The evening world., 1909-01-09
Nine. Van Tasso, Denied Role
in New Play, Talks of
Hidden Tragedy.
HER FlANCE ON STRIKE
Refusing to Play Lead with
Miss Reicher, He Gets the
Managerial Cancel

That too many directors may spoil
the theatre has been proven once more,
for now the New German Theatre, at
Madison avenue and Fifty-ninth street.
has followed In the footsteps OF the
Metropolitan Opera Houae, and Is wag-
ing war behind the footlights. all, 1t
Ia alleged. on account of too much
management.
Eugene Burg and Maurice Baumfeld
are the two directors in whose hands
are held the rens Of the theatre. Be
tween them trouble has been brewing
for many months. and to-day came the
announcement that the storm has
burst.
All the trouble is over the two prn-
cipal actresses Of the playhouse, Nine.
Ilse Van Tasso, a fascinating faVortte
from Vienna, who had been especially
engaged to impersonate dashing, tenn
peramental roles, and Miss Hedwig
Reicher whose speciality Is sentimental
herones or heavy tragedy queens. The
former actress has allied herself with
Eugene Burg; the latter with Maurice
Baumfeld, and each believes herself
Cited to al the part OF altar attraction
There has been merry little squabble
since the beginning OF the season
The management at every opportun-
ity avails itself Of the privilege Of
sending notes Of dismissal TO the mem
bers Of the company who have been
imported from Germany,
! When It was announced that this
week, Bernstiens " The Claw was I,
/ be the attraction, Madame Van Tassc
prepared TO receive the principal part
THAT OF Toto" Partisan adventures
Of dashing personality. Miss Rechei
vas equally convincsrd that the role
would be hers, and conhded to her as.
socates that she looked forward t.
playing It as her greatest histronit
achievement. And Miss Reicher re,
/ ceived the role, much to the chagrir
and astonishment of many members Of
the Company.
What is taking place at the New
by Madame Van Tasco, who to-day
| with flashing eyes and cheeks red with
anger. told All Evening World reporter
all about the row,
1T is ridiculous. I, only I, should
be Toto" she said. Mr., Burg says so
Mr. Emil Lind, the leading actor,
ssrees with him, but because Of favor
ism am denied the part,
II Was Her Role.
Il have been imported especially to
play roles similar 10 this, and now
without excuse, ! am told cannot
have 1t. Miss Reicher-she is a good
actress-yes very good, but not fol
this role Mr. Baumfeld wishes tc
make star Of her; TO have her play
every star part, and in .i.ing her tbs
as me, an Injustice, for Miss Reiche,
is not CAPABLE of playing the part.
MIR. Find, who Is my fancee, has
refused to play his part If Miss
Re!cher must play Toto
What did they do? Threaten hin
with dismissal, Him. The idol OF
Germany
1T has been like this all the season
fighting all the time. When a play
house has two directoires-phtz-it /.
like this" and the actress crossed hei
two fingers with an impressive shrug
Meanwhile. Mss Reiches smiles Will
studying the role Of Toto" for Will,
her rival and her fance may rage sh,
s safe in having allied herself ltl
the more influential director, MIR, Mau
rice Baumfe d.
In the meantime. Mr.. Lind has beer
forced to consent to play his role
while Madame Van Tasso shrugs he
shoulders and signs: 1T is an injustice
am Toto"