davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1904-03-06
Prince. "

line because local managers do not see
why they should be asked TO give up
sucn great money makers as Mrs. FIske.
Mr. Hackett. Henrietta Crosman, Mrs
Leslie Carter. Blanche Bates. David
Warfield. Isabelle Irving. and others
Every one Of these stars is able 10 play
10 capacity b lsiness on the road. and
the managers argue that II is not just
20 ask them 20 give up these attractions.
II was also calculated that such man
ayers as James *. Hackett, Harrison
Grey Fiske. David Belasco. Weber &
Fields. Sam Shubcrt. etc. would imme-
diately make OverturCs OF peace. but II
seems that this has not been done. and
the figEt has centered to finish com
bat. The Independents now say that in
spite of Stair & Havlins promise to
open their theatcrs to high-priced at
fractions. they went ahead Just the
same. obtaining theaters TO play inde-
pendently so that they are not in such
bad way after all.
The result of this coalition Of Stair &
Havlin and Klaw & Granger has been
that although Klaw & Erlarger have
no more attractions than formerly. they
are compelled 10 al the time OF about
thirty additional hrst-class theaters IN
different cities. These theaters will all
be opened next fail. and time must now
be filed. II the independent attractions
had fallen into line as II was supposed
they would. the task would have beer
easy, but with these managers still
holding out and the syndicate successes
few this year. the question arises
How is the syndicate going to I'll
these theaters2' -
The Washington times., 1904-03-06
Tonight's Symphony.
Second Request Program With Miss
Burbage as Soloist.

The Washington symphony Orchestra.
under Mr.. De Koven. will tonight CIV,
its seventh popular concert at Chase s
Thoater. The sololst OF the occasion
viii be the well-known pianist. Alice
Burbage, Of this city.
The entire program will consist OF Sc
lecuons from requests previously made
by the patrons or these concerts The
request coupon feature seems TO gain in
popularity with each succeeding concert,
and viii be continued in the future
The entire program will be as follows.
Overture, William Tell' Rossjni
Grand Polonaise Brillante and Andante
Spinato, OPP. 22.....-..... Chopin
Miss Burbage.
va yEEeished wagner
ID Dragon Fly ......... Strauss
First Movement, Minc., Symphony,
(uIhlnlshedl ..-.-.-...-...S Schubert
lntermission-
Overture, Merry Wives Of Windsor" -. Nicolai
Plano solos.
(a) ''stamninger' (Moods) .............sj ogren
90 Rhapsod!e Hongroise No. l2........ .Liszt
Miss Burbage.
(a) Funeral March .....................Cb opin
ID Hussaren RIFT. SDin,lnr
Waltz, Magnolia Blossom" .........De Koven
hhapsodie Hongroise, No. 2............... List
The Washington times., 1904-03-06

it has drawn from the New York critf-
cal faculty. For once the note OF flip
pancy is missing. with dignity. cour-
tesy. and emphasis their-attitude louder
than their rhetoric proclaims the mar
velous impression created by Niansde- DIS
Ivan.
The Herald" reflects credit upon it.
self in saying:
Mansfield has often been called the
modern GaTTick. but il is doubtful x
that versatile genius had so many sides
to his dramatic character. passed 50
easily from one role 70 another. as does
this second Garrick. 1t is a question
whether or no London's idol voluntar-
lily developed his versatility. willingly
undertook. as his American. successor,
the study ard creation OF a multi.ude
Of roles. In those days there was a de-
mand for constant change Of bill. but
in the present day the reverse is the
rule, and the actor whose ambition Is
not OF the highest order can readily
limit the characters he plays. and need
but seldom add new canvases to his
dramatic gallery. Garrick was spU--ed
on to activity by the demands OF The
times. but Mansfield voluntarily UNDER
takes the earnest study and enormous
work OF new productions. when Il 10
chose TO 40 so, ne might rest content
fg long periods with plays that are
established favorites"
Role Greater Than Play.
The dominant greatness Of Mans
fields performance Of Ivan seems 70
have made history repeat itself. II has
risen far above and partly ecIipses Toll
stoy's play. This was the ONCE in a
lesser degree with his Baron Chevrial.
and Irving's Characterization Of Louis
XI similarly left the play far behind
The accounts are interesting. Never
has his virtuosity seemed more abso-
lute,'' says John Corb8n, in tha
Times" "or his force Of imagination
more authentic or more pronounced. His
makeup and his rnimique as the terri
BILE monarch OF the dark ages OF six
tenth century Russia were wonderful
The imperial stature was shrunken
in upon itself by age ana weakness.
The beard Of the Russ had dwindled to
a few struggling white hairs The
voice alternated between a reediflke.
senile quaver and a -oothless humble.
The hand trembled with palsy and the
whole frame shuddered at times with
ecstatic emotion The very MIND was
stamped on the features in the lines
Of obvious imbecility.
"A fevered dOtard, you would say,
pure and simple. And then, in a flash.
some gust Of passion or superstition
would sweep across the soul. a craven
fear OF the supernatural or a remorse-
less and terrible anger against nan.
and the form and the mind OF the old
Gar would stand erect with pristine
force that clutched at your heart and
made you tremble."
The Washington times., 1904-03-06

