davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14
LOCAL STAGE NOTES.

''The Clansmans" troop Of trained
cavalry horses viii be an exciting feature
of the play. The horses are ridden across
the stage at fun gallop in the third act
by the armed and habited members Of the
Ku-klux Khan. Two. of the animals were
formerly the stars of the chariot race IN
"Ben-Hur."
Otis Harlan. the rotund comedian re-
Gently the principal in ''The Broken IDOL"
and before that the efficient laugh-mak-
ing aid Of Elsie Janis in The Vanderbilt
Cup" has signed to appear in polite
vaudeville at Chase's in the near future.
A big hreproof sign being erected on
top Of the buildings along the Avenue
adjoining the Southern Railroad building
viii bear the notice that Il marks the
site of the great theater which soon will
he the permanent home OF Chases polite
vaudeville.
The revolver used in the second act OF
Detective Sparkes" by Hattie Williams
was presented TO Charles Frohmans star
by William Pinkerton, who took Il from
"a notorious desperate In The West.
Julian Royce leading man with Hattie
Williams in Detective Sparkes," made
his only other appearance in this country
some years ago with Lily Langtry IN
The Degenerates" Mr.. Royce is
great favorite in London, where he has
! interpreted most OF the leading roles In
the plays OF Arthur Wing PinerO and
where he played the role in Secret Serv-
ice" filed in this country by William Gil
lette during an engagement which lasted
! two and one-half years.
Joseph Brooks. who is associated with
Klaw & Erlanger in the management Of
THE Circus Man" will reach washing
ton tomorrow for the premier Of the
play here.
Nancy Farnum. better known as Agnes
Farnum a Washington girl. has left the
''Fouies OF 1909" TO join The Girl OF the
L. S A. taking the ingenue part. Miss
Farnum is now rehearsing in Chicago.
and will join the company In Sioux Falls,
S. Oak.
Maclyn Arbuckle. though born in St
Louis. spent his early manhood IN Texas
/ He was lawyer In TeXarkana, and also
deputy sheriff.
Jennie Weathersby. Of THE Circus
Man" company. scored one OF her early
/ hits in the original production Of
''Erminie" at the New York Casino. play
/ ing the Princess PompadOur The COM
pany included Francis Wilson, Pauline
/ Hall, and Marie Jansen
| Hattie Williams. it is said. plunged into
/ the Legitimate" with some misgivings.
but hcr treuors vanished when she found
/ that success had crowned her daring.
The Hengler sisters, who appear with
! Montgomery and Stone at the New Ma
tional this week have danced from vau-
devllle ana back ssveral times. their sue
cess in Europe having been as great as
/ in America
George AIDE, aathor Of THE Old Town, 20
at the New National this week is said TO
/ be the only Hoosier who does not take
himself seriously. Perhaps this accounts
! for his tremendous popularity.
| The Duncan-D amrosch engagement at
the New National in the near future
/ promises 10 be as successful as their per
/ formances last season.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14
ABOUT CLEVELAND MOFFETT.
Author of "For Better. For worse
and "The Battle" "a Journalist.

and "The Battle" "a Journalist
Many OF the prominent providers Of
modern drama were writer's OF fiction be-
fore they leashed the stage within their
ken as a happy medium for the express
sion OF their ideas. Cleveland Mofett
has a reputation as a novelist. but Il
was as a human news receiver for a
daily paper that he won his name. At
the time Of his connection with the New
York Herald he was said 10 be the
highest salaried newspaper man IN the
country. That he was content 10 sur
render his position and become a writer
Of dramas exclusively. proves what
strong attraction the stage has assumed
20 men OF his stamp.
For Better. For Worse" Mr.. Mofrett's
new play. which viii come to the Belasco
Theater Monday night, with q cast in
Guiding Carlotta Niuson and Arthur BY
ron. deals with mighty big subject
that OF divorce We have had many
plays on this subject from the continent,
but this is perhaps the frs; largely con-
ceived American play which handles a
problem. existing I'm our midst, with
brOadness and depth
AS was amply proved by his first
drama. The Battle" Mr. Monett has
a skillful and lucky knacl OF mixing
the ingredients that pave the way for
popular success. The result is a direct
rapid. straightforward story that hustles
along without a let-up. and brings for
ward message without preaching or
moraliZing.
II was once said OF a successful drama
fist that he at one time contemplated
entering the ministry. and that he re-
jOices mat he did not take that step
He claims that with one play a year he
can WELD greater influence than with
thirty sermons.
Mr.. Moffett is no exception TO the rule
that a long apprenticeship is necessary
20 turn out a successful dramatist. but he
was lucky enough not 20 have his work
produced until he ha1 mastered the tricks
OF the trade lie has said a few interest
ing things on this subject to embryo
writer's for the theater.
DO not bs afraid OF words, Melo-
drama, heart-interest. and all like phrases
used by the cheap manager TO de-
scribe trashy thrilers. have not neCessarf-
" acquired a trashy significance through
this use OF theirs. Melodrama is funda-
mental drama, the primitive drama, II
you like. and heart interest makes the
love so around. and it also makes the
mare go. If you want TO know
THE young dramatist should never
hesitate TO speak in terms of melodrama,
if he has anything at all to say. But II
he hasn't, and he can't say it BETTER than
1900 OF the 100000 Americans who are
writing plays. don't let him bother a
MANAGER with his scrIp."
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14
FRED STONE EXPLAINS.
beginning of Montgomery and stone
Partnership.

