The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-06-29
A NEW THEATER
TO Be ERECTED
FOR BELASCO
In the Heart of the
City.

Manager Belasco Of the Alcazar is to
have a new theater. He said last night
that he had signed an agreement with a
prominent business man for the erection
of handsome building, up-to-date in
every particular in which would be dedi-
Gated a grand temple of the drama.
Last week." said Mr.. Belasco, II re-
newed my lease on the AlcaZar for three
years, beginning the first of August. At
its expiration 1 will go into a new theater,
which is to be erected for me. 1t will
be within a block of my present location.
l have inspected the site and looked over
the general plans. The theater will be
ready for occupancy the minute the Aica-
Ear lease expires. have signed an agree
ment to that effect with a prominent bust
ness man of this city, whose name is
sufficient guarantee that he means bust
ness. In addition to the theater the build
ing Will contain large number OF lodge
rooms, and will be a handsome addition
to the architectural beauties OF the city:
of the Alcazar, Mr.. Belasco confirmed the
report that NJ. H. de Young had doubled
the rental, In almost the same breath
that the hand of S. H. F'riedlander of the
California Theater could be seen In the
increase.
well. I will not say what I'd do But
The rumor was to the effect that Belasco
and Friedlander, who do not speak as
they pass by, were collaborating well II
unwilltngly in a new theatrical comedy
with the old title, He Laughs Best That
Laughs Last" The first act was pre-
sented to the public several weeks ago,
and made an instantaneous hit. In 1t
Friedlander was discovered making MS
exit. p D. O., from the Alcazar Belasco,
planting patent leather where 1t would
find the softest mark on the fugitiVe's
rear view. The prologue, unseen by the
audience, showed to the satisfaction of
Belasco that Friedlander had sought to
engage two youthful stars at that time
touring in the interior with the Belasco
& Thall company. A slap in the face,
according to all accounts, is said to have
FASTENED Friedlander's exit from the pain
fulness of the prologue into the presence
of the public in the first act. The curtain
on that part of the comedy went down on
a rapidly lessening perspective OF Fried
landers coattaiIs as he outfooted the
portly Belasco.
A period of six weeks, filled by Fried
lander with a cram of Machiavelli. is sup
posed to have elapsed between the first
and second acts, in which Nj. h. de Young
appears for the first time as a star come
dian. NJ. H. IS discovered in his office,
softly cussing the Geary- street turntable,
when enters Friedlander. bearing 8. silver
platter, on which he makes an offer for
the AlcaZar somewhat in excess or the
rental paid by Belasco.
Hum, coughed the director general,
eying it.
Exit F'riedlander, chuckling. De Young,
sous, at the phone minute later. That
you Fred? Yes? This is De Young.
I'll have to raise your rent. Got dozen
offers for the theater. Yes. Just make it
double Yes, ! said a dozen. You know
me- You do. Well. that goes" Hangs up
the telephone, and scene changes to the
swearing room in the Alcazar, where Bel
asco is making rasping noises with his
mouth as a curtain rolls up, back, show
ing Frledlander in blue light on fence
smiling sardonically at his vanquished
enemy
None of the principals. however, will
father this act. Belasco says he does not
believe it and Friedlander says he never
made an offer for the Alcazar. The only
grain of truth therefore. that seems to
be in the rumor lies in the fact that Bel
asco's rent has been doubled, and there's
no comedy in that, except for De Young.