to the Bowery Theater than any other
performer.
Old Companies Give Way to New.
With the coming Of Rice came also
the minstrel performances which grace
our own day. Excepting alone Mr..
Goodwin-whose connection with min
strelsy Is not certain-these perform
ances have enlisted the attention of few
men known 10 our stage as legitimate
actors. But there may be some Interest
in noting that the first band" OF negro
minstrels seems to have been organized
in the boarding house of a Mrs. Brooks.
In Catherine Street. New York, late IN
the winter Of 1872. and that it consisted
of Dan Emmett. Frank Rrower, Billy
Whitlocl, and Dick Pelham, ali power
full personalities in the history of their
art.
Christy's famous Ministries gave theU
first regular performance in 1916 and
remained at one theater until 1854 Then
came Buckley's New Orleans Sere-
naders,'' Whites Serensders.ss Dry
ants Minstrels," Woods Minstrels. 90
Sam Sharpley's Minstrels.' Sc TONY Pas
tors NIinstTels." Morris Brothers. Cot-
ton and Murphy. and the companies or
Reed. Hooley. Haverly. Dockstader.
Pelham, Pierce. Campbell. Barlow Bro
! theirs. and Wilson. Thatcher. Primrose
and West. and many others.
The Ministries of today are no incon-
! siderable company. But. their calling
has been much changed 1t still oh
tains great deal OF its fame from its
early days. when Forrest. Booth. and
Jefferson were not superior 10 II. and
when .'JihN~Grow Rice" hobbled laugh
ter into thousands Of lives. Maybe II
was Rice. himself. whom Thackeray
heard, and Of whom he wrote:
Il heard q humorous balIadist not
long since. minstrel with wool on his
head and en- ultra Ethiopian complex
ion. who performed a negro ballad that
1 confess moistened these spectacles
in most unexpected manner I have
( gazed at thousands OF tragedy queens
4 dying on the stage and expiring in APP
propriate blank verse. and never want
ed to wipe them. They have looked up.
be il said at many scores Of cIergymen
without being dlmmed. and behcld a
vagabond with a corked face and d
( banjo sings a little song, strikes a wild
note which sets the heart thrilling with
/ happy PITY" A. d. A
The Washington times., 1904-03-06
CoIumbia-cOIlieg in arhs pictator.n

For long time Charles Frohman has
had his managerial eye on William Col
lier at used TO be WnIie) Mr.. Frob-
man has thought It would only be neces-
sary 70 obtain the right comedy IN order
20 make Mr.. Collier one Of the most
successful stars. Golfers debut as one
OF the numerous Frohnaan stars was
made in Boston few weeks ago. when
he presented a new comedy by Richard
Harding Davis Reports which have
reached Washington of Mr.. Collier In
The Dictator leave little doubt that
he has found a comedy which will add
greatly TO his reputation.
THE Dictator" viii be presented at
the Columbia Theater commencing Mon
day night 1t should interest especially
those connected with foreign parts. as IL
has been pronounced a keen satire on
the consular service and the revolu-
lions which occur so rapidly in Central
America
Among those who assist Mr.. Collier
are Edward Abeles. John Barrymore.
George Nash. Thomas McCrath. Henry
j. West. Emmett Whitney FuIlnr Mel
lish, Thomas Meighan. Francis sedg-
The Washington times., 1904-03-06
Good Blu. Musical Comedy
A Few Signs that Better Times Are
at Hand.


