The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-08-27
PLEYER FOLK
THROUGH THE
CRITICS EYE

NM said to provoke such confession,
wv / may say that the remark IN
Tuesdays issue, written between
'churchyard yawning and cock-crowing,
about the wooden inexperience with which
Oscar Norfleet handled his death, looked
at me rather accusingly from the printed
page, 1t is a question in my mind whether
any one could have done 1t better. To
face the audience and die at length, with
journal of last messages upon the lips
messages that could and should have been
delivered before the duel-is such cruel
and inartistic demand for play to make
upon an actor that he should be commits
serated rather than criticized. l cry pee
cavi." Dissolution is at best a grewsome
process. and 1t Is the creed of my dra-
matte faith that death scenes will by tho
sword of revolution be Topped from the
drama Of the future. Such scenes coming
down to US with the classics from former
generations, are like the ark of the coy
enant, too sacred to be touched; but the
ism, leEgthen out its acts with mawkish
and unreal gloom. In "Cavalleria Rus
ticana" Alfio and Turridu night their duel
TO mortal finish behind the scenes. This
piece of art needs no applause. 1t recon-
mends itself by It's visible influence on the
opinions OF the people; who feel, II they
thoughtful indulgence to their sympathies:
Last week the suggestion was made that
the death OF Rake In the desert be cut
from Under Two Flags" 1t was tried
and found very good, though 1t did lead
TO humorous incident. The audience
missed scene, and, tenacious Of its
like Oliver Twist, for more" Mr.. Lada
played the occasional, but no one budged.
Rising to the occasion. he faced the audi
ence with Home, Sweet Home" and ges-
lures indicating the exit. A short pause,
and then the solemn sitting broke up in
glee. l have wandered some from "A
but since l have no affection for either
this is not remarkable. Next week HO-
henstauffen will be welcomed back, for Mr..
Clement has created here truly human
interesting character, and his portrayal of
the role easily placed him upon dra-
matte height from which he Will not easily
playing The Bells" 1 hope it Is not
mere hearsay.
Temporary circumstances not possible
to override sometimes lessen the interest
of an Orpheum bill, but no management
keeps better faith with the people than
the Orpheum management. This con-
slant and generally successful effort to
give the best is a pretty good touchstone
by which TO try the services of those one
trusts: Felix Morris and picked com
act play, taken from Boucicault's might
and Morning" Little Arnold eraser and
Hazel Callahan do a new. spectacular mir
ror dance; the Mouliere sisters perform on
the triple bar; Apollo bounds on a wire.
and the old favorites do new specialties.
Art. industry and time. the three most
powerful agents Of progress, are produc-
ing so much that is forceful and admir-
able in the dramatic world that the pauc-
ity of new comic opera is the more APP
parent. A manager can return from the
East with his pockets stuffed with plays
one has never seen presented-not all
good, to be sure, but If one good comic
opera be found it is a signal for rejoicing
and immediate praise service. Half the
world is early put to the piano. Much of
this musical energy is well directed and
good musicians are thus produced; but,
alas so many of them are only musicians
Genius has been cultivated at the expense
of general education and a certain narrow
mindedness not in touch with the world
is the result. The librettist is supposed
to supply material for inspiration, but
how shall the musician produce melody
best comic opera will be written by the
man who can do both. Comic opera
touches a large community with It's inf1u-
ence, and why should it he beneath the
ambitions of those who can handle a
theme with classical correctness? But
of this lack Of material the Grand Opera
house, by reason of careful rehearsal and
novel spectacle, gives new interest to the
old and generally rewards its patrons lib
orally for their patronage. Paul Jones' |
is billed for Monday.
Mr.. White Whittlesey played Ingomar
last season to Miss Arthur's Parthenia
and easily shared the honors of the per-
Torrance. Tomorrow night the play is to
be produced at the AlcaZar and an elab-
crate production is promised. This is
Miss Roberts last week. Her departure
will be regretted and her return looked
forward to with pleasure.
CHARLOTTE THOMPSON.