(llactteU Mtitueratta Sjibtarg FROM THE BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY COLLECTED BY BENNO LOEWY I854-19I9 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY '1949 M. m . m - ^ m^^fmm A BRARYntOAN INTERL — LoaiL_ IV- Cornell University Library PN 2277.A5P53 addenda Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924027211576 ADDENDA TO Players of a Century. A RECORD OF THB ALBANY STAGE. Including Notices of Prominent Actors Who Haye Appeared in America. ^ _^. ^46. ALBANY. TWENTY COPIES REPRINTED FROM THE ARGUS. 1889. ii A^'f4-7<^1 "PLAYERS OF A CENTURY." THE CONTINUATION OF ALBANY'S WELL-KNOWN THEATBICAL KEOORC, The First Play of Rip Van W intle Written by an Albanian— Horace Llngard and Ula Art of Making Faces. Preface. It is now Dearly ten jears since one day when led by curiosity to make research in regard to the begiunings ot the drama in A Ibauy, the writer prepared an article upon "Old Albany Theatres," which was published iu The Argus, and received with so much favor I bat others followed, and the result was a dramatic history, subsequently published in a volume with the title of "Players of a Cen- tury." The issue of this book was kindly en- couraged by a number of Albanians who were interested in the record, and desired to pos- sess it in permanent form. It was not con- tinued in auytbiDg like detail beyond the management ot Lucien Barnes, and the sug- gestion has frequently been made that it be taken up at that period, and brought forward. The late Dr. Jacob S. Mosher said to the writer soon after the book was published, "Remember, th»t dramatic history is making every day, and there will be more of it, for you in a few years." A few years have passed, but alas, with them have also passed away many who took an interest in such things. Among the subscribers to the book who are no longer living, are found the following names : Dr. Jacob S. Mosher, Gen. John S. Dicker- man, William Appleton, Jr., Thurlow Weed, Henry D. Stone, Chief Maloy, Chief McQuade, Patrick H.Shaw, Adam Blake, S. H. H. Par- sons. T. Spencer Llojd, H. J. MacDonnald, Stephen C. Hutchlns, James H. Hannigan, Dr. James H. Arsmby, George Smith, of The Argus, Philip O'Brien, W, G. Weed, Dr. J. S. Babcoc]i>.Dr. Henry A. Homes, Jonathan Teu- ney, B. R. Spellman, N.D.Wendell, Adam Van Allen, George Dexter, Robert Spiller, George A. Birch, Robert H. Pruyn. And all In less than ten years ! It is proposed In the articles that may fol- low, to use the record of the theatre as a string on which to attach biographical notes, anecdotes, criticism, etc., taking care not to cover the ground already gone over in the "Players," except where correction is neces- sary , or where the prominence of the actors cal Is for a more extended notice. H. P. Phelps. The Opera Honae Under Richardson. 1873-1873. In June, 1872, Lucien Barnes, nnder whose magical touch the Trimble Opera house had sprung from the ashes ot the old Academy of Music in flfty-one days, was compelled to re- tire from the manaeement for lack of funds to carry it on, and from that time till Novem- ber, 1873, when John W. Albaugh assumed control, the pretty theatre was in a deplorable condition so far as management was con- cerned. The property was subject to weari- some and expensive litigation, and it was qnlte nncertain for a time, into whose bands it would floally fall. In October (19), 1872, the lease was sold to Aaron Richardson. The parquet seats and the distasteful advertising curtain were removed, and the price of all the orchestra chairs was reduced to seventy-flve cents. Mr. Richardson, unfortunately, knew no more of theatrical management than he did of Greek, and was dependent upon acting managers, no one of whom long retained his position. A dark cloud ot scandal enveloped the place, driving away many who, perhaps, would otherwise have been its patrons, and for a time It seemed as if nothing could ever restore it to the favor of respectable people. Of course, many who played there were not in the least to blame; but they snSered from the lack of patronage all the same. With this Introduction we resume the record : The Trimble opera house re-opened Septem- ber 9, 1S72, with Mr. and Mrs. John W. Albaugh starring in "Poverty Flat," dramat- ized by J. J. McClosky from Bret Harte's story of the same title; but, alas, the name was only too significant. Not only did the play fall "flat," but it spelt "flat poverty." to ail concerned, and after a week the house was shut up till September 21, when Joseph H. Keane presented his version of "Rip Van Winkle." Mr. Keane has never attained great popularity although he has attempted the same part here at three different times, the other dates being at Martin ball November 30, 1876, and at the same place November 25, 1880. Mr. Keane was not at this time accorded a very cordial welcome, and one critic went so far as to say that in bis opinion, "Rip" was played out; but it has held the boards fifteen years longer and will never become obsolete so long as Jefferson lives to play it. In this con- nectiOD, it is well to put on record the admit- ted fact that the FIRST DRAMATIZATION OF "BIP VAN WINkLE" was made by an Albanian who with charac- teristic modesty, or shall we say, prudence, did not allow bis name to be made public. It was in the Albany theatre in May, 1828, that the play first saw the footlights, being several months earlier than the first performance mentioned by Mr. William Winter in his charming book, "The Jeffersons," in which he seeks to trace the history of the play from its beginning. The Argus ot May 24, 1828, has the following: MRS. FLTNN'S BENEFIT. This InterestlDg and favorite actress (late Miss Twibill) takes her benefit on Monday evening next, when will be performed for the first time an entirely new melo-drama, written by a gentleman of this city and called Rip Van Winkle, taken from Washington Irving's novel of that name. The piece, we anderetand, has been several days in active preparation, and is pronounced by com- petent jniiKes to be replete with wit and humor, which added to the locality of the piece in a story which Is familiar, can not Jail of drawing a full house," Theatricals did not receive as much atten- tion from the newspapers at that time as they do nowadays, and we have been unable to find anything about the performance except that the following prologue, written by a gentle- man of this city, was spoken : If scenes of yore, endeared by classic tales. The Comic Muse with smiles of rapture hails. If when we view those days of Aid Lang Syne Their charms with Home, that magic name, combine. May we not hope, kind friends, inaulgence here? Say, (for I speak to yonder fat Mynheer.) Say, shall our Burgomaster smile to night? bhall Sleepy Hollow's fairy scenes delight? Shall they from woe worn care divert one wrinkle To crown our hero, far-famed Rip Van Winkle? Shall Knickerbocker's sons, that generous race Whose feelings always beam npon their face. Excuse the efforts which the Muse affords And greet each buskin'd hero on these boards? Shades of the Dutch ! How seldom rhyme hath shown Your ruddy beauties and your charms full-blown ! How long neglected have your merits 1 ain. But Irving's genius bids them rise again. To yon, Albanians, grateful as we are. We offer tremblingly your bill of fare. Yours was the soil of Dutchmen. Here they trod When leaving Hudson's waves, fair Freedom's sod, * * * Let, then, our generous friends one smile bestow Friends perched aloft, and you.my friends, below. Save us, we ask you, from the critic's paw. We know your answer : 'tis a cheering yaw! The play was repeated May 27th, when it was announced as "Rip Van Winkle; or the Spirit of the Catskills," with a variety of musi'3, songs and dances, etc. The cast on this second night was advertised as follows : Derrick Von Slous Mr, Parsons Knickerbocker Mr. Phillips Rip Mr.Flynn Lowenna Mrs. Flynn Alice Mrs. Forbes Charles B. Parsons afterwards became a parson by profesBion as well as name. Phillips was maDager of the theatre. Tom Flynn was the man who broke Booth's nose with a fire paker. His wife was a favorite soubrette. Flynn, and not Parsons (who is given the honor by Mr. Winter) was therefore the first stage Rip. What became of this Albany ver- sion is not known ; but Ludlow, the veteran western manager says that whll»in New York, in the summer of 1828, he purchased a man- uscript copy of the drama without reading it, and soon after brought it out in Cincinnati with Parsons as Rip. No name was attached to the copy. Mr. Ludlow says that Charles Burke's copy, it not exactly, was nearly the same as that produced in Cincinnati, and it was Mr. Burke's copy which Mr. Jefferson, his half brother, too^ to Boucicault, who re- constracted it, saying, however, that it would not keep the stage a month. It was brought out iu its present form at the Adelphi, in London, September 4, 1865, and at. the Olym- pic, in New York, September 3, 1866. There have been other versions : Notably one made for James U. Hackett by Bayle Bernard, the SOD of Albany's first manager, but we misbt as well claim that the version had its origin in Albany, at least, till some one can prove to the contrary. LEO HUDSON played for a week, beginning October 1, 1872, appearlne in Mazeppa and Bock- wood, with M. T. Melville, as a support- ing comedian. The dashing Leo was born In London, March 22, 1839, her parents having sailed from Charleston, S. C, just previous to her birth. She made her debut at a variety theatre in Washington; afterwards became an equestrienne, and travelled in Australia and van Dleman's Land. In November, 1863. she began an engagement In the new Bowery theatre, as Mazeppa, and thenceforward starred principally In that character, which two years previous had been brought into public notice by the great notoriety given it by Adah Isaacs Menken. But neither Leo nor Kate Fisher ever attained to a tithe of her short-lived glory. At one time Leo was the wife of Charlie Backus, the minstrel, but they separated, and in 1868 she married again. She died June 2, 1873. THE LINGAKDS, October 7, began a week's engagement, playing A Life's Dream, David Garrick, Wonderful Woman, He's a Lunatic, Husband to Order, Day After the Wedding. Their subsequent Albany engagements were as fol- lows : March 29, 1873, Martin hall, I Ladroni ; Sept. 9, New Magdalen ; Jan. 16, 1874. Diana de Lys, Led Astray ; Sept. 8-4, 1877, Leland, The Vestal, Heart and Crown ; Nov. 24-6, 1881, Stolen Kisses; Jan. 1-8, 1883, Pink Domi- noes, Camille, DIvorcons. It will be noticed that the Lingards have tried quite a variety of lines.— the old- fasbioued farce, modern melodrama, emo- tional drama and French comedy. In none of them, however, did William Horace Llngard attain to anything that would have caused him to be remembered from one season to another. His right nacue is said to have been William Thomas; and his American debut was April 6, 1868, in New York, at the Opera Comique, His specialties were personations of prominent persons, and musical sketches. He was a very neat performer, the entertain- ment, although common enough in the music halls of London, was new here, and in a very short time he was the talk of the town, while "Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines," and "Walking Down Broadway," "On the Beach at Long Branch," etc., were whistled and strummed and sung from Maine to Texas. His personations of Grant, Greely, Hoffman, Washington, etc., were very clever, and great was the marvel bow the changes could be made so quickly, and, in fact, how many of them could be made at all. In regard to the matter he says, "The secret lies in having a cast of your own head and face made, and modeling those of the characters wanted to be represented, thereon. The benefit of this is that all that need be done is to build up on the cast till the likeness attained is perfect. This is easily done from a photograph or drawing. To really make up a thorough rep- resentation of a face that has any Intellect to it, with all its character- istics, takes about three weeks, and with the wig-making a month. The model- ing, painting, trimming, fixing of wire and bead, the wire net work and whatnot, all take time, and a month is not too long. But it is not, in the make-up of the face that the greatest difficulty arises, but the real trouble is in get- ting the expression of the eyes. In order to have the likeness perfect all the peculiarities of the eye have to be studied, and these are many and varied. Some eyes have a sleepy appearance when at rest, over some the eye- lids droop, others have an unconscious look, and some a wide open stare. To study and imitate all these take time and patience." ALICE DUNNING LINGARD was born in London, July 29, 1847 ; was a pupil ot Operti ; married Lingard January 20, 1866, and came to America with him, making her debut in this country as the Widow White. She is an actress ot very fair ability In quite an extended range ot pans ; was a handsome woman and a most samptuoas dresser. Her husband managed companies in which she appeared as the star, sometimes playing small parts himself, and sometimes sapple- meniing the principal performance with his sketches. They have travelled extensively in Australia, etc. Mr. Llniiard was playing at Toole's theatre, in London, in August, 1888. DICKEY LINGARD'S right name is said to have been Harriet Sarah Dunning. She is a sister of Alice Dunning, and was born in London, August 6, 1850. Her ability is of a moderate order ; and on appear- ing here November 13, 1879, in "Pajamas," she scored an uneqalvocal failure. She was married to Mr. Ualzlel, a journalist, January 31. 