The San Francisco call., 1909-12-19
SAVOY SOUBRETTF
LIKES SHAKESPEARE
Petite Zoe Barnett Also Goes In
for lbsen and Sweaters
and Short Skirts
Tells How She Received an Offer
of Marriage From Chico
Admirer

real overwhelming ovation she had
ever bowed against and smiled over.
rs il any wonder I'm happy" she
asked me- And yet she proceeded
with a shade less Of light in her big
black eyes. and yet I have had to work
pretty hard. When I heard the thunder
Of that Savoy audience Sunday night
was amply repaid for all the struggles
that 1 have had 10 go through to land
al even the humble place occupy. OF
course. I realize that the reception was
only part given to Zoe Barnett the ac-
tress; much came from my lovely
friends here. and you win admit have
many. haven't u"
asked her whether she thought
there was any danger of her becoming
vain over her success and whether too
much praise might not spoil her.
Nothing like it she said with a
conhdent nodding OF her head. I've
too much Yet to learn. Such A lot I'm
going 10 learn. ! read everything
about the stage that I can get; 1 read
biographies of the great players and
histories Of the drama 1 study the me-
chsnical side OF theatrical productions,
and I wade through tones of plays
"Ibsen?" ] asked.
All kinds" she said. "lbsen TO
Shakespeare, and
Imagine that for a little soubrette
who only weighs 10 pounds.
oh. but I didn't weigh even 10
pounds" she took up at the suggestion,
when I left san Francisco last July.
7 didn't weigh quite 100 pounds. But
Tn picking up now in fine shape, and
when this season is over Tm going TO
hunt an honest to goodness farm and
put on boots, short skirts and a sweater
and get TO be a real big girl
Miss Barnett made one of the most
personal and thus one of the deepest
Impressions OF any player who has ap-
pesred on the local stock stage. When
she went away she was mourned by as
large A following Of matinee girls and
others as though she were leading
woman or a comic opera queen.
That was last July. and she tells me
after the close of the Princess company
in Los Angeles she took the next train
for New York
7 was in New York about two
weeks" she says. when John Cort
made me the offer OF tho role OF An
nette in King Dodo. ! accepted at
once, and within two days had FIVE
other offers, one OF which was TO go
with Grace Van Studdiford. Bat I'm
experience is fine. Say. DO you realize
what small role Annette is? There
arc only eight sides Chat means
sheets on one side. only there is dia
iogue) 70 my part
I replied that l had not realized the
smallness OF the role in the exhibition
she gave OF its rapidity and liveliness.
BY the way" she said. who do you
think sent me wireless message on
fr-nf of af
the Savoy
Give it up.
George Lask." she said He sent it
from Seattle. ] owe him a whole lot
for what he did for me at the Princess. -
ANY mash notes2 ! asked.
Lots she replied. But they're too
silly TO talk about
Go on: tell me one OF them.
Well. got one from a man in Chico
lie said he wanted to marry me and
would I kindly consent and address
Ding general delivery. Chico"
Did your
Did I WHAT"
Did you reply2"
Not Vet. I'm waiting for some one
70 ask me in person, not by letter"
Then what"
Then TIL think about it, and prob
ably not die an old maid
Miss Barnett, who shared honors al
the Princess two seasons ago with Ce-
ella Rhods, who was the prima donna
says that the latter is in Chicago tax
ing a complete rest from stage activi-
ties, is studying singing, and having a
course Of throat treatment 70 get her
voice back in the fine condition il was
before a long season or singing every
night and twice day at matinees not
counting rehearsals, interfered with it's
beauty.