home. After short rest they will
leave for India and tho orient where they
will play an extended engagement.
Mrs. Au2crais carries 25 magnificent
toilets, and the other ladies of the company
have IL each. 1t is Mrs. Auzorais' inten-
ton to ultimately become u full tcdged
professional and to some day appear with
her company in one of the big theatcrs of
| Now York As she has plenty Of money
this Alaskan trip was only taken for pleas
ure and proflt.-Sun Francisco Chronicle.