The record-union., 1899-11-18
ADJUSTMENTS.

evening the new comedy mile. Fiji,
adapted from the French by Joseph
Grismer 1t had success in both San
Francisco and Los Angeles The Los
Angeles Record says of it:
Mile. Fiji" is a genuine Palais Royal
farce, adapted for the American stage.
and acted with delicacy and refine
ment that is as rare as it is delightful.
In the original French, the play is
doubtless risque and full of lines which,
although tolerated by the audiences Of
gay Paree, would not pass muster in an
American theater. Those who went to
the theater last night with the antic-
ipation of being terribly shocked came
away disappointed, for it is only by a
severe lashing of the imagination that
the morals of any model of propriety
can be materially damaged by the
amusing comedy.
The utmost discretion has been shown
by the manager in steering between the
Scy1la and Charybdis of dullness and
danger. To avoid crossing the line
Of discretion and yet to preserve an in
teresting play that will deal during
three acts with the theme of marital
infidelity is a task of Herculean pro-
portions, and one which can be accom-
plished only by those who thoroughly
understand the temper of American
audiences. To write a play like Fiji
for a French audience is comparatively
easy; to write the same play for an
American audience is a task full Of
difficulty and danger.
In the French original the author
has allowed his imagination to run riot
with the part of Mendoza, the Israelit-
ish money lender. who is one OF the
bright characters of the piece. But
in the American form, the character,
while still interesting, is toned down
so as not to give offense to a large
class of people who are regular patrons
Of theaters.
Maud Granger as the mother-in- law,
and Mamie Gibroy as Fiji, both played
their parts with the tact and ability
expected from actresses who have had
long and varied experience. In fact
the whole company displayed far more
talent than was expected in a play
which, instead of being a mass of in
decency, proves to be delicately acted
French comedy.
AT the close of the performance some
excellent pictures We're displayed by
the vitagraph. No views ever seen in
Los Angeles can in any way compare
with them in interest. Even with in
ferior lights, the audience seemed de-
lighted with the pictures of the Olympia
and of the presentation of the sword to
Dewey by President Mckinley
Take everything into consideration,
the show is not only interesting, but
refreshing after the third-rate rubbish
with which theater goers have been
deluged.
If Nance O'Neil did not know it be-
fore she assuredly realizes it now that
her abilities have won her a host of
friends in Sacramento. She has
played an engagement here of seven
performances that has been a complete
success in every respect, alike satisfac-
tory to her management and the the
alter going public. notwithstanding she
had the courage to infiict upon the
people that somber, unpalatable and un-
attractive play, 1.-THE Shadow" Ac-
cept gratuitous advice Miss ONeil, and
take the shadow from it's perch in your
repertoire. Last night the accomplished
young California tragedienne appeared
in the famous old role of Leah. The
result was that the house was packed
from pit to dome" Every seat was
taken, every inch Of outside room for
seats was occupied. The boxes, even
those usually deserted mezzanine boxes,
were full to overlooking; the foyer was
we'll occupied and the side aisles had
long fringe of standees. Such house
is rarity in Sacramento. And it was
an enthusiastic audience. It permitted
no stint of applause, but called and
called and called again upon the gifted
young woman to come forth and re-
ceive plaudits which were honest tri-
butes to genius. The balcony people
even went so far at the close of the cell
ebrated curse scene as to cheer the
actress, and right Justify too. If she is
not proud of such an ovation she is
insensible to sincere commentator by
as intelligent concourse of her fellow
citizens as could anywhere be brought
together. 1t is needless to comment
upon her method in this old-time play.
1t is not f1awless; it is not devoid of
defects-which is to say that in her
ripper years and experience she will bet
Ter it in more than one respect. But it
is character drawing so full of splendid
energy, so dominated by an informing
intelligence, so rich in the spirit of
high art, that it deserves all the com
mendation it last night received. Sue
cess is the best possible Endorsement
any artist can have and Miss O'Neil
mas won success honestly, deservedly,
and In such degree as she and her man.
agement must be proud Of. The support
last night was uniformally good, with
hne emphasis given by Barton Hill,
whose conception and Interpretation of
the character of Nathan the Apostate.
was matchless, while Mr.. Vroom's
Joseph was a fine rendering. better we
are disposed to think than ANYTHING he
has done here, especially in tba do
nunciation scene at the close of the Sec
ond act.
Season tickets to the three Popular
MUSIC Evenings" under direction of
Herbert A. Kidder can be had to- day
at the Opera-house, at Kohler 4
Chase's, PurnelPs and Pomner,s and
seats can be secured on them at the
Ciunie from to-day forward. Season
tickets are transferable. which makes
them the more valuable. Single adnlis-
sion and reserves can be secured at the
Opera house Monday morning. The
concert takes place at the Clunie Tues
day evening.
Seats can be secured at the Opera
house after 8 a. m. to-day for Nance
O'Neil's last appearance here which
In MI ~x,;n