The San Francisco call., 1908-04-07
BY Waiter Anthony

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Not many stars are bright enough to
shine through such brilliance as be-
came effulgent at the Van Ness theater
last night when The Ham Tree" was
lit up for the second time in San
Francisco, but Mcintyre and Heath.
the two bright and particular lights by
their real art-blaclS art it is, too
managed easily TO cut through : the
glare and made their beams evident
even though surrounded by the best
company which has fared in musical
comedy for US this season.
The difficulties encountered in dis
cussing the piece put on last night
without employing new adjectives will
be compenss ted Tor in the pleasurable
novelty of the task. Not often do we
get the chance to enjoy production
without qualifying clauses of blame
But see the piece and Judge for your
self whether The Ham Tree is not a
scream and the company first class
Why. New York is written all over
it. There is not a girl in The so or
more comprising the chorus who can
not sing and dance. and the score OF
men of the chorus, who in musical
comedy companies usually display the
graces of undertakers, can also sing
and dance.
Even without Mcintyre and Heath
the show would be worth the money.
With them you will cheat the manage
ment when you buy a ticket
Without question Mcintyre and Heath
are the best portrayers of the general
conception of the character of the "al-
ley nigger." Do you follow? Their in
depreciation of the fun and humor of
the negro is the idealization, so to say
OF what we choose to think is the real
negro. They have evidently made
study of such character. and there is
not move, nor a speech, nor an infec-
ton that they make which is false to
this characterization in any degree
They have made caricature one of the
fine arts. Their conversation at the
crossroads when they are vending their
way back home after the minstrel show
has busted up" is one of the funniest
bits in musical comedy. 1t convulses.
OF the balance of the company, and ii
is long cast, Frank O'Brien as the
mystery, Arthur Barry as Lord Spot
cash, Belle Gold as Desmonda are the
best. Phil w. Smith as Everhard gets
the Manhattan flavor out of some songs
with chorus, and except in his singing
voice is on level with the excellence
of his companions.
In stage business, precision of steps,
groupings and color effects the pro
duction last night is & masterpiece. The
close OF the first act is SO good. with
its fantastically garbed singers in
mathematically perfect drill, that you
will think the best has been seen until
the close of the next act discloses
something even prettier
The origin of the name 'The Ham
Tree" is not made palmer than before
but it is likely that Ham," as Alex
ander might explain. means "hot" or
BLACK" The show is surely brilliant
jet.
CENTRAL
Central theater patrons this week
will witness in the drama why Girls
Leave Home one Of the best attrac-
tions that has been produced in Il at
theater this season. The play is well
supplied with action and there are
many. stirring scenes. Clara Hudson
was seen TO good advantage in the role
Of the wronged girl, and her portrayal
OF the suffering caused by her false
step received the merited applause OF
the audience last night Claire Sin
claire. seorgiana Haynes and Alice Con-
don add to the success of the produc-
tion, and the work OF Herman Cripps,
T. n. I1effron and Frank Bonner is com
mendable.
The Central orchestra mas been aug
mented by two accomplished soioists,
and an excellent program of music was
rendered last night. The prison scene
and the fight which takes place in the
roadhouse are two of the most thrilling
episodes of the drama.
PRINCESS
The second and last week of The
Viceroy,' with Helen Bertram at the
head Of the company, began suspicious
ly last night at the Princess theater
before large audience. There are life
and animation in Herbert'S music and
the pretty story of the opera viii be
enjoyed to the end of "The vioeroy's"
occupancy of the Princess stage. Next
week Miss Bertram will appear in
Song Birds" and Little Christopher,
EASTERN STAR BALL
Preparations have been completed for
the entertainment and grand ball which
chapter Isl, Order of Eastern Star.