Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1907-04-02

lied, even by those who pride them
selves on keeping posted on the pro-
gress of the state Such names as
Lillian Russell, Loie Fuller, Frank j.
Keenan,, Mary Norman, Cecil Spooner,
Edna May Spooner, Corse Peyton,
Della Pringle, James Brennan, Ethel
Cameron, Raymond Chase, Blanche
ellison and Carol Pollard are far from
being unknown in the dramatic pro-
fession. With but one or two excep-
tions, all are names of native born
lowans.
That Lillian Russell is native
Iowan is now generally known, but
she is far from being the only daught-
er of the state who has won an en-
viable position on the stage, although
her fame is probably the greatest, So
far as dramatic genius is concerned,
the Iowans that rank closest alongside
her is undoubtly Frank J. keenan,. now
playing the important role of the sher-
iff with Blanche Bates in "The Girl of
the Golden West However, when 1T
comes down to a point of native state
pride and state interest, the Spooners
and the Paytons must undoubtedly be
given the palm. The southeastern
quarter of the state will never con-
cede that Edna May Spooner and Cecil
Spooner are not actresses every bit as
talented as Maude Adams and Sarah
Bernhard: while as for Corse Pay
and that's all there is to it.
Iowa's actor colony deserves recog-
milton, not SO much by the critic who
is ever hard to please. but by the state
historian, who attempts to keep posted
On the doings of the sons and daugh-
tiers Of the state.
Lillian RUSSELL.
Lillian Russell first saw the light
Of day-it is said to have been in 1861,
but it is unknown to the fair Lillian to
go into such details&in Clinton. She
was christened Helen Louise Leonard
and was educated in the Clinton pub
lie schools and at the convent of the
Sacred Heart In Chicago. At the age
of 10 she was engaged by E. e. Rice
to play in "Pinafore," that vehicle
which carried SO many well known
actors and actresses Of today to the
front Of popularity. Later she sang
ballads at Tony Pastors theater in
New York; Joined the McCaull opera
company, of which she was prima don
ma until her own company was organ
lied. Since that time she has starred
in virtually every city in America and
England and has become recognized
as the queen Of the comic opera, whose
puIchritudinous beauty and splendid
voice know no rivals.
1t is as unfair to go into details con
corning the martial ventures of Miss
Russell as it is to tell her age. Suf
flee it to say, however, that she is be,
coming quite accustomed to blushipe
as bride Her first husband was
David Braham. composer; her sec
ond was Edward Solomon, likewise "a
composer; her third was Sig Perug
mi, an operate tenor.
Miss Russell has appeared in Des
Moines and in her native town several
times since fame came to her in gen
erous measure.
Frank j. Keenan,.
Frank j. Keenan, is product of Bu
buque. He was born on April 8, 1858
His first appearance on any stage was
.IuduG dL luG DO0UOu COllSSO icl
in 1876. His professional debut took
place with the veteran actor, JOSEPH
Proctor. at Lawrence, Mass Mr.
keenan, had an experience in the ole
stock days which is now invaluable tx
him, playing in every class of piece
He alho had the advantage of acting
with many players of good repute ant
of receiving the benefit derived from
appearing in theaters where the stage
managers thoroughly understand theil
calling. Some of Mr.. Keenan's earlier
successes were made in plays writer
| by the late James A. Hearne, author
of "Shore Acres" In more than one
of these plays he acted the star part
meeting with particular success il
Hearts of Oak"
Early in the nineties Mr.. Keenal
abandoned the stage and enter r!l'
house of Boston publishing firm
Fortunately for himself and for thu
lovers of good acting he reconsideret
j his intention and returned to the stag
in the Boston Grand opera house. Hi
chief hit there was made as FaSin IL
"Oliver Twist" Subsequently, to tina
| he made hit in the part of tho gyps,
in "Rosedale," a success which i"'
Austin Brereton, one OF the hast crit
les of the day 20 make this prediction
eff Mr.. Keenan, as the courage and tn
determination to go ahead in hi
chosen calling, he may do so in tn
confidence that he has career of ea
ceptional brilliancy before him. H
has had the necessary experience TO
the stage; he has many personal quail
fications for it. He is tall and 1.-THE
his face is capable of a wide range c
4 expression; he has an excellent voice
But, best of all. he has intensity an
} individuality. His impersonation c
the risky part of the gypsy in Rose
dale" displays an unusual amount G
power and intensity. His style is hi
own, and it is strongly, boldly marked
His personality is remarkably striking
l hope some day to see Mr.. Keenan, !
a dramatic part of higher grade tina
Miles McKenIa. am convinced tha
he will not be found wanting. Granite
, that he has the right conditions fc
: his work. and the energy to make us
of them, he will become a conspicuou