The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-09-19
DRINKS WITH AN OLYMPIA PLAY
Charles Frohman Calls on the Police to Inter-
fere Next Monday Night.

Charles Frohman, through his attorneys, yes
terday notified Chief McCullagh that Oscar
Hammerstein would on Monday night present
q serious drama called The Cat and tho
Cherub" In tho music hall OF the Olympia at the
close of his regular variety show, during which
drinks are usually sold. Mr.. Frohman's attor-
neys called tho Chiefs attention TO the fact
that this was a contemplated violation Of the
law, and Chief McCullagh said that he would
see that no violation Of the law was permitted.
The sketches sometimes acted in music halls
are violations or the law, but these have hith-
erto been disregarded. Mr.. Frohman says
that he has q particular object in his present
action.
when I returned from London this sum-
mer.' Mr.. Frohman said, II made inquiries
to see II l could not put q buffet in the Empire
Theatre similar to those in the London theatres,
at which my audiences could DO accommo-
dated without being compelled to leave the
building. / saw these bars in London, appre-
ciated that our theatres were behind those Of
Europe In that respect, and wanted to mako
them as complete. But / was told that such
an arrangement was out Of the question. Now
I have a very good opportunity to make a test
of my rights in the matter. Oscar Hammerstein
has. taken out of my new Chinese play. The First
Born one Of its best situations, altered it
very slightly, secretly prepared the production
Of the piece. and will present 1t some weeks in
advance Of the date announced last summer as
fixed for the performance here of The First
Born which.has been played for 80 ;eral months
in San Francisco.
"Mr. Hsmmerstein copies my idea, takes one of
my strongest scenes and will present The Cat and
the Cherub,' with the privilege OF selling drinks
to his audience, while l was not allowed to put a
small cafe into my theatre for the convenience
OF my patrons: / am perfectly frank in saying
thai l never should have protested to the police
against the sale Of liquor there il Mr.. Ham.
merstein had not taken my ideas and one scene
of my play. 1t is no sketch or burlesque, but a
tragic one-act play.
'1f a man:out West took one of my situs.
tons l would have him arrested, but i will
have to wait until the Hammerstein piece Is
that The First Born is by Francis Powers.
and Francis Fernald is the author of the NAV
TO be given at the Olympia.
He says 1t 10 taken from q magazine story
written three years ago and changed enough
the use OF one Of the best situations in nv play.
MI. Hainmersteiu has been aided in his pro-
ductior ~ an.actor who saw the piece a mum.
Der Of IS in San Francisco. After the play
Il acted, 1 Will be able to say what steps Will
certain situations"
MIR. Frohman received a cable from London
last night saying that all arrangements had
been settled by which he becomes with George
Edwards joint lessee of the Duke OF Yorkfs
theatre IN Lyndon for a term OF nineteen
This Is the first London theatre of which he ia
TO be absolute mana ger. 1t will be chiefly de.
Voted 10 the production Of American nIays
WHO American actors. and the Empire Thea
tre company Will IN the future play there
every spring instead Of travelling through this