New-York tribune., 1909-09-06
SHUT YlDD!SH THEATRE
FORCE JACOB 4DLER OTTT
Mo11ng Pictures Displdce Old Actor
at Grand Street House.
High Class Vaudeville
Moving Pictures. Zoe.

Such sign, with all the ornate effects that ran
oe gained by liberal use Of red and yellow paint
marks the passage OF the Grand Theatre the
zone and centre Of Yiddsh acting in New York
snd the new world. for that matter. Yesterday the
Grand started on the cycle in its already
much checkered career, but the familiar figures
that have been wont TO gather at the corner OF
Grand and Chrystie streets have passed on, and
1iI be seen no in their old haunts, at least
not during the present season.
Old Jacob Adler. the veteran. white bearded dean
Of Yiddish actors; Nine. Adler. his wife. and The
score or more members Of Ailer's company Of
artists have folded their tents and moved away:
Or. rather they have been driven away by the in
eKorahle demands OF the unions that have taken
Unto themselves the right dictate the wages 20
h. paid and the persons be hired by the Yiddlsh
theatrical managers. The veteran actor-nlanagers
troubles began six months ago. when his theatre
vas invaded py Al II. Woods. aourshing a court
order. Since that time there has been little peace
FOR the Henry Irving of Grand street. The Woods
episode was the beginning OF series OF unpleas-
ant MISUNDERSTANDING with the actors ard their
unions. At last he has decided to give up the
fight and retire from the scene Of his nightly
triumphs OF twenty-five years.
The old man is cnanged-nuch changed--snce he
first hesitstiugiv crossed the platform of Bowery
stage IN the sos. shortly after his arrival from
Austria But since that first night ne has been
he favorite Of Grand street. In Yiddish theatres
On the BoVery Adler's has been a name TO
Jure with. His appearance in g play meant crowd
d houses and much ratification in the mana gerial
Office.
Then about six years age. Adler decided to be-
come his own manager. For experience and bust
ness insight il thought that the actor had few
peers But success did not shine as partially
Adler the manager it did Adler the actor
To be sure he continued 10 play in the pieces he
produced, but his companies were not always up
rhe standard demanded bv the patrons of the Yid-
dish drama Finally. about Two years ago. affairs
came 70 such c. pass that Adler entered into
agreement whereby he leased the theatre to Al
+. woods tor every day in the week excepting Sat-
urday night and Sunday. During the week he took
his company 20 various Yiddish theatres IN the
2elghborhood.
Six months ago adler disputed woodss lease OF
the theatre took possession ot the place Woods
then sought police aid and with the assistance of
The law carried the place by storm. The latest
trouble OF IRE aged actor came about TWO weeks
ego. when the United Hebrew Trades and the
actors Union got him vsn and between the two
-hev made il impossible for him 10 hire chorus
musicians for The theatre. Pressed the wall,
rs has already had some success His Shylock in
Yiddrsh theatre in America from this day forth.
His theatre is now in the hands Of the Bedford
theatrical Company which is controlled by Adolph
fucker and Marcus Loew. They are responsible for
lie new sign over the door OF the theatre that
made IFS appearance yesterday.
Adler viii sail for Europe as soon as he can
ztraighten our his personal affairs He has decided
% take his comnany along with him. and Will make
: OF The Yiddish theatres in England and or |
rhe CohtinenT. When he returns next spring he ex-
poets 70 the English speaking stage, on which
n has already had some His SeyIociz IN
the Merchant OF Venice has attracted considerable
attention, and he has also received praise for his
Interpretation Of Richelieu