The Ottawa Journal from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada • Page 16

Ethel Barrymore Upholds Tradition.of American Stage The other day The Journal and other newspapers gave carefully hoarded front page space to the news that serious attack of 'flu had forced Ethel Barrymore to miss her first New York performance In SO years experience In the theatre. That was news certainly, but it was more than news value that marked the item for the front page. Though some may argue that the lustre of the Barrymore coat, of arms has dulled In late years, for many others the name Of Ethel Barrymore conjures up all the magic of the theatre. She Is truly a first lady, the great embodiment of the finest traditions of the American theatre. Roll of Cook.

When she stepped on to the National Theatre stage late In October to play the role of the cook. Franz -Werfel's "Embezzled it was the first new role Broadway had her in since he made her first appearance as Miss Moffat in "The Corn Is Green" on the same stage four years ago. Critics generally found the play "was ae from great or even good drama" but as the New York Times' Lewis Nichols remarked, "The appearance of Miss Barrymore in any play automa-tically becomes one of the high spots of the The same Mr. Nichols found her voice "one of the most tnruiing mings 01 the while another writer said it would be worth while Just to hear Ethel Barrymore recite the alphabet. Whatever the merits of the Werfel play she fought the bug to the last ditch according to the tradition of her family.

In September, 1942, Gene Fowler went to see Ethel Barrymore in Philadelphia during her second, season on the road in "The Corn Is to talk about the book, he was writing about her brother John. "It was a miserable day, raining, and Ethel had a bad cold. Still she never permitted herself to cough, while on-stage, and I remembered that (Alexander) Woolleott had remarked the fan-- taatic ability of all the Barry- against the odds of wrote Fowler in "Good Night, Sweet "Why don't you call In doctor?" I asked Ethel in Philadelphia. she replied, "he would only tell me to go to bed." Ethel Barrymore, always said she and her brothers went on the stage not because they wanted to. could do best.

Leved Play. Just before the opening of "Embezzled Heaven Miss Barrymore talked 'to Helen Ormsbee of the New York Herald Tribune, on the subject of plays and her 50 odd years in the theatre: "The Theatre Guild sent me the script at least a year ago. I've known for good while that this was what I wanted to after a matinee in Philadelphia. "Franz Werfel is some one whose -work I'm fond of, but somehow, I missed reading that book. When the play came it entirely new to me.

"So the Guild held it back for me. as I still had, another tour to do In The Corn Is Green. I'd read many scripts besides "Embezzled Heaven'. 'Good ones and bad." She smiled. "How do I choose? What counts is if I like the thing.

Liking includes, it all the kind of play and whether the part is right for me. I love this play, every scene of it And love my part. She is such a simple soul, single-minded; and so very moving. She moves me Ethel Barrymore draws feeling out of an audience list as that magnetized contrivance in hospitals can draw a sliver of metal out of a patient's eyeball. It is a force of nature turned on you.

She is so charged with it that when she has Just finished play-Ins; there is still a trace of it in her, as If the current hadn't quite hut Itself off. Then you know that she stirs people because she herself is stirred. Her gift of feeling is great. But her common sense is equally great, and it is this that she prefers to keep uppermost when she talks. No histrionics.

Hands folded in her lap, she sat in her Principals For Coming Operas Fortune Gallo, founder and director of the San Carlo Opera Company, has assembled an exceptional roster of principals for the company's 34th tour which brings it to the Auditorium Monday and Tuesday, in presentations of "Alda" by Verdi and Bizet's Mr. Gallo says that In all of his long career, as an operatic im presario he has never found so much talent as at present, the reason being that the numerous European opera bouses which used to attract American and Ca nadian singers who wanted to gain experience have been closed since, the beginning of the war, with the result that all the most talented singers have been forced to remain on this side. The following, cast' will be beard in "Alda" Monday evening: Aids, Wllla Stewart, dramatic soprano; Rha dames, Ernice Lawrence; Amenris, daughter of the King Egypt and rival of Aiaa tor tne love oi Knaaames, Mane Powers, contralto; Amon asro. King of Ethiopia and Aida's father, Mostyn Thomas; Ramns, high priest of Isis, Harold Kravitt basso; the King of Egypt, Wil liam Wflderman; the messenger, Ricardo Vivaldi; the priestess, Emely Kalter In Tuesday's Margery Mayer will sing the title role while Canadian-bom and trained Mary of Montreal, will assume the delightful part of Micaela. The Don Jose will be Mario Palermo, and vie loreaaor, biepnen ijanarini.

