Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-09-01
CHILD PRoDIGiES.
Interesting Facts Concerning Some OF
the Former Child Actors.

Interesting avis SOuSCIti'9 SV'S' ~
the Former Child Actors.
The successful Interpretation of their
roles in James Forbes comedy, "The
Travelling Sale sman," which will come
to the Opera house Thursday, Sept. 9,
by those clever children, Janet Hack
EFT. aged 8, and her brother, Albert
Hackett, aged Z, has attracted consid-
cradle attention to child actors by dra-
matte writer's of this city. 1t is wonder
full to contemplate that the salaries
paid to child actors in f1rst-class pro-
auctions exceed those paid men in 9TH
err walks of life, who are compelled TO
assume great responsibilities. Here are
two children whose salaries exceed $i5
week and at the most spend less than
Is minutes an evening in the theater.
1t would be impossible to find any
other calling where the services of
children command a higher price than
in the theatrical profession. 1t Is in
teresting also to note that of the IA
nous actors who are occupying the
attention of the theatergoing public
of the day, the following made their
beginnings in baby roles: Fife Shan
non at the age of 8, made her debut
with John Mccullough in "Coriolanus."
Julia NARROW made her debut on the
stage at the age of in "Pinafore.'
Maude Adams was another famous
child actress.
Austin Webb, who is appearing in
1.-THE Travelling Salesman James
| Forbes latest play, made his debut
with Richard Mansfield at the age of
6 months; Ethel Barrymore was clev-
err child performer, as was Eleanor
! Robson. Nat Goodwin, achieved consid
cradle prominence as a member of
Stetson's famous juvenile "Uncle Toms
Cabin" Co. In the same organization,
the late Dan DAILY at the age of IL was
cast for the role of Marks, the lawyer
Loie Fuller the famous dancer, made
her debut in Chicago at the age of 21a
and at was playing prominent part
in piece called "Was She Right
William Collier first sprang into prom
inence at the age of II in a childrens
company playing "Pinafore." Eleanora
Duse began her theatrical career at the
age of 8: Minnie Madden Fiske made
her first appearance on the stage at
the early age of 9 in "Richard ILL.,"
playing the Duke of York. Jane Had
ing. the famous French coincidence,
appeared at the age of as doll in
LIE Bossu'' May Irwin was another
famous child actress as was her sister
Flo.
The late Richard Mansfield began
his theatrical career at the age of II,
as the beadle of the parish in Charity
Begins at Home" Clara Morris started
on her famous career at the age of II
at the Academy of Music in Cleveland
in a play called 1.-THE Seven Sisters"
James O'Neil famous for his charac-
| terization of Dumas hero, the Count
of Monte Cristo, made his debut on the
stage at the age of IS in Cleveland,
Ohio.
Adelna Patti at the age of Z came
into prominence in New York at Nib
los Garden. Ada Rehan started at the
age of IA; Annie Russell played Jeanne
| in "NIiss Mutton at the age of Z IN
Montreal. Salvini, the greatest OF all
italian actors, began his theatrical life
at the age of IA. Fay Templeton mace
| her first appearance on the stage at
the age of at the Grand Opera house,
| New York City, playing Cupid -Four
years later she was the sensation as
Puck in "a Midsummer Nights
| Dream
| 1t is fact not generally known that
| the cade taken of children who are
playing both in dramatic and musical
companies is as good as that bestowed
on the offsrrings of those who live III
the homes of the rich. The adult menu
bers of the company vie with each 9TH
err In bestowing on the "kiddies' the
many niceties Of life and take upon
themselves to interest them in the fur
therance of knowledge and education.
Many an actor and actress today owe
| their magnificent education to the peo-
| Mo who were associated with them In
their early days. 1t may be surprising
| RI note that in the theatrical profess
sion there are more college graduates
than there are even in newspaper Of
fees.
The management of the City Opera
Ihouse extends a hearty invitation To
all visitors to attend the special per-
lformances which have been secured
for their amusement During fair
week careful preparation was made IN
lorder that only the best of pictures
land high-class vaudeville would be pu'
on. The vaudeville for the past TWO
DAYS has been of the highest order
Il and has been witnessed by large
crowds at all performances. 1t is re-
fined and is amusing to children as
lwell as adults
The pictures will be entirely ne"
this afternoon and the vaudeville
which has made hit during the pas
! two days, will be seen for the las
!, time. Do not miss this opportunity
Do not go home from the fair withou
seeing one of the largest attractions
,,,hich ia ALWAYS going on