Evening star., 1901-05-04

COMING AT'TR

COLI MBlA THEATER.-The outlook for
summer amusements is very propitious,
and it only remains for theatergoers to
encourage the efforts of the local mana pers
at the Columbia Theater in the Way of
patronage to keep that theater open for
some time with one of the most popular
forms of light entertainment, viz. musical
comedies. This season Of musical comedies
has been planned for some time. and after
ercountering many obstacles has become
an assured fact. On Monday evening the
doors OF the Columbia will be thrown open
for the opening performance of "A Rum
away Girl 1t Is the intention to present
during this season many of the most pro-
nounced musical comedy successes nro3nc-
ed by the late Augustin DAILY at his New
York theater. Undoubtedly much of the
success attending these productions was
due to Mr. Daily himself. who personally
directed them. His vast experience his
knowledge of the public want, his innate e
refinement and artistic sense enabled him
to perceive what is catchy and sparklfug
without being vulgar; laughable and hu-
morCus without being coarse; bright and
witty without being risque. EXtravagant
comedy without shadow of suggestion
was what the theatergoers Of this country
wanted. 1t was this wonderful artistic per-
ception that enabled him to produce "A
Runaway Girl" THE Geisha,' 1.-The Circus
G!rl'' and others.
"A Runaway Girl was one of the last
productions of the late manager and will
remain for years a fitting reminder of
his genius. In making the ARRANGEMENTS :
with his estate much opposition was en-
countered in the way of presenting these
pieces at popular prices. But an agree
ment was entered into with ]. c. Duff,
Mr.. Daly's brother-in-law, who was instru-
mental in staging these pieces. whereby he
became interested in the project and who
comes to this city to give his entire atten-
tlon to the productions thus overcoming
any objections that had been offered by the
executors of Mr.. Days estate.
The company engaged is a large one the
cast being made up of players we'll known
in this line of entertainment, many of
whom appeared at Daly's Theater. The
part Of Flipper is again portrayed by Ar
thur Dunn, who has the reputation of be-
ing a clever and intelligent comedian Mr..
Dunn established himself as an undoubted
favorite here when he played this part at
this theater earlier in the season. Paula
EdWardeS is to appear in her original char
acter of Carmenita. Miss EdwardeS has
been SO universally approved elsewhere
that she may be expected to prove a bril-
liant fixed star in the footlight armament
at the Columbia.
The chorus is a large one and Is being
selected by Mr. Duff personally from long
list Of applicants, and the MANAGEMENT
promises not only a dainty looking lot Of
girls but those who can sing as well. The
orchestra is being increased for the occa-
sion and should prove Of great value to
the productions. All the original scenery,
costumes, properties and light effects are
to be brought here intact, and no expense
acceptable to the most critical. A special
scale of prices has been inaugurated and
will continue throughout the engagement
Of the company. There will be matinees
on Thursday and Saturday.
NEW NATIONAL THEATER.-Manager
George w. Lederer transfers his newest
drollery. 'Thc Casino Girl from the stage
to the National Theater, this city, after to-
night. 1t Is not to be gainsaid that no
one in this country has equally the art
Of Lederer in the presentation of extraya-
ganza. THE Lady Slavey," THE Belle Of
New York In Gay New York." and a
long list Of other pictorial comiques more
or less successful ..ns are all pleasing records
heavier In texture than it's predecessors
Harry B. Smith. the countrys most fertile
maker of extravaganza, is the author of
the book and lyrics, and Ludwig England
er, who is one Of the foremost composers of
light music in America. composed the
score. The piece has just finished a second
engagement in New York, whittier it re-
Gently returned after year in London,
where its American girls were admired for
their beauty and sprightliness and its
comedians won distinction. These extrava-
ganZa jokers include James E. Sullivan
Albert Hart, Sam Collins. Carrie Perkins
and Ella Snyder. who appears as the Ca
sno girl. In this city. several seasons ago,
Sullivan attracted wide following by his
laughabfe characterization of the German
lnn-keGper IN Inc Olrl from Paris and
later by a similar Dutch role in ''The Belle
Of New York. 1t Is said that Londoners
think Sullivan Is as great an actor as Jo-
seph Jefferson. Whether this opinion Is
due to sullivan's growing art, Jefferson's
halting ambition or London's long distance
perspective is not reported. Albert Hart
another Of the company, will be recalled
as the star of 1.-THE Bride Elect and
Wang" Sam Collins is an old favorite
though young man. His last best work
was as a member of '"The Brownies COM
pany. Carrie Perkins everyone knows as
a sterling comedienne Miss Snyder Is re-
ported a rare American beauty Of much
cleverness. 1.-THE Big London Company" Is
the way Lederer's announcements herald
his organization. and to support the claim
forty or fifty Londoners are mentioned as
part and parcel of the amalgamation. Katie
Seamour. the dainty little comedienne of
Gaiety Theater fame, Is chief among the
importations. Other London features that
pleased New York were the Pony Ballet
Octet, eight Juvenile danseuses brought
over by Lederer to lend extra luster to the
spring American tour of this extravaganza,
and the International Quartet, four big
and handsome London girls OF remarkable