The other principals will be Fausto Bozza, Richard Vivaldi, Harold Kravitt. William Wilder-man. Alice Tate; and' Emely Kalter. rV "TSi 1 1 LT. LESLIE W.

MONK, B.C.N. V. who will sing the role of Capt Paap in the production of "Miss Hook of Holland" by the Orpheus Amateur Operatic Society. (R.C.N. Pljoto.) dressing room at the Walnut Street Theatre speaking quietly, her eyes never wandering for an instant.

"Rehearsals? We had three weeks of them Just the usual she said. "All I do beforehand is to read the play over and over, to get well acquainted with it. Then the rehearsals start, and I start, and pretty soon I'm doing it. That's about all." Star of 47 Plays. Miss Barrymore has already been the star of 47 productions.

which is probably why she takes the addition of one more to her list with such apparent calm. Her first appearance was as Julia In "The Rivals" under the appraising gaze of. her grandmother, Mrs. John Drew, who played Mrs. Malaprop.

It is not unlikely that Mrs; Drew, an as tute who had seen many beginners, knew this was a girl In a thousand. She was tall and lovely, with a cameo profile and those remarkable eyes. "This old Walnut Street Theatre is where my grandmother made her American debut as a child in 1827. A hundred and seventeen years said the star slowly. "She was seven, and she'd come from England.

As a young woman she played here, too; so did my grandfather, John Drew, the elder. "There are other associations that this place has for me. My brother John was here in Galsworthy's 'Justice, and this is where I first did 'Captain Jinks'." She- paused, thinking back to that comedy, which had meant so much to her. "It's odd, but I never came here in another play till now." "No, I don't think my grandmother would find our theatre today very different from hers." This was in answer to a question. "The theatre doesn't change much.

For the actor, it's always the same thing. Of course, we have pictures and radio now, but they are only branches of that thing that is always the same. Grandmother wouldn't be against innovations. She always said, 'If your work is good of its kind, then it's all right'. "I'm in all three branches of the theatre these days the new and the old.

Last Spring I interrupted our tour of The, Corn Is Green' and did "None But the Lonely Heart' in Hollywood. It is being released on the west coast now. Clifford Odets wrote the screen version and also did the directing, which was an exceptionally nice arrangement." Ethel Barrymore's two sons are in the Army. Sam Colt is 'stationed in Virginia. John Drew Colt, she says, is in England.

"At least England is where he was. He may be in France now, or somewhere else. I don't know. But so far he is all right" And she held her breath for an instant, like all the mothers. DRAMELODIC CLUB.

Mrs. J. Sutherland, assisted by Mrs. E. W.

Flnlayson and-Miss J. Wert, was hostess to members of the Dramelodic Club this week. Piano selections, were offered by Mrs. C. Oldridge and Mrs.

G. Gowling, songs by Mrs. E. A. Mansfield and Mrs.

J. Hop-klnson, and readings by Mrs. G. Grossman. The accompanists were Mrs.

Sutherland and Mrs, Daisy Roe Moore. Mrs. Mans field and Mrs. A. V.

Kniewasser presided at the tea table. MUSICAL ARTS CLUB. Miss Christine TJrever was the guest artist on Wednesday eve ning, when the Musical Arts Club met at the home of Mss Corine Wilson. Miss Drever presented a paper on The Art of the outlining the many various ways in which art enhances a theatrical production, and comparing the art of the theatre' with art in other fields, such as music, sculpture and painting. The guest violinist was John Rothwell, who played the Second Movement (Romance) from the Wienawiskl Concerto, and "From the by Samuel Card ner.

He was accompanied by Mrs. Daisy Roe Moore. Members of the club taking part in the program were Miss Katharine Milliken, soprano, Miss Margaret Abra, pianist and Miss Jean Scott, mezzo soprano. Ac companlsts were Miss Marjorle Yates and Mrs. Clara Grand malson.

At the close of the program re reshments were served by the Hostess. Ilka Chase Better Actress Than Playwright By MICHAEL OMAR A. NEW YORK, Nov. 18. Ilka Chase, an actress of some standing along Broadway for her appearances In plays by and about other -women notably 'The Women" by Clare Boothe Luce decided to get Into the writing end of the theatre business her self, but without notable success.