The unexpected may happen occasion
ally in the drama. as elsewhere. The
last man 70 put his foot down and pro-
claim, mo more silly musical come
dies is Gustave Kerker-a musician
who did more to bring this species of
ontert .inment into popularity than any
other person.
Everybody who goes to the theater has
heard Kerker's music. He wrote The
score for The Belle of New York. "
The Telephone Girl" and dozens Of
other Casino shows" His earliest ef-
fort, made when leader OF an orchestra
was the score OF DeWOlf Hopper's first
stellar exhibit, Castles in the Air
Now. Kerker rises and says: The
time IS ripe for some one to make pro-
ductions Of real comic opera" He says
further that musical comedy as It has
existed fo- some time is simply a thing
Of shreds and patches. The public Is
certainly tired OF 1.-THE successive fail
ures OF the present season prove that
beyond a doubt" Next he observes
THE manager won't have singers. snd
In their companies they want nothing
but pretty faces and comedians with
comic mugs Finally comes this: Il
believe there is a large enough class OF
people Who ike good music TO make a
return TO the more legitimate forms Of
musical entertainment extremely desira-
BILE"
Kerker is neither the only man nor the
first mar connected with the stage who
has discovered the rift in the Lutte For
example. Frank L. Perley. Fred C.
Whitney, George r.. White. and Henry
w. Savage came 10 Kerkers conclusions
them instead OF proclaiming them from
the hOusetops. When manager hears
squeak in the orchestra he does not
make hullabaloO over his discovery
lie nulCk Y tuTna hIa knnMIad Ice 10 1,rnGL
The Washington times., 1904-03-06
Home and Mother.
A Theme for Song Writers Which Never
Wears Out.

A ballad singer herself. Ethel Levy
Mrs. George III. Cohan), in the Chase
bill this week. tells some interesting
facts concerning the men who write
there tear-drawing songs Of home.
mother. etc.
There are not so many ballad writ
e-s as there are spring poets and would
De dramatists, but there are too many
now for the demand. and the conse4
qUeEce is that there is q cheapening OF
composition prices all along the line
Its hardly believable. bat it is a
fact. that most of the best ballad writ
chs cannot write a line of music SSms
dor't know one note from another when
they pick up a piece of music. Yet they
will compose songs, both serious and
comic, that viii go like prairie fire the
country over.
When they compose they get hold OF
q PIANIST, and then they hum the music
to him and he wilh play it after them
and then write it out. Next they have
to get the words written. although most
OF Them can do that themselves.
Inspiration, Not Education
They are a Iuckless lot, all Of them.
and the majority are devil-may-caro
fellows living from hand 10 mouth.
cant say how they come 10 adopt the
profession, for IL IS one after all. nor
can I tell much about their methods ex-
cept this-that their song-writfng atil-
ity is as much an inspiration as a great
hook, and when they have such ex-
periences they are unhappy until Trey
have given vent IN composition TO the
melodies singing in their inner ears.
Few of them, even If they attain note
as banadiSts. ever undertake TO learn
harmony and composition. such as
teachers instruct beginners. They have
a sort of superstitious fear that Il viii
destroy their originality and spontan-
city. Songs will come to them at tia
oldest times. have known a writer 10
get an inspiration while sitting vita
friends around a table IN a cafe and
he would hum the melody 10 his com
panions before they left the table.
Maudlin, But Touching.
zone OF the most interesting Of books
could be written about these humble
song writer's. and though you may think
many OF their works are maudlin. they
really exert a great influence upon the
masses and help keep alive the love Of
home, Of valOr, OF friendship, and of the
other elementary virtues. Many a man
has been stopped in a career Of vice by
one of these pathetic songs. Go into a
theater where they are sung and watch
for the tears that viii be furtiyelv
wiped away.
Some of the great hits have made for
tunes for the composer, but in most
cases the publishers get all the money
and the song writer merely a pittance
The wisest OF them publish their own
works.
The Washington times., 1904-03-06
No Hole in the Wall.
William Collier Wanted to Be
Bounced in the Open.

OOlHCCU III the Open-
William Collier. who Is now under
the management Of Charles Frohn1an n.
has had many diplomatic dealings with
shrs7Ed managers, and, priding himself
upon his own sharpness OF wit. has al
ways striven TO be fully as tactfuI as
his adversaries.
In one Of his earlier seasons on the
road he was engaged by manager. Mr..
X, 60 play an ordinary part Mr.. X
seemed affabIe enOugh-mcre than ar
table-tO such an extent that he would
take player out TO a course dinner.
and just al the slpreme moment Of I'm
making a hit had brought delight to
the actors heart, Mr. Y. would suavely
tell the deIuded Thespian that though
he was playing or rehearsing the part
very well. change would be made.
A Feast of Tantalus.
This mode Of discharging members OF
his company was employed for many
years. and an invitation 10 dinner meant
dismissal Player after player fell into
the trap. knowing full well what the
courtesy meant. each hoping against
hope that in his case, at least. it would
never happen. While with the company
Mr. Collier had heard the story going
the rounds. and though playing mis- part
with satisfaction. and on apparently
good terms with his Master. yet he
feared the ak. and nightly refused in
vitations TO walk with him TO the hotel
Months went by and the dreaded in
vitation had not cOrue. The young as
pirant was beginning to congratulate
himself. as during his own short stay
ne had seen three men walk the plank"
one night however, II rained. Men
bundled themselves up in their listers
and hurried along streets. hardly look
ing where they were going. Two of the
kurrying tt -ong were Mr.. X. and VIII
liam Collier, and they bumped into each
other at a street crossing.
No Appetite for "Con."
Hello, Mr.. x" came Mr.. Golfers
salutaJion
Hello. Willie VIII you come into
this little hole in the wall 10 have q
bite with me?r'
NO. thank you" came the quick re
ply. IF you want to discharge me. do
II right out here I've heard of that
dinner game before"
Nothing Of the kind, Willie I only
wanted 10 offer you the leading Juvenile
part.
The Washington times., 1904-03-06
Ivan the Terrible.
Mansfeld's New representation Greeted
as an Unqualified Triumph.

