The herald., 1896-02-19
AT THE THEATERS

Los ANGELES THEATER-No classic story
is more treasured by men than that of the
grand old Roman, Virginius, and his great
sacrifice. Immortalized by Macauley, the
tragedy is familiar to the school child. 1t is
story that always appeals to the noblest
human instincts, a tragedy, alas, that even
today is reproduced in Eastern Europe,
where many a brave Armenian has sacri-
feed his daughter to shield her from the
lust of the pitiless Turk. Most playgoers
have seen Sheridan Knowles Virginius
often, but can never grow tired of the play
when in the hands of SO efficient company
as Mr.. Warde's. The Virginius of Fred
erick Warde seems to grow every year in
strength, and the performance last night
was simply magnificent. Mr.. Warde's
impersonation was grand and not word
or gesture of his was lost by the audience
who throughout were in the closest SYM
pathy both with the actor and the man.
We had but a short glimpse Of the man in
short speech between the acts. Through
out the evening his personality was lost IN
the character, and no greater praise can be
given an actor. 1t is hard, perhaps, and
not altogether artistic, to ask an actor to
step out OF his part and address an
audience, but Mr.. Warde is such past
master in these little speeches that there is
not a soul but looks for and enjoys them.
1t would be difficult to improve on Mr..
Warde's scenic mounting of virginius.
Not only are the smallest details accurately
attended to, but some remarkably fine
stage pictures are given. For grand effect
the scenes in the forum and the Roman
camp have never been surpassed at this
theater. The studied grouping of the citi-
zens and soldiers is always artistic, most
attractive and impressive.
Charles D. Herman scored no small
measure of success in the part of Appius
Claudius. His performance was fraught
with realistic power throughout. Mr.. Her
man was ably supported by that sterling
actor. Harry G. Barton, as Caius.
If one confesses to have seen more inn
pressive impersonations of Virginia than
that of Miss Fanny Gillette, nevertheless
there was much that was admirable in this
actress performance. The maidenly mod
esty. the tender pathos, and the devotion
eff the character were we'll portrayed. The
faithful Servia found very fitting imper-
senator in Mrs. Waldron.
One of the most interesting features of a
grand performance was the fine acting of
Beverly w. Turner as Dentatus. The rug
ged and gallant old soldier could not find a
better interpreter than this actor. There
was fire and force in his every movement.
Charles Sutton showed no little promise as
again made a favorable impression. MIR.
Byers as Munitorius gave another proof of
his ability and versatility.
Tonight the bill is a particularly interest
ing one. King Lear. This will be but Mr..
Warde's fourth performance of perhaps
drama, and all who appreciate this fine
actor's talent and ability. should make q
point of seeing this production. King Lear
will be repeated on Friday evening", and
tomorrow The Lions Mouth will be pro
. le'i A'i a1}iS0A 4AA sss -
THE Los ANGELES THEATEE. Eugene
O,Rourke. a young actor of prominence,
who is well and favorably known through
his former connection with first-class at
fractions, will be seen at,the Los Angeles
theater two nights, commencing Monday,
February "a, in his massive scenic produc.
ton OF the original Irish comedy.drama,
The Wicklow Postman. He will be SUD-
ported by his metropolitan company, and
the entire production will be staged exactly
as presented at the Fourteenth-street thea
ter, New York, at which play house the
piece and star received the hearty indorse-
nent of the New York press and public
during its extended engagement last fall.
number of attractive specialties will be
introduced. Mr.. O'Rourke himself will
sing all of his songs, which are fast becoin.
ing familiar all over the country. His
Arra1, 60 On, is sure to create the popular
fancy, as did the lamented Scanlan's Peek
a-Boo.
AS an extra attraction, Mr.. O'Rourke
will present the eX-champion of the world,
John l.. Sullivan, the most popular pugilist
the world has ever known, through his
being ever ready to defend his title against
all comers, not depending upon the good
graces of the press to fight his battles, as
is the custom of some latter-day cham
pions. His hands and massive frame were
all he wanted to defend his title. Although
defeated, ''good old John L. as he is
wont to be called, is not disgraced, and his
name will live long in ring history. On the
occasion Of his farewell appearance in this
city he will be assisted by his old-time
pugilistic rival, "Paddy' Ryan, the en-
champion of America, whom John L. de-
feated in 1882, for the championship.
These two famous celebrities will be per-
sonally introduced by the well-known
manager and hacker of athletes, Charles
E. Davies, more generally known as ''Par-
tomorrow morning.
THE ORPHEuM-The public likes good
music, especially when it is given in con-
nectiOn with a varied program of other
specialties. Such would seem to be the
verdict, at any rate, from the large audi
ences that have flocked to the Orpheum
Rachel Walker. Every night she is re-
called for encores. The De Witt sisters
have also proved themselves great favor
ties with the public. Their violin and cor
net playing is excellent. HowIey and
Doyle, the finished clog dancers, Mason
and Healy, the eccentric comedians, Hem
ley sisters in their beautiful mirror dance,
Gilmore and Leonard, Irish sketch artists,
and the sisters De Van, with their thrilling
performance OH the Lachelle magic, form
a splendid aggregation. The regular pro-
gram is rendered every night.
& i r
THE BuREANK-Wife for Wife, with May
Nannary in the leading role, is deserving of
and winning large audiences. The play is
elegantly staged and supe-bly rendered in
all details. The cast is a strong one and
the specialties are feature of the accept
able production. Miss Nannary appears
to better advantage than last week, and
that means that she is at her best. The
entire cast is doing clever work. 1t will be
given every evening this week and at the
Saturday matinee. Sunday evening there
will be presented the initial production of
the latest New York success. The Fire Pa.
troll. The first nights hereafter will be on
Sunday instead of Monday.
The Modern Way
Commends itself to the well-informed, to