1876, and is said to be living in retirement in New South Wales. Henrietta Irving and J. K. Mortimer ap- peared the wee]: of October 14. as the Fifth Avenue theatre combination, in "Article 47," and "Divorce." Miss Irving's first appear- ance was made in Philadelphia, September 14, 1855. She is the widow of Eddy, the trage- dian ; was in Lucien Barnes' stock company in 1870 (see Players of a Century) and now .plays old women. AIMEE. Made 'her appearance October 35, In La Grande Duchesse de Gerolstein, and Decem- ber 4, 5, 6, in La Pericbole, Genevieve de Brabant and La Belle Helene. Her subse- quent eneagements here were as follows: March 7, '74, La Pericbole, Madame Angot; May 30, '77, La Jolie Parfumense; December 84, Martin ball. La Marjolaine; January 28, '84, La Jolie Parfumeuse, and fiually October 8-10, '85 at the Leiand in M'mzelle, in Boglish. Of all the opera bouSe siogers whom the gay capital has sent us, Aimee came the greatest number of times and remained the longest. There was, perhaps a reason for this. It is whispered that in Paris she was quite un- known to fame, while here she was called the queen of the opera bouffe. She came first at the behest of Col. James Fisk, Jr„ and made her Amertcaa debut December 21, 1870, at the Grand Opera house. For nine years she flitted to and fro across the ocean coming back each time as gay as ever. Having accumulated quite a little fortune, she tried manage- ment in Brussels and Rouen, a luxury which in two seasons cost her $83,000. In 1883 she re- turned to America, and in 1884, her voice hav- ing nearly failed her, she took to acting In a comedy written for her by Jessop and Gill, and called Mam'zelle, in which her broken English was not out of place. She died in Paris, October 3, 1887, while undergoing an operation for a tumor. Her real name was Marie TrochoD. She was born in Algiers in 1858. Through no fault of hers. Aimee's name was most amusingly connected with the Beecber trial. It may, perhaps, be remembered that in order to show what sort of a man the complainant, Theodore Tilton, was, a number of his letters.editorials, essays and poems. were put in evidence and TeaA in court, and among them was a rather clever conceit entitled "French Without a Master," the refrain of each verse being Aimer, aimer, e'est a vivre, which being freely translated may be ren- dered, "Tolove, tolove. It is toUve." « The little :/6u d'esprit was read by the pon- derous Evarts with an emphasis peculiarly his own, and whether he meant it, or not, his pro- nunciation of French left the impression on his hearers that the innocent little poem was an invocation to the brilliant and dashing French actress, then in her prime, and that each verse ended with the words, "Aimee, Aimee, Saint of Eve." The verses, in this connection, may be worth giving : FRENCH WITHOUT A MASTEB. Aimer, aimer, c'este a vivre, (To love, to love, this is it to live.) Teach you French? I will, my dear! Sit down and cou your lesson here. What did Adam say to Eve? Aimer, aimer, c'este a vivre. Don't pronounce the last word long Make it short to snit the soog ; Bhyme it to your flowing sleeve. Aimer, aimer. c'est_a vivre. Sleeve, £ said, but what's the harm If 1 really meant your arm? Mine shall twine it (by your leave), Aivfier, aimer, c'est a vivre, Freijch is always spoken best Breathing deeply from the chest; Darling, does your bosom heave? Aimer, aimer, c'est a vivre. Now, my dainty little sprite. Have I taught your lesson right? Then what pay shall I receive 1 Aimer, aimer, c'est a vivre. Win you think me over bold. If Ilinger te be told. Whether yi u yourself believe Aimer, aimer, c'est a vivre. Pretty pupil, when you say All the French to me to-day Do yon mean it, or deceive? Aimer, aimer, e^estra vivre. Tell me, may I understand When 1 press your little hand. That our hearts together cleave. Aimer, aimer, c'est a vivre ? Have you, in your tresses room For some orange buds to bloom? May I such a garland weave? Aimer, aimer, c'est a vivre. Or, If I presume too much Teaching French by sense of touch, firant me pardon and reorieve; Aimer, aimer, c'est a vivre. Sweetheart, no. you cannot go I Let me sit and hold you, so; Adam did the same to Eve, Aimer, aimer, c'est a vivre. AUGUSTIN DALY'S COMPANY. AS IT WAS OONSTITIJTED AND FLA": ED IN AliBANT IN 1872. BketcbeB of tlio Principal Members- Clara Morris, Fanny Davenport, Bara Je^ett, Mrs. Gilbert, DayldKe and Lewis. The first Albany engagement of Almee, October 25, 1872, was announced to be under the management o( Augustin Daly, who was at that time, nego- tiaiing for the theatre, bat for some reason the arrangement was not consum- mated, much to tbe regret of those who wished for the success of the drama in this city. AUGUSTIN DALY is one of the most successful managers in America, akbough he has had his ups and dowus. He was bora in Plymouth, N. C, July 20, 1838; was at first a clerk, tben a writer of stories for the weekly press, (1859), nexc, (18B6-7) a dramatic critic on the New York papers. He had dabbled in play-writ- ing when a mere boy, at ihe ace of sixteen offering a farce to Barton who declined it. but »iih words of eDcouragement. In 1862 he adapted Leah, tbe Forsaken, from Mosen- thal'a Deborah, for Kate Bateman, of whom he was t be business manager. In 1868 he be- came a manager of theatres first, of the old Fifth Avenue theatre, now Madison Square; then of the Broadway, afterwards Globe; of the Olympic, the Grand Op- era House, the new Fifth Avenue, and finally of Daly's on Broadway near Thiriieth street. Here he has been most successful, not only in tbe production of new eonieriies, but in tbe revival of plays of the old scbool, and particularly ot the lighter plays of Sbakspeare. such as the Tbe Taming ot the Sbrew, and Ibe Midsummer Night's Dream. Of particular interest to Albanians are Mr. Daly's present venrures from the fact that his present leading lady, Miss Ada Reban, was for a unmbf r of years a member of the stock company in this city under Mr. Albaugh's manaKemenr, and here as did Charlotte Cushmau and Edwin Forrest before her, submitted toifaetuitioa so necessary to future advancement. AtuouK the plays with which Mr. Daly's name is connected, either as author jr adap- ter, are the following: Original: Under tbe Gas-light, 1867: Flash ot Lightning, 1868; Horizon, 1870; The Undercurrent, 1888. Adaptations from novels: Cbarles Reade's Grifllth Gauni ; Beeoner's Norwood ; Dickens' Pickvvick; Wtlkie Collins' Man and Wife. Two of Daly's most successful plays. Divorce and Pique, are partly from novels and partly original. From the French, of Sardou, Lb Boi Garotte, Taming a Butterfly, Hazardous Ground, Uncle Sam, and Fernanda ; of Meil- bac and HHlevy, Frou-Frou, Roughing It; ot other French writer.'*: Alixe, Article 47, "The Parricide; Vesta. Round the Clock, L'Assom- molr, etc. From the German: Leah, Made- line Morel, Jauauhchek's little one act play. Come Here, The Big Bonanza, Lemons, Blue Glass, An Arabian Night, Needles and Pins, The Passing Regiment, 7-20-8, Dollars and Sense, Love on Crutches, A Niaht Off, Love in HarnesH, The Railroad at Love, etc. Itsometimes requires quire as much skill to adapt a play successfully as to- originate It. Mr. Daly has always shown a happy faculty for endowing his versions with a "contempo- raneous Interest," that accounts, In a great measure, for their large success. As a stage manager, he is the nearest approach to Henry Irvine that this country has yet produced. In 1886 and again in 1888 Mr. Daly tonk his company to London, and has even played them a few nights in Paris. Their success abroad was said to be as unequivocal as it is at home. The stage owes much to Augustin Daly, not only as a dramatist and manager, but for developing the talent of such artists as Clara Morris. Agnes Ethel, Fanny Daven- port, Sara Jewett and Ada Rebau. After the Aimee engagement came the Howards in Uncle Tom's Cabin (December 12-14) and then came two weeks of pantomime. December 30, the theatre opened, Geo. Clair as acting manager, with Tbe Sons ot Libf rty, an Irish drama. Ten days afterwards Geo. Clair lay dying in a Broadway boarding house, having been stricken with apoplexy. He was born in England, and married his wife in Troy, which place be called home. He was the author ot several plays. The Sons of Liberty did not succeed ; and Lizzie Safford, a former leading lady at the Opera bouse, playing as a star in Woodleigh, did no better. Meantime, Daly's theatre had been "burned (January 1, 1873) and he brought his company to Albany for two performances ot "False Shame" and "Married Life." "False Shame" was running in New York at the time ot the fire, Clara Morris playing Magdalen. The company as it came to Albany included Clara Morris, Fauny Davenport, SaraJewetr, Linda Dietz, Rosa St. Clair, Mrs. G. H. Gilbert, D. Whiting, George Clarke. William Davidge, .James Lewis, Owen Fawcett, The cast was as follows: NEW YEAR'S EVE, OR FALSE SHAME. Earl Dashington D. Whiting Col. Howard W. David ge Lord Chilton George Clarke Capt. Burleigh O. H. Rockwell Frank Percy R, T. Binggold James Owen y'awcett Magdalen Athelergh Clara Morris Constance Howard Fanny Davenport Mrs. Howard Mrs. G. H. (*i ■ bert May Nellie Mortimer MARRIEO LIFE. Mr. Lynx Henry Crisp Mrs. Lynx Sara Jewett Mr. Coddle George GriBBths Mrs. Coddle Kosa 8t. Clair Mr, Dove James Lewis Mrs. Diive Mrs.Gibert Mr. Younghusband Louis James Mrs. Younghusband Linda Dietz Mr. Dismal George Devere Mrs. Dismal Nellie Mortimer CLARA MORRIS was born in Ontario, Canada, in 1849 or 1850. Her real name is said to have been Morrisoo. It is no secret th it her parents were miserably poor, or that her girlhood life was one of hardship and privation. She began her stage career as a ballet girl In John Ellsler's thea- tre, in Cleveland, at the age of fifteen, and was there In minor capacities for four seasons. Her poor health, which has become almost no- torious, afflicted her tben and has followed her ever since That ithas affected her acting, there can be no doubt,Her audiences have learn- ed to expect that they will be kept waiting for her to recover strength between the acts to go on with the performance. In 1870 she joined Daly's company in New. York. Her great op- portunity came one night (September 18,1870), when Agnes Ethel, who was to play Annie Sylvester in "Man and Wife," declined the part, and it was given to this western girl. She had played leading business in Louisville and Cincinnati before, her first part of im- portance having been Theresa, in the " Orphan of Geneva," in Buffalo, but now at one bound she became the principal member ot the finest company 1b the metropolis. She was sharply criticised for her provincial accent, which by the way, she has never conquered, but her natural gifts were speedily recognized, especially after her appearaace as Com in Article 47 (April 2, 1873). Other succeRses were Alixe (January ai, 1873), Madelein Morel (May 20, 1873). She was now credited wirh wonderful magnetism, and soon left Mr. Daly's company to appear as a star. Camllle became one of her great obaracters; as did Miss Mnlton, an elabora- tioD u{ Che last acts of Bast Lynue. She has