Richard Mansfield has entered upon a
brief season OF four weeks duration at
the New Amsterdam Theater, New York
city, before he starts westward on
tour which will take him 20 the Pacific
Coast. and extends his engagements to
the Cd OF July. This city IS included in
the tour The last half OF Mr. Mans
fields present season in New York is
TO be devoted to his highly successful
"Old Heidelberg" which he has until
this time played uninterruptedly this
year, and to a few evenings with revi-
walls from his celebrated repertoire.
Mr. Manshelds first two weeks in New
York are devoted TO his production OF
Count Alexis TolstOy's historical Russian
tragedy. Ivan the Terrible" given for
"the first in English" at the New Am
sterdam Theater. last Tuesday evening.
March l. The unanimous opinion devel-
Oped by the reviews Of this event IS that
Mansfields triumph was unequivocai
The role is exactly what his public has
longed to see him do. II seems to be A
great acting role from beginning to end
and Mansfield has therein extended his
artistic achievements beyond the limits
heretofore set by his most devoted ad-
mirers. James Hunecker. of the sun. -
exclaims: After Witnessing Mr.. Mans
fields wonderful performance last night
one feels like posing the question: Is
there any character he cannot enact?"
Even New York Is Serious.
The greatness of the role OF Ivan as
Illuminated by Mansdeld's genius is en-
phaucauy represented by the note of
serious, spontaneous and hearty praise
The Washington times., 1904-03-06
Hackett a Busy Man.
Actor and Manager With Offices in He
Trunk.

No man on the stage today IS az
Busy as James X Hackett He Is al
ways at work Compared to his work
ing accommodations Diogenese's ITO
VAS a commOdious suite with a hath
room attached Mr. Hackett's actual
working quarters are in his trunk.
From this trunk, 1t may be said. at
least three OF the most important at
fractions of the American stage are d.
rected. while one IN England has also
Tel sistent attention Every facility for
saving time and making spoed ara
called into service-the cable. the tela-
graph, the telephone-to keep the Young
cctor-manager in constant touch with
ms attractions Playing, as he does. .,lI
tEt time himself. ne shows the keenest
interest in his other attractions. hence
his business \ large executive STAFF IS
employed. but he prefers to giYe eyezy
The Washington times., 1904-03-06
At the Thea erS.
National-saason of Grand Opera.

Naturalization of Grand Opera.
The Conried Metropolitan Opera Com
pany will begin a short season OF three
performances at the New National
-heater Monday evening. and the sale
Of season ard single tickets portends
of one Of the most brilliant and sue
cessfuI seasons this city has ever
known. II is several years since .his
company has appeared IN Washington
and Mr.. ConTied, who Is now here per
sOnally 10 superintend the production.
promises the complete New York casts
headed by Mines Ackte. Sembrich. and
Calve, with the entire equipment, cho-
rus, and orchestra from the Opera
House, 50 that in every respect the per-
Torrance here ill be the same as at
the Metropolitan
The full casts and repertoire are as
follows:
Monday at o'eiock-Gounod's opera.
Faust Qn French. Marguerite. Nine.
Ackte; Marta. Nine. Bauermeister: Sic
be-. Nine Jaco5y; Faust. NJ. Naval;
Valentin. N. Scott: Mephistopheles. NJ.
Pol Plancon; Wagner. NJ. Dufriche:
conductor Gustav Hinrlchs.
Tuesday at S o'cIock-Rossini's opera.
II Barbiere di sivglia' Qn ItaIian).
Rosina, Nine. Sembrich Berta. Nine.
Baurmeister; II Conte d'Almaviva. NJ
Dippef; Figaro. NJ. Campanari: BasilIo.
NJ. Jouraet, DR.. Bartolo, NJ. Rossi; I'M
ziale. - Begue; Fiorelio NJ. Masiero.
In the Lesson Scene Nine. 5embrich
VIII sing the "Primavora" waltz Of job.
Strauss; conductor, Gustav Hinrichs
wednesday at :, @ clock--Bizet's opera,
Carmen" lin FIench). Carmen, Emma
Calve: Micaela. Nine NOrelli; Frasqul-
IA. Nine. Bauermeister: Mercedes. Nine.
Jacoby: Don Jose. n. Naval: Escamille.
NJ. 'Campanari; Zuniga, NJ Begue; Mo-
rales, NJ Guardabassi: Dancairo, M
Dufriche; Remerdado. NJ Aiasiero; con
ductor, Gustav HfnrIchs
The Washington times., 1904-03-06