Her maiden effort, "In Bed- We which John C. Wilson pre sented this week at the Belasco, Is tawdry and tiresome. The play is a dramatized version of a recent novel by Miss Chase, and to complete the triple-threat cycle the same Miss Chase takes the leading role. Miss Chase the playwright didn't do right by Miss Chase the actress, who has a pretty thankless task of trying to make the lines sparkle or the situations seize one's attention. Not Coward Dlalorne.

It concerns a career woman, her husband devoted more to medical research than matrimony, and the inevitable snake In trousers. They talk and talk in a manner not in the least reminiscent of Noel Coward dialogue, although one assumes that it was something along that line that Miss Chase planned. Certainly there Is not enough character or plot interest in the piece to justify it The talk falls flat and the whole thing is just a pretentious bore. i The settings are good, and the clothes in which the playwright-actress passes the evening are eye-catching, if one's eyes happen to be open. j- The (production is smooth and shiny like, an empty champagne bottle.

One of the largest bits of stage property ever used in Manhattan is the 20-foot bust of the late George Gershwin used in the current Radio City Music HaU stage show. Charles Boyer has taken a New York apartment and plans to appear on the stage here later in the season. "Million-Dollar Celling" of El Borracho, East-side nightspot is covered by losing parl-mutuel tickets to the original value of more than that amount Ross Pratt Montreal pianist now on tour in Canada, has signed to play sev eral concerts In Mexico City next Spring, agents here announced. Ralph Bellamy, whose last New York unveiling was in "To morrow xne worm' is back, to produce and star in "The a play about young Tom Jefferson. Bert Lahr gave up he says movie contracts worth $150,000 to play in The Seven Lively due to open early next month.

Producer Brock Pemberton has had offers from almost every major Hollywood firm for the-rights to the Frank Fay phantasmagoria that turned into a hit when the critics weren't looking, but he won't sell yet; says "Harvey" is good for a five years' stage run in New Accompanist For Choral Union When. the Ottawa Choral Union gives its first concert of the season qn December 12 it will introduce a gifted newcomer to Ottawa musical circles In the person of its new accompanist. Miss Phyllis Gummer. Miss Gummer' comes from Kingston and has her Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University and her Bachelor, of Music from the Toronto Conservatory. In 1940 she won a Canadian Performing Right Association scholarship in composition and in 1942 was awarded fellowship in composition at the Juilllard Graduate- School.

Miss Gummer is now employed at the National Film Board. In addition to the piano she plays the violin, viola and organ. CAST RA PLAY. -RA players now have the use of a complete auditorium with ideal stage facilities, Paul Ringer, chairman of the RA Players' Workshop Group, announced today. Use of LIsgar -Collegiate has been granted the- RA several times weekly, and RA players have been allotted the auditorium for their workshop' productions, i Casting for a number of one-act plays for December presents-ton will be held Sunday, evening, November -19, 8.30 o'clock, at the RA Annex, 30 Rideau street I I nor CHILEAN DUO PIANISTS mando Palaclos, distinguished Chilean pianists, who will give their first Canadian concert at the Ottawa Technical School next Tues day evening under the patronage of the Chilean Ambassador, Dr.

Eduardo Grove. Your Individual Horoscope By FRANCES DRAKE. Look In the section In which your birthday cotnes and find what your outlook Is, according to the March XI April XI (Aries) Today should be comfortable, pleasant for Ariens. Show your gratitude to God for all blessings by attending church, praying for our fighting forces, victory and lasting peace. April 21 to May 2e (Taurus) Your planets advise tact, gentleness all day.

Youll be the gainer as well as make others happier. Fine for necessary duties, domesticity. Frivolous activities not so favored. May XI to June XI (Gemini) Forget self today in service to God, country, those less fortunate than yourself. Include your family in all.

holiday activities. Improve a talent, enjoy a healthy recreation, sport June 22 to July XS (Cancer) Be on the safe side, don't be sharp, argumentative. Everything to be gained by graciousness, kindly understanding. Fine day for religious Interests, study, music, letter writing. July It to August X2 (Leo) The same irritating trend exists for you as for many today but you can smooth away these handicaps by your sunny, buoyant way.

What a gift to mankind, those who make us laugh! Blessings! August XX to September XS (Virgo) Emerson gives this, al ways worth remembering, "Some of yur hurts you have cured, and the aharnest you still have sur vived. But what torments of grief you have endured from evils which never arrived!" September 24 to October 21 (Libra No emotional outbursts! Some may irritate but you aren't perfect either so play a give-and-take game for -the good of all. Libra is THE sensible Sign so live up to it Good luck! October 24 to November zz (Scorpio) Time to check on personal matters, note whether small but vital interests suffer. You are at the helm, command your ship with quiet determination. Cooperate with right forces.

