The New York Age from New York, New York • Page 6

6 CD IT CO BY HOWARD THEATRE OPENING LAST Monday evening the Howard Theatre, Washington, D. was formally opened to the public, and it can be truly said that the occasion was an auspicious one. Every seat in the house was taken and many were compelled to stand. During the evening's performance several hundred who were unable to obtain admission gathered on the outside and admired the exterior beauty of the structure. The management of the Howard Theatre should feel elated over the interest shown in the initial performance.

The leading colored citizens of the Capital City were present as well as many well-known non-residents. Aside from the regular vaudeville bill, addresses were made by Judge Robert H. Terrell, Ralph W. Tyler and Harry S. Cummings, of Baltimore.

Each speaker referred in complimentary terms to the men who have expended nearly $150,000 in giving the colored citizens of Washington a theatre where the color line is unknown and where all are cordially welcomed. New Theatre On of the Prettiest in Washington. Monday evening the consensus of minion was that there is not a prettier playhouse in Washington than the Howard Theatre; and it is a theatre of which the colored citizens can feel justly proud. With seating accommodations for over fifteen hundred persons, it is complete in all of its appointments and is the finest and most beautiful playhouse ever erected in the interest of the colored citizens of this country. The frescoer and the upholsterer have worked together in a praiseworthy manner, and their color scheme is very attractive and effective; and the disciples of aesthetics are treated to a display of statuary which is pleasing to the eye.

If it is the desire of the management to eater to those who pine for the beautiful, kindly remove post haste the whiskey advertisement which is prominently displayed on a back drop used in an interior setting. It is admitted that within the past six years the theatre has become so commercialized that on the front curtain in almost every theatre in the country the decorations consist of advertisements, but the day has not come when such a pretty theatre as the Howard should commercialize its scenery. The completeness of the new theatre is further accentuated by1 an orchestra of eight, under the direction-of the well- known young -musician, -Willie Vodery," Who is billed on the program as "Prof. Will Vodery." The ushers have been selected from' students attending Howard University. 1 i.

Performers and Audience in Ganeroue Mood. At the opening performance every one appeared to be in a generous mood. The performers unnecessarily lengthened their acts with a view to pleasing, and those, in the audience were liberal with their applause. Eight acts were presented on the bill. Those appearing were Abbie Mitchell, the Five Largards, the Pekin Trio, E.

E. Warren Hatch Company, Clermonto and Miner, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Lancaster, Johnson Brothers and Johnson, and the Seymour Sisters. While each act was cordially received, it cannot be said that the bill was an even one.

For the first time in the history of Washington white acts appeared before a colored audience. It was gratifying to note that they were received with enthusiasm and that they worked with vigor and tried hard to please. While I heartily endorse the policy adopted by the management in employing white acts, I deem it opportune to suggest that discretion be used in their selection. For instance, such a skit as the one entitled "Cupid," presented during the evening will never make a hit at the Howard Theatre. There is entirely too much talk and horse play and when one has to sit for minutes, with the temperature making eyes at the ninety-degree mark on the thermometer, before he is handed a laugh, it cannot be said that acts of this kind will astonish the natives and set them to talking in a manner which will mean dollars and cents to the box office.

Manager William Smith has inserted on the program that the house is giving vaudeville perfected. What the colored citizens of Washington really want at the Howard Theatre is refined vaudeville. The success of the new playhouse will be realized if the management caters to the tastes of the Washingtonian. Because an act is entertaining in another city does not necessarily mean that it will satisfy the Howard Theatre clientele. Good singing and dancing acts, void of coarseness, will always take well at the Howard Theatre, be they colored or white.

Abbie Mitchell Makes Artistio Hit The artistic hit of the bill Monday evening was Abbie Mitchell, who appeared in songs. She was accorded the heartiest ovation of which she was meritoriously deserving. Miss Mitchell is one of the greatest singers of the race, and for vivacity arid interpretation of her numbers is unexcelled. She not only sings in good voice, but her dramatic efforts in connection with her vocal renditions assist in stamping her a real artist The Five Largards, acrobats, also made a very favorable impression, and their work would have been enjoyed more had they not appeared last on the bill at a time when the audience was somewhat fatigued and ready to go home. Clermonto and Miner and the Pekin Trio were two colored acts on the pro- Sam which were applauded liberally, ermonto and Miner presented a very likely skit and the Pekin Trio pleasingly rendered several very pretty vocal and instrumental numbers.

