The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-10-14
THE THEATRES.

A tomahawk and a warwhoop made a
hummer out OF Edward Stevens. and
eventually brought him to the stage OF
Keiths this week. II It hadn't been for
them he might have been bonanza mil
Ionaire. building theatres in idle mo-
ments, instead OF player trying TO fill
them.
Mr. Stevens was mining engineer in
Arizona when an Indian outbreak oc-
Cured and 10 save his hide when they
came TO seek IL he played a game OF hide
and seek with them which finally brought
him to San Francisco his native place
There all he could find was a minor
cierkship In a bank. which paid about
one-tenth OF his former salary. At this
time Alice Oates was singing In Frisco.
and. hearing of his return. made him an
offer to go with her company and sing
Mourzook In ''Ginohe- Girora." in the
place OF an incompetent performer. big
salary was offered. but the work was
distasteful
1T had been a church and 5ratorso sing
or for some years" said Mr.. Stevens 10
me on the stage at Keiths yesterday
after his thirty minute monologue. re-
calling this incident I'm his early career.
'sbut I had never appeared In an amateur
performance. When I was a child had
with velvet curis and long panties-and
my mother used TO take me around TO
church affairs and sewing societies, and
make me recite. I was n healthy little
animal, full of the devil, and I hated this
public career. In fact, II turned me
against the stage for many years But.
like the man who sold the sandwich for
two dollars, I needed the money. The
work was clean and profitable. II II was
not elevating. so I went with Miss Oates.
] stayed with her for some time. and
finally came East with her.
'she deserted us at Bay City. Mich. !
was quite a greenhorn then. but got up
an entertainment by the members, OF
which, by the way ] gave the most. and
where ] did two hours OF sleight OF hand
as we'll as singing and dancing We got
o little money. and 1 succeeded in talk
ing over the railway people until every
body was sent home. one girl way to
frisco. Railway men were easier then
than now
For myself I had nothing to do. but
Just then the Mann Opera company came
along. and / sang in the chorus for my
fare TO New York.
"I shall never forget my first glimpse
Of New York. had only the clothes I
wore. ana there wasn't a penny in my
pocket ! got there at o'clock and sat
down on the steps of the Tombs for three
per office 10 open 60 I could see II there
was any mail for me In those days
everybody had his mail addressed TO the
Clipper There were letters, but no
money. or prospect Of n.
IT was hungry. tired and blue but
trudged along towards Union square.
Just ss got opposite the old Star thea
tre heard music. II was from the
theatre where they were rehearsing The
Mascot 7 knew every note In n. and
had played avery masculine part. I Just
had 20 have a Job so I sauntered In past
the doortender and took my place with
the chorus people. No one appeared to
notice me. The men Just moved along. I
sang away Justify and got along all right
until we had 20 DO some march that was
new 20 me. or course, bungled IN II.
and the stage manager saw me for the
hrst time.
What are you doing thereT
" 'Rehearsing.'
Were you here yesterday
NO sir
Then get out
sI was desperate. Just let me speak
10 you a moment, said. and drew rim
asIde before he could object Then talk
"a 40 fast he couldn't interrupt, I've
Tot 10 have a place and you must give
n 20 me I said. 4 have a voice with
Q big compass. can sing tenor or bass.
Z know every part IN this opera ana have