Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-01-23

l will soon reopen. Mrs FiSke lost her entire two weeks and the Stakeholder has cancelled all its bookings until the ] first of February. Some twenty-five minor attractions like Buried at Sea-" Mason and Mason, have been forced to remain idle. and even the stock companies are anXiously looking for ward to the day when they will re- 1 Sume business.
 ii:
 Mrs Gilbert, who sustained injuries from an accident last week ill Wash ington, is improving. and the hope is now expressed that she will not be compelled to retire from the stage.
 The venerable and well beloved ac tress is ill her eigthy-third year, and it has been marvel to her associates that at that advanced age she has been able to continue her professional work, spending the greater part of each season on the road, subject to the irregularities and discomforts of | theatrical travel.
 The dramatic profession is proud of Mrs Gilbert-of her successful career of sixty years as an actress of fine artistic quality, and of her honorable record as a woman. She has in ev- cry respect graced and dignified the theater, and she richly deserves the af- lection and veneration with which she is universally regarded. ] :d:
 Buster" Keaton is the son of Joe l and Myra Keaton, with whom he is appearing in vaudeville. Buster was born October 4. 1893. at Piqua, Kan. From the time he was able to 1 creep he manifested Q talent for doing | funny falls. On one occasion, when Geonge Pardey, an old time legitimate | comedian, was visiting the Keatons, | the little lad did a wonderful series of back somersaults down a flight of stairs without hurting himself, and MT Pardey exclaimed, Gee whiz! he's regular Buster" That was How the little fellow got his name and it has stuck to him ever since. His proud father told MT Pardey that the nick name would be known all over the world before the boy was ten years old. and this is just what has hap, pened. Mir Keaton began to boom the name in every way long before he put his boy on the stage, so that he was really well known before he made his debut. His first appearance was with his father and mother at Dock stader's theater. Wilmington, Del, when he received salary of $10. La ter he signed with the Burke and Chase road company for one week, and after that became a regular fea- ture of the act in the leading vaude- vile houses. During the past three years "Buster's> rise has been con- stant and steady.
 :II:
 Many a ''lame dogv has Ralph Stu art helped over the stite. He is, in the best sense of the word, a good feI low. There was an illustration of this the other day. at a rehearsal of the new piece. One of the younger actors of the large cast appeared at the theater in that state aptly termed "a hold over,'' much to Stuart's annoy ance and to the company's distrac- ton.
 You may leave here at once-don't come back again." ordered the actor manager. not listening to the explana- ton offered
 Nevertheless. the youth appeared the following day. taking up his lines as usual before the manager noticed his presence.
 ''I told you not to show up here again." exclaimed Stuart, "don't you know when you're discharged ?"
 If you'll give me a chance to ex- plain. I'll-"
 "Oh. I know in advance what your explanation is." said Stuart. t'but this time will give you another chance shall I. Miss Rogers?" turning to the leading lady.
 ooh. yes do." replied that kind hearted little lady. "perhaps the poor fellow was really sicll''
 ''Well, you can go on as usual" said Stuart. ''but. mind you. when you're sick again be sure and take another kind of medicine"
 Fl:
 The American theater. New York, has regular clientele of newsboys who remain vigorously faithful to their favorites on the stage.
 Jessaline Rogers. who plays a prin- cpial part in By Right of Sword" as well as Ralph Stuart, belong on this list. When it became known among them that both of these stars were to re-appear at this theater committee of two of them waited upon, MT Stu art at the stage entrance one day af- ter a rehearsal.
 Say, MT Stuart" said the most courageous of the two, "they's thoity- two of us a-comin' to see you an Miss Rogers de foist week We'd like to buy a boX-see? How much kin we git it fer?''
 The actor smiled as he told them the price of a box.
 "Gee"' said the spokesman of the committee. ''we only raised two-twen- ty so far-that won't buy much room in q box.''
 "A box wouldn't hold thirty two sof you, anyway" said Stuart. ''Well, boys, what do you say to the front row of the gallery? How would you like to be my guests there one night dur ing the first week?"
 How would we like it?-well- how would we. Chimmie?' said one of the boys, turning to his ragged young friend, with a chuckle of juvenile de- light, then to the actor. he added anx-