Los Angeles herald., 1910-06-17
ACTOR PUTS OWN IDEAS
IN DIALOGUE OF PLAYS
William Collier Practically Re-
writes Farces in Which
He Appears

Some unknown who deserves recogn1-
| ton said, "Plays are never written;
they are always rewritten" To ap-
preciate the significance Of this state
ment, one should witness William Col
| lier directing the rehearsals Of one of
his plays. In two instances he has
been the co-author of the plays serving
as a vehicle for his tours. So that in
| taking liberties with the authors lines
was his right.
In the case of "a Lucky STAR" the
! clever farce in which Mr.. Collier will
appear at the Mason opera house all
next week. credit on the program is
given to three people-C. N. and A. M.
| Williamson, who wrote the novel 1.-THE
Botor Chaperon," and Anne Crawford
Flexner who adapted 1t to the stage.
| When the manuscript was turned over
to Mr.. Collier there were eleven parts
| in the play. Now thirty-flve persons
are required in the action.
Mr.. Golfers rehearsals are conduct
| ed in q most unusual manner. Usual
ly a stage director begins by inserting
what is technically known as ''stage
business" Mr.. Collier begins by in
serting new dialogue. The players
| will work an hour on a scene while
! their star stands silently before them,
wrapped in thought Just as the scene
| is nearing perfection, Mr. Collier stops
| the rehearsal with "That scenes out" P"
Then while the company waits he will
rewrite that portion of the play which
does not seem to suit, or construct an
| entirely new scene to take the place
of the one discarded.
The biggest vaudeville news that has
come out of the east in some time is
| that Keith interests are for sale, and
MOI IN 10 the
| only possible purchaser. Mr.. Beck is
| abroad, and matters rest until his re-
turn.
Lily Lena, one of the greatest and
most liked of the English music hall
singers, heads the Orpheum bill for
| next week.
Denman Thompson will, on his COM
ing Orpheum tour, appear in a playlet
called Forest Farm Folks"
The Kristoffy Trio are presenting
'"Traviata" this week at Levy's cafe
chantant. and while they please the
patrons all the time, these selections
seem to be the favorites. Mile. Bea-
trice, the toe dancer, is gaining much
applause.
There will be just one more week of
paid in Full' at the Burbank. This
third week will be given to satisfy the
continuous demand for seats. Richard
Bennett will begin his engagement Sun
day, June 10. His first appearance will
be in Pierre of the Plains"
Next week James K. Hackett will
give his own creation 1.-THE Prisoner
of Zenda," at the Majestic, and the
next week will close his season in Los
AVn n opaXVnll MOrOG-
co has obtained Henri Bernstein's
great drama, Samson" The Majestic
will then be dark for week.
The sale of seats for the opening of
the Girton stock company at the Grand
opera house Sunday afternoon in "A
Ragged Hero" is now open. Every
member of the new company is now
busily engaged with rehearsals for the
first Offering. Lost River" will be
the second Offering.
electra" who passes electric cur
rents of high voltage through his body,
will be. an extra attraction on the
Los Angeles theater vaudeville pro-
gram opening Monday afternoon.
Larry Giffen, whose name is always
associated with the success of James
Neil, Blanche Bates and others of no
less fame, arrived in Los Angeles yes
terday as the representative of Mrs.
Fiske, who will follow William Collier
at the Mason opera house. 1t was
Larry, by the way, who put Dick Ben
nett, soon to appear at the Burbank
as a stock star in the business. Larry
looks not a day older than he did
twenty years ago when he put over
some wonderful financial coups on the
Denver mining stock exchange just as
a side issue to managing the Giffen-
Neil stock company.
Being a champion sprinter is no fun,
even on the stage, judging by Charles
Ruggles' experience. Ruggles has the
lead in "Going Some" the comedy
which will hold the boards at the Be
lasco theater next week, and his role
calls for several sprints across the
| stage.