New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-05-05
LOVE BEHIND THE SCENES
Weber-FieldS JubiIee-erS Just
Love Each Other So.


way Theatre. For more than twelve weeks
now they have been celebrating the great
est reunion Of both light and heavy comedy
that ever tempted fate on a single stage,
and under the leadership of two Of the
dearest boys that ever choked each other
Lew Fields and Joe Weber. 1t has been
twelve weeks of sparkling nights and two
sparkling matinees each week, or more
any way. the more the jollier, because
what they want to say to US is that acting
in a Weberhelds show isn't work at ALL It's
just a plain lark and that they all have
grown TO love one another so much that
they could sit in circle on the stage for
week with the curtain down. and be happy
just holding hands.
Honestly. it's positively slushy behind the
scenes O. nights at the Broadway Theatre.
Wear your boots.
II they didn't have to close next Satur-
day night and go on whirlwind tour OF
cities that are sick for a sight of them
they'd stay in New York and sell Hockey
Pokey AT the Broadway all summer. 1t
isn't that they feel that New York is so
lovely in July and August that they will be
missing a wonderful experience by not be-
ing here to enjoy It, 1t isn't that It's
summer they would be together. Together!
That's the thing with people who love
each other.
The first heart-warming sight that met
the eyes OF tina person who went to get
the parting words Of the famous artists and
artistes of the jubilee company was a scene
en- dcux between Helena Collier Garrick
and a nifty little chorus girl who was clad
q fobo in
wings. The chorus lasse's arms were
locked around Mrs. Garricks dignified
neck. where they stayed until Mrs. Gar
ricks smothered voice murmured gently:
you're almost choking me, dear"
The outsider hurried on to intercept Bes-
sic Clayton, who was just spinning in off
the stage, her brow dripping with the exer-
tons of jumping over a dozen billy Pier
rettes I'm that Paris street scene.
Twelve weeks. and still going strong,
Miss Clayton"
She laughed between gasps for breath.
."Oh, one has to be just as lively every
night; besides, one wants TO- It's glori-
GUS herei Mr.. Weber and Mr.. Fields are
so lovely and everything is splendid. We
are going to have a wonderful trip, too,
all together"-
Miss Lillian Russell was found in her
dressing room, sitting in calm attitude
on a small. non-luxurious chair apparent
ly resting Miss Russell has not the repu-
tation of being sentimental. and she GER
tainly is not Her little dog, which sat de-
1ected I'm the corner of her specially invent
ed patented trunk, received her careful and
tender attention, but no kisses. So that.
when She too, spoke of the glittering splen-
dor of being a member of the jubilee COM
pany, you can depend on il that said splen-
dor is not a mirage.
I'VE have fine little times on our trips
through the country" she unused. We used
TO do it, when the company was playing
in the old Music Hall, you know. We
travel on our own private train, and it's
very cosey. We have our little poker
games or bridge. oh, yes, we enjoy 1t I'M
mensely."
Are you going to leave the company
after the tour?" she was asked AS there
Is a certain wedding scheduled for some
time in May. in which Miss Russell Will,
of course, play the leading role, 1t was
thought that perhaps she might drop off
the special train at Pittsburgh and not go
further.
i've not quite decided" said Miss Rus
sell. thoughtfully. Il may stay with the
boys here though
Even into next season.
Yes, even that said she, smiling.
But who knows whether the boys VIII
be jublleelng next season? No one Will say.
Perhaps no one knows.
In the big Weberfelds dressing room
there was the only sign Of a row that could
be found behind the footlights anywhere.
In there Joe Weber and George Beban sat
tense over a game Of checkers.
I'm working him up to his part" muir
INJURED Mr.. Weber, In a kind voice. He
must go on the stage in a tantrum I'm few
minutes Every night beat him a game
Of checkers in here before his entrance.
1t has just the right effect on him"
Every night you don't beat me- cried
his opponent II owe you 30 in twelve
weeks Is that much?"
Not so much, but I'd be glad TO get IT,"
suggested the sweet voiced Weber
In the chorus, standing about the checker
battlefield, were Lew Fields. William
Collier. John Kelly and others. The chorus
laughed.
I'VE stand around with water and tow
els" said Mr. Fields. Sometimes we have
10 mufIie Mr.. Beban till We get him on the
stage. Then we turn him loose, and he's
splendid"
Check yelled Mr.. Beban, jumping
every Weber piece on the board and spring
ing to his feet in triumph. Now l owe