The Washington herald., 1908-05-31

The vivacious comic opera soubrette,
Agnes Finlay. who has been prominent in
number Of the Aborn opera companies.
began her career only a few years ago,
stepping out OF the chorus on a moments
notice and assuming the title role in San
Toy on account OF the illness OF the
prima donna. Later she appeared under
John c. Fishers management for a num-
Der of seasons. assuming prima donna
and soubrette roles in "Florodora,' - The
Silver Slipper" "A Runaway Girl" The
Geisha," San Toy" The Wizard OF the
Nile," and The Idols Eye" Under the
same management she created the role
OF Elaine in the original cast OF Mile.
Sallie," in which Katie Barry was the
star. For the following two years she
was one Of the leading members Of the
Days Theatef Company IN "A Country
Girl" and The Cingalee." Agnes Finlay
Is younger sister Of Genevieve Finlay.
well known as q contralto in comic opera.
and possesses a large share OF the talent
for the stage that seems to run In the
family. She is as bright and entertaining
of the stage as on, and tells interesting
anecdotes OF her experiences with the
Fisher organization In Cuba and Mexico.
A most dramatic incident OF her career
Of which she tells with vivid details was
the earthquake OF last May IN Mexico
City, where she was appearing at the
time To hear Miss Finlay tell Il, you
would not care to be around when a sels-
mic shock Is due. She will be seen IN her
former role IN a Runaway Girl with
the Aborn Opera Company at the New
National Theater next week.
An amusing practice that has for many
years been a striking feature OF the dra-
matte and musical stage IS that Of be-
slowing characteristic cognomens upon
various professionals. The same interest
and admiration that gave to Mary Ander-
son the beloved name Of "Our Mary and
to Sarah Bernhardt the distinguished title
Of the Divine Sarah" gave 10 Miss Ce-
ella LOTUS the familiar "Cissy" and to
William Collier the name OF willie "
Many artists have become known by de-
cidedly grotesque and homely cognomens,
all OF them a sign Of popularity and af-
fection, born OF the constant enjoyment
Of their work. II is. therefore, not un-
usual that several OF the members OF To-
cal companies should be known by pecui-
lar titles. In the Aborn Opera Company
dit LNO SlUBtI5 knOWn DN SITlhlnE NICK
names. Miss Beatrix Cadiz Will have to
struggle through the season with the title
THE Whirlwind' as a handicap. while
Miss Lenna Duer, the youngest member
Of the company, will probably always be
known as "The Doll-face Girl"
Miss Cadiz won her strange name by
sensational dancing. She is by far the
greatest general dancer the Aborns have
ever had here. Miss Duer, who is but
sixteen years Of age and of striking per
sOnal beauty. has many times been re-
ferred 70 as that girl with the doll face -
It was not long until the patrons learned
to refer to her as THE Doll-face Girl"
The name spread to the back OF the stage,
and now she is generally singled out un-
der this unconventional nickname. Miss
Duer. prior to Joining the Aborn forces.
was featured dancer in various Juvenile
carnivals In her home city, Pittsburg
When in costume she resembles the huge
dolls one is accustomed to seeing in the
shop windows at holiday season.