Los Angeles herald., 1907-11-12
FERRIS OPENING AT AUDITORIUM
POPULAR
CAPACITY NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
PLAYERS
Mammoth Scenic and Acting Produce
tlon of Sardou Drama Evokes En-
thusastlc Approval of FASH
lonable Audience
by C. II. EMERY


the story of Miss Florence Stones tri-
umph at the Auditorium last evening,
when before an audience which filled the
house almost to overfowing assembled
to greet the popular Ferris company upon
it's return, she pictured the immortal
Cleopatra in her love and agony with a
realism carrying conviction to the heart
of the most hardened skeptic.
Other Cleopatras there may have been
since the Egyptian suns and moons first
shone over the queen wanton, famed
through all the ages, but patrons of the
Ferris opening last night will swear that
they were spurious limitations, and that
Miss Stone is supreme in the creation.
Despite its atmosphere of passion and
lust--its gospel of "love before all else
the play has ever been a popular one,
and In announcing 1t for his opening
Manager Dick Ferris displayed his usual
acumen, since 1t makes powerful ap-
real to the amusement loving public from
the spectacular standpoint and provides
at the same time opportunity for the eX-
rosition of Miss Stones talents at their
best.
All things considered, the opening of the
Ferris season last evening was a distinct
and pronounced success.
Large and Fashionable Audience '
Not since the opening nights of the
grand opera season has so fashionably
dressed an audience filled the Theater
Beautiful. Society was largely in evil
dence, paying cheerful tribute to the
charm and talent of the clever actress
who heads Mr.. Ferris company.
Adequately to describe the charm and
art of Miss Stones Cleopatra is impossi-
ble-it must be seen to be appreciated.
The elemental loves and hates and pas
sions of the woman-queen-the imperial,
august hauteur of the queen-woman-
the despair of the heart-sick, deserted
girl-all the emotions to which the human
mind may respond, were portrayed.
The New Company
Much interest centered around the
personnel of the new company which
Mr.. Ferris has surrounded his star, and
though it is manifestly unfair to judge
entirely by q first performance, the
more so when the opening is in so
nearly "one part" play as the Sar-
dou drama spectacle CLEOPATRA" 1t
must be said that the new members
did not all appear to advantage last
evening.
Joseph Kilgour the new leading
man, was a most heroic Marc Antony
in. appearance, and barring a slight
nervousness attributable to the con-
ditions under which he appeared, he
was most acceptable. His reading dis
played familiarity with the charac-
ter evidencing much serious study, and
his acting was that of just the man
ner of man one must imagine Antony
to have been from the play I think
that we may justly expect much from
Mr.. Kilgour in later productions, and
predict for him much personal popu-
larity once his public learns to know
him.
The Demetrius of Henry Duggan and
the Dercatus of Hugh Metcalfe were
both well interpreted characterize
tions, although they offered but small
opportunities. George Drury Hart
was very acceptable Kephren, while
Charles Elder created distinctly
favorable impression as the governor
in the first act.
Our old friend Harry Won Meter ap-
peared but for few brief moments in
the comparatively small part of Octavius
Caesar, but was given an ovation and
did well what little he had to do.
OF the feminine contingent 1t is i'm
possible to judge from the opportunities
accorded them in the opening play. They
were good to look upon, but as for acting
with the exception of Miss Rita L. Knight
as Iras and Eleanor Mortell as Octavia,
they had no chance
Production Is Elaborate
Mr.. Ferris has provided scenic investi-
ture which borders upon the superlative.
The terrace at Memphis displayed for the
third act and the Alexandria temple in
the fifth act. are marvels of scenic
craft. The storm scene in the fifth act
fairly carried the house away it was so
realistically beautiful Lights, effects,
oxya hot od 10 fba
had been provided and the result was an
achievement which he may be justly
proud.
In token of their joy at her return
hosts of Miss Stones friends remembered
her with floral offerings. Her entrance in
the first act was the signal for a train
of messengers bearing the floral tributes,
and when their burdens had been de-
posted at her feet the embarrassed star
could hardly be seen.
More could hardly have been expected.
yet at the end of the third act eight or
nine additional bouquets and one other
"piece" were showered upon the bewild-
cred lady, and following the applause ac-
companying them came demands for
Speech, speech"
Insist Upon Speech
Miss Stone for once was almost at n
loss for words, but finally found her voice
to murmur brokenly:
'I don't know what to say-I feel more
like crying than anything else. You don
know how happy all these tributes have
made me. God bless you all, and thank
you-thank you, so much"
The sincerity of her little speech was
evidenced by a few recalcitrant tears
which would burst forth and trickle down
her cheeks.
Not satisfied with this the audience
demanded the appearance of Manager
Ferris. and later in the evening the typi-
cal 'HIck'' speech was forthcoming.
Promises of the best offerings ever wers
met by hearty applause and the cordial
reception accorded the auburn-haired
actor-manager was ample testimony to his
personal popularity.
"THE HEART OF MARYLAND"