1 was born In Denver and was living
there fourteen years ago. when little
one-ring circus came 10 town and camped
out at River Front Park 1t put up its
tents and a slack wire. on which per-
former was 10 give noon exhibitions Of
climbing up to the top Of the tent pole,
to bring a crowd, I was a kid then. but
was some slack wire performer myself.
had practieed In the back yard, and In
a vacant lot, and I had at least gained
a good deal OF fame among the boys l
ran with. wandered down TO the circus.
There was the slack wire. There was the
long balancing pole the slack wire man
used. All was ready for his stunt.
Wen. the insane impulse came over me
TO take up that pole and mount the slack
wire. / had never gone up a slanting
wire. and had never been more than FIVE
feet from the ground But l grabbed the
pole, rushed up the wire. and, before
any one could stop me. was out OF reach.
/ They yelled and prayed for me 70 come
down. but kept ahead. After I got up
fifty feet. my head was clear and I had
gotten my confidence back. and was feel
ing thoroughly at home. SO 1 showed
/ them all the tricks I knew. walked up
the wire to the very top OF the pole, and
started TO come back
Meanwhile, they had sent for the man
ager Of the show and, as I turned around,
he was at the bottom OF the wire. having
a brainstOrm II distracted me so that
I nearly fell off the wire but 1 recovered
and marched down 10 about ten feet over
their heads. cid a trick or two more. and
then stopped I was afraid 70 come
down. But the manager promised me an
immunity bath If l came down. and
| did. and I got a bigger hand than ever
have gotten in all the years that I have
been on the stage.
The manager fairly took me in his arms
lie insisted that I join the show But
my parents, What would they say? He
and I went home. and he held out such
a brilliant future for me and I urged so
strongly. that at last their consent was
won and went away with the circus
I was billed as Freddie Stone. the boy
wonder" and 7 did a high slack wire act
every twenty minutes during the after
noon and evening outside the tent
Finally we got down 10 Texas and in
/ Galveston the show went 20 smash.
/ Then I Joined Haverley's minstrels and
there met Dave Montgomery. We de-
valoped an acrobauc buck dancing act
/ The show stranded at New Salem. Next
we secured n Job with Manager Rice. OF
/ the old Clark street museum. Chicago
saved 500 apiece and tried managing on
/ our own hook IN four weeks we were
penni!ess. We then went 70 ENGLAND in
/ PRODUCING buck dancing IN the music halls
and playing before King Edward Re-
I turning 10 the United States we Joined
! The Wizard OF or" The public is
familiar with our career since then
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14
The PLAY Not the Thine.