Johnson Brothers and Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Lancaster and the Seymour Sisters assisted in making the initial performance a success. The Howard Theatre is a beautiful playhouse, and its builders should be congratulated on the structure they have erected for the colored citizens of Washington. Let not the management forget, however, that a pretty theatre is not the only requisite to success; neither should the promoters become unduly hilarious over Monday evening's enthusiastic assemblage.

At any opening the audience, composed in the main of well-wishers, do not view with a critical eye and is lavish in its applause. But conditions change soon after the novelty wears off and then attendance and applause are secured by merit alone. Success of House Depends on Character of Acta Presented. The Howard Theatre will be a success as a vaudeville house if acts are pre sented which will be to the liking of the citizens of Washington. To furnish the proper kind of entertainment will be the principal work of the management from now oa So, now that the Washington-ians have been given a handsome theatre where there will be no drawing of the color line, it is up to those who have i THE NEW YORK AGE i THURSDAY, AUGUST 25.

i9io. THEATRICAL JOTTINGS It is rumored that Carita-Day will be a bride before many weeks. Housley and Nicolas are at the Family Theatre, Renova, Pa. The Michaels are at the Orpheum Theatre, Reading, Pa. Taylor and Taylor are playing in Lansing, this week.

Maude Jones is playing at the Palisade Park Theatre, Hoboken, N. J. Avery and Hart are playing at the Al-hambra Theatre this week. Brown and Brown are at the Mozart Theatre, Elmira, N. Y.

xv I WM. H. SMITH, MANAGER OF HOWARD THEATRE, WA5HINCTON. D. the Howard Theatre in charge to till it at each performance, which can be done if the proper acts are booked.

The Ace wishes the Howard Theatre success. Among the boxholders at Monday evening's performance were: Mrs. Win. T. Vernon, Mr.

and Mrs. Charles Banks, Dr. Wilberforce Williams, Mrs. Rudolph and Miss Williams, Mr. and Mrs.

Ralph W. Tyler, Prof, and Mrs. A. H. Glenn, Miss Mabel Brooks, Emmett J.

Scott, James A. Cobb and Lester A. Walton, Harry S. Cummings, ex-Gov. P.

B. S. Pinchbach, Dr. E. D.

Williston and J. Lincoln Johnson, Prof, and Mrs. George W. Cook and family, the Misses Williams, Mrs. Anna Robinson, Miss Maxfield, Miss Essie Mason, Miss Naomi Toppin, William Calvin Chase, and William Calvin Chase, Jr.

WHERE THE 8HOWS ARE. BLACK PATTI CO. Ogdensburg, N. August 25; WatertowD, 26; Ltlca, 27; Bingham ton. 80; Elmira, 81; Williams-port, September 1.

DOWN IN DIXIE MINSTRELS Gill Is Theatre, Kansas City, Mo. Next week, CoIfeyvlHe, Kansas. M'CABE'S GEORGIA TROUBADOURS Victoria, 111., August 25; Wataga, 26; Orion, 27 and 28; Alexis, 20; Beaton, 80; Oaklsvllle, 81; Morning Sun, September 1. RICHARDS' AND PRINGLES' MINSTRELS La Grande, August 25 Union, 26 Sumpter, 27; Baker City, 28; Welser, Idaho, 29; Payette, 30; Vale, 81. r.

-J A ABBIE MITCHELL-PHILLIPS ABBIE MITCHELL MARRIED. Aa waa announced In laat week'a Issue of The Ace, Abbie Mitchell, the well-known singer, waa quietly married In Chlcag-o laat week to William Charles Philllpe of the "Windy City." The bride waa formerly the wife of Will Marion Cook, the composer. The Cooks were Its-ally separated a little over a year ago. Two children were born of the marriage. Mrs.

Philllpe la appearaing at the Howard Theatre this week and la stopping with her mother-in-law. She will spend two weeks at the Capital City and then return to Chicago. Robinson and Bessetta are at the Nelson Theatre, Springfield, Mass. The Golden Gate Trio opened last week in its new act at Albany. Henderson and Thomas have returned to the Middle West, opening in Pekin.

