The herald., 1896-08-25
AT THE THEATERS

ORPHEUM.-As Is the rule at this
popular house the standing room only"
sign was very much in evidence last
night long before the rise of the curtain.
Snow and Clark opened the bill with
their laughable comedy skit which,
while this is the third week of its presen-
tation was. owing to the exceeding pop
ularity of Snow, received with as much
satisfaction as on the occasion when its
originators save their first performance
here. Stillman and Moore again pre-
sented their comedietta, Mistaken
Identity. giving number of new songs
and dances. They were followed by
Lillian Mason, who is an old-time favor
ite at this house. Miss Mason had a
most enthusiastic reception. being the
recipient of an armful of flowers and
having her songs applauded to the echo.
Staley and Birbeck again presented
their quick change musical act ending
with Miss Birbeclk performing splits and
doing her wonderful high kicking turn
with the most marvellous ease.
The last act of the popular program
was the first appearance here of II. a.
Kennedy. the celebrated hypnotist, to
whose wonderful skill the New York and
San Francisco papers have been devot-
ing so much space. Mr. Kennedy fully
comes up to his reputation. He uses his
wonderful powers for mirth provoking
purposes alone and keeps his audience
in an uproar of laughter by making his
subjects do all sorts OF mirth provoking
things and to assume the most ridiculous
positions which cause them the utmost
surprise when they are again restored to
the control of their actions. A wonder I
full exhibition, truly, wherein the scien-
titic, humorous and pathetic are strong
ly blended and one well worth the see
ing. is safe to predict that this ore
feature alone would pack the theater to
the doors during its stay as it is the most
wonderful exhibition of the kind ever
seen on any stage.
LOS ANGELES NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
Frohmans stock company from the
Empire theater, New York, is now play
ing its seventh annual tour. 1t opens at
the Los Angeles theater tonight In The
Masqueraders. Mr.. Frohman has been
steadily strengthening this organiza-
tion until it is today one of the finest
theatrical companies in the country.
Every player has experience as we'll as
reputation. There are scarcely any
stock companies left now but the brill
liancy of the Empire company's engage
ments at its home theater and of its
various tours would seem to indicate
that the public has by no means tired of
seeing play as presented by n symme-
trical cast. The history of the Empire
company shows that the best plays of
the leading dramatists both foreign and
native, have been included in its roper
toire. On no previous tour has the COM
pany been supplied with pieces so we'll
adapted, in the opinion of the manage
ment to illustrate its versatility, both
in light comedy and intense drama. AL
though the trip mapped out for the EN-
pre this season has already taken it
from the Atlantic to the Pacific sea-
board. the company takes with it all the
costumes and appropriate scenery that
have marked the metropolitan runs. In
fact looked at from every point of view,
the presentations here, it is announced,
will be exactly on a par with those of the
engagements in New York, and previous
ly in London.
The leading woman is Miss Viola AL
len, who has occupied that position sew
eral seasons. Miss Allen through her
performances of leading roles in support
of Tomaso Salvini, Thomas Jefferson
and other leading stars. and her perform
ances of late under Charles Frohman's
direction, has become acknowledged as
one of our most successful emotional ac-
tresses. The leading man is Mr.. Will
lam Fr2versham. who. although new to
his present position has played import
ant parts in the Empire casts for a num-
Der of seasons and has distinguished
himself therein.
Other players worthy of much more
u. u.
who came to this country as the leading
character actor with Mr.. and Mrs. Ken
dal; May Robson, considered by many
the best eccentric commediene on this
side of the Atlantic; Annie Irish, Ida
Conquest, Mrs. Thomas Whiffen, Jane
Harwar. Ellen Gail. katherine Mulllins,
Lottie Nichoil, Robert Edeson, Ferdi-
nand Gottschalk. E. Y. Backus W. H.
Crompton, j. L. Finney. Charles Young,
Walter Day and George Pierce.
The Masqueraders will also be present
ed Wednesday evening and Saturday
matinee. The Benefit OF the Doubt will
he presented on Friday evening and
Clyde Fitche's comedy Bohemia on
! Thursday and Saturday evenings.
THE BURBANK.-Anothe large au-
dience greeted Sheridan's clever players
in Killarney last evening at the Bur-
bank. Miss Gassman is very clever in
the dual role of Kitty Burke and Teddy
Miss Emmett herself could take a few
lessons from this chic little artist. Gill
bert and Goldie make hit as usual. The
singing and dancing is typical of the
early days of "old Ireland" and are all
new. The scenic effects and stage set
tings are exceptionally attractive. Kill
larney will be given the balance of the
week and Saturday night.