Since II is the exception which tests
the rule. there is no disloyalty to the
Bard Of Avons popularity applied ex-
clamatlon, IN the statement that IN very
many instances Of recent observation the
play has been very palpably not the
thing.
Two OF tho most distinguished examples
OF this state Of affairs are The Chorus
Lady" and THE Music Master" The
comparison between these two plays has
been constant and dates from the first
performance Of Miss Stahls play. It was
recognized by every one that neither OF
these plays could possibly have taken
hold OF the affections OF audiences to the
extent OF the long runs they both en-
joyed, without the personality and act
ing ability OF the actors who created the
leading roles.
Very likely the support that Mr.. War
field would have In his enactment Of Tho
Merchant Of Venice" were he 10 essay
the part. would be but slight as COM
pared with the returns derived from "The
Music Master" yet it viii not be denied
that he has both the temperament and
the ability TO portray Shylock TO the
satisfaction Of the most rabld adherent
OF tradition. This cannot be taken as
conclusive that the Klein play is a bet
ter play than shakespeare's. Nor can
Miss stahrs success as Patricia O'Brien
put THE Chorus Lady on par with
"A School for Scandal"
To succeed in indelibly stamping a
character on the mind OF the public. in
spite OF poor play. and by pure force
Of personality and vital acting to lift
that play up TO the point where It Is de-
luded into thinking that play a great one.
Is an achievement OF the true genius.
OF Miss Stahl the public has the private
opinion that she can do nothing else but
play Patricia O'Brlen. It held some such
view regarding Mr.. Warheld and the old
music master. Such an opinion is harm
full TO the actor. No matter how we'll
that actor may interpret some subse-
ouent role IN play Of far greater merit,
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14
IMOGENE,S TUSK.
''Mac" ArbucI<Ie Wears IL for
Watch Charm.

Maclyn Arbuckle has just come into
possession Of unique watch charm, the
tusk of Imogene. the elephant soubrette
who assists him in The Circus Man"
The female OF the Asiatic species Of eIe-
plant seldom has tusks. but Imogene was
blessed with a short bit OF ivory, and Il
IS this. this tusk, about an inch and
quarter long and three-quarters OF an
inch in diameter. that Mr.. Arbuclzle has
had mounted and IS wearing as a charm.
lie had a twO-fOld reason for wanting
the tusk The elephant feels much more
safe. and therefore much more savage,
when IL has It's tUsks. the removal max
ing them gentler and more easily han
died And as Imogene gives Mr.. Ar
buckle an anectiOnate hug IN the first act
Of The Circus Man" he thought the
taking away OF the tusk would make him
feel easier in going through this bit OF
business, which is one OF the most ef-
fective in the comedy. Then, too, he felt
the elephant would know he had her tusk
and would feel more kindly toward the
man who was treasuring part OF her and
mounting it in gold.
Mr. Arbuckle has two other pieces Of
jewelry which are reminders OF his new
line Of DISTINGUISHING a circus man. An
adrnirer has sent him tigers tooth
mounted IN gold. The other bit of Jew
elrv is an ivory carving Of Imogene. worn
in the last act Of the comedy as a scarf
min
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14
COMING ATTRACTIONS.
BeInxco-"The King OF Cadonia.'

BeIaScO-"The King OF CndOnfa."
At the Belasco Theater next week the
Messrs. shubert announce the first Amer
lean production OF their new musical
comedy. THE King OF Cadonia." with
William Norris in the principal featured
role.
The King OF Cadonia" attained ex-
.traordinary success last year in London.
where It was presented under the man
agement Of Frank CurzOn. The book Of
the piece is by Frederick Lonsdale. the
lyrics by Adrian Ross. and the music by
Sidney Jones.
The AIessrs. ShubeTt have been uHusu-
ally lavish in supplying one OF the best
musical comedy casts ever associated
with their productions. for, in addition to
William Norris. they have engaged Eva
Davenport, the famous coincidence; Clara
Palmer, who scored such a notable hit as
Anita with James T. Powers in 'Ha-
vana;" Gertrude Darrell, the young pupil
OF Jean de Reszke. who achieved such a
success last season at the Lyric Theater.
New York, in Mile. Mischief" Melville
Stewart Burrell Barbarette. Bertram
Grasby. Albert Gran, William Danforth.
Caroline Armstrong Mabel Weeks. DON
aid Buchanan. and William Davis. II is
also promised that the chorus will be
one OF the important features OF the pro-
dUction, and the staging and costuming
surpassi7s. II anything. the standard set
by this progressive firm in their musical
productions
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14
BeIasco-"For BETTER, For WORSE