I1L Frank De Lyons, late of the Red Moon Company, will be a member of the Gaines and Brown Company. Minnie Brown and Madeline Copper are at Danbey's Theatre, Washington, D. Lew W. Henry, of Chicago, is stage manager of the Howard Theatre, Washington, D. Gilmore, Kinky and Gilmore have been booked for twenty weeks over the Pantages Circuit John W.

Cooper, ventriloquist, is at the Howard Theatre, Boston. He was one" of the hits at the recent V. B. A. Minstrel show.

Juniper and Hayes have been meeting with success over the Flynn Circuit Week of August 29, Glen Forest Park, Lawrence, Mass. J. A. English, hoop roller, and Dora," -fire dancer, are at the Family Theatre, Pittsburg, Pa. Next week, Washington, D.

see The Karle Cook Trio is in Asbury Park this week. The act will open over the small united time the first of next month. Elmer Bowman will be with the Bil-lie Burke Company this seasoa The show will open in Des Moines, la, September S. see Harry Fiddler, of Fiddler and Shelton, is back East, and reports- that his partner has entirely recovered from his recent illness. a The Colored Vaudeville Benevolent Association held a special meeting last Sunday afternoon, at which several matters pertaining to the welfare of the association were discussed.

Gaines and Brown are still rehearsing their company which will open in Potts-ville, August SI. Some of the best chor'us people in the business will go out withine snow. witKH BobeTole joyable two hasS turned trom en- weeksVniyJ the Jrlto I (I. NT g. Sky Cole and Johnson are now preparing for their vaudeville debut which will take place next month at the Fifth Avenue Theatre.

The Darktown Trio, composed of Robinson, Black and Brooks, have closed a successful engagement at North Beach, and will open over their western time next week at the Howard Theatre, Washington, D. Prof. W. Henry Thomas, dramatic in-' structor, has returned to Atlantic City, where he is doing concert He is accompanied by F. Manson, of New York.

Last week the first concert was given which included Mrs. Emma Dance, Prof. I. Collins, Miss Jennie Moore and Corrfpany, Gould, Miss Braxton, H. S.

Lowber, Miss Caroline Phillips and Master George King. THE BRITTONS SEPARATE IN VAUDEVILLE. Announcement haa been made in theatrical circles that the Brlttons Joe and Sadie are no longer appearing together In vaudeville and that Joe Brit-ton haa formed an act with Will Grundy, who came to New York from the East a few months ago. The latest move on the part of the Brlttons haa occasioned no little talk, MEMBERS OF THE SOAP BOX MINSTRELS. PHILADELPHIA.

PA who appeared with success at Fitzgerald's Auditorium, Atlantic City, N. last Saturday evening. DOWN IN DIXIE MINSTRELS. Kansas City, Auguxt 23. The Down In Dixie Minstrels, with John Kuckt-r, opened bt-re Sunday to a large bouse at the Uillls Tbeatre.

While In St Louis last week tbe members of the show were entertained by friends. Tbe St. Louis Globe-Democrat spoke of tbe show as follows: Tbe Imperial opened for tbe season wltb a Sunday afternoon performance of tbe "Down In Dixie Minstrels." Tbe warm weather bad no effect on tbe first audience of tbe new show year. A big house watched tbe evolution and contortions of tbe Alabama Blossom and tbe riotously clad members of the Down In Dixie troupe. Keds of the tropical variety, greens greener than the emerald isle and Invt-ndi-rs more exotle than the light that glows on siiiimii-r sens arc tin- culms In which the sweet-voiced siugei's from Dixie make their upix-arame.

Kwn John I'uuiiilin, the Dcinou Juggler, from the troiilcs, appears lu a makeup and docs red music with cannon balls, tables and white pigeons. John Mucker, the Alabama Blos-son, upholds the old-time traditions of minstrelsy with his singing, dancing monologulng and that lndellnable something that keeps us all in love wltb the old-time colored comedian. In "Tbe Jungle King of Spades" be makes the audience love him from the first moment he opens his tuneful crooked mouth. There is something about the negro voice wltb its full-throated melody that appeals. Tbe very atmosphere of the negro' barber shop la beard in Jhe tuneful "Barber Shop Chord." Tbe weird miffors beloved of tbe shaving parlor are beard Aj THE BRITTONS as the team is one of the best known dancing acts In the business.