even essayed Lady JUicbeth (May 15, 1875) but not with success. She was married to Mr. Harriott about; 1576. Under proper training and different circumstances she would prob- ably have made a greater actress than the American stage has yet produced. Her only appearance as a star in this city, previous to last weelt, was January 27, 1886, when she played Miss Multou. It mast be confessed that, she was then sometbingof a disappolLt- ment. Of her latest engagement li is not our province here to speak. Next in importacce to Miss Morris In Mr. Daly's company, and soon to succeed her In the leading business, was FANNY DAVENPORT, daughter of the late E. L. Davenport, an ac- tress by birthright, for both her father and mother (Fanny Vining) were among the bright, lights of the stage. Fanny was born in London in 1850. Her first appearance was at the Howard AthoDaeum, in Boston, In child characters.. Her forma) debut was made at Niblo'B Garden, Feb. 14, 1863, ivhen she played Charles I, in Faint Heart Never Won Fair Ladv. She was brouKht prominently forward by Mr. Daly, playing with her father in Lon- don Assurance, and afterwards in a great va- riety ot characters She is, perhaps,tbe most ver- satile of all the star actresses of the present day, inheriting that quality from her father. One of her great succfsseswas Mabel Ren- frew, in Pique, iu which playshe starred with profit to herself. In 1882 she played in Lon- don, and duTiDg her foreign trip obtained from Sardou th« American right to Fedora, which still further advanced her fame and fortune. March 3, 188S, she produced La Tosca, by the same gr.'at; playwright, precipi- tating upon her-self mucli adverse criticism on accoant of the imtnoral tone of the drama. Her natural Jalent extends to her pen, which she 'ises valiantly at times. She writes occasionally for the niagaziups, and has projected a life of her esteemed father. She was married to Edwin Price, July 80. 1879, and for several years they lived happily dur- ing the sumuier months among the hills ot Pennsylvania but clouiis gathered and they were divorced June 8. 1888 The great range of Miss Davenport's talent is iUnstrated by the parts in which she has appeared in this city since the time of which we write. Her first appearance as a star, supported by Daly's company was in January. 1878, at the Opera bouse, when the week's programme included Pique, Divorce, School for Scandal, As You Like It and Twelfth Night. In the following May, at Martin hall, she played Pique, Lady Gay iu London Assurance and Nancy Sykes in Oliver Twist. October 20 she played at the Opera house In As You Like It, Piqne, Di- vorce and Cymbeline. In August 18, 1881, at Martin hall, Camille, Piquo. Mar- h 2-4, 1885, at tha Leiand, Fedora; April 8-9, 1886, Fedora, and Oct. 28-30 ot the same year. Fedora and Beatrice. SABA JEWBTT, although she never became a star, was an- other favorite member o( Mr. Daly's com- pany, often playing the leading roles in that organization and at the Union Square theatre, to which she transferred her services. She was born in Buffalo, the daughter of Charles A. Jewett; resided for a time in Boston, Cin- cinnati and Washington, moving always in the best circles. She attentled school at Lenox and subsequently pursued her dramatic stu- dies with Fanny Moraut, making her debut September 3, 1872, in Broason Howard's Dia- monds. One of her lady friends (Lilian Whit- ing) writes: "The poet Loogiellow was her personal friend, and his watchful criticism did more than any other one inflnence, per- haps, to form her literary style. Frequently at his house, the guest of himself and his daughter. Miss Jewett came into a living sym- pathy with the inner xanctuary of bis life which few have enjoyed. Her poems— for she is a poet ot rare sifts -passed under his notice and the last one that received his critical re- vision was suggested by a picture of Eliha Vedder's which the artist presented to her before leaving for Europe, aad was entitled "The Soul ot the Sunflower." "Miss Jewett's dramatic work holds in solu- tion, I think, those energies which otherwise would concentrate themselves in literary ex- pression. She is essentially a woman of emo- tion and imagination. Her methods are na- tural and spontaneous, aad while her stage study is earnest and profound, she does not acquire in the natural way. Her sincerity on the stage is absolute. It would never occur to Miss Jewett to strive for a sensational effect on the stage any more than in the drawing room. In the one as the other, such an effect would seem to her cheap and tawdry. She remembers always thegrandeur of simplicity. Her stage work is essentially ot the modern French school, natural, delicate, sincere in interpretation, while it is intense in dramatic fire and that verve which characterizes the true artist." At the Union Square Miss Jewett played the leading parts in "The Two Orphans," "Rose Michel," etc. She became very popu- lar, was a member ot Sorosis, and had always fully as many admirers among women as among men. She is of medium height, and had a well rounded figure, light hair, and dimpled face. After leaving the Union Square theatre, she did not succeed so well. She met with misfortune, losing much of her property by fire, and finally in or before 1887, became a confirmed invalid. It was said, (and denied), that she is addicted to the morphine habit. MRS. G. H. GILBERT. the old womaa of the company, has been with Mr. Daly since 1869. She was born in Roch- dale, England, in 1821. Her maiden name was Hartley. In December, 1846, she married Mr. Gilbert, a dancer, and adopted his profession. They came to this country In 1849, and in 1857 MRS. a. H. GILBERT. she resolved to bpcome an actress. Sbe took up the line of old women almost from the Stan , and In such characters sbe is not excelled, BustatniDg much the same relation to the American stage that Mrs. Sterling does to that of England. She, at first, played in liOnlsville and CiDcInoati, and first appeared In New York af the Olympic in 1864. Her hus- band died in 1866. JAMES LEWIS, one of the driest cotiiedians ever laughed at OD arty s'aee, is a native of Troy; was born la 1838 or '40, and drifted into the profession through sheer accident. Unlike most men aud women who find themselves there, he was never sta^e-struck. Walking the streets of Troy one night with a companion, they were accosted by an acr.or, who having a small part to play at the theatre, was in hopes of better- ing himself by going to New York, aud wanted Lewi8'9-compaDion,with whom he was acqudiuted, to take his place while he was goue. This the youag man declined to do, and the actor then pitched upon Lewis, who had never thought of soch a thing, but finally C0D»ente<1, and aUhough the manager did not under the circumstances receive him very graciously the tyro did so well that when the actor wrote back that he should stay in New York, Lewis was engaged in his place, acting night after nigi>t, as be supposed, without the knowledge nf Lis parents. A sister, however discovered the si-crer, but no direct opposition was made, although the family hoped that he would soon tire of it. But he kept on, and in 1858 played in the stock company of the old Green Street theatre in this city, but not with suffioieut prominence to attract any at.teniinn. This was very likely under Flem- mine's management, as Lewis next went south with him. aud remained four years. He afterwards play^-d in Boston, Cleveland, Roch- ester, and finally in New York. He had at this time but recently joined Mr, Daly's com- pany, LESTDA DIETZ AND GEORGE CLARK. Linda Dietz, step-daughter of the late Dr. Eallockj of New York, was one of Mr. Daly's discoveries. Sbe made her debut at. his thea- tre .July 2 ISrO, as Georaette in "Fernande." She was afterwards for sometime in London snpporti'ig John S. Clarke, E. A. Sothern, etc, Sti- reiurned to this country in 1887, and sup- porte'l Irving during one of his engagements in Vew York. George Clark, at this time the leading man of the comoany, was born in New York June 28, 1840. He was playing at the age of four teen: in 1858 was at Barnnm's museum; in 1863 was at the Olympic; and supported For- rest In 1868 69. He played leading parts for Daly for a number of years, and subseqnently joined the Madison Square company. WILLIAM DAVIDGE, the well-known Sliakespearean actor, was born in Loudon April 17, 1814, bis debut was in Nottingham in 1836. He married Elizabeth Clarke, a London actress, in 1842. His Ameri- can debut was made at tbe old Broadway theatre April 19, 1850, as Sir Peter. He was there for five years and i ben in various stock companies in various cities, joining Daly's company in 1869. aud remaining with him till 1877. In 1879 he wan the Dick Deadeyeiuthe first New York production of "Pinafore." His last engagement was with the Madison Square theatre company. He died in a passenver car August 6, 1888, while en route to California. He was one of tbe original members of the American Dramatic Fund. He was the author of "B'ootlighti Flashes" and of "The Drama Defended," from an onslautiht by Rev. Theo- dore L. Cuyler. Mr. Davitlge's widow sur- vives him and bis sou is in tbe protessiun. Tbe following letter, written to bis sou more than ten years ago, is characteristic of tbe man : Bbookltn, N. Y., Nov. 11, 1877. My Dear William.— It; is my most earnest desire that you will endeavor to comply with my wishes as herein expressed, viz; Let the fact of my death be kept from tbe notice of the public prints until after my interment.. Let no one save my personal acquaintances be permitted to stare at me after death.' Let the ceremony be private, and cheaply con- dncted ss possible. Permit nothing in the manner of flowers to waste their fragrance about my remains. Let me be burled in the centre of the lot 1 pur- chased (No 63 Melrose Way), t!>prU8 Hill Cemetery, near your dear sister. Georgiana. When 1 am bori e to the grave do not allow the absurdity of pallbearersfwithout a pall to bear)to be indulged in for the purpose of vulgar personal display. When I am quietly laid away, sanction no at- tempt on the part of any portion of the playeolng public to subscribe a tablet or moriument in my honor! I have done nothing in life to be remem- bered for, and only wish to live in the affections of my own family and person tl friends, who can use their own judgment in the manner and method of perpetuating my memory. Take good care of vour dear mother and sister should they survive me. I have made provision in my will, deposited with my old friend. ex-Judge Troy, of Brooklyn, for the disposition of what little I may die pos- sessed of. H. Chapman, Jr., also a dear friend, and yourself are executors to that instrument. Be, during your career upon the s'age. as I have been, a hater of deceit and shams^ and you will be correspondingly disliked by your co-laborers in the dramatic profession, and regarded with coldness by the general public: bnt yon will se- cure for yourself the love of your family, as well as a conscientious regard for your own self re- spect. May you be happy with your dear wife and chil- dren, is the prayer of your affectionate father. William Davidqe. He was the recipient of bnt two benefits in this country, one under Mr. Daly's manage- ment, and one at the Acedemy of Music, April 21, 1887, in honor of his birthday, and fifty years of professional life. He drew nothing from the Actors' fund, lived and died Inde- pendent, and left a little estate to his widow. It is said that he played over 1,100 different parts. Owen S. Pawcett, low comedian, was born la London, November 21, 1838. • His debut was made In Harrisburg, Pa., November 18, 1853. He has gained considerable repntation as a personator of Shakespeare's clowns, and is an Intelligent and pleasing actor. Of other mem- bers of this very remarkable combination, in- cluding Louis James, the present tragedian, and Rosa St. Clair, now Mrs, Leiand, the popular manager of the Opera house, there will be opportanlty to speak later In the record. IT WAS A MUSICAL SEASON. CONCEKT, OPBRA AND THEATRICALS IN THIS OITY IN 1872-3. MarlOi Madame Anna Bialiop, Balbln- BtelD, Wienlawakl, KelloicK, CarTi the SeKuins auA Carreno [BY H. P. PHELPS.] After the departure o£ the Daly company In January, 1873, atbtracElons ac CQu opera ^Ovjse for some dime were ot no great moment. Ada Gray (see Players of a (Jeniury) appeared the week ot January 