There Is no doubt but the attitude
OF the people OF France in the question
OF divorce has. IN no small measure.
been Influenced by a series OF powerful
dramas on that subject written by Paul
Hervieu, VINO. after all. is the biggest
man in the French drama Of to-day. The
American point OF view on this important
question has frequently been touched
upon and AT times rather thoroughly dag
nosed on the stage, but il is 20 be doubt
ed whether the subject has ever received
more effective stage handling than in
For Bitter. For Worse" which IS 10
be seen for the first time on any stage
at the Belasco Theater Monday night
This new play is the second and latest
work of Cleveland Monett, who. last
season, demonstrated that he could
handle big ideas 10 splendid dramatic
advantage when mis- very first drama,
The Battle" won unqualified popular
success and great esteem for the author.
both on account OF the Importance and
clarity OF his ideas and OF his skill IN
dramaturEic structure.
An unusual company OF players ap-
pears in its Interpretation, headed by
Carlotta Nilsson and Eugenia Blair.
Seldom has there been offered a play
where the characters were so evenly bal
anced.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14
The Music Season.

With the concert last Tuesday after
noon by the Boston symphony Orchestra
and the recital Of Nine. Blanche Mar
chest on Wednesday. the Washington sea-
son OF classical music may be said to
have fairly begun. The Philadelphia Or
chestra, with Herr Pohlig as conductor.
IS scheduled for next Tuesday, and there
after the symphony concerts will be given
at regular Intervals until next spring.
The Washington Symphony Orchestra,
too, is making a second bid for the favor
OF local audiences. While they have not
as yet announced any further policy with
regard to the Interpretation of the
heavier symphonies. such as are perform
ed by both the Boston and Philadelphia
organizations. It is possible that they will
decide upon this course at some future
date. For the present they will give semi
classical or popular classics.
The out-of-town Orchestras receive the
generous patronage Of Washington music
lovers. The rapt attention with which the
music Is received and the enthusiasm dis
played on the conclusion OF each number
Is a high tribute 20 the intelligence and
taste Of our local audiences. There is. OF
course. no reason why the Washington
Symphony Orchestra should not attain
the same high grade Of excellence as
either OF the two older organizations and
In time enjoy the same prestige.
There has been already given out ad-
vance information as 10 the promise Of
the present music season. Instrumental
and vocal soloists. duartets, orchestras.
and interpretations of classical music by
dancers are expected 20 add 10 the brill
llancy OF the Washington winter. Grand
opera alone seems 70 be shy Of local audi
ences, and the announcement OF twenty
performances ct the Lyric Theater IN Bal
timore by the Metropolitan Opera Com
pany has been a positive boon TO the
many who have lamented the dearth OF
grand opera IN Washington. BY splen-
did arrangement. whereby a special train
Is run from Washington. and for which
transportation is furnished free TO pur-
chasers OF opera tickets. there IS no rea-
son why washington folk who want to
hear grand opera should not crafty that
desire The elimination OF railroad fares
places the Lyric Theater IN Baltimore no
farther away than any Of the local
houses. and it IS possible to get home BY
midnight. too. or shortly afterward-
The fact is apparent that Washington Is
far better OF with regard 20 its musical
season this winter than Il was last. and
there IS no excuse for the statement that
We will suffer from lack OF opportunity
10 hear all the music we can afford 70
pay for.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14
Joe wheeIock, Jr., Improving.

A message from Phenix. Ariz., from
Joseph WheeIock, IT.. bears the welcome
but rather unnecessary information that
Mr.. Wheelock is stIll tremendously alive.
that bit of news having been contributed
by the gentleman after he had had the
rather morbid pleasure Of reading his
own obituary In two or three Of the New
York papers, the mistake having been
occasioned by the sudden death over n
New Jersey a few weeks ago OF a man
of the same name. Even II Illness makes
necessary Joe Wheelock's absence for
the benefit TO be derived from Arizona
air, he has many friends who still
bear him very happily in mind and 10
whom his well-being is of moment. One
cannot be a clever light comedian and an
aIl-around good fellow for several sea-
sons without making warm friendships.
and OF the latter Wheelocll has many
in New York Good light comedians
of the Wheelock and John Barrymore
class are not too numerous. and Mr.
Wheelock's recovery and return 10 the
stage would be pleasing news.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14
Annie Runsen MN Return.

