The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-10

J. i. c. Clarke, Harry B. Mawson, Howard
T. taylor and Edward T.. Rose.
Mr.. Frohman's offer was made imme.
diately after the native dramstists passed
resolutions scoring him for his statement
that 1t was impossible for him TO get
suitable play from an American writer
I The manager showed his evident sincerity
in the matter by Offering to venture d
sm6ll-siZed fortune uponNthe presentation
OF any piece that the dramatists' committed
! might recommend. Now. after four or
five weeks have elapsed, Mr.. Frohman is
| advised that the Dramntists' Club cannot
| take advantage OF his generous offer be-
cause the more prominent playwrights are
| too busy upon existing contracts to I'M
dertake any new work.
Apropos of the native dramatist, Clyde
| Fitch seems 10 be doing quite nicely. At
| this writing he is drawing royalties from
| four productions in New York alone,
Barbara Frietchie" at the Academy of
Music; Lovers Lane" at the Manhat-
| tan" THE Climbers" at the Bijou, and
the Garrick. In addition, Nathan Hale"
is being played in the smaller towns,
while When We We're Twenty lone" Is
being used by n. G.. Goodwin and Maxine
Elliott, and Olga Nethersole finds that the
Fitch version of "Sapho" is strong enough
to crowd the theatres in which she ap-
pears. Then, besides, The Moth and the
Flame" is in demand among stock COM
panies. SO that all in all, Mr.. Fitch may
! be said TO be prospecting as no other
American writer for the stage has ever
done.
Manager Fred c. Whitney, whose Quo
Vadis" company was seen at the Column
bia last week. is preparing to present in
the near future a dramatic version of tina
Nick Carter detective stories. The piece
will be written by Stanislaus STANCE. and
if Mr.. Whitney is not mistaken in his es-
innate of what the American public
wants, the patrons of the theatre will
have a thriller the like of which has rare
" ever been seen.
The illustrious Mr.. Carter, of dime novel
fame did not bring to his aid the mys-
teries of inductive reasoning so cleverly
utilized by his contemporary Mr.. 5.
Holmes, but on the contrary relied upon
his trusty revolver and very wonderful
nerve TO extricate himself from perilous
situations. After Witnessing Mr.. Gillett's
detective play it Is but fair to assume
that the people who pay for theatrical en-
tertainment will stand for the Carter
piece just as cheerfully as for the sleuth
from Baker Street
1t is announced that the production will
be massive one, and that fully two nun
dred persons will be engaged in imper-
sonating the bowling mob, the eminently
respectable citizens. the inhabitants OF
the slums and the other elements OF
society that will be placed in the drama
Daniel Bandmann, who some years ago
was one of the best known tragic actors
of the native stage, has entered the vau-
deville field and with his wife and a com
petent company will present condensed
version of David Garrick" in the con-
tinuous houses.
Mr.. Bandman has of late years absented
himself from the footlights, and has ben
looking after his interests in Montana,
where he possesses several valuable
ranches and mining properties. The al
lurements of his former profession. in
WHICH he builded the foundations of his
now quite imposing fortune, were too
strong to be resisted. and in looking
around for a suitable opening, was of
fered some very desirable engagements to
appear in vaudeville.
For the first time since their separa-
ton, the members of the former firm of
Robson and Crane will oppose each other
in this city next week, when Mr. Crane
will appear at the National in the drama
tization of David Harum,' in which he
has made one of his biggest successes of
the New York season. and Mr. Robson
will present his delightful comedy, "Oli-
yer Goldsmith at the Columbia
Until securing their present vehicles
neither player has been seen in really
good play since their parting, when Mr.
Robson took The Henrietta" and Mr.
Crane decided that The Senator" would
be good enough for his use. Both actors
last year drew blanks in the dramatic lot
terry. and it is doubtful If any two plays
that were seen in New York during the
season were so severely criticised as were
Peter Stuyvesant" Bronson Howard's
play. in which Mr. Crane thought he
would have another success OF the same
calibre of THE Senator" or Stuart Rob
sons production of The Gadfy," which
was one of the acknowledged failures Of
the season.
But this week, the former associates
will play against each other and while
the rivalry Will be of a friendly nature
it will be none the less keen while their
friends will have the opportunity of see
ing their favorite in successful Offering.
Mr. Z. H. Woods. formerly a well-known
theatrical manager, was in Washington
during the week as the guest of Manager
Janette of the Academy of Music. Mr.
Woods has forsaken the dramatic field for
lh' LIplt ~ VliiSiHS OF the Moi
dixie, where he has large mining interests
Washington will ever recall Mr. Woods
as the manager of the Grand Opera House
of three years ago, when Davis & keogh |
directed the fortunes of the theatre for
three successive weeks during which time |
a trio of the very worst attractions that |
were procurable were given before audi |
ences that were composed for the n ost |
part of the orchestra and ushers.
Bert Leslie. who will be seen with the |
Buresque Company at |
kernan's this week, will be starred next |
season by Manager Louis ROBBIE in farce |
entitled "a Crazy Guy" Mr.. |
Leslie is a decidedly clever comedian who |
mas had a vast amount of experience.
most of which was with the Hoyt com
Danies during the vogue of the deceased
)laywright's productions. Since his ed
vent into the burlesque and vaudeville
leld Mr. Leslie has assumed a position
If prominence attained by few of his con-
emporaries.
The patrons OF the Academy of Music |
will be offered some excellent attractions
n the near future. Manager Janette's
include in the order given: An
african King" which viii be presented
his week; Thomas f. Shea, in new
LAY. The Voice of Nature" and several
# his former successes; Rose Melville, in
Sis Hopkins" ON the Suanee River"
good comedy drama under the manage
nent of E. ID. Stair, the lessee and man
ger of The Academy; "A Young Wife"
which enjoyed prosperous career at the
Street Theatre. New York City,
asst season; Mans Enemy" thrilling