Only laat week the Brlttons were playing at the American Theatre, and It waa understood that they were to appear over the Morris Circuit Two weeks ago the team returned from the Middle West. Although the Brlttons have agreed to disagree in their business dealings their domestlo affaire are said to be Just the same, and they are on the best of terms. The cause of their business separation la not known. MeCLAIN ISSUES 8TATEMENT. Billy McClain, who has been abroad for a number of yeara, wrltea froth Bruasels, Belgium, that the reports circulated that he has been divorced from his wife are untrue.

He admits, however, that a auit is pending in England, and discusses the matter in part as follows: To the Dramatic Editor of The Age: Please note, that I. Billy MeClaln, formerly of 1116 Fayette street. Indianapolis, and now of Brussels, Bel-glum, wish to announce through your medium that I have not secured a divorce from my wife. Cordelia, as has been reported. The rumors that 1 have been divorced has caused a number of anonymous letters to be sent to me.

Now. for the benefit of all concerned I wish to state that I do not Intend to prosecute or defend any divorce suit. Whatever Proppjt14 moneys. Jewelry and household faecta my wife has In her possession I willing give np and don't want any compensation. I am willing to sign papers for divorce and live up to my statement regarding property mentioned above.

All I want Is to be let As for Mrs. MeClaln, I do not know where she is at this writing, but hope she is with her mother. I understand the divorce case comes np September 5. If this letter will help her secure divorce so well nd good. I will take care of the child If the mother demands as long as she is aingle and a lady.

RespectfuUy BILLY MeCLAIN, Brussels, Belgium. Maltre de Ballet An Theatre des Varieties, August 15, 1910. For the Latest Theatrical News Read The New York Age. In all their primitive fullness when Charles Chickens Jones and his supporting chorus open op in deep-lunged melody. Every man who ever loafed around the neighborhood of a negro barber shop can swear to its fidelity.

Even the guitar and the banjo were there to swell tbe fullness of the minors beloved by the 'cullud man." Tbe big musical number 'From Natcbes to New Orleans' Is an ambitious attempt to reproduce the mythical life and fun of the golden age on the Mississippi. The performance ends with a 'cullud farce' entitled 'The United Brothers of i'ossum The Down In Dixie Minstrels, with 'Alabama Blossom' Rucker, will run the entire week at the Pine street bouse. Y. M. C.

A. Defeats Flushinq Orioles. The Imsclmll team of the Colored Men's Branch Y. M. C.

A. defeated the Orioles, of Flushing. N. Saturday, on the latter's grounds by a score of 9 to 2. Tbe Orioles are a strung semi-professional white team.

The Y. M. C. A. team, under Manager Hudspeth and Captain nllrrlson.

Is a strong aggregation and playing in good form. Green and Leftwlcb also Rose are good pitchers; the catching Is done by Gordon and Talhert. In Saturday's game Green held the Orioles safe throughout the game, permitting them but six bits. The X. M.

C. A. got 14 hits. The management Is well pleased with the playing of the team. As weaa oase running is its one defect, 1911 should And tbe Branch with even greater team.

The teams llned-up as follows Orioles, ilowninu, Simpson, J. Doe, J. Fredrick, S. Mers, Angelo, f. imiii.

rft-llKlUH, 1 nolllD- son, G. White, If. Tbe Y. M. C.

A. Alomnr, J. K. Harrison, C. Green, J.

Tolbert, J. Hudspetb, J. V. Sybruch. L.

Vincent, rf; Gordon, ef. The Mando Musio Festival. Given in honor of tbe National Negro Business League and complimentary to Dr. Booker T. Washington was a great success musically and from the large and appreciative gathering of distinguished and representative business and leading delegates from every State In the Union.

Dr. and Mrs. Booker T. Washington, in whose honor the Professor composed a grand march especially for tbe occasion, was present; also Mr. Wasblngton of the Hampton Institute.