13, in VVbo'n (sic) Wife? and Article 47, recently played here by Clara Mor- ns. (Jora was one of the best things Ada Gray ever did. J. H. Budworth (20tb) in Sunburst. Be was a recruit from the minstiel stage, born in Philadelphia, December 24,1831; de- but in New York in 1848; appeared in a white face in 1865 ; died Marcn 15, 1875. Ueorue (Jlalr, the maua^er, having died, Mr. Klchardsou engaged George Wren, then doing a reporter's work in the legislature (after- wards a member from Brooklyn) to manage the theatre fur him, which he did for a few weeks, but not with overwhelming success. Mr. Wren belongs to an acting family — George, Oliver, John, Frederick, Ella, Eliza, Martha and Alice, la 1855 they were known as the Wren Juvenile comedy company. George, while acting .manager went upon the siage occasionally to till a gap, and the week of February 3, brought his sister Ella out as a star in East Lijune, Man and Wife and Lu- 'cretla Borgia. Another of Wren's stars was Minnie Foster (January 37 to March 3) who played two weeks in Madcap, something like The Little Detective. She barely escaped being dwarfish In stature, but was bright and clever. She had played frequently in the east, and was at- tended by her father who bad great respect for her talent, R. S. Meldrum, one o£ the stock actors in Trimble's time, played as a star (February 10) in the Convict of Lyons, Streets of New York, Marble Heart, Ticket of Leave and Rosedale. Maude St. Leon (24th, in Fanchon, Camille, and Ireland as it Was. February 27-8-9 there was a welcome change in the engagement ot an English opera com- pany in which Bose Hersee, Mrs. Zelda Seguin and Brooknouse Bowler were promi- nent, 'i'ney sang Martha, Fra Diavolo, the Bohemian Girl and II Trovatore. Other members of the company were Emma How- son, Eugene Clark, Gustavus Ball, John Clark and Edward Seguia. The same com- pany appeared again May 15, 16. 17, in Marl- tana, Stradella, Martha and Lucia. Rose Bersee wasan English singer who made her debut in Loudon, in 1867, and was engaged at Her Majesty's opera for twelve mouths. She subsequently accompanied Parepa Kosa on her American tour,and made her American debut with Parepa's company. She is now in England. THE CHARMING MES. SEGUIN. Mrs. Zelda Seguin, the favorite contralto, made her first appearance in opera, in June, 1866, at Detroit with Kosa Cooke, Castle and Campbell. She was then just out of school. Her maiden name was Harrison. She had ap- peared in oratorio and concerts; had studied music with the elder Mrs. Seguin who gave her a note ot introduction to Edwin S, C. Seguin whom she married about a year later. He was the eldest son of Arthur Edward Sheldon Seguin who was in this country in 1838. Mrs. Seguin, the elder (Miss Annie Ciiilde) first appeared in New York October 15, 1838, and reiirtd in 1852. Edward was born in England December lU, 1836. made bis debut at; Covent Garden, came to America in 1860 and joined the Richings opera company. Bis voice was not remakable but be was a good comia actor, and made a specialty of Devilshoof. He died October 9, 1879 and Mrs. Seguin married a non profesMunal. Ber rare contralto voice, her sunny face and engaging manners are among the pleasautest recollections of operaaa it was sung in the days ot Caroline Richings and Parepa Rosa. The Wallace sisters played the week ot March 10,in the Field of tbe Cloth of Gold and Cinderella. They were light burlesque act- resses. Alines and Jennie were born in Eng- land, in 1851 and 1852, respectively. They were formerly in the stock company at tbe Trimble opera house. Minute and Maude were youn- ger. They made their debut iu 1868. Aunea married S. B. Villa, and they live In New Jersey. Mark Smith, son of old Sol Smith, played Jacques Fauvell.ia Hart Jackson's adaptation of Le Centeuaire,entitled One Bundred Years Old, the week ot March 17. He was born ia New Orleitns, January 27, 1829; debut Novem- ber 11, 1849, iu his native ciiy. He died Aug- ust 11, 1874. In Paris on his way home from Milan, whither he had gone to witness the debut ot his daughter Kate, in opera. He was buried beside his father In St. Louis. J. F. Noyes, who played the week of March 24, in Lone Bouse on the Bridge, Nick of tbe Woods, Iron Chest, and The Robliers, was the second husband of Ada Clare (the Queen of the Bohemians, see Players ot a Century.) He married her September 9, 1868. Others who played at this time were, March 31, J. J. Bartlett In the Devil's Crag, Cool as a Cucumber, Maniac Lover, Not Such a Fool as He Looks; Hernandez Booster (March 14) in Jack Barkawav ; Butler's Bumpty Dumpty troupe (June 30); Helen Temple (April 7) iu the Lily of France and Nemesis. She was one of John Brougham's discoveries and was put forward by him to piay his piece, the Lily of France, at> Booth's tneaire, but failed. She appeared again here iu the same plays the fol- lowing September. Tne Twelve Temptations, one of Jim Fisk's spectacles, was produced the week of April 23, introducing Emily and Betty Rfgl, as dancers. They were born in Vienna and came to America in 1866 to dance in the Black Crook. Emily was afterwards premiere danseuseiu Fox's Humpty Dumpty at the Olympic theatre, and in 1874 joined Daly's compauy as an actress, in which capaci- ty she has shown ability. LTDIA THOMPSON. The only other event of the season worthy of mention was the appearance of Lydia Thomp- son, May 12-14, in Blue Beard, Lurline. Alad- din and Robin Houd. This favorite actress was born in London in 1838, or 1836— (Brown says February 19, 1836) although many im- agine that her debut on earth was at a much earlier period. She made her first appearance in the ballet iu 1852, arad the following year took up the line of burlesque in which she be- came 80 well known. She was the wife of Alexander Henderson, manager of the Folly theatre, London. The Lydia Thompson troupe made their first appearance in America ab Wood's museum in Octolier, 1868. Among them were Ada Harland, Pauline Markham, Lisa Weber and Harry Beckett. Lydia Thompson played one subsequent enaagement here September 29, October 1, 1873, producing Mephisto, Sinbad, Blue Beard and the Heathen Chinee. Eliza Weathersby and Willie Edouin were in the company at that time. The opera house was dosed, as usual, during the summer. August 7-9 Bobby New comb's combioaiion appeared and were followed by Harry Pearsoa in Ticket-ot-Leave Man, For- tune's Frolics. Accusation, Family Jars, Old House at Home and Hunting a Turtle. Harry Pearsoa was an Eaglt^hmaD, born May 16, 1834; first American appearance February 14, 1859. He was a volunteer in the war of the rebellion. The Chapman sisters appeared September 8 in Little Don Giovanni.Your Lite's in Danger, Checkmace, and Cludereila. Helen Temple played as before stared: Robert Butler's Three Hunchbacks played a week, and the Jakely troupe were here for three nights. The Kfllogg Euglisb Opera company ap- peared for two nights, October 20 l.wttb Clara Louise Kellogg as Maruueriie in Faust, and Jennie Van Zandt as i^larvtaaa. Mrs. Van Zandc— who was the daughter of Signor Blitz, the magician— has now rei.ired from the stage, and devotes herself to her dauehter Marie, who is one of the most promising American singers in Europe. CLABA LOUISE KELLOGO was then in her thirtieth year, and in the full glory of ber artistic success. Her first appear- ance in Italian opera wasmadeinNew York,in 1861, as Grilda iu fiiKolette. Three years later she appeared as Marguerite. In 1867 she ap- peared at Her Majesi^y's theatre, London, in the same character. In 1873 she saug at Drury Lane and was subsequencly engaged by Max Maretzek for a seatioa In-America. During the season following the one ol: which we write —in 1874-5, and till 1877— she was very success- ful in opera of her own managing. In 1879 she wenc abroad, and of lai^e has been siogiuK in concert. She was married November 9, 1887, to Carl Strako9Ch, and has recently made her reappearance at the bead of an opera troupe. Her appearances in Albany since .the.date of which we write have been as follows: February 35, 1874. Tweddle hall. Marriage of Figaro, Fra Dlavolo, Martha: April 30, 1875, Mu- sic hall, Martha, MiijDOD: May '-21. 1875, Leland, The Talisman; October 30, 1876, Leiaad, Lacia; April 6-7, 1877, Leland, MiKnon, Star of the North; Juoe 7, 1878, Leland. concert: December 28-9, 1878, Leland, Trovatore, '-.ncia (with Cary and LitCa) i January 25, 1883, Music hall, concert. Daly's compaay came again October 37, and played Divorce, New Year's Eve, Allxe, Mar- ried Life, Frou-Frou and Madeline Morel. Besides those mentioned on the occasion of their previous visit, Charles Fisher, George Parkes, Hart Conway, Alice Gray and iUarie Gordon took part iu the representations. CHARLES FISHEB, the old man of the company as it was then and is now constituted, wa^t born in London in January, 1816; made his London debut in 1844, and came to America in 1853. He was married to Josephine Shaw June 14, 1876. George Parkes played the lops; had been on the stage since 1860, and in 1878 9 was a star as Dundreary. As an- other has said, he was a living exemplar ot the poetry of pantaloons. Alice Gray is, or was, a Boston girl, born there about 1835; debut in 1849. Marie Gordon was atone time the wife of John T. Raymond, but obtained a divorce from him about 1882. A company from the Park theatre, Brook- lyn, week ot Nov, 3 played Othello, Marble Heart. London Assurance, Ticket of Leave, etc. It was composed of good material— W. E. Sheridan, Owen Marlow, John W. Norton, Moses W. Flake, Eben Plympton, Helen Tra- cey, Mrs. Frank Murdock, Katie Mayhew, several of whom have starred with greater or less success since then. Sheridan died in New South \Vales May 13, 1887, aged forty-eight. He was a native of Boston ; in the latter years of his life made a specialty of Louis XI., in which he won much praise. Moses W. Fiske, the comedian, was well known In Albany. Ka diedsuddenly in Dayton, O., March 20tb,1887. He was a native of Dover, N. U., was a prin- ter by trade, but for years was a popular lo^ comedian. He was last here with the Corinne opera company, iu which be shone with light undimmed by any of those with whom he was associated. Martin Opera Honse Under Oen. Dicker- man. 1872-3. Meanwhile Martin hall bad been Improved by the raising of the floor so as to give a slant to the iieats, and on the strength of this change, assumed to have arrived at the dignity of an opera house, and was therearter so called by Gen. Dickerman, who continued to be Ita manager. Some important events In the amusement line took place here, and these will be mentioned to the exclnsion of those of less interest. November 18, 1873, BUBBNSTEIN AND WIENIAWSKI appeared in concert, two artists the like ot which have been rarely beard together in this country, Anton Gregor Rnbenstein was born in Russia, November 30. 