The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-08-20
PLAYHOUSE GOSSIP.

Of the many possessions acquired by the American government in the past de- cade, the Philippines anu Cuba have af- forded number of opportunities as To- cales for various plays. Hawaii has hard ly been utilized as a subject for the thea trical hall of fame and few people are aware of its service to this country. There Is one little town, however, Molekat, from which few travellers ever return since its chief mission Is a refuge for lepers. Paul Armstrong, the author of The Heir to the Hoorah" has made Molekat the locale of the fourth act of his new play 'Ann La Mont" in which Florence Roberts will star next season under the direction of John Cort, and the bold use of this obscure habitation must needs portend another innovation of dramatic worth.
 Robert Whyte, the well known English comedian with "The School Girl' has a funny story of a Parislan literary man, who. when he began to learn English wrote to friend: "In small time I can learn so many English as I think will to come at the New York and go on the scaffold to lecture" It was not for eigner but an American--by the way, who dismissed a sman audience at his theatre by saying: "As there is no one here, I will excuse you all. Tonight's performance will not be performed but will be repeated tomorrow night"
 Granville and Hufford, pair of per- formers who display considerable versa tility in singing not only up to date rag time melodies but high class operatic music as well, will be seen with the Al G. Field Greater minstrels this season.
 Tn the first act of "The Shepherd King" Wright Lorimer on his first entrance as David, the shepherd boy, always carries young lamb, known as Mesa. The lambs of course grow very rapidly, and conse- quently 1t is necessary to get new one very often. As fast as they outgrow their parts they are sent to MT. Lorimer's farm where dwell In peace and contentment the original Mesa and forty-four of his direct descendants. l 1 ffl IT V
 Paul Armstrong, the author of '"rhe Heir of the Hoorah," was a visitor to Belmont park racecourse one day last week. Incidentally he came home with money which had recently belonged to ing a good man down. Incidentally Mir. JIllman dropped into the Hudson theatre that night to see MT Armstrong's com- edy It cost him s2. At the end of the third act Mir. Ullman greeted Mir. Arm strong in the lobby.
 
 Say, Paul" he declared. with a mas cot like that infant child up your sleeve, you keep away from my book in the fu- ture-see? Or else give me cut-in on ..The Heir of Hoorah" by way of com pensation. My odds on that proposition now is 100 to 1. to win and parallel per centage for place"
 Chauncey Olcott fin his play Terence is the same attractive lght-hearted Irish man that he has been under whatever name or rank in life that he has chosen to portray In other dramas. As Terence he shows the superiority of an Irish man to fate and the impossibility of keep
 ng a good man down. Incidentally Mir. Olcott's sings half dozen songs as only he can sing them. MT O1cott's position on the stage Is unique. Each season he presents a new play with elaborate and artistic equipment of scenery and cos- tunes. and surrounds himself with an excellent company.
 The majority of the theatre going pub lie always welcomes the announcement of high class musical attraction. That popular. production. 'sThe Fortune Tel Ter" which scored a success for Miss Alice Neilsen. will be presented at the Jefferson under the management Of Mill ton and Sargent Aborn. All the magnif- cent surroundings which characterized the Neilsen presentation. costing some forty thousand dollars. will be used by the Aborn brothers in their revival of this comic opera. The company which will be seen in 'The Fortune Teller" is com posed of good singers good actors and good dancers. There is a large and eff ficient chorus. notable particularly for its feminine beauty. The orchestra is un- der the direction of Maxim De Gposz.
 The great success of Clyde Fitch's play, "The Woman in the Cast" which Is to be presented in this city during the ensuing season is once more attested by the an- nouncement of Managers Wagenhals and