The Washington herald., 1907-09-08
4 WASHINGTONLANS PLAY
Miss Bingham'S "a Modern Lady Godipa" the
Work of Fred Schrader.

A theatrical event OF more than passing
interest to Washington will be the forth
coming production here, at the Columbia,
of Amelia Bingham's newest play, "A
Modern Lady GCdiva," written bv Mr..
Frederick T. Schrader and Mr.. Lloyd
Bingham. The especial interest Is due
to Mr.. Schrader's authorship. As a critic
he is known to all discriminating readers
at the Capital. For years he Was en-
gagged in newspaper work here. chiefly
In the way of dramatic reviews. Since
going TO New York, a year or more ago
to join the staff Of Mr. David Belasco
he has acted as theatrical correspondent
Of The Washington Herald. and so this
city has continued to keep in touch with
him. His a Modern Lady Godsa" is
said to be one Of the really high class
and meTitoriOus offerings of the present
season. It had its initial production at
ST Louis during the summer, but is to be
formally and elaborately launched at Bal
timore tomorrow night RehearsaIs have
been going on for weeks, with a com
plete presentation-a final dress rehearsal
at the Casino. Asbury Park. Friday
night. The week at Baltimore will he
followed by the production in this city
Mr.. Schrader was born in Germany, al
though his father was an American cit
izen at the time. He first saw the light
in the largest seaport on the European
continent, the Free City Of Hamburg, and
went to school there until he was eleven.
His family then returned TO this country,
and he was taken West by his parents.
In time he became printer, and then a
newspaper writer, being prominently con
nected with Colorado papers and later
with the st. Louis GlObe-D Democrat. which
sent him TO Washington as one of its cor
respondents. He became connected with
the Washington Post in 1894 and made
reputation of national extent as its dra-
matte critic
His first love was the theater At nine
teen he wrote a lurid Western play.
'Hawkeye the Scout" which was played
by Arthur SpTague continuously for half
a decade or more. His second attempt.
THE Man from Texas" enjoyed a re-
markable vogue. with Willie Collier in
the star part. From the German he adapt
ed for Heinrich Conried Suppe's comic
opera, ''The Gascon," which was produced
on the Pacific Coast and ran continuously
for more than two years. His comedy,
AT the French Ball" in which Fanny
Rice starred for five years in succession.
IS well remembered by Metropolitan play
goers, In addition to which he wrote a
clever One-aCt comedy. Proposal by
Proxy" which was produced in Washing
ton. He also translated from the German
one of Max NOrdaus books, Partisan
Sketches" published by L. Schlck, Chi
cago, and novel by Otto Ruppius, en-
titled Jose, a story of American life,
published by Street & Smith.
His newspaper work has embraced every
phase of the profession, from reporter to
editorial writer. During his reportorial
career in Leadville. Colo, in $780, he was
for long time a marked man and slated
for a violent end by the gamblers and
members of an organization of Molly
Maguires Once he was given three days
In which TO leave town. under threats of
Il gang Of despeTRdOes, who sent a mes
sage that unless he complied. they would
go cunning for him" This was after an
encounter In which Schrader had been
struck over the head with slungshot
Instead Of obeying this peremptory order.
Mr.. Schrader decided 20 do some gun
ming on his own account, and started
on a lone search for the gang with six
shooter. Although II was night. with
every advantage on the side. Of the men
who threatened him. they were careful to
avoid him, and the affair ended by Mr.
schTader driving them out Of town. he