The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-02-26
ERMINIE ENJOYED.
Francis Wilson's Engagement a Rare
Theatrical Treat.

Theatrical Treat.
The only reason several hundred To-
peka people are not now In possession
of photographs of the principals of the
Francis Wilson Opera company is the
fact that the artists are an sentiment
like the present Emperor of Germany
At least that is the reason the little
comedian gave the audience at the
Crawford theater Saturday night for
falling to distribute Photographic like
nesses Unfortunately. Like the En-
peror of Germany we have never had
any TAKEN" said he, and then the audi
ence laughed as it only could be expect
ed to do under such circumstances.
1t was one of the many clever things
that Francis Wilson incorporated in his
speech before the curtain after the sec
ond act of 'Erminie,' which was de-
manded by the most energetic applause
that has been heard in the Crawford
theater this season. If was the first time
that a Francis Wilson curtain speech
was heard in Topeka, because of the fact
that it was the first appearance of the
comedian here. It proved to be one of
the entertaining features of the even
ing.
Curtain speeches, as rule deal but
little with stern reality, but there was
one remark in the Wilson speech, which
robbed Of its humorous coating, carried
with it considerable more truth than
poetry. 1t was in reference to the pro-
fits of the "skindicate,' as Mr. Wilson
jocularly put 1t, and forcibIy remind
ed those in the audience at all familiar
with the formation of the theatrica.
trust that Francis Wilson was the last
star to surrender
when a man makes a curtain
speech said the comedian, che destroys
absolutely the illusion that the play
right and composer have had great diff
ficulty in creating, and then the audi
ence wants its money back. But under
no circumstances will the audience get
it. We have too much consideration
for the local management" and here he
bowed to Mr.. L. NJ. Crawford. seated in
a box to the left of the stage, Ito allow
anything like that to happen. We are
generous enough to permit the local
management to take one per cent of the
gross receipts of each and every per-
Torrance, and the rest goes to the
'shindicate.' "
Alice Nielsen Opera company has an or
ganizatiOn, containing as much ac-
knOWledged talent as the Francis Will
son company, visited Topeka. The CO.
nIedian was assisted in making Err
mimic" delightfully."- entertaining by Pau
line Hall, Jennie Weathersby and VIII
liam BrOderick, all of whom had places
in the original production, and Lulu
CHASER, who has been the principal as
sociate of Francis Wilson for several
years.
To mention that this is the second re-
vival of "Erminie," after a record Of
exceptional success at the time of it's
first production IA years, is the best that
can be said of the opera. The fact that
it's tuneful music has been familiar for
years made its production no less ap-
preciated-
The principals were supported by an
adequate chorus, and the opera was
satisfactorily staged. Lulu CHASER found
extreme favor with the audience in the
part of "Javotte." Miss Chaser has q
captivating manner about her which
forces one to appreciate her work.
The audience that saw 'Erninie" was
the largest since the appearance here OF
Sol Smith Russell last season.