A false report has appeared that Annie
Russell has abandoned the stage for Jour
nalism. No doubt this rlImor was started
by the fact that Miss Russell often writes
magazine articles about the stage. She
does not Intend to retire. which is good
news to the theatergoing public. At
present she is recovering from an illness.
which has kept her Off the stage this sea-
SON. For several seasons Miss Russell
has been unable to procure suitable plays.
1t is unfortunate that an actress CT her
ability must dabble with unworthy ma
terial on account OF the scarcity Of good
plays, but it is good news TO learn that
she VIII return TO the stage when she Sc
cures one.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14
CoIumbIa-..The Barrier"

The Alaskan romance. The Barrier"
BY Rex Beach. VIII be presented al the
Columbia Theater on Thanksgiving week
by Klaw & Erlanger The play IS said
70 be full OF force and dramatic action,
and thrills with the excitement OF the
gold fever and OF the elements Of ad-
venture that are carried on year by year
In our northern Eldorado, where for
tunes are made, lives are wrecked. and
hearts are broken and mended
The principal characters IN the play
are a trader named John Gale, which
will be impersonated by Mr.. Theodore
Roberts. one OF Americas greatest char
acter actors; Necia. Gales supposed
daughter. which will be played by Miss
Florence Rockwell; Capt. Burrell Of the
United States army. in command OF the
little party at the settlement Of Flam-
beau. where the scene Of the play is
laid, 70 be portrayed by Richard Thorn
ton: Poleon Doret, French voyager, 20
be played by Alphonz Either. last seen
here as Ben-Hur. and Dan Stark,
murderer and gambler. BY w. s. Hart.
for many seasons playing the title role
In The Virginian."
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14
Farce.

For the creation Of transitory pangs OF
hilarity by theatrical means. the out and
out farce is about the most effective
and least dangerous. The effect i'm
plnges on the incidents, and the Incl
dents are usually so ludicroUs as momen-
tarily TO preclude any serious thought
on any subject. and so the time OF tho
play is simply given up TO unrestrained
hilarious refreshment. II is perfectly
legitimate form OF comedy and has been
used by the masters running from The
Two Gentlemen Of Verona" to BOX and
Cox
The chief objection Of the stickers to
this form is that the incidents are in
consistent. in that they exceed in COM
edy element anything seen in normal life.
and so forth. What boshl People are
making themselves ridiculous all around
us every day. and doing it without even
the help derived from a sudden separa-
ton from themselves OF some artificial
anatomical part. and bringing the matter
right down to the present instance, which
IS Billy" Who has not laughed at the
misfortunes Of some one suffering from
a displacement or breakage Of false
teeth? Sometimes IL IS the changed
facial expression. sometimes the difficult
ties attending articulation. and some
times the general air Of asninity. II Is
invariably funny in real life. and IN stage
comedy. where exaggerations and embel-
lishments are permitted. much more so.
Ii would be descending 10 the subject
itself 70 spend much time in serious dis
cussion OF the topic. Sufficient almost
20 say that Billy" whether consistent
OF inconsistent. was certainly very funny
and It seems to US that the company de-
serves special commentator for getting
the effect without appreciably overstep-
ping the bounds OF rationalism.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14
Francis Wilson.

or the old guard of comic opera IA
vorites, who lived and thrived more than
a decade ago. Francis Wilson alone re-
mains in full possession OF the popularity
which he honestly won in those halcyon
days Of the stage.
That he. like that other contemporary
OF his. lillian Russell. should have de-
serted comic opera. cannot be attributed.
as in the case Of the lady, to a loss OF
a singing voice. for Francis Wilson never
could sing and never pretended TO be
able 70. although he used 10 "patter" of
topical songs and croak dlsmauy in the
ensembles. Wilson does not need comic
opera 20 exploit his talents. 1t is an
expensive form OF entertainment 10 lug
around 80 country. when a compact
farce comedy will show OFF ones comic
ability just as well.
People used 70 go 20 see Francis vii
son do his funny stunts and caper about
nimbly on his comic opera legs. They
didn't care so very much about his
operas. save. perhaps. ''Erminte'' which
is a classic and will draw audiences with
in evidence. and while his tricks and
antics suffer slightly through being de-
nuded Of the Disgusting hablliments and
the scenic trappings OF comic opera, he
Is still Francis Wilson. and that is ap-
parently what his followers want above
ell else.
As a playwright Mr.. Wilson follows the
conventional lines of construction that all
actors adhere TO. Everything is for the
atrical effect 1t is safe to say that ~
Bachelors Baby would never have seen
the footlights had it not been for the
influence and prestige OF the author. AZ
the same time it serves Mr.. Wilson as a
vehicle, and is amusing enough to cover
up its technical faults from the desultory
erpCtatOr