Life — May 20, 1909 — page 17: what you’re looking at

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his work quite as amusing and quite as profitable as attempts to follow examples of Caucasian effort in a trivial line of accomplishment. oo 2 BO S stage entertainment, Messrs. Cole and Johnson's “The Red Moon’ is a little more ambitious in the line of musical com- edy than most of its predecessors with col- ored performers. It ven- tures into the realm of Indian impe sonation, which has never been very suc- cessfully done on the stage, even under the very best auspices, In this phase the picce was at times picturesque and its music somewhat Indianesque, but its final appeal was in its negro music, its negro fun and the comedy work of Mr. Cole. Of all these there was not quite enough. In its entirety “The Red Moon"? is quite as amusing and musical as many musical comedies that have gained suc- cess with white authors and performers. And the very best thing in “The Red Moon" is Mr. Bob Cole's negro comedy. Re S HERE'S no startling news from the seat of war in the Shubert-Klaw- and-Erlanger conflict. Messrs. Klaw and Erlanger’s withdrawal of certain law- suits they were waging against Mr. David Belasco indicates that Mr. Belasco has brought his old enemies to terms. Friends of Mr. Belasco, who have be- lieved in the sincerity of his warfare against the Theatrical Trust, are wonder- ing on what terms he could honorably make peace with that organization. By the acquisition of the Liebler and Com- pany attractions the Shuberts seem to be in a stronger position that they ever were. At all events there's healthy com- petition in the theatrical business w is good for art and artists. eZ DOL 0 ERSONALLY Mr, William Collier scores in the re- vival of his earlier farce, The Man from Mexico.” But it's farce of the crudest kind and sadly needs re-writing. No one expects a farce to be credible, but even in farce there should at least be continuity. and some of the breaks in the story and action of this one sadly offend the intelligence of even the most light-minded laugher. The idea is such a capital one for mirth- provoking purposes that it seems a wan- ton waste of good material, material which is rather scarce these days, not to handle it more carefully and artistically from the play-writing point of view. The play was put in at the Garrick as a stop- gap after the failure of Mr. Clyde Fitch's “A Happy Marriage,” and at the first performance the company, with the ex- ception of the star and Helena Collier Garrick, seemed to be suffering from a lack of sufficient rehearsal. “The Man from Mexico’ dates back toa time before Mr. Collier had gained his present following, but it is so funny in itself and fits Mr. Collier's fun-making abilities so thoroughly that it deserves to be polished up and retained in his repertory as a permanent asset. cus ay a FTER all the rumpus we have heard this season about ticket-speculators the only action taken has been the passage of a bill in the legislature which was fa- thered and favored by the speculators themselves. No one cares much about ticket-speculating in the summer, so dis- cussion of this particular measure may be postponed until Governor Hughes's sig- nature has made it law and it comes into practical operation. But it is to laugh 697 when one recalls the valiant way in which the Managers’ Association set out to drive the speculators out of business. SPV oy HE continuing and growing success of “The Climax," at Daly's, is a credit to the discernment of the better class of theatre- goers in New York. This charming little comedy, with its alternating veins of smiles, tears and music, has had no advertising to speak of—cer- tainly none of the sensational and meretricious kind. It shows again that there still exists a public which knows how to appreciate a really artistic accomplishment. Metcalfe, in classical repertory. Astor—* The Man from Home.” teaching Europe what Indiana means. Belasco—" Going Some.” Mr. Paul Arm- strong and Mr. Rex Beach having fun with college athletics, on an Arizona ranch. . Bijou—" A Gentleman from Mississippi.” Numerous laughs skillfully extracted from political life in Washington, by Messrs. Wise and Fairbanks The Midnight Sons.” Broadway—' later. Casino—* Havana.” London musical com- edy. The “Hello, People,” octette and Mr. James T. Powers the leading features. Criterion—" The Fair Co-Ed,” with Elsie Janis as the star. Daly’s—" The Climax." Charming pathet- ice comedy delightfully staged and acted. Empire—Mr. J. M. Barrie's What Every Woman Knows.” Witty and satirical com- edy well acted by Maude Adams and good cast. Garrick—Mr. William Collier in “The Way.” Mr. Man from Mexico.” See opposite. Hackett —" A © Woman's Thompson, Buchanan's clever, up-to-date com: edy well interpreted by company headed by Grace George and Mr, Frank Worthing. Herald Square—“ The Beauty Spot.” Comic opera with Mr. Jefferson De Angelis and Marguerite Clark” heading the cast. Amusing. Hippodrome—Spectacle, ballet and circus. Allon large scale and impressive. Hudson—“The Third Degree.” Mr. Klein's interesting drama based on New York police methods. Lyric—" The Great John Ganton.” Mr. ett’s admirable impersonation in sting. play. Majestic—Messrs. Cole “The Red Moon.” Save: on the Wail.” ment house abuses, the star. Uninterest Wallack’s—Henrietta Crosman in “ Sha: Well done comedy showing up some New York society pretenses. NOT TOR THE YOUNG PERSON Maxine jiott’s =Theatre—“ The Blue Funny but highly spiced farce d from the Germ: by Mr. Fitch. jant—" The Easiest Way.” Some ious side of New York made into fr stage entertainment Weber's—* The Girl from Rector’s. A flashy and stupid appeal to those who are looking for naughtiness. Comedy chivalry Notice znd Johnson in Writing inst tene> h Olga Nethersole as comicbooks.com