The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-06-17

Not onl ytheatrical circles but the whole
Of London is amused and interested by
The exciting controversy between the cele-
DRAFTED dramatist, w S Gilbert, and
jeanette Steer the American actress.
Just before the latter introduced two of
his plays at the Comedy Theatre last
week Mr.. Gilbert retired from the stage
management and in Gilbertan letter re-
pudiated all responsibility for the forth
coming production. The plays however.
were produced June IA. and proved most
successful, but Gilbert does not feel dis
posed to let the matter rest, and wrote
Miss Steer as follows:
Madame; l further understand that
last night you materially altered the bust
ness as arranged by me- and as it was
played under my direction by Mrs Ken
dall, Miss Anderson. Miss Rose Leclerk
and indeed by every other lady who has
played Galatea under my stage manage
ment during the last twenty-eight years
Z must ask you TO advance and kneel in
trent of Cynisca from her left not from
her right; to throw yourself on your
knees in front Of her. without any excla-
nation; to fall at Cyniscas feet and not
,
indeed. do any business not arranged at
rehearsal # you do NOT comply with my
wishes in these respects 1 Will apply for
IN Injunction to prevent your playing the
piece. or otherwise, as I may be ad-
sised."
The next day Gilbert wrote again: 81
understand you interpolated several ex-
plantations last night while Miss Repton
WAS delivering her important speech at
the end of the second act of 'Pygmalion
and Galatea.' thereby greatly impairing
the effect of that speech and causing It
TO be indistinct and confused. As this
was not done a. rehearsal, I had no clue
70 your intention or I should have eau
vioned you before this. As il is I must
direct your attention 10 the necessity OF
keeping silence during the delivery Of the
important speech in question. As, unfor-
tunstely experience has taught me that
z mere request of mine is not likely to
receive much consideration ar your hands,
have Instructed Miss Repton how 10
deal with the difficulty should it arise
csaiu. NJ instructions TO her are 10 stop
Short al The first interruption, remain sill
eat until the interruption ceases. and then
begin again Should the interruption be
repeated she is again 10 stop until the
annoyance ceases altogether"
Miss Steer writes that the real differ
enoe OF opinion reSulting in Nj GilbeT5's
ebuldton arose from cutie another mat
Ter when arranging with MIR. Gilbert
for the production of the two plays a
question which one made an imperative
condition was that should engage Miss
Repton. who. apparently. is a protege, for
Fhe part Of Cynisca. On Wednesday
evening / requested her 10 wear the wig
provided for the part and she CURLY re-
fused. whereu2on Mr.. Gilbert fEterfered
and vehemently stated he would not al
low her to disdgura herself BY wearing a
wig. After some emphatic expressions Of
opinion. AR Gilbert left the theatre"
Aside from this, theatrical matters have
been dun and the managers are already
taking of closing.
The Princess Of Wales. who is 4 regu-
lar attendant at Convent Garden. sum
saoned Mr.. Maurice Grau Tuesday, and
congratulated him on the success OF the
opera season.