The San Francisco call., 1898-06-19


 when all who can do so hie
 themselves to the mountains or
 seaside, has been much inn proved by the advent of T. Daniel Frawley with an entirely reorganized company and several new plays which he confidently asserts are up to his usual standard of selection.
 To those whose environments prevent them from taking an annual outing this most desirable addition to the limited field for entertainment will be grate- fully accepted. It is true we have not our old familiar and priZed friends of the former company, whose artistic productions were the pride and satis- faction of the discriminating theater- Soers of San Francisco of whom, thanks be, there are many, but we can req sonably hope that among the capable people MT. Frawley has gathered around him there may be those who will win equally warm places in our hearts, even if there is not a Blanche Bates, Gladys Wallis, or Worthing
 It is not an easy task the new com pany has before it in view of the high standard of excellence set by their pre- decessors, and any nervousness or signs of weakness that has been or may be displayed by them can be attributed to their knowledge that they are being subjected to the invariably disagreea ble comparison. However. they should have the courage of their capabilities and give us the best they have without reference to who has been before or who may come after. In light comedy the company has made @ very favora ble impression and tomorrow evening it will be seen in Bronson Towards bril- liant satirical comedy drama, "Aris- tocracy.' This is one of Towards best works, ranking in merit and popularity with his other successes, Shenandoah" The Bankers Daughter" and The Henrietta" The plot is strong, clearly laid and worked out to an ornate con clusion.
 The subject gives the author a wide field in which to display the weak nesses of humanity and to show that these defects often exist where least suspected. This he does in a masterly manner, his portrayal of the devilish means by which the downfall of a gift ed and beautiful woman is encompass ed being most delicately and power- fully pictured. It is the old story of mans cruel depravity and the fatal aspirations of weak woman with destroying ambition to shine in the highest social sphere. The difficulty of depicting this part as that of wo- man of lofty nature and attainments, who deeply loves her husband and who at the same time is conscious of her imminent danger but lacking the moral courage to flee from it, is one that calls for the best abilities of Q talented act ress. For this reason, aside from the other strong characters in the play. the presentation of 'Aristocracy" will hold particular interest on account of the new friends who are to appear in it.
 These being war times and patriot ism at high pressure, we are. very ap- prOpriately, to have war plays in va liety. The Alcazar has q new one, '"The Nations Defenders" the scenes of which are laid in Manila and San Francisco. which the management in tended to produce tomorrow night, but its introduction was delayed for the very good managerial reason that "A Celebrated Case" is still drawing full houses. This appreciation and sup port is well deserved. for the play is not only very capably acted. with Lewis Morrison as the star, but is rich ly staged and costumed It win hold the boards another week and then make way. for scenes of war and valor.
 The Columbia as two war plays in hanG one of which was written by Brigadier General King, now with the Volunteer troops in this city. better known as the author of several stirring novels of life in Western gar:isons. It Is called Fort Frayne." The other. se- cured by Mir. FraWley. deals with the early days of the Rebellion and one of its great naval battles, showing the blowing up and sinking of a warship. In view of the fact that "Shenan- doah' is having great runs In New York and Chicago it is naturally be- lieved that public taste here Is in a condition to take to such productions heartily.
 With the production of a rewritten and rearTanged version of the ever- acceptable and perennial Ali Baba," dressed up with appropriate music | adapted from the best authors. well l constructed jokes to be operated by | Stevens and the whole presented In the usual good style of the Tivoli: with | After Dark" evived. handsomely | staged and well played at Morosco's | and a good string of choice, new, up to-date acts at the Orpheum theater goers will perforce be contented, con- the season.