Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-08-26
THEATRICAL SENSATION.

IaGAl1tlCAI SENSATION.
1t is currently reported in theatrical
circles that Eugene Blair. the cele-
brated emotional actress, who. with
her company. is rehearsing the Lady
OF Quality" at the National Soldiers
Home. at Hampton. has entered suit
against her husband, Robert Downing.
the well-known trngedian, for abso-
lutte divorce. The report. which gained
such Roadway as to be known in New
york, may be true, for it is known that
Mr. and Mrs. Downing have been close
10 parting for several years.
Mrs. Downing refused to be inter-
viewed concerning the rumor, and
when n reporter called at the Little
Hygeia.' the Home hotel, she sent him
word she was mot in" However, 1t
was learned that Mrs. Downing Cor
MISS Blair) had given positive orders
10 her maid and the hotel people to
inform all newspaper men who might
wish to see her that she was out
MISS Blair Is known from one end to
the other of the continent, having
played to audiences in every CITY of
any size in the United States. She
was for many years leading lady for
her husband when he played in the
role OF the Gladiator. and until four
years ago travelled with Mr. Downing.
Since that time Miss Blair has CON
trolled her own company, being famous
Mr.. and Mrs. Downing are both
great favorite with Norfolk theatre
patrons.
The most fascinating musical organi-
cation in New York City now is the
kaitenborn Symphony Orchestra of
lfty pieces, blending into one voice.
under the direction of Mr.. Franz Kali
tenborn. at the st. Nicholas Gardens.
rms orchestra has entranced the music
lovers of the metropolis with the grace
and poetry of Interpretation and per-
lection of finish displayed in the series
OIL concerts now in progress there.
1hi.housn they have already given
greater number of concerts in New
York than any other organization of
such magnitude has ever attempted
there Is no decrease in the interest or
attendance. In their tour of the United
states. to commence at the close of
.neir present engagements, they will
Visit this territory, and If Manage
Hollenberg will include Norfolk in the
INST of cities to be visited our people
VIII heartily appreciate the opportunity
10 near this splendid musical organi
cation.
n very significant circumstance in
Stoliiiectlon with the usual speculation
INDUCED in on Broadway in references
10 the coming theatrical season is the
almost entire absence of allusion to the
TACT that this is presidential year"
nour years ago managers figured on
this event as quite a factor; this year
1t seems to have little or no influence
on their plans. Managers who held
paok their attractions four years ago
until after the election arc sending
them out early this year. klaw S& Err
hanger launch two of their strongest
companies in September and October:
Joseph Brooks sends out two new and
untrled stars in September, and Frank
Mckee presents Mary Mannering as a
star October 1st, and Peter r. Daley
and the August family in September
Theatrical managers are very weather.
wise gentlemen. and do not figure SUI
perfciaily on events that are likely TO
affect their business, the most suscep-
tible OF all to eXtraneous influences.
this Presidential year out of their cal
culations is a point worthy of the con-
sideration of the politicians.
$50
Mr. II. z. Elan, manager OF the
Pleasure Pier Theatre, at Ocean View,
has been very successful there this
season, and it is believed that he will
be engaged to take charge of the pier
next season. Mr.. ELAN will open the
City Hall Theatre. at Suffolk, Septem-
Der 18th. with Mr.. Frederick Wade in
his new play. THE Dukes Jester"
He has Been very successful in his
bookings and will give his Suffolk pat
rons some of the best things on the
road during the coming season.
$50
Marc Tlaw, of Klaw & Erlanger. ar
rived from4GtsfePe on the steamship st.
Louis last Saturday (21st instanO He
brought with him some ancient furni-
ture from Jerusalem. of great value be-
cause of its archaeological correctness.
~ In, TO,.oc 10
hemia. 1t will be utilized in Ben
Hur" the coming season.
$50
While in London Marc Illaw secured
a new play for Miss Ada Rehan, writ
ten by Clyde Fitch, in which she will
He also contracted with David Belasco
TO write play for her, to be produced
season after next.
Stuart Robson's annual tour, under
the able guidance of Manager Daniel
V. Arthur, is announced to begin at AL
bany. N. Y. on Monday. September
18th. The comedian will continue to
present Augustus Thomas classic
comedy. "Oliver Goldsmith" repeated
best play yet furnished this admirable
actor.
The letter NJ seems to be a charm in
the dramatic world. a larger number
of our stars are indexed under il than
under any other letter. Among them
are Richard Mansfield, Julia Marlowe
Helena Modjeska Tim Murphy. Mary
Mannerng. Maggie Mitchell and Henry
Miller. In the company of the great
ones of the past-NIacklin, Macready.
Mossop. Matthews. Moncrieff. Mundcn.
John Mccullough, Frank Mayo and
James Il. Murdoch.
Harry b. Smith, author of the books
of most Of the important and success
full musical productions made in this