November ZS to December zz (Sagittarius) A straight shooter naturally, keep up the good procedure and add to your laurels hourly. Religious and heart affairs, family matters, healthful pastimes lead the favored. December 21 to January 21 (Capricorn) Mind the little things, they may trip you if you aren't careful. Don't slow up because you may not be checked by superiors or your own demands, you'll regret it later. January 22 to February 20 (Aquarius) System, order and a conscience will put you on right road quickly, and-doing the right things.

Don't compromise with any questionable sources. Be careful in associations. February XI to March 20 (Pisces) Aquarius' indications and aspects obtain for you now. Head high, and forget the past The only things to remember are the lessons you learned by which to profit FOR YOU BORN ON THIS DATE: Able, and willing to work hard and for long periods at a time. But you won't be bossed." Beware of flatterers, schemers.

You may. tend to gamble too readily. Mind the diet for health's sake. Develop your artistic talents, If only for home consumption. Don't worry or overwork, you are wont to misuse your great vitality.

Spiritual development important FOR MONDAY, NOV. 20. March 21 to AprU 20 (Aries) Unusual advancement and benefits indicated in industrial' and mechanical matters, investments. Inventions; dealing in art, rare things, etc. Day favors romance, too.

COISTIPATIOM tltUttl Perhaps the laxative you are using isn't giving satisfactory results. If you suffer from constipation, feel sick, half -alive, then take Beecham's Puis at once 'for effective and welcome relief. Thia purely vegetable compound has been used successfully by millions. Beecham's Pills are thorough, dependable and easy to take, yet gentle in their action. Buy a box today.

25 and 50 at all druggist's. CPOilG HERE Rosita Renard and Ar stars, for Sunday, November 19. AprU XI to May XO (Taurus) Retrench, take Stock of assets and liabilities. Finish incompleted matters; create good will and avoid excesses pf all kinds. In all, be careful of each move.

May 21 to Jtne 21 (Gemini) Today offers you scope in which, to go far toward success. Favor the things most useful to your Immediate honest advancement Fine period for promoting new enterprises. June 22 to July XX (Cancer) You can make! a brilliant showing, go much higher. If you con centrate on essentials. Don't scatter energies and lose their efficacy: Over-force defeats purpose, July 24 to August XX (Leo) If you maintain a mentally keen and intuitive pressure you'll acquire new laurels this fine day.

Don't neglect Useful social, personal obligations they are assets, too. I Aurust XX September 23 (Virgo) Again! Influences are wholly favorable although morning asks you be especially astute. Good work can be accomplished, happiness for those who seek rightly. I September 24 to October XX (Libra) Forbid loose handling of Important matters, both personal and business. If problems require aggressiveness, go forth, but don't be too abrupt Inter esting news now or soon.

October 24 to November XX (Scorpio) A chance to do a good deed, a favor, Or even just say a kind word (often most important)? NOW is the time for it not later when It may be too late! You feel best When giving. November 23 to December XX (Sagittarius) One of your most auspicious planetary, days this month maxe pest use of every hour. Without strain, push without misgivings, tackle newest assignments. i December XX to January XI (Capricorn) All 'round good day for the wlllingf wide-awake Capricorn native. Work, chari ties, military manoeuvres, testing, new inventions top-notchers.

i January 22 to February 20 (Aquarius) Note Capricorn, your indications and" sponsored list are similar this generally friendly Monday. There is room for im provement Be faithful to old benefactors, February 21 to March 20 (Pisces) of you will find it a more lucrative day than will others. Be eger, well, youll acquire I valuable knowledge. Never mind a few slights; think ahead, YOU BORNiOtf THIS DAY: Strong in purpose, versatile. Normally tf robust constitution.

But take care of your good health! Scorpio tends to strain, abuse vital Organs, especially heart liver, Plainly cooked foods best as general rule. Religion important to your soul, poise, inner contentment. Another of 1 the Music Hours will be held on Sunday evening at jilne o'clock in the Blue Triangle room of the Y.W.C.A. Music Hour programs include performances by guest artists, recorded music, films, and short commentaries. Guests are welcome to these, informal gatherings, Roland Hayes To Sing Schubert Lieder Roland Hayes, famous Negro tenor, who will be heard In recital at the Glebe Collegiate Monday evening under the auspices ol the Ottawa Religious Education Council, has chosen an interest ing program of Schubert lieder and 1 Afro-American religious folksongs of which he Is a noted Interpreter.

