Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-08-14
THEATRICAL GOSSIP
Some Good Stories Picked Up During
the Dull Season.
GROWING POPULARITY OF GLEN echo
Preparations Being Made for the
Coming Fall Work.
GRAND OPERA HOUSE

The only amusement resort to which
ladies can go now is Glen Echo, and every
night they flock out there IN crowds
Wherever the ladies go there the men are
sure to be, and result of the fondness
of the ladies for the picturesque grounds OF
Glen Echo and TO- the attractions of its
amphitheater thousands crowd the electric
cars nightly and find their way to thai
beautiful spot on the Potomac. Many &C
early and take their dinners at the cafe
and nothing is more pleasant than to sit
on the veranda, with cool breezes blowing
and with music playing, and take ones
evening meal. It's getting to be quite the
fad to do this. Many ladies and children
who cannot well go at night make the trip
in the afternoon and listen to the same
program.
The success of Beau BrummeP' precipi-
tated delIge of costume plays. With their
customary methods, managers proceeded
TO produce costume plays merely for
the sake of the costumes and without re-
gard to the play, and the result was dis
appointment in numerous instances. AS
soon as 1t became obvious that the public
recognized the subterfuge which had been
attempted, a reaction set in, and the cos
tune play Is now regarded with suspicion.
An eminent manager expresses the follow
ing opinion:
1T is only occasionally that costume
plays succeed, and then. in spite Of their
being period plays, only because they have
strong and interesting love themes. When
a historic subject is chosen, it is almost
always necessary to introduce a great
many passages and incidents. which barely
nave the charm of dramatic novelty. They
are interesting because of their historical
Importance, but not of much value for the
stage. 1t is difficult except in rare cases,
IN the production of plays by stock COM
modern IN int
diences in remote periods, unless the play
possesses intrinsically an unusual charm
The expense of elaborate costuming makes
1t desirable that such plays should be
worked upon by one of very sound expe-
rience in what will please modern au-
diences.'
Mr.. Edward Middleton, the manager of
Glen observation-disclosures, had a rather
exciting experience as his Introduction to
that now popular pleasure resort. Mr.
Middleton did not reach Glen Echo until
O'Clock on the Monday that he took charge,
having come from Philadelphia with his
vaudeville people. who were to make their
first appearance at Glen Echo that night.
The first information given him was that
the FadetteS. the woman orchestra, had
declined to play for vaudeville people. The
leader said that her force was an artistic
organization. and played good music but
that 1t would not do Accomplishments for
song and dance men or acrobatS Here
was pretty howdy-do. He tried to reas IN
with the young women from Boston, but
they planted their feet firmly and would
not bulge from their position.
Well said Middleton, well have to get
4 piano; and, without saying a word he
jumped on a car. and as was supposed,
started for the city. His assistants Won
dered how he was going to get into Wash
ington, secure piano when all the music
stores We're closed, and return with 1t in
time for the performance, which was to
commence at $40. In less than half an
hour Middleton returned with a wagon
containing a piano. and it was placed on
the stage. ready for action.
Where did you get it?" asked Tom Will
kinson.
Went to house down the road told the
people my fix. asked the loan of their in
strument until tomorrow, got it. and here
II is was Middleton's reply.
II was impossible to secure a male pianist
that evening. so one of the Fadettes had to
sink her ideas of classical music Suffi-
GENTLY to play Accomplishments to the
vaudeville performers for that night only.
Fletcher of this city, is to have a produce
ton in New York very soon. Mckee Ran
kin will produce ii at the Murray Hill
Theater. THE Baby has weathered some
rather severe storms, and having survived
so long on the doorstep of success. there
is every reason to expect that it will find
itself comfortably adopted as public fav-
critic. Mr.. Rankin seems to have shared
had in selecting a play which would pre-
sent him in the most advantageous man.
ner. Possibly the Baby will do for Mr..
Rankin what "Pudd' nhead Wilson did for
Mayo.
The tour of Robert Downing will be in
augurated the evening of August 30, at the
Academy of Music. The company so far
engaged is far above the average and in
cludes some of the best-known players now
before the public. and especially is this
true with reference to the principals.
Prominent among them are Adelaide Fitz
Allen, who in past years has supported
Keene, Salvlni and other famed tragedians;
Harriet Sterling, who for years was promi-
nent IN all ot A, NJ. Palmers productions.
and Miss Helene Potter. ENgene Moore and
Edward n. HOyt. who divide the leading
business: e. W. Vance, Clement St. Mar
tin, Richard Steele. Charles McMurdy W.
A Robinson and George A. Holt also
In the company These. together with an
auxiliary of ten responsible young men and
women. go to make up one of the strongest
organizations on the road. What will add
original interest TO Mr.. Downing's tour is
the announcement that he will present for
the hrst time on any stage during his
Washington engagement Mr.. George s.
Johns new play, David Laroque," based
on the theme of a popular novel by George
Ohnet The production will be elaborate
In the extreme and there will be a wealth
of scenic embellishments heretofore I'M
known IN stage productions. Every stitch
embraces all the principal cities of the
country.
Carl & Theodor Rosenfeld, who bring the
Banda Rosa" TO this country in October
for a transcontinental tour, intend to
make 1t similar to the famous Gilmore fes-
tival tours, with which the well-known
bancmaster vas SO successful some wears
ago Two fine vocalists of great European
reputation have just been engaged in addi-
ton TO those already announced, and the
programs will present several new and
original features never yet presented by
any band here. The Banda Rosa" has
Just returned to San Severe where IL is
located when not on tour-having Just con-
Guided remarkably successful trim
through Germany. After four weeks en-
gagement in the principal Italian summer
resorts. they Will start fop this country.
opening their long tour, extending from
New York to San Francisco at the Metro
politan Opera House. October Is.
The successful application of the prin-
ciIdes Of arbitration to the differences be-
tve.n klaw 4 Granger. the managers of
'onc Round OF Pleasure and sydney
Ros'nfeld. the author of the original bool,
OF this piece. has forestalled all legal pro-
c,'diuEs and the erratic Rosenfeld and
'iaN NJ Greene will be given credit, Joint.
" Tor 10 authorship. Walter Jones Rich
nfd earle, the Rogers brothers Charles