The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-10-07
THE PASSING SHOW.

will occupy the Lafayette Opera House dur
ing the remainder OF the season will arrive
in Washington the latter part of this week.
and will at once commence rehearsals for
the first performance, which is scheduled
to occur two weeks from tomorrow night
| After carefully considering every promi-
nent player available, Manager Berger and
his right-hand man, Stage Manager Bel
Jews, have finally completed the company,
ant are very emphatic in the assertion
thft it is, in their opinion, unequaled by
any other stock organization outside OF
New York City
The roster of the organization contains
the name of Blanche Bates, who will pld,
a special engagement of six weeks with
the Lafayette company, during which time
she will be regarded as the leading lacy.
Previous contracts and the plans OF Miss
Bates manager, David Belasco, will pre-
vent the actress from remaining in Wash
ington permanently. When she retires
from the cast Miss Percy Hasweli, WIN
will be recalled with much pleasure by
local playgoers as the principal membe--uf
the stock company at the Columbia The
atre last spring, will take 1er place ana
will play the leading feminine roles Eu-
gene Ormond will be the leading man, with
John T. Sullivan, who has acquired con-
siderable fame as portrayer OF polished
villains on the stage, as the second lsac-
ing man." Walter Craven, a well known
actor, Will be seen in character and "oid
men roles, while Robert Rogers will also
play character parts. Charles Wyngate a
pleasing young actor, will assume the light
comedy characters. John Daily Murphy,
described as very talented and handsoIns
young player. viii be seen in the Juvenile
parts. Fred. Sullivan completes the list of
male principals. He will play character
bits. and assist Mr.. Bellows in the manage
ment Of the stage.
One of the principal feminine members
of the company will be Miss HoItsnse
Nelson, younger sister OF the we'll
known operate prima donna, Alice y il
son, who comes to Washington fer a sea-
son in stock work to get experience. al
though she has been on the stage fer
the past three or four years. The youn =
er Miss Nelson Is said to greatly re-
semble her more famous sister. and is
expected TO make quite a hit. Mrs Louise
Thorndyke Boucicault. enc of the hand
soonest of native actresses, will be trans
ferred by Mr.. Berger from Tim Murphy's
company. with whom she has teen play
ing this season, to the Lafayette crgan'-
cation. She will be what is technically
known as second leading lady" Louise
Macintosh. who is in private life Mrs
Robert Rogers. and vino has had great
deal of experience in stock companies,
ard Katherine Field will complete the
list of the women principals. although I
there will be, when occasion requires /
about dozen additional players for thu !
smaller parts. A number of ambitious |
Washington young women will probably |
be given an opportunity TO acquire stage |
experience with Mr.. Berger's company |
during the season.
In order TO properly mount the plays |
that will be presented, Mr.. Berger has |
engaged John Slanmer as scenic artist
He will have two assistants and the trio /
will be constantly at work preparing new |
scenery for the productions.
Manager Fred Berger is very sanguine
of success for his Lafayette Square
Stock Company. and announces that he |
has contracted for enough plays to /
cover two seasons. And they are good
plays, too, ones that yet have a box
office worth. The first pieces that will
be presented by the Berger company
Will be THE Great Ruby" one of
the best melodramas that has ever been
Imported from London. the home of pieces
Of this type; Madame Sans Gene" The
Senator" Cranes Odd success: The Char
NY bdil anu Inc MaSQueraderS.
They will not be presented in the order
given, however.
Local theatregoers will be afforded the
of occupying the same seats
each week by simply requesting the box
Oiilce representative 10 lay aside the seats ]
for whatever night each week is desired /
In this manner-virtually Subscription
patrons will not be compelled to bother
themselves about going to the theatre for
fhair 70 81
ance, as the seats will be held until called
for .llready. Mr. Berger reports numer-
Ous orders for reservations for the entire
season, and there is every Indication at
present that the system will result in in
creased attendances and at the same time
prove a great convenience to Washing
tonians who may care to patronize the
productions Of the Lafayette company.
Speaking of Mr.. Berger and his company
hat will tenant the Lafayette Opera
House brings to mind the fact that that
excellent Washington actor, Tim Murphy,
who is starring in "A Bachelors Ro-
nance" under the management of Mr..
Berger is not meeting with the success
hat was predicted for him, and which his
.alents deserve.
His success in the role originated by
Sol Smith RUSSELL has been unquestioned.
as Steer" fame has been the recipient OF
newspaper notices that even Mr. Russell
himself might covet. but the public that
,ays It's money for theatrical amusements
has steadfastly refused to accept Mr.. Muir
)hy as the successor to Mr. Russell II
nay be that a managerial mistake has
)een made in presenting "A Bachelors
p nance" in cities that have seen Mr..
Russell IN the principal role, and Will not
1atronize anyone else in the same part
Anyway, MIR. Murphy. contrary to all pre-
iictions, is proving to be the poorest the
ltriCal investment Mr.. Berger has this
rear. His two companies appearing in "A
'oor Relation" and headed by Frank Kee-
IAN and Adrian Bass are both making
money.
Persons who attended the first perform
lnce of Her Majesty" at the Columbia
IN Monday night found not little amuse-
nent in the efferts OF Frazer Coulter, one
If the prominent actors, TO keep false
,oatee in place. Eventually. after many
DRESSINGS, the bit of curled hair dropped
o the floor during one of the actors best
Genes, and naturally litter followed.
This much the audience was ocularly aware
#. 1t did not. however. know anything of
he other mishap that threatened Mr. Coul-
er with nervous prostratiOn during the
bird act on the same evening
Mr.. Coulter is the pcssessOr OF a very
inc set of teeth of the manufactured va
iety. He had never experienced the least
rouble with them until the night of the
pening of Her Majesty" when every
hing in the shape of a nishap seemed to
entire about him. In the third act. in
ne midst of a stiri ing speech, Mr.. Coulter
ecame aware that his store teeth were
realSing from their mornings and that he