Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-08-22
TO OPEN SEVENTH SEASON
Illinois TheaterAat Chicago Has "The
Free LANCE Sent. 2.

TTSS Lance sept. Z.
The seventh season has arrived for
the successful Illinois theater, the
prettiest and cosiest of all dramatic
temples in Chicago. Such of our read
ers as have visited Chicago scarcely
need TO be admonished of this fact
Announcement is made by Manager
VIII j. Davis that the regular fall and
winter season of this theater will COM
mence on Sunday night. Sept. 2, with
a presentation of a new comic opera,
the music of which is by John Philip
Sousa, everywhere known in musical
circles on both continents as the
March King. The opera is called The
Free Lance" and the literary work is
by gentleman scarcely less celebrat-
ed than the composer, to-wit: Harry b.
Smith. If Mr.. Smith had never writ
ten another opera than robin Hood"
he would have achieved lasting fame.
But as a matter of fact Mr. Smith is
the most prolific writer of comic opera
librettos the world has ever known,
and while Robin Hood" may be just
ly termed the classic of all his works,
nevertheless greater success has at
tended his efforts than those of any
contempOraneouS author To complete
a triumvirate that stands for success
in affairs musical and dramatic it is
only necessary to chronicle the fact
that Messrs I<law 81 Erlanger, the
most enterprising of modern prOduc-
ers are responsible for the staging of
the opera TO its most minute particular,
which includes a cast containing many
well known favorite artists Chief
among these is Joseph Cawthorne
whose steady advance to stellar rank
has been marked with a series of
studied successes, and his present OPP
pOrtunities are said to excel any form
er effort. Others prominent in the
cast include the Misses Nella Bergen
and Jeanette Lowrie, and Messrs. AL
bert Hart, George Schiller and George
Tallman. Minor parts are confided to
capable artists, and galaxy of beauty.
brilliancy and vocal excellence is con-
centrated in a splendid supporting
chorus. With rich and unique costum-
cry and brilliant scenic effects. and
that careful study of detail which
marks all of the Klaw & Erlanger pro-
the theater-going public may
be assured of rare entertainment. The
story of the opera while purely imagin-
lry, abounds in many ironicaI thrusts
at latter day eXtravagances and fol
lies. both racial. national, political, and
social. The field is ample and Mr.. |
Smith has taken advantage of it, while |
Mr.. Sousa is said TO have illustrated
the dialogue and lyrics with the most |
adaptable forms of music, including !
several of his well known march eff |
rects. one of which is said to surpass
any previous work of this popular com !
poser.
Somehow the people living around |
and about Chicago. particularly those |
who reside in Illinois. seem to have an |
for the Illinois theater. GER |
ainly the most delightfully."- situated of !,
Ill Chicago dramatic temples. This |
affection carries with it a patronage |
which has enabled this house to keep |
is doors open continuously for al |
most three years. something that can
lot be written of any other theater, |
md it would have been possible !
- cDTOHlCle I'VE SuCccSSIul anu COLI I
inuous seasons except for the pass
lge of building ordinances by the city |
If Chicago which required every thea
er in the city to close it's doors. for |
more or less time. to make imposed |
1t can be said. however.
hat the Illinois was in such perfect |
condition originally that il was neces-
arv to close its doors a fortnight !
,nly.
The season as announced promises
many delightful entertainments, indi
ating how we'll this popular theater
maintains its very deserved lead of
he many Chicago houses. Following
The Free Lance" Miss Lillian Rus
ell. most famed of all American stage
celebrities for her beauty and bril-
fancy. plays fortnight in new
rama. her first effort in this direc-
ion. Miss Russell being product
f the northwest (born in Clinton,
Oval, will naturally awaken great
interest in all territory contiguous to
,hicago. Other prominent stars in
lude FRITZ Scheff, the brightest star
f modern comic opera; Mr.. Henry b.
rying, eldest son and natural success
r of his famous father; Charles
vyndham. Ellen Terry. Kyrle Bellew
nd Maude Adams in sterling dramatic
fferings: while Anna Held. Marie