1839, of Jewish parents. When in this country ha was tbe very picture of Beethoven as theereat master appears in marble and in painting. He Is acknowledged to be the only rival of Liszt, and is without question one ot the greatest pianists that ever lived. He was re- ceived in this country with great enthusiasm, and here In Albany was encored after the manner of onr people. It is remembered that on one occasion be cheerfully responded, but while in the midst of one of his most beauti- ful compositionH, a boor in the gallery took that time to walk out. making a noise that not only disturbed the andience, but so ruf- fled the soal of the great pianist char, he broke off abruptly, left the stage and no amount of applause would induce him to return. Henri Wieniawski was as great a violinist as Rubinstein was a pianist. He was a Pole, born in July, 1835. They came to this country together. They appeared here three times, the others being January 6, 1873, In Tweddia hall, and March 18, of the same year. In Mar- tin Opera house, in conjunction with the Thomas orchestra. Wieniawski also ap- peared at Tweddle hall, January 23, 1874. The week of January 7, Edwin Booth was to have appeared in Martin Opera house, but failnre of an attraction at his own theatre prevented, so he concluded to play there him- self: but the supporting company came; poor old Charlotte Crampt.on was put forward aa the star in Lady Macbeth and Meg Merriliea for two or three performances, and then Jane Coombs and Jo Wheelock in Romeo and Juliet and the Lady of Lyons. This, accord- ing to ordinary methods, would have resulted In empty benches, but Booth's agent. Win-iow by name, was determined to have audiences, and he had them, the house being packed to the doors, but the "paper" used, would have covered the walls from floor to ceiling. AGNES ETHEL. January 23 5 Agnes Ethel appeared in the JIO.OOO play written for her by Sardou and en- titled Agnes. It was, we believe, her first ap- pearance here as a star, although she bad already established herself as a favorite while playing here with Mr. Daly'a companies, and under Barnes's management. Of all tbe so-called emotional actresses we have had, none have been more winsome than Agnes Ethel. She lacked the force that some others have, but she had what was better for the roles she essayed, the power of creating sympathy to an extent as rarely known to the stage before she made ber appearance, as it has been since sbe left it. In her retirement the stage suffered the loss of a combination of beaaty and magnetism that is felt to this day. Soon after her appearauce bere sbe was quietly married to Mr. Francis W. Tracy, of Bu&alo, a man of great wealth, wbo dying a few years ago, lefc her a large property, of which, after a somewhat protracted legal con- test she has gained possession. On one or two occasions she has appeared sioce ber re- tirement, but it is to be feared that the foot- lights will see her charming face no more. In a recent letter Mrs. Tracy writes: "I have always recalled my visits to Albany with peculiar autction. Everybody was so gen- erous and kind. My audiences there were sym- pathetic aud led me to think I was not quite unwortby of their encourai^emeut, and such as they gave was everything to so young an artiste." THE REMAINS OF A GBBAT TENOR. Jannary 24th the Young Men's association gave another remarkable concert by Carlotta Fati>i, Mario, Gary, Carreno and Sauret. First in Interest, although not at that time in ability, was Mario, the greatest operatic tenor of his generation. Bat be was now over sixiy and six years previous bad left the staee and concert room to which he never should have returned. Only a remnant was left of that voice which Bulwer Lytton declared : "nan sooth, with a tenor note. The souls in pargatory," Giuseppe Mario, Marqais de Candia, was born Oct. IS, 1810, in Genoa of an old and no- ble family. His ancestral pride prevented him for some time from going upon the operatic stage, but he did so at last (Nov. 30, 1838), in the role of Robert le DIable, achieving at once a greats success. He was the perfection of operatic lovers, and as a singer of romances it is said he has never been surpassed. He be- came the husband of Mme. Grisi, by whom he had three daughters, and with his wife he catne to America in 1854-5, under the manage- ment of James U. Hackett. He made a great deal of money, gave away a great deal, and died poor in December, 1883. THREE WELL-K.NOWN ARTISTS. Carlotta Pattl Is the elder sister of the great diva. She was born in 1840 In Florence. She was educated as a pianiste, but became a con- cert singer of fair ability, although never in any degree a rival of the divine Adellna. Car- lotta's lameness prevents ber appearance in opera. Sbe was married Sept. 3, 1879, to Ernest de Muncb, of Weimar, a violoncellist. They appeared here in concert just after their marriage, Oct. 27. The star of this particular concert, however, was Annie Louise Gary, who, bad she re- mained upon the stage, would have been to- day, probably, the greatest American con- tralto. She was born in Maine in 1842; studied music under CorsI in Milan in 1866 7; made ber operatic debut in Gopeohagen in 1868; pursued ber studies abroad, singingalso in grand opera till 1871, when she returned to America with Ghrlstine Niisson, and at once became a reigning favorite In oratorio, festi- val, opera and concert. Handsome figure, charming features and pleasing manners added their advantages to her noble voice. Her subsequent appearances here were in opera at Tweddle hall Jan. 2, 1875, with Heilbmn : at the same place with Lit.ta Feb. 22, '78, and with Kellogg Dec. 28 9, 1878, at theLeland. In June. 1882, sbe married Mr. Gharles M. Bay- mondand retired to private life. Teresa Carreno, the favorite pianiste of that and the present day, was born in Caraocas, the capital of Venezuela, and she is said to be a grand niece of the great Boliver, The family came to New York In 1861, and Teresa whose father was a fine musician, made pub- lic appearances at the age of twelve. For sev- eral years she lived in England, playing often at the London "Monday pops," sometimes with Joachim. She also played for Liszt, wbo placed his hand on her head and said, "Little one, in time you will be one of us." In 1873 she returned to America, and since 1874 haa remained in this country. Sbe is the wife of Tagliapletra, the baritone, and has herself sung In Italian opera with TIetjens, A beau- tiful woman, a magnetic performer, she is a noble ornament to the concert room. A GREAT TRAVELER. Besides Mario, there was another resurrec- tion this season (April 24), M Saodwicti Islands and iheoce to Hong Kong, was wrecked on a coral island but escaped in safety, losin:; all ber music, wardrobe and jewelry. Sbe proceeded to India, sang in many of the prinr cipal cities, revisited Australia, went to the Cape of Good Hope and many other out of the way places, besides making the usual tours of other concert singers. Sbe was very accom-r plisbed and entertaining, but by the time she reached Albanv she couldn't sing. She was born Riviere, her first husband was Sir Henry Eowlev fiishop, whom she married in 1831; be died April 30, 1855. She married Mr. Scbnlizin 1858; ber last public appearance was made in 1883. She died in New York March 18, 1884, a very remarkable woman. SOME MINOR ENGAGEMENTS. Buffalo Bill made the ball his stamping ground about this time, playing short engaure- meLts that invariably packed the house. He had with him on his flrft appearance, February 5-7, Texas Jack, Ned Buntline and Morlacbi, the ballet dancer, who was the wife of Texaa Jack. Buntline wrote the plays and appeared with the company. They were here again June 33. September 39-30 J. H. Stoddart and lone Burke played a Struggle for Life, Broken Vows and the Secret Marriage, to not very good houses, notwithstanding the excellence of' the attraction. James Henry Sioddarb is a Yorkshire man, born October 18, 1837. He is the son of an actor and has been upon the stage the most of his life. He came to this country in 1853, and with the exception of two veara when he unwisely attempted to star," haa played nearly all the time in New York, where he has a deserved reputation of being an ex- cellent "all-round" actor, best, perhaps la comedy, but also good In eccentric and emo- tional parts. His personation of the old law- yer in The Long Strike, is the most famous of any of his work. He has been with Mr. Palmer's company for the last dozen years. Other events of Interest that took place ab Martin opera house in 1873 were the follow- ing: February 24, Walter Keeble played in Damon and Pythias for the benefit of the K. of P., No. 77, and December 17, a benefit was given him ; the Lingards played March 29 and September 9.a8 before noted ; Joe Jefferson in Kip. April 23-28; May 13, the Black Crook for a week; May 23-34 Edwin Booth played his deferred engagement, appearing in Riche- lieu and Hamlet, and in Don Caesar de Bazan for the benefit of the G. A. R.; August 29-80, Fox and Denier's company In Humpty Dum- pt.y; September 11-13, Johnny Thompson in On Hand and Dixie; October 2-4. The Vokes- November 5-6, Lotta in Little Detective anti Zip; December 23-27, G. A. R., performance of Winchester. lO ALBAUGH'S MANAGEMENT. SKETCHES OF FAST AND PSESENT STAQB FAVOKITES. Wlih a Olaoce at Some of the Best of Modern Plajs— Criticlams, Incidents and Anecdotes— Barrett and Balrinl. risra— 1874.T John W. Albaugh assamed management of the Opera house, November 36, 1873, and continued to adminster its affairs till Ma; 25, 1S81. He engaged a stock compaDy for six seasons, and then, following the example of tbeaties everywhere outside the largest cities fell in with the combination system that has obtained ever since. Inasmuch as quite a full and carefully pre- pared slietch of Mr. Albauuh is Kiven in ' Players of a Century," it will only be nf ees- sary here to repeat that he was born in Bal- timore, September 30, 1837; went upon the stage in 1855; first appeared in Albany, March 30, 1859, at the little Gayety theatre, to Green street; in 1866 married Mary Mitchell; in 1870 was stage manager of the Trimble Opera house, and had since then been managing a theatre in New Orleans with Ben DeBar.and in Montreal, besides starring tvlth Mrs. Al- baugh. He was thoroughly equipped by ex- perience as well as ability for an actor, and he JOHN W. ALBAUGH. aleo combined with his talent, what Is rare indeed, a faculty for business, besides through his affability and ftonTiomie, being equally a favorite before the footlights and behind the scenes, in the green room and the box office. Mrs. Albaugb was and is a true helpmate to him lu all the relations of life, a good actre.ss, a careful manager, a faithful mother and a loving wife. They set up their household gods in this city and both went to work de- terminf d to win success or at least to deserve it. Fred A. DuBois was the treasurer, thoroughly competent and of larae exoeri- ame .exulting girl ts dancing to her shadow uu the sward. The scene is Iresh and bright and beautiful as that ten years ago. At the festival the aame indig- nant soul defies the rabble,aud,near the brook- side the same heart-broken gtrl is sobbing yet. The old earnest, words of love falter on her lips, the same trembling hands place about Lan- dry's neck the memento of a dead and cherished mother,t]ie same wild cry of agony answered by affection, the same fleeing form thai^ turns not, and the curtain as before shuts out Fauchon from a theatre of tears, * * * * Faiohin is not a representa- tion, but an actual pre-ence. , Prom the first moment of her entrance the pure white light of truth shiue.s around her. The time, the place, ourselves are lost in the joys and sorrows of the peasant girl. We are children once again and roam with her the hills and slopes of sunny France. During the wonderful shadow dance with its rustle of leaf and ripple of water, with its laughter and cricket song, its music an>l moonlight, we have all the feeling of a child listening for the first time to some bright tale of fairies. In the next act the whole atmosphere is shifted. Standing against the tree, with hideous face, is a Temorsdfal child, whom early sorrow causes to tremble like the aspen. Her agony of sobs piercing the solemn stillness and beauty of the night, surges and beats upon our heartstrings with a wild resistless force. Here her broken heart is set most vividly against the happy hearts and lives of the vil- lagers, who go by band in hand return- ing from the festival. Here the music of Balfe's wonderful song, floating from the glen, steals into our quickening sense and frees the tears. » * • » Yon come, Maggie, into this beautiful world of ours with sunlight in your hair, and the glitter of morning dew about your feet. You barken to the sublimest harmonv of the leaves and the flowers, the rocks, hills, seas and shining stars. Catching Inspiration hence you play mightily on the harp of the affections, when lo, there bursts Into sound, a strange, wild thrilling music, far reaching even to that depth of pathos, the fount of tears. We hold our breath and listen. It is the music of the heart?" The play of Fanchon is a translation, made by Aug. Waldauer, from a German dramati- zation of La Petite Fadette, George Sand's famous Idyl of the loves and sorrows of rustic lovers. Waldauer was the leader of an orches- Ire in St. Louis. The play was first produced at the St. Charles theatre, in New Orleans. The actress herself does not remember the exact date. She writes to us that it was in 1861 or 1862. She thinks the latter part of '61 : and that the original Landry was Mr. C. Pope. (A newspaper paragraph says it was February 23, 1861.) She adds : "It would be impossible to give an estimate of the number of times I have played the part ; until within the past two or three seasons it has been the Srincipal piece of my repertory." Its first Tew York date, according to L. Clarke Davis, was June 9, 1882, at Laura Keene's theatre, which had been specially engaged to produce it. EDWIN ADAMS. was another actor friendly with Mr. Albaugh, and who like Maggie Mitchell took special pains to play for him in times when there was not much money for the theatre in Albany. They all belonged to the Long Branch colony of actors, living only a little way apart in the summer months, when busi- ness, good or bad, was almost forgotten in the enjoyment of congenial society. Poor Nedl His life was not a long one. Four engage- ments under Mr. Albaugh are recorded: January 5-10, 1874, Wild Oats, Lady of Lyons. Enoch Arden. April 27, same year. Red Light, Enoch Arden, Day After the Wedding. December 28, 1874, Wild Oata, Men of the Day, Marble Heart, Enoch Arden. Robert Macalre. December 6, 1875, Enoch Arden, Dead Heart. October 12. 