The Wasp — 1895 — page 1052: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page discusses theatrical competition between two famous actresses: **May Irwin** and **Fanny Rice**, both appearing in San Francisco simultaneously around Christmas. The Wasp presents this as a "managerial Christmas gift"—a competitive rivalry engineered to boost box-office interest. The main photograph shows **May Irwin**, praised for her comedic talents and her role in "The Widow Jones." The text emphasizes her skill at vaudeville entertainment and "hilarious comedy work." The satirical point: theater managers deliberately scheduled these popular performers' appearances to coincide, creating a "race for honors" that would drive public attendance. The Wasp suggests this manufactured competition benefits both the actresses and managers, while audiences enjoy the entertainment rivalry. It's commentary on theatrical marketing tactics of the era.