The program follows: Now, Lord, I am Prepared 1 J. S. Bach She Never Told Her Love. Frpm Celestial Seats from "Hercules" Handel Adelaide (special re- quest) Beethoven Am Meer, Die Stadt Die Taupenpost Schubert LOmbre Des Arbres Debussy Danse Saint-Saens Ships that Pass In the Night Ralph Tyler Mlchieu Banjo Arr. Camilla Nlckerson Mother to Son Arr.

Perclval Parhara Goin Horn to Live God Arr. Perclval Parham Don' Min' What Satan Say Roland Hayes Le' Me Shine Arr; Perclval Parham Four and Twenty Arr. Roland Hayes I Can Tell the World Arr. Roland Hayes Joseph Szigeti To Introduce Prokof ief Work Particular interest will attach to the first public performance In the Western Hemisphere: of Prokof leffs" Sonata In major to be given by Joseph Szigeti at the Capitol Theatre Wednesday evening. j.

Prokofieffs works have been gaining steadily in popularity and this, brilliant' Russian musician now ranks among the major composers of the century. The manuscript of the sonata was completed only a few months ago and was flown from Moscow to be performed by Mr. Szigeti at the request of the composer. The entire program Is as follows: Sonata in minor, Brahms. Concerto in minor, Mendelssohn.

Sonata in major, Frokofieff. Chant-Poeme, Khatchurian. Eclogue, I. Stravinsky. Polka from the "Golden Jeune Fille au Jardin, Mom-pou-Szigetl.

Bun comb County, Ernst Bacon. Zephyr, Hubay. i i i I ol CHARLES PEAKER. Mus. F.R.C.O., assistant principal of Toronto Conservatory of Music, and organist of St.

Paul's Anglican Church, Toronto, -who will give the second of a series of lectures sponsored by the, Ottawa chapter, Ontario Music Teachers' Association, at the National Museum next Thursday evening. He will speak on "Music- and i Chilean Pianists Will Play Mozart Sonata RA will present its first "good neighbor" concert on Tuesday evening when the distinguished Chilean pianists, Rosita Renard and Armando Palaclos, will make their Canadian debut at the Ottawa Technical school. Both artists studied and conducted tours as soloists in Europe before returning to their own country to form a piano team. They will play the following program: i Sarabande and Fugue, Bach (transcribed by Augustin R. Edwards).

Sonata in major, Mozart Variations on a theme by Beethoven, Salnt-Saens. Rondo, Chopin. Valse and Polonaise, Arensky. Music Festixaf Questionnaires 'This week the. Ottawa Mueical Festival Association sent out more than 200 questionnaires to members' of the music teaching profession of Ottawa and district to determine the amount of active co-operation that might be expected if the association proceeds, with lis plans' for a competitive festival early in 1949.

i Whether not the association will continue with; planned festival will largely depend upon the' response from the questionnaires. A favorable answer has already 1 been received from Kemptville. Dr. F. J.

Staton and Max Plrani have been approached to act as adjudicators and their services will be available if they are called upon. To Address '( i rx The Workshop of the Ottawa Drama League will present an evening of and monologues on Sunday at 8.15 p.m. The guest speaker and adjudicator for the evening will he the-Rev. Swithun i Bowers, O.M.L After Father Bowers' lecture, Emily Herbert will present with following cast: Ann Bethune, Lynn Minter, Gladys Sproule and Jacqueline Work" 4man. Lt Muriel Cameron wui be the stage manager.

The evening will be rounded out by several examples of mono-acting given by Mrs. Gwen Downes, Amelia Hall and W. A. RA MUSICAL REVUE. An RA musical revue is one of the new projects being considered for the Winter and Spring program of the Ottawa Civil Service Recreational Association.) Present i plans call foi) a two-hour written and presented by RA talent and skits, jchorus routines and a comic ballet Song writers, lyric writers and script writers are invited to meet on Sunday, Nov.

19, 8 pm, at .34) Rideau street, to discuss the. project and Submit Ideas; Colds, La Grippe FtnwrUh Chills, TlrdnM, Neuralgia, Backache, promptly I relieved with ANTALGINE. 1 ANTALGINE dots not depress 1 A -graceful, appealing figure newl XjJt Keep It that way. Don't let unbecoming -JJf bulges appear through lack of a correctly fitted foundation. J'j r-r; J.r.f.re, ff.