1877 a benefit netting $325, was given him, for he was in sore need. Sixteen days later he was dead, WILLIAM J. FLORENCE was the second star In the year 1874. He was doing Irish characters largely, then, and ap- peared in Eileen Oge, Irish Lion and Dombey and Son. He was not very well patronized at this lime. He had, as usual, in those days with stars, Friday night lor a benefit. His admirers were enthusiastic, but there were not many of them present. They called him out for a speech, which he made rather dole- ful, for a comedian, and ended with saying as he looked around on the empty benches, "and this is my benefit night, in my native city !" He played much better, however, than he has sometimes since, and the following evening gave Capt, Cuttle in a manner that has not been equalled since the days of Burton. He did not come again till he had struck luck in the Mighty Dollar, which he and Mrs. Florence oroduced for the firet time here, April 12-14, 1877, and they have given it at everyone of their eight subsequent engage- ments, playing it for a week, January 21, 78-' and with other plays as follows : April 15-17. 1880. Tioketof Leave. A Million. November 2-4, 1881, Cherry Ripd, Dombey and Son. Mtrch 6-8, 1882. Ticket of Leave. February 5 7, 1883, Ticket of Leave. Novpmber 19-23, 1883, Facts. December 34-7, 18S4, Dombey and Son, Our Governor . February 7-8, 1888. The Flirt. Mr. Florence was born in Albany, in 1831, His wife was born, no body knows when. E. L. DAVENPORT followed, the week of January 19, in Riche- lieu, Shylock, Hamlet, Othello, Sir Giles Over- reach, Oliver Twist, and William, in Black- Eyed Susan, showing, as usual the great range of the most versatile actor of extraor- dinary merit on the stage. Edward Lafayette Davenport was born in Boston, in November, 1816. He and the late Edwin H. Chapin, who were boys together, formed the plan of going on the stage and went to Providence with that end in view. Before it could be arranged, however, young Chapin changed his mind, became a theological student and afterwards one of the most dis- tinguished and eloquent of Universalist cler- gymen. Davenport adhered to his determina- tion, and made his first bow to the public in 1887, at Providence, in the character of Passion Will, in the play of A New Way to Pay Old Debts, the elder Booth playing Sir Giles, which was destined in after years to be one of the most successful of all Mr. Davenport's characters. Mr. Davenport went through the H usual experience of youDK actors in those days, playiDK la stock companies and In 1844, at ttie Old Bowery where he remained several seasons workinK himself toivard the front rank ot the profession. In 1847 be went to Eng- land as leading support to Mrs. Mowatt, and together they were highly successful, so much so, that Mr. Macready selected bim as prin- cipal support In his farewell tour. In 1850 Mr Davenport married the beautiful and accomplished tragedienne, Fanny Vining. They appeared together, and in 1854 came to America, bringing with them their baby Fanny, the favorite actress ot the present day. They made a lour of the principal cities, and fro [II iben till the day of his death, Mr. Oaven- porc held a warm place In the affections of the play-going public. Ills repertory was one of I be most varied that could well be imag- Inr-d, and while playing everything well, be greatly excelled in many characters. He was at one time considered the best American fiamlet, and there are those to day who will maintain that in that part, he has not since been equalled. His William in Black-Eyed Susan was always a favorite with the public. His Brutus was the noblest of them all. He died at Canton, Pa., Sr-ptember 1, 1877, leaving a wife and seven living children. Mrs Daven- port is still before the public, and it Is one of tlie mournful incidents of stage life, that to her andlences of the present day she is almost unknown. A LETTER FROM DAVENPORT. Among the many treasures with which the superb library of the eminent counsellor, Hon. N. C. Moak, abounds is the following letter. Mr. Moak, it seems, met Mr. Davenport and told him that he had been lo the theatre the night previous on purpose to know bow a murderer acted after he bad commitied the deed. This led to a pleasaut, conversation, and to sending to the tragedian a copy of Mr. Moak's famous plea in the Billings murder case, which was thus happily acknowledged: Delavan, May 15, 1884. Nathmiel C. Moak, Esq. : Dear Sir— I am in receipt of your volume on "Murder" ('most foul as in the best ic is"), aud I shall at my earliest conveoieoce avail myself of a p--rusal. Plf ase accept my thanks, aud now, Mr. District Attorney, as you have boldly and fearlessly over jour own Kign man- ual been so rash as to assert yourself my "ad- mirer," you are, I doubt not, prepared to meet the consequences. Will you, therefore, please accept with my kind regards the accompanying picture of Sir Giles— 1 say picture of Sir Giles, because I think you will agree with me that the identity of the mild, rather good, looking, modes', per- son who.had the pleasure of making your ac- quaintance this morning 'S completely lost In tbe bard-teatured.unpriQcipled, power-loving, honor-sacrificing monster who stands at bay before his enemies. I shall feel honored if you will deem it worthy of a frame and a place in your studio. I thank you for your kind wishes for my health and prosperi'y, and trust that when I return here next fall we may meet again, and know each other better. I am yours, very truly, E. L. Davenport. In giving his kind permission to publish this letter, Mr. Moak says : "The letter is Davenport himself, playful, humorous, bat gentlemanly. "Davenport was his own most vigorous and active rival. I never saw him play a character so well that he did not better it next time. There was invariably both genius and talent ia his acting. He never played the same character twice alike. There came unexpect- edly a burst ot genius, which showed the actor was equal to tbe emergency, animated by the character and was thus playing because be was, for the time, the character. On leaving the theatre you felt you bad never seen him do better." Mr. Davenport's subsequent engagements were as follows : May 4.16, 1874, Hamlet, Damon. Othello, Sir Giles, Richelieu, Macbeth, Brntns, Jack Cade, Shylock and Sir Edward Mortimer in The Iron Chest. October 5, St. Marc, Hamlet, Sir Giles, Blch- eliea, Othello, Richard HI. May 9, 1876, Brutus, with Barrett, Bangs and Levlck. November 14, 1876. Brutns, in Martin ball. The week of January 26, the Majilton-Bay- nor family appeared in Gabriel Grubb, and for the next week or ten days the stock com- pany appeared in After Dark, Duke's Motto and Poverty Flat. Then there was a week of Miss Coombs in the Hunchback, London As- surance, The Stranger, School for Scandal, Lady of Lyons and Ingomar, all good old plays which didn't draw. JOHN A. STEVENS appeared February 23, In Daniel Boone. He was born In Baltimore, September 14, 1844,and professes to be a dramatist as well as actor. It is difficult to say in which capacity he shows to the least advantage. He is the author of Daniel Boone, Unknown and Passion's Slave, plays which have had some success with the uncritical. He has made money as a manager. Was here October 14, 1S78 ia Unknown and March 22, 1880, in the same impossible drama. As an additional attraction, Gertie Gran- ville played Ixion on some nights of the Stevensengagement. She was a very clever Boubrette, who had formerly played at tbe Division street theatre, and was for a time attached to the stock company. She married Tony Hart in 1882 and retired from the stage to retnrn to it again after her husband be- came incapacitated. The company mean time had been strengthened by the addition of Charles Waverly, E C. McCall and E. L. Mortimer. These with Mr. Albaagh and Mrs, Albaugh who both played when occasion re- quired, made up a pretty good company, much better than was warranted by the patronage they received. MRS. D. P. BOWERS played an engagement beginning March 2, ap- peariag as Lady Audley, Mary Stuart and Elizabeth, three characters in which sbe has won renown. Without repeating what is said of her iu "Players of a Century," It is to be added that in 1882 sbe married her third hus- band, Mr„ J. C. McCollum, wh3 had long supDorted her in leading characters. He died tbe following year. (November 16). Her later engagements in Albany have been as follows : January 24. '76. Marti, Elizabeth, Amy Robsart, February 19, '77, Mary Stuart, Amy Robsart. Marie Antoinette. The .Tealoas Wife, Lncretla Borgia. January 6, '79. Mary Stuart, East Lynne. namille. Elizabeth, Lady Audley and the Borgia. November 5-8, '84, La Charbonniere. Also once in readings, December, 1880, at Ttredd'e hall. There was one night and afternoon of Aimee, as before noted, in La Perlchole and Madame Angot at a loss to Mr. Albangh of $200, and then Mrs. F. B. Conw.ay, a sister of Mrs. Bowers, Lily Conway, her daughter and Frank Hoch appeared in Led Astray, one of thesuccessesof thedav. Many will perhaps remember tbe verse which was repeated with so much feeling : "I have another lite I long to meet. Without which life my lite Is incomplete, O sweeter self 1 Like me art thou astray. Trying with all thy heart to And the way To mine? Straying like mine to find the breast On which alone can weary heart And rest." 15 M». Cuutvay died April 3S, 1875, about six moDtbs atter Cbe deatb of ber biidbaud. OTHKK NOTABLE ENGAGEMENTS. Marcb 16, W, F. BnrroDgba and Vlrgtola GrrraoQ appeared ia Tbe Geneva Cross. Tbe neek followinK was lo have been filled by Uaveuporr., but mucb to tbe disappolncmeat and no Ittile to tbe loss of Mr. Albautih, tbe iragedan was unable to appear, and the house was closed lo be opened Uarch 27. for tbe manager's benefir., when Eustache and Nan, tbe (jood-for NotbInK were produced. Miss Sarah Mitchell, a younger taster of Maggie Mitchell making her debut. She did not remain Jong upon the stase. There was a week of Ed^ln Adaiu>>, and April 4, Mr. Dav- enport began bis defrrred engagement and played to good hnusvs. Tbis virtually el ised the first season under Mr Albaugh'H management. It was on the whole crediiable: Barrett. Saivlui, Maugie Mitchell, Edwin Adams, Davenport, Mrs. Bo«vvr°, Aimee, Florence and Frank Mayo, were about as good attractions as tbe country afforded, but little money was made. Ouringtbesummer, Harry Bloodgood's min- strels, Shuman's trausat.lantic novelties; Fanny Cathcart. in Leab, Camille, and Trump Card ; and Butler's Seven Dwarfs appeared. Just prior to the opening of tbe regular sea- son in the fall (September 7) Mrs. Lander ap- peared, supported by Frank Lawlor, in tbe School for Scandal, Elizabeth, Mary An- toinette and Antony and Cleopa'ra. This was tbe last visit hut one that ibis exctfUent actress made to Albany. She came again January 29, 1877, in tbe Scarlet Letter, Eliza- beth, the Stranger and Lady Macbeth, but her drawing power was exhausted, and she has, we believe, retired from the staxe. She is now nearly sixty years old. and as she went before the public as an acrress at the age of eight, she may well be considered to have earned a rest. Frank Lawlor's case is a sad one, Heshonid yet be in the prime of life, but he is said to be an inmate of tbe Forrext home for decayed actors, near Philadelphia. He was born in this ciiy and made his debut in Troy, in 1853, under tbe name of Frank J. HoTton, which be retained for several years. While in San Francisco in 1864 be married Helen Josephine Mansfield, afierwards noto- rious for her