The times., 1899-06-06
THINGS THEATRICAL.
,oIumbin-sLondon Assurance y,


schooled in society drama cannot we'll turn
back their dial Of time a half century and
appear in the best of light, but fiattering
indeed was the reception rendered the Old
time play by the audience, which braved
natures endeavors to exalt the thermome-
trio mercury.
Frankly considered, London Assurance
last evening was not remarkable for its
smoothness. In professional parlance 1t
would be termed "lumpy." A full portion
of the responsibility for this defect must
be laid at the door of the author. while the
well-weighted shoulders of the Frawley
ties must bear the remainder, possibly due
to insufficient rehearsals. Honors were
quite evenly distributed among the swell
tering Thespians, the only regret being
that some OF the most capable were cast in
wee bits with no possibilities. OF these.
Alfred Hickman especially distinguished
himself by tasteful reading and imper
sohation of Cool. Bits in good grace by
George CASTOR, Frank Mathew, Georgia
Welles. and Thomas Phillips redeem parts
insufferably bad. Featured upon the pro-
gramme is Miss Blanche Bates in the IA
nous old character of Lady Gay Spanker.
A woman of genius indeed is this Cali
fornian who one week astounds with her
magnetic impersonation of adventuresses
and the next amuses by characterizations
OF sporting aristocracy. Not that Miss
Bates comedy is pre-emnent for some of
her acting is apparently forced. especially
when speaking to those unfamiliar with
lines and situations. But now and then
CLINT of genius shines through the clouds
Of uncertainty, as when she recites the
racing scene, moving both auditor and OBJ
server with enthusiasm.
Mr.. Frawley again finds his chosen line
of pnply in hA lTuhf DIV Nars Of
Charles Courtley, and some of his reading
was exceedingly good. The Sir Harcourt
Courtley of Charles King is in marked
contrast with that of others seen in the
part, in that it is always comedy and
never straight Augustus Cook was not
at ease in his role of Mark Harkaway,
while ]. R. Amory gave by all odds the
best work of his engagement as Dolly.
the imbecile husband. His impersonation
was more than good, especially in the
third act. Harrington Reynolds is in
clined toward monotony in his reading.
while the really incongruous part OF Mark
NEEDLE finds an excellent and as consist
ent as possible an Interpretation in the
character of Godfrey Stein. The control
OF voice exhibited by the young actor is
remarkable, and his makeup notable. Miss
Mary Van Buren, is also properly cast for
once, and looks quite delicious in her
crinoline gowns and quantity dressed hair.
Comedy is evidently Miss Van Buren's
forte and she made the most of her oppor
tunity. even though responsible for a
diminutive stage wait. Later in the
week, London Assurance" will be much
smoother and better generally. Each per-
former last night received a welcome from
the audience, which. was composed OF the
customary Frawley clientele. Forgetful of
large faults and mindful of small merits.
curtain calls followed each act
Slight alterations have been made in
the bill announced for the remainder Of
the week. Responsive to general request,
THE Dancing Girl will be again done
on Thursday evening. thus permitting the
hundreds unable to secure seats last week
to see the Frawley masterpiece. Friday
night will see the most popular bill of the
season in Sweet Lavender" while the
engagement will be concluded with THE
Wife on Saturday afternoon and evening.
Kernan,s-"Hot Air Burlcsauers."
The old time homeopathic principal that
like is cured by like" received a strongly
suggestive argument in its favor at the
Lyceum yesterday afternoon and evening
The swelter producing weather was unable
to prevent the hosts of friends of Manager
'Hughey' Herman from testifying to his
popularity upon the occasion OF his annual
benefit performances. THE Hot Air Bur
lesquers" were the attraction, and by vir-
tue OF the therapeutic principle previously
evolved, the house was as comfortable as
in spring or early autumn. The attraction
merited the patronage, and the future per-
formances of the Hot Air people will also
be largely attended.
There are several commendable features
h i'll.
raise the performance above the ordinary
level. In the first place, the concluding
burlesque has some apparent motive, is
well staged with special scenery, well COS
tuned, and has a dash and go that make
il very pleasing. The women are as shape
ly as they are numerous, nd the songs sung
are not yet in their majority. The olio is
also above the average, in that the turns
are not, as a rule, too long drawn out and
the performers are fairly good in their sew
eral ways. Those in the olio are Kline and
Gotthold, character impersonators; Lewis
and Dlakely who execute some remark
able tunes with their feet; Durham and
Van, singers and dancers; the Grahams, in
a fine one-act absurdity called "A Soldiers
Sweetheart which is alive with laughs
Mitchell and Cain, whose act would be
remedied to some extent by shortening
Swor and Devoe, in songs and sand dances.
and the Madisous, in illustrated songs. In
the afterpiece some excellent character
acting is done by Mr.. Cain, George Lewis,
and May Stern. All in all, the olio and
afterpiece are of more than average good
ness The attendance in the afternoon was
not as large as in the evening. when stand
| ing room was at decided premium.
Bijou-NnudeVillc.