Waterbury Democrat., 1902-03-08
Theatrical =
 "a Chatter
BY BRANDON.


 Joseph Booth, practicing physi- clan ill New York the last of the fa- nous family of the Booths, died last Wednesday at the age of sixty-tWo. Dr Booth was Q younger member of Edwin, John Wilkes and Junius Bru- tus Booth, and while not identified with the profession, had a large ac- quaintance among the players.
 I:I
 Viola Allen is to revive "The Hunchback'' during her engagement in Chicago, which opens with "In the Palace of the King" The revival will require the services of a special cast, and Eben Plympton has been se- lected as Master Walter. and the part of Clifford will be in the hands of q star. After the Chicago engagement q number of the larger eastern cities will be visited. Miss Aliens tour, which has extended to the Pacific coast, has been one of marvellous re- ceipts.
 It was not expected that the esca- pade of the Riddle brothers, who made q sensational escape from q prison in Pittsburg, would go with stage use, and no one will be disap- pointed in hearing that Theodore Krem CT, alive to all situations, has written a strong melodrama, with thrills, called "A Desperate Chance" which will be sent ou tour next sea- son by B. D. Forester and the Nit tenthal Brothers. 1t is described as play true to life. That may be its sensational features.
 l.!
 Edward c. White, manager of Mild red Holland and Two Little Migrants, last week entered into a contract with Katherine Willard, whereby Miss Will lard will star in The Power Behind the Throne after Miss Holland produces her new play by Carina Jordan, en- titled The Lily and the Prince, in Buff alo, the second week in April, MT. Mir Whites contract with Miss Willard is for five years. MT. Whites new star will make an extended spring tour in The Power Behind the Throne lasting until about June 15.
 1:l
 Ben Cotton, the famous old minstrel recently underwent a severe surgical operation at the Hood Wright Hospi- tai in this city. The operation was successful, and Mir. Cotton is rapidly recovering, fact that the doctors con- s1def quite remarkable, as Mir Cotton will celebrate his seventy second birth day next July. His daughter, Idalene Cotton (Mrs. Nick Long) is with Dan Daily this season. Ben Cotton last appeared in the War of Wealth. He is the only one living of the celebra- ted California minstrels.
 Fl
 Last week we had much to ponder over. First it was reported that Frank Mckee and James K. Hackett had a misunderstanding over the spe- cial production of Camille" with Mary Mannering in the leading role. Then came the announcement that Kyrle Bellew would play Armand for four weeks at $1,500 week. This brought stories of q quarrel between Mr and Mrs Hackett, which were promptly denied. The latest news in the case is that the whole scheme has been dropped. Miss Mannering at the earnest solicitation of her hus- band has given up the idea of playing Camille, and MT Bellew, who cancelled some time in London, will be solaced by handsome sum to make good his ruffied feelings. It is said he will re- ceive $2.500 for the cancellation of the contract. Miss Mannering will join her husband Holy Week for q rest. They will then have a chance to talk over Chow they worked Frank Mckee into a whole lot of trouble for noth- ing" So we will not have an all-star Cf Al Thompson play the elder Duval, or Bellew Armand. or Miss Mannering Camille. What the end will be re- mains to be seen.
 II
 An arrangement has been consum- mated by which Lillian Russell will leave Weber & Fields at the end of her contract and be under the man. agement of David Belasco for term of five or more years. The negotia- tions have been going on for upwards of month, and the most careful se- crecy has been maintained through out. An extremely interesting fea- lure of the engagement is that the leading instigator of it was no less a person than Mrs Leslie Carter. Dur ing the discussion of the plans Mrs Carter has been constantly in touch with the two contracting parties and expresses herself as delighted that the coalition has finally been made. The enormous success which MT BeIasco has had with the two stars already under his management has inspired him to add to the number, and his plans are now completed The Thea fer Republic, which will be under his management, will be occupied ex- clusiveiy by Mrs Carter and Miss Rus sell and David Wartield It has been Frequently commented upon in theat- rical circles recently that Miss Rus sells hold upon the public has been growing constantly and persistently during the past two years. The re- markable increase in her physical charms, which began when she went into physical training, and the great improvement in her voice, resulted in an increased valuation. so far as her services are concerned. She receives probably the largest salary of any ac- tress in the world-it is slightly in ex. cess Of s, 400 week-and Weber and islelds have made no secret of the fact that they consider her the great est drawing card at their music hall Mr Beiasco, after looking about for q long while for some one else to alter nate with Mrs Leslie Carter finally decided upon Miss Russell. "The 2xf, "a fa 41,