Los Angeles herald., 1910-03-08

the alley in a constant turmoil and it is
hard to tell where one row finishes and
the other one begins. Garry Hopper
as an officer of the law certainly has
his hands full trying to maintain order
and many laughable situations are the
result of his efforts.
An unexpected and pleasant surprise
greeted the audience at the Olympic
theater when all unheralded Dave
Morris appeared as the Italian in
"Othello for a Day" Owing to some
difficulty which occurred with George
Field, who was to play the part, Field
did not open and Morris, who hap
pened to be available, was rushed into
the gap. In presenting "Othello for a
Day" Alphin and Fargo offer another
comedy hit. Jules Mendel was fun
nier than ever as the guard of an in
sane asyplum. Walter Spencer. who
has the title role, read the difficult
lines of Shakespeare with an interpre-
tation not expected from a musical
comedy artist. Miss Anna Colds as
the daughter of the proprietor of the
asylum looked her prettiest and sang
her sweetest. She has a most delight
full presence upon the stage. Barney
Williams as the insane asylum keeper
was exceptionally funny, proving that
Dutch comedy was not the only thing
in which he excelled. Blossom Seeley
as the nurse as usual pleased exceed
ingly. Laurel Atkins Blair played
Ophelia with understanding.
If for no other reason than the edu-
cative features, the Orpheum vaude-
vile bill, presented for the first time
yesterday afternoon, is worthy of sup
port and praise. Paul Seldoms' plas-
tic poseurs delight the eye and Julius
Steger's "The Fifth Commandment"
educates the moral sense These two
offerings show the tendency of vaude-
Vile, which is upward to artistic per-
manency.
Four persons-three perfectly formed
Apollos and Venus-like young wom-
an-assume, at various times, postures
representing marble statues. One is
amazed at the performance. 1t seems
hardly possible that human beings can
remain SO immobile in such positions.
The bodies of the poseurs are covered
resemble marble. OF the eleven repre-
sentations made, 1.-THE Abduction of
the Sadness" "The Archer" "Reach-
ing the Winning Post" and 1.-The Foun-
tain" are the most difficult and most
artistic. Mr.. Seldoms' act is a refuta-
ton that the nude in art Is vulgar. It
is almost a liberal education to see
the turn.
Rarely if ever do frequenters of a !
vaudeville house have the opportunity |
of seeing a tabloid drama of such |
worth as 1.-THE Fifth Commandment"
which julius Steger has revived for his |
second week in Los Angeles. The play |
let is based on the Mosaic law of
Honor thy father and thy mother"
The story is told quickly, quietly and
forcefully. Mr.. Steger gives a true |
picture of a broken, heart-hungry
father, and his speeches are delivered |
in such a manner that they bring |
tears to the eye. His singing of "Cas- |
ties in the Air is artistic and shows
a perfectly developed voice. John
Romano, the harpist, is as much an
actor as he is musician. He makes
atmosphere" in a truly wonderful |
manner. Miss Maud Earl is a bit too
sophisticated in reading her lines for
the girl of IS years. Although 1.-THE |
Fifth Commandment" has been seen
in Los Angeles before, it made a deep
impression on yesterdays audience. At
ter having seen it myself twenty-three
times 1 still find enough in it to hold |
my attention in a vice-like grip.
"The Hoosier Girl" a rather poor
imitation of Sis Hopkins will never
set anybody talking about its excep-
tional cleverness.
In his monologue, "The Street
Fakir." Charles Emma has something
entirely different from the usual run
of talking and singing acts. Here and
there are places barren of comedy, but
that does not mean the act as a whole
is not worthy. A jokesmith could
the defects in a few minutes.
The Five Mowatts, who swing Indian
clubs in marvelously dexterous man
ner, '"The Kountry Kids" Arthur
WhitelaW with his Irish songs and
stories, and Prato's Simian Cirque are
also on the program.