The herald., 1896-10-07
At THE THEATERs

LOS ANGELES THEATER-Certainl
Mr.. Frawley and his company of players
can we'll be proud Of the reception ac-
corded them last night. AS rule, An
geleno audiences are not prone to rise
to the heights of fervor in their demon
strations of welcome; they are not dis
posed to give lavish manifestations of
their affection for the favorites of the
stage, except on the most rare and ex-
ceptional occasions, but the manner in
which they received each and every old
favorite Of the Frawley company was
alike gratifying to playgoers and play
ers. 1t was the most spontaneous and
enthusiastic reception that has been ac-
corded to any actor or public favorite
since the days of Emma Abbott. There
was both rhyme and reason in this re-
ception, for our theater-goers most ade-
quately appreciate conscientious work,
and when 1t is allied with talent of most
rare order, they are ready to throw aside
the ordinary lines Of reserve and give
full and free expression to their laudable
feelings.
The audience last night was made up
of the best elements of local society," and
they enjoyed most felicitious evening Of
comedy. The play was comedy adapted
from the German by Augustin DAILY, The
Great Unknown. AS to the diction, it is
bright and opposite, full of telling points
| and peculiarly forceful situations. There
IS no beating of the tomtoms Of melo-
dramatic ecstasy nor dabbling in the dirt
of the reprehensible modern stage idea
OF feverish immortality. 1t Is simple
story, simply told, and withal there are
dainty touches Of pathos and wide
stretches Of human nature, that engage
the fancy and appeal to the common
heart.
But rising above the play was the unit
ed effort of the players. There was an
added breadth and rhythm in their work
that gave new lights on the phases Of
the day-the life that is lived around us
and one felt that 1t was for such play
ers that Ben Jonson, Massinger, Van
Brugh, Sheridan and, may we say ii?
Congreve presented to the world the
world the sparkling tokens of their ge-
MUS. In these days of decadence 1t is
refreshing to the man of the world, who
regards the stage as conservator OF lit
erature and wit in it's true sense, to real
ize that the members of the Frawley
company can be accounted as true exem-
plars of the best ethics Of that stage. In
times past this was foreshadowed, and
their work last night most consummate-
ly accentuated this truism. Here we
have company of players around whom
association of the golden era of the
stock company.
Mr.. Frawley played the part of an Irish
gentleman in The Great Unknown. He
gave us q most admirable exploitation
of the good parts of the man of Trinity
college, whose Doric accent has always
been recognized as the purest English.
There was nicely and finish about Mr.
Frawley's work that charmed alike by its
subtlety and innate histrionic fOrceful-
ness. In Mr.. Frawley's stage work one
finds most happy combination of the
best methods Of three actors, to-wit: E.
L. Davenport, Dion Boucicault and H. J.
Montague. While the triad is a rather
odd one in the matter of establishing
a comparison, its close identity will be
recognized by all old theater-goers who
watch Mr.. Frawley's stage work. Ger
tainly he gave us most charming char
acterization in the ODonnell last night,
and one could readily fancy that all the
fOrceful elements of a long and historic
race found choice and happy expression
in this presentment. But. Mr. Frawley's
wine needs no bush here in Los Angeles
Our people know and appreciate his true
art.
Nothing could be more piquart, moth
ing could be SO entirely delightful as the
love scene between Mr.. Worthing, as
Ned Dreemer, and Blanche Bates in the
second act. 1t was as delicately drawn
as that exquisite little love rhapsody be-
tween Kenelm Chillingly and Lily in
Bulwers notable novel. There, was the
true art of the player in the work of both
Of these actors, not alone in this scene
but throughout their entire work. Both
gave full evidence Of the strength and
virile effectiveness of their schooling,
and made us forget for the nonce that
we were looking on a picture of life and
impelled us to the conviction that we
shared in episodes of actual life.
Miss Phosa McAllister played the part
Of the managing aunt, and in the devel-
opment of her arts of diplomacy she gave
to us another admirable manifestation
of the scholarly lines on which her stage
art is grounded. We all know that Miss
McAllister is most consummate ac-
tress in the roles she essays, and her
work last night demonstrated that her
forensic impulses are rounding out on
the truest lines Of stage art.
Miss Rose Pansy was most delightful
impersonation, and her manners, her
action and presence all united in the
building up of a stage personality that
had the charm of perfect finish.
Miss Rowan as the widow gave a clean
cut picture Of an engaging woman. The
picture was most admirably drawn,
and the lights and shadows were poised
in exquisite balance.
Mr.. Clark as Jeremiah fully pictured
to us distincV characterization There
is suavity of ease about Mr.. Clark's
work that betokens careful study
Miss Cook, as the indomitable Ara
bella presented in singularly striking
manner a most curious character, In
which are embodied many of the fads
and fantasies Of the day. A sort of
transmogrified "Blue Stocking" Her
work had all the force of stirring, graph
ic power.
The remainder of the cast gave full
measure Of satisfaction In their roles.
THE BURBANK.-This afternoon
there will be a special matinee of Oil
vette at the Burbank theater. There have
been so many ladies whose husbands
are in politics who have expressed de-
sire to see Olivette and cannot come
evenings without an escort, that the
Wednesday matinee will undoubtedly
be a success Tonight will be the last
appearance of the Ideals in Olivette, as
the program for tomorrow evening is
The Chimes of Normandy. The Frawley
company from the Los Angeles theater,
the members of the Orpheum company
and the WILDER Stock company have all
been invited and will attend the matinee.
A STAGE HELD UP.
SONORA, Oct. 6.--The Oakdale stage
that left here Monday night at 10 o'clock
with five passengers was held up by lone
highwayman on Crimea hill, near the Cri-
mea house. The mail pouch and Well
Fargo wooden treasure box were rif1ed.
Only a small sum was secured. The pas