The San Francisco call., 1904-07-04
MISS BERCERE
At Her BEST
Versatile Actress Wins Ap-
plause in "Jimmie's EX-
pertinent" at the Orpheum
CAST IN FITTING ROLE
Barbara Frietchie" Is Well
Played by James Neill's
Company at the Grand

AS snappy as the firecrackers that
sputtered outside during its playing is
Miss Valerie Bergere's new sketch at
| the OrDheum this week, 'Jimmie's Ex-
pertinent" 1t is pleasant again to see
this competent young woman in part
suited to her capacities.
AS thoroughly as she missed the spir-
it of the shy little japanese she es-
sayed last week, so entirely is she the
brusque, boyish, tender-hearted young
athlete of this weeks sketch. The part
might have been written to fit-prob-
ably was. It's clever author. and the
plays, is Roy FairchiId. The plot is
not new-the lover turned burglar to
frighten the lady, who thereuDon be-
trays the desired feminine dependence.
But the kind of lady is new, and very
charming Miss Bergere makes her.
From her opening scene in gymnasium
suit-theres a pretty bit of fencing
hereto where the womanly hoyden
sits dreaming over the fire of the child
that may lie in her arms some day, the
actress is vividly convincing. Her
pathos in particular rings true. Miss
Bergere is effectively assisted by Henry
Keane, Maude Turner Gordon and
Marie Burke.
A pretty and novel act is that of
Green and Werner. who, after appear
ing in the usual song and dance, do a
taking jungle song, picturesquely set.
Inez de Wolf is another newcomer. and
though evidently nervous at first
showed a sweet and powerful soprano
in her ballads. Gillihan and Murray
are saddest when they do not sing.
Singing their catchy coon songs, in ex-
cellent voices, they are a distinctly
sar1 cfy,rr v,1n hot he
cake-walking lady entertains particu-
larly. Others on the bill are the Zeb
and Zarrow trio in their miracle bicy-
Gle play; John F. Clark, who mono
logues again as last week; the Leigh
brothers, acrobats, and Gallagher and
Barrett. You will make a mistake in
missing the biograph this week, with
its Venice in gondola, Rome and the
VesuVian crater in action.
BLANCHE PARTINGTON.
James Neill, supported by most of
his old company, found a warm re-
ception at the Grand Opera-house yes
terday. The favorite actor presented
Barbara Frietchie" as the opening
piece of his engagement and Fitchs
play was never better enjoyed by
local audience. OF Neill as Captain
Trumbull and Miss Edythe Chapman
in the title role little need be told to
San Francisco playgoers. The appear
ance of each was signal for applause
and there were many curtain calls
They are sure to receive a happy re-
sponse from the public during their
stay.
The support is harmonious and ex-
cellent Lillian Andrews is a typical
nanny and George Bloomquest as
Jack Negley does some strong acting.
The character of Arthur Frietchie,
brother of Barbara, is ably sustained
by Donald Bowles and John W. Bur-
ton takes the part of Colonel Negley,
a thorough Southern gentleman.
Reginald Travers in the role of Mr..
Frietchie lends great strength to the
cast. His work in every act is of a
high order. Frances Slosson as Sue
Royce, Katherine Gilman as Sally
Negley, and Fave Wallace as Laura
Royce furnish characters for a pretty
scene in the first act and Alice Entz-
man appears as a profound Southern
matron. Sheldon Lewis, one of the
most popular men in the company, acts
Fred Gelwex and is very good. w. H.
Hardness. ]. D. Harrington, Scott Sea-
ton, George B. Berrell and Philip Lord
complete the cast. The company will
give a matinee this afternoon.