The San Francisco call., 1899-11-06
MILE. Fiji APPEARS
IN FLYING SKIRTS

The male element was predominant at
the opening of the Alhambra Theater last
evening, when ''Mademoiselle Fifi'' made
her debut in San Francisco. For those
who are able to read between the lines,
this preliminary remark will be sufficient
to guess at the character of the play. In
fact it is not exactly complimentary to
our male theater-goers when it is obvious
that "Mademoiselle Fif'' and a Turtle"
are able to attract them, while more re-
fined performances are unable to gain
their patronage.
The stage is intended to illustrate the
various situations in our social system as
true to life as possible in a manner ele-
waiting in purpose. Therefore the good in
life should be made attractive, while the
bad should be presented as repulsive.
'Mademoiselle Fiji" therefore, cannot
does not only intend to make the
licentious mode of living permissible,
but it actually makes it a means by which
to obtain a supposedly honest end. In
other words, according to this latest off,
spring of French dramatic art, man IN
order to get a sort of sham divorce from
his wife for the purpose of obtaining GER
tain sums of money is allowed to accept
and return the attentions of a woman Of
the demi-monde, and afterward live again
happily with his wife, whom he remar-
ries, notwithstanding that the latter is
aware of his Irritation.
This play reminds me very much of a
/
bitter one-around which a sugar coating
of an exceedingly clever plot is laid. In
the first act you begin to sip the sugar,
/ for here is really dash and vim. The sec
! ond act becomes bitter and the entrance
| of Mile Fiji, followed by a vulgar love
scene. is the bitterest part Of it all. In
fact this music hall singer, who appears
in a semi-nude state-decollete, L mean
is only introduced for the purpose of Gre
ating a situation, which is best termed
double meaning" and by means of which
! o n
class of work ere attracted. AS stated be-
fore, the plot is excellent Certain con-
fusing situations arise, from plan to
gain a wife's money which cannot be Sc
cured unless the wife becomes single. An
excuse for a divorce IS invented to de-
ceive an objecting mOther-in-law and this
I divorce is the axis around which the en-
| tire plot revolves. 1t is cleVerly thought
! out and the gradual development of the
| play artistic. If there was only another
| character for Fiji and not quite as sug-
/ geStive a love scene the play might be
| pronounced clever comedy, somewhat
| "Frenchy," perhaps, but clever, neverthe-
! less.
Nance O'Neil reappeared last evening at
| the California Theater in her farewell en-
gagement. She played Nancy Sykes in
"Oliver Twist" The fierce temperament
| of this character makes it particularly
adapted to Miss O'Neil's dramatic talent,
and in consequence her audiences are de-
! lighted. 1t is a pleasure to find in this
dramatic desert an oasis where one can
refresh oneself at the spring of genius,
and the theater-going public of San Fran
y cisco should be grateful to Miss ONeil for
giving it some legitimate plays legitimate
~ acted. This evening will be an event of
much Importance at the California, as
| Professor Lindau's new dramatic venture,
| THE Shadow, will receive its maiden
production.
1.-THE Sad Sea Waves" began their last
breakers yesterday. The specialties are
verv much eniOved especiallv so the NIL
sical selections which are much to the
credit of Gustave Luders, the musical di-
rector Next week the successful farce
/ comedy, "Why Smith Left Home" will
appear at the Columbia and will no doubt
attract all those who enjoy real hearty
| laugh. ALFRED METZGER