Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-08-22
KATE CLAYTON IN AUGUSTA.
A Local Reporter Interviews the Fa.
nous Actress.

Kate ClaXton, who has been one of
the more prominent stars in the play
world for more than a quarter of Il
century, and whose successes in the
Sea OF Ice" THE World Against Her"
The Snow Flower" The Double Mar
riage," "BOotle's Baby" and dozens of
other plays, are as world famous as her
portrayal of the trials and tribulationS
of Louise, the blind sister, in The Two
Orphans" is now in Augusta. THE
Two Orphans has become Il sort of
Shakespeare in the French drama, and
the popularity of Kate ClaXton and play
seems really Interchangeable. When seen
by Il Journal representative at the iio-
tel North, yesterday, Miss ClaXton
spoke pleasantly of her visit to the city
and announced this special tour as be-
ing a final one in the Two Orphans,
although She intends to send out
strong cast of players in the piece un-
der her management at future dates.
Miss ClaXton is an American by birth,
an artist to her very finger tips; Il Wo-
man of business tact and ability, with
Il variety of vocal and facial expression
that enables her to assume an almost
Incompatible range of emotions. Her
person is slender and well fashioned,
her features good, and her eyes are
expressive and frank. Unassuming,
modest and of Il most delightful per-
sonality. it is no wonder that she is
held in highest esteem by all, whether
they are the theatregoers or not.
How do you account for the remark
able success Of the Two Orphans" af-
its having been presented all these
years so continuously?"
Smilingly Miss ClaXton said:-"It is
the perfectly natural +result of many
good causes. In the first place The
Two Orphans" is a play which draws
from an element of society which does
not frequently attend the theatre. Its
purity makes it naturally a favorite of
people of good taste in these days of
the problem-r play, and it's literary OK
cellence and intense interest of plot of
the famous old school type have justly
earned for it 4 lasting place in the
hearts of thcatregOers and placed it
among the few dramatic classics Of the
past ana this generation.''
Miss Kate ClaXtOn is cheerful,
buoyant little body who takes one into
her confidence with the utmost free
dom and sincerity and promptly inn
parts to the most stolid individual Il
part of her enthusiasm which suggests
that she could imperSOnate the lovely,
joyous characters of the stage with en-
inent success. She has been playing
emotional and sentimental roles so long
that one associates her name with
trembling tones, tear-stained cheeks
and impressive certain falls.
How many times have played Lou
Use? l have never figured it out care
fully, but / should say between $500
and 1900 times. 1t is a part that [
have always liked to play, and which,
of course, l am more identified With
than any other, although have played
quite number of other characters
This past season | determined to make
a farewell tour of the piece. "Ro0tle's
Baby" is q charming play that | am in
hopes will prove a worthy successor to
this old popular favorite, THE Two
Orphans and if your people accept
me in this play | hope to visit you next
season again in a new play. In the
many years in which | have toured in
THE Orphans l don't think | have
done better than this season and my
dramatic and public success. as well
as financial has been almost greater
than ever before
Miss CIaXton is now on her farewell
tour in this triumph of dramatic art
and this will probably be the last OPP
portunity Augusta theatregocrS Will
have of seeing her Tonight she will
present for her farewell performance.
"Bootles Baby" a srrightly dramati-
zation by Hugh Moss of J. Strange
Winters pretty tale of barracks life.
and Miss Claxton presents it with all
of the original London Theatre cos
tunes, fancy uniforms and effects
She will present The Two Orphans"
at Il special matinee. this afternoon.