The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1912-09-16
On and Off the Stage
(By George A. Benson.)

(By George A. Bcnson.)
The American stage has been UNI
derEoing a number Of changes dur
ins the past years. but the decline of
the long New York run was never
thought of until several days
when David Ralasco announced that
1t was being done away with. He de-
clares that he will produce several
plays ut his Gotham theatcr during
the season, instead of dcvottng his at
tention to q years run of one big
success.
The wizard says the rapidly grow
ing number of theaters. with their
many attractions. will make it im-
possible for n play to survive a
lengthy years run. Thus. rather than
depend on an unusual play to crowd
his magnificent playhouse night after
night. he will produce three or four
during the year. When ne concludes
that The Governors LADY, his first
play of the season, has had a long
enough New York run. he will send
1t on the road and present another
play.
Whether or not MFR. Relasco is right
In his statements Is hard to say. Com
ing from Il theatrical producer of his
ability and foresight. they certainly
iIusl nave SOIue WolEnt.
If a play proves worthy. however.
Il long New York run. For proof Of
this. witness last years great success
es: "Bunty Pulls the Strings and
Bought and Paid For" The former
concluded its New York run last
week. after playing continuously since
early last fall. Bought and Paid
For" which was given Its premiere
the same time as Moffat's
Scotch comedy. is still playing t o
crowded houses. and there are no in
dications of an early withdrawal.
There are only two or three theaters
this year. and they will not provide
enough entertainment to rob the 9TH
er places.
But If Mr.. Belasco sends out his
New York successes after a run of
two or three months. he will be doing
a great service for the week and one-
night stands. AS things are now,
these places have to wait until the
second season for the Broadway pro-
auctions. And ute frequently. they
have to see the plays presented by
second-rate companies. Mr.. Belas-
cos statements will be welcomed by
the theatergoers In these plays. Let
US hope his plan proves a success.
1t is stated that the of
the o. Henry estate are going to ar
range for the dramatization of some
of his stories. This has already been
tried. but so far only one alias Jim
my Valentine" has proved a success.
In that play. Paul Armstrong, the
author. changed o. Henry's original
idea and twisted it t. suit his own
purposes. A play vas made from his
"Cabbages and Kings" stories, but did
not prove a success. His stories are
dramatic. as short stories go, and
they have the additional advantage of
Will make good material for
plays.
Preparations are ma~terializing for
he first performance Of Edward
Sheldon's new play, Egypt" Mar
garet Anglin. who was seen here in
Green Stockings will play the lead
ing role. 1t will be presented late
this month at Albany, and, following
a week at Pittsburgh. Miss Anglin will
open at the Garrick theater in Chi
on Monday, September 80.
Ethel Barrymore is the latest star
to enter the vaudeville field. She OPP
rieties at Chicago yesterday, playing
in ]. NJ. Barie's one-act play, THE
Twelve Pound Look 1t is said thai
h is to receive $4,000 a week for
her short tour.
The Sheehan English Opera COM
pany which will present I'll Trova-
tore" at the Metropolitan theater on
Saturday is made up of a cast of
principals who have won distinction
in their respective lines with the best
opera companies of the present day.
MIR. Joseph F. Sheehan heading the
cast is recognized by musical critics as
Americas greatest tenor and most
opera star. who has lone more
to maxi English opera supreme than
any other man Of his generation.
Included in this cast is Francis j.
Boyle. Gladys Caldwell, Joseph Roy
er. Alma Stetzler. Theresa Claremont.
John l.. Dickinson. Louise Hoerger.
Merth Carmen, Kenneth Dudley. Ruth
West. William Young and other lesser
lights in the opera world.
With the o notable cast of play
ers MIR. Sheehan. feels confident that
his highest ambition has been realized
and he is now in a position to pro-
uce each and every opera in his re-
pertoire In a style and n which
has never been equalled in his career.
Assisting this all star cast is a trained
chorus of seventy voices and a special
orchestra under the baton of William
Glover. n Of England's foremost con-
ductors. The production is under the
direction of VIM. j.. ~Jorgenson. our
under the direction of Edward M.
Beck. general manager Of the Sheehan
FnO1iQh Onaro pononoru