The concert music by Mando Mozart Conservatory Symphony Orchestra was of the highest and most classical order, and the dance music was the latest and most popular np to date. The grand festival march, composed especially for the occasion by Prof. Mando and many other compositions were repeatedly encored the music by many and especially the proprietor of the park conceded the mnslc to be the best ever heard in that park wbieb of late bas been the vrdlct wherever this orchestra bas r.Iaved. The last strains of "Home Sweet Home" were played at 4 a. a.

and the Professor has added another star to his crown as tbe pioneer conductor of classic mnslc of bis race of tbe twentieth century. CRESCENT THEATRE 36-38 WEST 135 STREET THE GLEF CLUB NEW YORK (STY Beautifully Decorated and Up-to-date, Presents Strong Bill by Noted Vaudeville Artists and Novel Pictures. BILL CHANGED TWICE A WEEK july 21-tf ALL MATINEES CENTS Will present the CLEF CLUB SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA in a Popular Concert, under tbe direction of James Rbesb Europe, THURSDAY fV'G. OCT. 20.

191 A. at Manhattan The WALTER T. CRAIG and HAUIC AKDCRSON Orchestras wil furnish the dance sunk. Europe. Dt: Daniel Kildare.

Vice Hroidi-nt: -haw Financial cr. tary: Arthur Hayre Com gpnnding -i-cictary: illiam Thomas. Tmsorer. Come and Enjoy Yourself at the PICNIC of THE ST. CHRISTOPHER CLUB TO BR HELD AT FUHRER'S PARK, Jackson Long Island City FRIDAY CVC'G, SEPTEMBER 2, 1910 In case of rain, It will be postponed until Friday evenine.

September 9. 1910 1 Mualc by J. Nlmrod Jones' Orchestra ADMISSION 3 5 CENT Directions Take Jackson Avenue car from Queensboro Bridge, Eut 59th Street, direct to door. 15 minutes' ride. 1SS6 TWtNTY-flRST GRAND ANNUAL t9ll Picnic and Summer-night's Festival OF THE SOUTHERN BENEFICIAL LEAGUE at Manhattan casino picnic park, isstn st sib Ave.

FRIDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 9th, 1910 Grand March tha League at 1 A.M. Musk by Prof. W. f. Cray's Orchestra ADMISSION 35 CENTS Oflk the J.

Jenkins. President. Archie Roberts. Vie Presi HrpCr- C0r-S" i6hD Molbou- D.Br A. E.

lordan. Robert Cooaio. I. B. Wvatt.

How to Reach the Park. All West Side Elevators to door, transfer to door. FOR COLORED CHILDREN All snrface cart direct For Sweet Charity's Sake! AUTUMN FESTIVAL TO BE GIVEN FOE THE BENEFIT OF THE HOPE DAY NURSERY 223 W. 134th STREET, NEW YORK CITY Friday Evening, September 16th, 1910 At Manhattan Casino 155th street and Eighth Ave Xew York Music by New Amsterdam Orchestra TICKETS 50 CENTS BOARD OF MANAGERS: Mrs. E.

A. Dorsey Pres Mrs A. M. Rob- tary Mrs. Samuel L.

Thomas, assistant secretary; Miss A. C. Carr. C-w- person, Mrs. J.

S. Brown, Mrs F. Cameron, mII" MJ?" F18' Mr- N- R- Green. Mrs. E.

E. Greene. Mrs. S. Gray, Mrs.

Gustavus Henderson, Mrs. C. Hall Mrs A. Hey- SLLnCh' B-Magnan. Miss Miller, Miss F.

J. Mur-ray. Mrs. H. T.

Mars, Mrs. A. S. Reed, Mrs. J.

R. Scales. Miss Md E.T' A' Wt. Mrs. W.

T. Wright, Mrs. J. S. Wells, Mr L.

B. Whitehead. HEAR JACK JOHNSON'S VOICE HIS OWN STORY OF HIS GREAT VICTORY The heavyweight champion of the world, the unconquerable M' has told Into the phonograph his own story of his contest with Jeffries tt Keno, uc "'T occupies dow sides or a twelve inch phonograph record. be reproduced on any talking machine using disk records. A letter from John la fac simile, certifying to the authenticity of the record and commending tt to his friends, goes with each record.

Ton hear Jack Johnson's own voice telllai bow be won the big fliht. PRICE 2.50 Delivered. Remit by Money Order or Express. waoiea everywnere. This Is the opportunity of a lifetime to Bno a live novetty among a people who should be quick to recognise tbe achievements of the arpatMt nvlnv flr TMC JACK JOHNSON RECORD 124 EAST 2STH STREET NEW YORK.

N. Y. A. DO.