connection with Jim Fisk. In 1869 he opened the Division street thea're tu this city (see "Players of a Century") and made considerable money in Its management, Manager Albangh's Second Season. Mr. Albansh's second season opened Sep- tember 15, 1874, with Clancarty, by tbe stock company in which we Qud Charles Waverly, Mr. and Mrs. E. A Eberle and William J. Gil- bert. Waverly was better known here than tbe others, as he had played in the stock at »be Division street theatre, under Barnes at the Trimble and bad been a member of Albaugh'a oompaoy part of tbe previous season. He (lied net very long ago. Mr. and Mrs. Eberle soon became favorites as old man and old woman. In which lines they excel. They, with Gilbert and George Learock, established an Arcadian colony out nearCbatbam and en- joyed their summers there immensely. Gil- bert has, artistically, gained the greatest snc- •ess of the liitle coterie. Mr. Albaueh used to say that he reminded him more of what Joe Jefferson was when be was young than any actor he ever saw. Tbe first record that we have of his appearance in Albany was in Niagara, with Clara Norris, John Norton and W. T. Melville, October 7, 1872, at Martin ball. Annie Mostyn, bis wife, was with the company and subseqaently became the son- brette of Mr. Albaugh's company. She was a painstaking little woman, with bad health, and not equal to the demands of the position, with which, however, she straggled for two seasons. Then, borne down with the loss of several children, twins among the number, she laid a'lide ber burden and slept the sleep that knows no waking. Gilbert was, we believe, tbe stepson of Myron W. Lefllngwell, a come- dian of great ability, and profited not a little by his example. He afterwards attracted the attention of Augustin Daly and was made a member of bis excellent company, ranking next to James Lewis In that organization as low comedian. HELEN DAUVEAT. Tbe first stars to appear, Johnny Allen & Connie Thompson, in Schneider (Sept. 21), were not of tbe first magnitude. They were followed (Sept. 28) by Little Nell in No Name. She bad been a popular star of the Lotta school at tbe Division Street theatre. This was her last appearance in Albany. Her real name when a girl was Helen Gibson, but her mother having married, after Mr. Gibson's death, a Mr. Williams she was also known as Nell Williams, also as the California Dia- mond, because of ber wearing a diamond ring on each one of ber fingers and thnmt)s. She was born in San Francisco, Feb. 14, 1857, and made ber debut in Virginia City as Eva in 1862. Soon after her appearance at this time In Albany she retired from the stage, and not bing was beard of her in public life till she appeared some years later in Paris playing Nan the Good-for Nothing, in French. She (lid not make a great success of it ; but before long burst upon tbe New York public as Helen Dauvray, actress and manager of a theatre. Urooaou Howard wrote One of Our Girls for hf r, and she made quite a sensation In New York theatricals, for a season or two, anil tben alter showing iireat zeal as a patron of baseball, married Jobn M. Ward, a prominent professor oC i bat art, and retired for a year. She is at the present writing seeking to make her re-entrance as a star. From Oct. 5 to tbe 10, Davenport came again, as before mentioned, and then there was a week of the CarroUs in I'he Orphans, and The McFadden Family. Mrs. J. W. Car- roll was in ber maidenhood, Jennie Sarah Melville, born In Boston, Sept. 13. 1843. In November 1864 s^e married John Carroll, was divorced from him in 1876. but they were re- married a short time before his death which occurred Oct. 16 1881.' She was a sister of M»ie Ban- vtnced that it was what they wanted. The run of 119 performances at the Park theatre was completed Jan. 9, 1875, and thereafter for several years everything was more lovely with Ray mond than he had ever expecttd. Money caine easily and went the same way. In spite of the large royalty be paid to Mark Twain, it was the only play he made such money In. although several were written to his order. As Col. Sellers he was without a rival, but in nothing else did he create an impression that will be remembered. His first wife was Marie Gordon, from whom he was divorced in 1880,marrying the following year Courtney Barnes, the daughter of Rose Eytinge. He died in Evansville, Ind., April lU, 1887, of heart disease. It was then found that little or nothing was left of one or two fortunes he had gained. He had several hobbies, oae of which was matching coins, at which he was proverbially unfortunate. He also was a coin collector, but is said to have been badly imposed upon, and his collection of sup- posed rarities was comparatively worthless. A rather amusing circumstance was that he could not endme vegetables of any kind, and as the part of Col. Sellers required him each night to eat raw turnips he substilnted apples, except on such occasions as a property man, not knowing his peculiarity, supplied the real vegetable, when his annoyance was something laughable. Mr. Raymond's subsequent engagements in Albanv were as follows : May 89, 30. 1878, Col. Sellers Oct. 83. 1876. Col. tiellers. Nov. 18. 1877, Col Sellers, Golden Calf, BIsEs, and Toodles. April 7. 1879, Col. Sellers, My Son. Elsks. Feb. ai-2. 1880, (Martin Hall) Wolfert's Roost, and Col. Sellers. Oct. 3-5, 1881, (Tresh.the American. Jan. 8.10, 1883, Fresh, the American, and In Oct. so'. 1884, For Congress, In Paradise, and Ool. Sellers. March 29 Olive Logan appeared in her own play of Surf. This clever woman has been more successful with her pen than on the stage. She has written one or two books upon the theatre, has lectured upon the same sub- ject and has been a contrlbator to many papers and periodicals. The week of April 5 saw the only appear- ances in Albany of CABLOTTA LBCLERCQ, a very talented actress who was brought to America by Charles Fecbter and played the opposite parts to him during his first tri- umphs In this country. Benefiting by the tui- tion of this great master of dramatic art she was an ideal Ophelia, and as Pauline, Mercedes in Monte Cristo, and in other parts played with him she received great praise from all the critics. She was the wife of John Nelson, with whom, since her return to England in 1877, she acted in the principal theatres in the provinces till his death, and of late has given lessons in acting, appearing occasionally. She was seen here as Galatea and the New Magda- len. The week of April 13 Daly's company were seen in the Big Bonanza and Mons. Alphonse. Then came a mixed week, in which the stock company played Uncle Tom; Mr. Du Bois, 19 the treasurer, took a benefir, when the Ticket of Leave Man was played ; oa another night Mr. Albaugh played Hamlet, with Mr. T. J. Lanahan as the Ghost, and a very excellent Ghost he made; for Felix Morris's benefit Everybody's Friend was played. The follow- ing week Charlotte Thompson appeared in the Sea of Ice and Camllle. May 1 the season closed with Money aud The Quiet Family for Mr. Albaugh's benefit. During the interim the following combi- nations appeared at the Opera house : Kellogg, in the opera of The Talinman, May 21; The Hoyal Yeddo Japanese troupe, July 1- 3 : Sal-bnry's Troubadours, July 5-7 ; Harridan & Hart, In The Doyle Brothers, August 30; Buffalo Bill, Texas Jack and Morlacchi, Sep- tember 2 5; Frank Frayne, in Si Slocum, Sep- tember 8; The Yokes, in Belles of the Kitchen, Sep ember 10-11. HARRIGAN AND HART. The firm of Uarrigan and Hart had not, at this time, attained the celebrity which it af- terwards enjoyed. Edward Harrigan was born in New York, October 29, 1845, of Irish parrn's. He went upon the siage in San Francisco ac the age of twenty two, and in 1871 formed a parinerahlp with Tony Hart who, ten yearH younger, aud a native of Wor- cester, Mass., began bis career as a minstrel. Harridan was soon found x,o have a great deal of originality, not merely as a performer but as an aathor of light sketches. The team be- came popular, not only in the smaller cities, but in New York, where they opened a theatre In August, 1876. Here i hey brought out, from time to time, the Mulligan Guard sketches, making annual tours through the country. The music, which aided so much in the popu- larity of these performaoces, was written by Dave Braham, Harrlgan's father-in-law, and leader of the orchestra The firm succeeded wonderfully well, and established a reputation for themselves that is as wide as the country. They must have made a great deal of mouey, although they were burned out once (Dtrcem- ber 23, 1881). In May following, Hart saw fit to withdraw, a moscuafortunatestep for him Harrigau has continued to prosper, biit poor Tony, after one or two abortive attempts at starring, first found his voice going and after- wards bis brain was affected to such an extent that his retirement to the luuatic asylum at Worcester was fonnd necessary, and there he is at present, with no expectation that he will ever recover. In 1888 a benefit was organized for him that netted aboui^ $12,000. His wife, Gertie Granville, has again gone upon the stage to asB'st in his support. In one of his last starriug adventures some Albanians were interested. The investment provsd perma- nent. Subsequent engagements of Harrigan & Hart were as follows: April 7 8, 1876; July 13 14 1877; June 10-12 1880; Tony Hart, Deo. 2 3, 1886, in Donnybrook. BUFFALO BILL. This was Buffalo Bill's first appearance at the opera house, although hia repeating rifle had awakened the echoes of the other halls before this. He forsook the honors of legisla- tive life and the dangers of scnuciog on the plains to go upon the stage early in 1873, at Nixon's amphitheatre in Chicaso, and soon afterwards appeared in this city. His visits are thus recorded : 1873. Feb. 5-7 and June 22: 1874, Jan. 26 8 in Martin hall; 1875, Jan. 27 8, Tweddle hall, and Sept. 2 5. Leland; 1877, Jan. 26-7, Marti u hall, and Nov. 30, Leland; 1879. Jan. 17-18, Martin hall (Texas Jack show- ing a few days previous); 1880, April 15-17; 1881, Feb. 8; 1882, March 9-10, and 1883, April 2, in Martin opera house. His last visit to Albany was with a Wild West show, which was given at Island park in 1884. HON. WILLIAM p. CODY. William Frederick Cody was born February 26, 1845, in Scott county, Iowa. His father was Killed in the Kansas border war in 1852. In 1860 Bill became a rider on the pony express. In the civil war he acted as a government scout and guide. In 1863 be enlisted in the Kansas cavalry. In 1867 he en- tered Into a contract with the Kansas Pacific railway for $500 a month to deliver all the buffalo meat for the army ot laborers then employed, and in eighteen months is said to have killed 4,280 buffalo, which gave him the name of "Buffalo BUI." In 1868 he became guide and scout for the United States ravalry against the Sioijx and Cheyennes. In 1872 he was elected member ot the Kansas legislature but soon resigned to go upon the stage. In the beginning of the Sioux war in 1876 he dis- charged his company, rejoined the Fifth cav- alry and at the battle of Indian creek is actually credited with klllinean Indian chief in a hand-to hand conflict. Then he returned to thA stage and In 1883 organized the Wild West show, which he took to Europe in 1886. For some years an associate with Cody in the show business was John B. Omohuudro, known as Texas Jack. He is said to have come of Spanish and Indian stock, and had led a life similar to that of Cody. He was the favorite scout and gu de of the earl of Dun- raven. Curiously enough he won the affec- tions of MorlacchI, "the Peerless" bailer, dancer oF her day, and it is said they lived very happily together till his death in Denver ten or twelve years ago. She was a great favorite in Boston, and the Harvard students used to make quite an idol of heir when she danced at the Theatre Cumlque. She was a prudent woman, however, saved her money and bought her a farm out near Bilerica. An amusing story is told ot some manager who wanted her to dance in the Black Crook, or some such spectacle, and going in search ot her, found the queen of the ballet, out in the field digglne potatoes for dinner. She died August 18, 1885. THE VOKKS. This was also the first visit of the Yokes family to the opera house altbongh they bad been to Martin hall twice before this ; October 2 3, 1873, and September 30. 1874. They were at Tweddle hall May 30, 1881, at the Leland April 10 11. 