lumbia with William Collier in a com
edy by Richard Harding Davis The
Dictator" and the Lafayette. with
James x. Hackett in a romantic com
edy by George Broadhursi, The Crown
Prince" Anything Mr.. Davis writes Is
worth attention. 1t is to be hoped that
he has supplied M Collier with the
good comedy he has needed so long
Mr.. Broadhurst has never lacked ozfgi-
rality. although IL has heretofore beer
expressed n farce. 1t Is certain, ais
more serious work will De highly o-lCi-
nal. and ether cities have pronounced IL
notably good.
Chase's and the other theatCrs n
nounce characteristic bills
We do not lack for entertainment IL Sc
days
The Washington times., 1904-03-06
Lafayette-James K. Haekett.

James K Hackett will appear al the
Lafayette Opera House next week. Last
season Nr. Hackett was seen here in
The Crisis" This season he has re-
turned 70 the romantic roles, having
chosen for this purpose a "satirical ro-
mantle fantasy" by George H. Broad
hurst. written especially for him. This
comedy Is lighter perhaps. than any ro-
mantle play IN which Mr.. Hackett has
ever been peen. Mr.. Hackctt's return TO
this style OF play is Of more than usual
Interest. and his first appearance in this
city in the new play viii probably be
one OF the most interesting events OF
the season.
The company supporting Mr. Racket
contains Charlotte Walker. Joseph
Brennan, Brigham Royce. Morgan Co
man. Albert Perry. James Seeley. Z. L.
Duane. Minnie Monk. Grace Barber
Margaret Robinson. and Dorothy Ham
mock The play is a costume affair. and
is marked by many brilliant stage pic
tCTes.
The Washington times., 1904-03-06
Theatrical War Not Over.
Independents Still Fighting and Syn
dictate in Need of Companies.

All is not harmony In the theatrical
syndicate after all. notwithstanding the
announcement of a declaration Of peace
between Stair Havlin and ki1w *
ErlangCr few days ago. Il now trans
pIres that Stair & Havlin are having
difficulty IN whipping their theaters into
The Washington times., 1904-03-06

established there should be
an endowed university Of dramatic art
where the young player can learn
technically, by practice, by constant
work, the very beginnings Of the art.
No man can know too much about his
business. Yes. by all means. a national
theater. but first a national university
Of dramatic art
The Washington times., 1904-03-06
The Minister'S Son.

a distinct departure from the usual
melodramatic offerings will be made at
the Empire Theater the coming week.
when The Minister'S Son" viii have
its first Washington presentation. The
theme is new, and yet the well-drawn
characters exploit the characteristics
and mannerisms OF the people IN a
quiet New England village. The char
acter Of Simon Ray. the minister's son.
as portrayed by w. 3. Patton. is de-
scribed az one Of the most original ana
lovabie types the stage has yet given.
The Washington times., 1904-03-06
Rush's Bon Tons

Rush; Bon Tons" will appear at the
Lyceupr Theater next week and present
two burlesques. entitled The Bon Tons
in Sunny SPAIN and Lady Killer"
The Washington times., 1904-03-06
Wheel about, urn about,
DO jis 50.
Aa' ebery time ! wheel shout
! jump Jim Grow.

Rice copied the movcment and dance
as accurately as he could, frightened
the old mans song a little. and then
appeared before his audience IN Louis
Vile. He was -ecalled the first night at
least twenty times. Thus came into ex-
istence, according 70 the weight Of au-
thority. a character which has light
ened the burdens Of countless Ameri-
cans. and now bids fair 70 be immortal.
Rice subsequently removed 20 London
and became sort of Buffalo Bln. Mr..
ireland. noting his popularity IN this
country, says that he drew more money