1882, and at Tweddle ball for the last time November 6 8 1882. They were a wonderfully talented family, warmly devoted to each other, giving always a clean but merry performance in which their various gifts and graces were displayed to the great amusement of thousands of admirers. They made their American debut April 25, 1872, at 20 the Union Square theatre in The Belles of the Kitchen. There were Ave of them, Fawdon, Frederick, Jessie, Victoria and Bosina, al- though FawdoQ was not roally a Yokes. They were before the public from childhood, ap- pearing as the Yokes children, and in 1868 as the Yokes family. For years they were an important feature in the great Christmas pantomimes in London. Ylctoria, the queen- ly, black-eyed one was the best singer, and also wonsuccess in the serioas drama ; appear- ing as Amy Robsart. She was born about 1853. Jessie died in 1884 and Fred June 3, 1888, aged forty. Bosina, bora about 1854, the laughing one, (now Mrs. Cecil Clay) Is the only member of the family left upon the stage. Frank T. Frayne's show was nearly as sensa- tional as Buffalo Bill's, consistine largely of gnn powder, wild anioials and rifle practice. He was born in Kentucky In 1836, and went upon the stage about 1862. He made a specialty of rifle shooting, and November 30, 1882, while playing in Cincinnati, shot and killed his leading lady, Annie Yon Behren. While the Opera bouse has long been con- sidered as the rpgular theatre, many interest- ing events took place in the two halls during tne period which this record covers. In Twed- dle hall. May 8, 1874, PAULINB LUCCA made her only appearancj in this city, select- ing Mignon as the role for the occasion. This brilliant operatic artist created an impression that it will take many years to efface. She is a native of Vienna where she entered the chorus of the opera In 1859. She made her de- but the same year at Olmutz, and reached Berlin in 1861, rousing great enthusiasm and there she was engaged as court singer for life. In July 1863, she first sang In England, and was in London f rjequentiy till 1872, when sbe gave up her connection with Berlin and came to America where sbe remained two years. Not only was she a cbarmlng singer, but sbe was an actress of high rank. Meyerbeer called her a Oavid Garrick in petticoats, and Auber was so delighted with the manner in wbich she xang his music that he save her the pen with wblcQ Fra Diavolo was written. Her repertory was said several years ago, to con- tain fltty-siz roles and she has since added several thereto. Another of these foreign song-birds who ap- peared In Tweddie hall, in concert October 20 and December 29, of the same year was the poor DI MURSKA, whose death bat a few weeks since, (January 18, 1889,) has made her history quite familiar to readers of the papers. Her voice had a compass of three octaves, lacking one note, ex- ceedmg Lucca's wQo is credited with two octaves and a half. lima Di Murska is said to bave been born in Croatia, Hungary, in 1843, although she looked, and many believed that she was much older. Her debut was in 1862 Her life was full of triumphs at first, and sbe bid fair to rival Patti both In the homage paid her and the terms she exacted ; but unlike Patti slie took no care of herself, or of her voice, or of her money. She was frequently married, and lived a Bohemian life such as no great sinuer can long sustain and keep in voice. In 1874 when she first ap- peared In New York sbe created great en- thusiasm by her singing, particularly in the Masic E'lute. Her third and last appearance -In Albany was at Martin hall. May 26, 1879. Mr. A. C. Wheeler ("Nym Crinkle") in a re- cene article said of her : 'Di Marska's personal history always re- minded me of a princess traversing the track- less desert with her caravan at night. Just within her professional circle was the blaze of lanterns and the pomp of oriental pagean- try. Just beyond was the impenetrable mystery and desolation of demon-haunted darkness. The fiend of insanity, like a jackal, came through the gloom sometimes and looked in upon the retinue, gave his mocking langh and slunk away in gulfs of shadow, "In vocalism she was entirely phenomenal. Her voice was not only of extraordinary com- pass and flexibility but It preserved its pecu- liar wild timbre and ductility long after she had lost almost everything else, and those who were fortunate enough to bear it in the last sad phases of her evenful career felt some- thing of the awe with which Bider Haggard's Imagination invested "She." They saw a de- cayed little old woman, seamed and scarred by time and events— a mere apparition of vi- tality, fragile, attenuated, a shell of a woman : but like one of those Amati shells, there Issued from it, if she happened to be in the mood, an unearthly, elfin voice, still clear, still pliant and obedient to her impulse, and to wbich still clung some of the ineradi- cable bloom of youth." Her last efforts In this country were to teach music in the NaMonal conservatory in New York. In November, money was collected to carry her and and her daughter back to Munich where the mother di-ed and the daughter broken hearted committed suicide by taking poison. The remains of the singer were cre- mated at Gotha. On the urn were inscribed the words : These ashes are all that remain of a nightingale." In happy contrast to the life of this unfor- tunate woman is the history of another singer who appeared in Tweddie hall, November 9, of the same year, ALBANI. This distinguished songstress has peculiar claims upon Albanians which they have ever 21 been ready to acknowledge, although the op- portunities have been few, her appearances In concert in this her former home, having been limited to the time of which we write and to a concert in Masic hall, January 15, 1883, Aside from her brilliant artistic career her life has not been eventful. It is only necessary to state as a matter oC record that this singer was born La Jeunesse, In Flatsbnrg, in 1850, her parents being French Canadians. At an early age the family removed to this city, and here she began s'nging in public, in St. Joseph's church. Her voice gave sucb promise that in 1867 a purse was made up lo send her abroad to study. She made her debut in Italy in La Somnambula in 1870, and in 1872 sang for the first time before a London public with whom she has become a grtat favorite. Her first tour in this country was made the year of which we write, under the direction of Strakosch. In 1878 she married Mr. Ernest Gye, son of the well known London manager. Her second visit to America was under Maple- son. Her third which she is now making is under the direction ot her husband. Her mother dying at an early age, she was at first placed in the convent of the Sacred Heart, at Montreal. Then her father brought her to Saratoga, and thence about 1861, to Albany, Her life here, if not one ot hardship, was oae of hard work, and devoted, almost from the start, to music. She not only sang In St. .Toseph's with her sister Cornelia, but also played the organ there, besides teaching mns'c at Kenwood, and at the sisters' asylum. Bishop Conroy was her early friend and so was the late- Dr. James H. Armsby. Her life has ever been free from the clouds that often hover around the reputation of great art- ists, presenting as has been said a happy contrast to the brillant singer, who has re- cently died in poverty, for which she was not wholly blameless. OE0R6E L. FOX. Among those who played highly profitable engagements about this time at Martin hall, was George L.Pox,the Grimaldi of his eenera- tlon. His first appearance here of which we have a record was with his brother C. K. Fox, the week of September 16. 1872. George was here from July 17 to 21, 1874 and April 23,1875; also September 27 29 of the same year, and always in Humpty Bampty. Although a comedian of extended ability, he will be re- membered chiefly in this role, of which he made so much. He was born in Boston, July 3, 1325 ; went upon the stage as a child, but lost his liking for it till 1846, when he again took to the boards and kept them till long after he was fit to be seen in public. It was in the old Bowery theatre that he first became really famous as a pantomlmlst. As a clown his equal has never been seen in this country. His end was a particularly sad one. He never had the ability to manage his own finances, and finally he fell into the hands of men who used him for their own selfish ends. In 1875 he'began to show signs of mental weakness followed by paralysis; he became very erratic in his actions.but he kept on the stage making people laugh to tbeir utmost when be should have been in a hospital. Paralysis set in at last, and he became mildly insane and re- mained in this pitiful condition till his death October 24, 1877, at the home of his sister, Mrs. G. C. Howard, the famous Topsy of her day. TOOLE. Another comedian of note, especially in his own country, made his only appearances in Albany at Martin hall, John Lawrence Toole, who was there January 15, 1875, in. Off the Line, Ici on Parle Francais and That Blessed Baby. Mr. Toole has been playing in London since 1853, he then being twenty years old. He is tor the most part, a farcical actor, "the last ot the low comedians of the Wright and ListoQ pattern, possessed of all the tradi- tions of stage humor, the tricks of glance, gesture and intonation, the expedients ot car- icature, which have, time out of mind, won laughter from playgoers " His success in this country, however, was ot the dubious kind not unknown to some American comed- ians who since then have tried their fortunes in Loudon. Mr. J. W. Albangh's Third Season. [1875-1876.] Manager Albaugh entered upon his third season Sept. 13, 1875, with renewed confidence and hope for better things. He undertook the management of the Griswoid opera house in Troy, In connection with the Albany house, and engaged a double company, who were un- der contract to appear at either theatre at the discretion of the manaiier. The leading busi- ness was entrusted to George F. Learock and T. S. Conner, Monte Ransom and Amelia Waugh. Mr. Conner, however, was seldom seen in Albany. Miss Ransom was rather light for the position and Miss Waugh rather heavy. Mr. and Mrs. Eberle were already favorites as old people; Gilbert was the princi- pal comedian ; bis wife. Miss Mostyn^ was the Boubrette, and others In the company were W. F. Edwards, John F. Heme (stage mana- ger), Fred Vernon, Robert Forsyth, George Washington Smith, Julian Mitchell, Harry Albaugh, Constance Mitchell, etc. Miss Waugh had been on the stage since 1867 when she made her debut, in Montana. In some scolding characters, like Elizabeth, in Marie Stuart, tor instance, she was decidedly effect- ive. Stie died in Brooklyn Sept. 4, 1887. aged about fifty. Learock is an actor of moderate abilities, now playing second to Thomas Keene. SOLDIER AND ACTOR. John p. Heme was born in Albany in 1847, and enlisted as a drummer boy in the Forty- third New York in August, 1861. In 1863, be fore he was seventeen years old, he was com missioned second lieutenant by Gov. Seymour and afterwards captain by Gov. Fenton, gain- ing the distinction of being the youngest com- missioned officer in the army of the Potomac. He was severely wounded at Petersburg, but served during the entire war. Then he be- came an actor, and subsequently a manager. He was a brother of James A. Heme, of Hearts of Oak tame. Capt. Heme died at Hot Springs, Ark , July 21, 1888. 22 It was the IntentioD to have opened with E. L. Dttveaport, but he was at that time ap- pearing lu New York, as the American Ham- let, in opposition to Barry Sullivan with suoh success that bis dace was changed to later in the season. The first star, therefore, was little Katie Putnam, a pleasing actress of the liotia school, who played two weeks, appearint! in the Old Curiosity Shop, Child of the Rngl- menf. Little Rebel, Jacqu<>llna, Blade o' Grass, and Little Uetective. The receipts the first week were $687 and the second $588, leavinkc a deficiency on the first enuiagemeot of the season of $634 less than payiug expenses. Katie was born in Chicago in 1853, and played the Duke of York at the age of tour. Sue is sllll playing in the west, Jane Coombs followed, the week of Sept. 37 in the Lady ot Lyons, London Assurance, The Hunchback, Camille, The Stranger, The Honeymoon, and Ingomar, a sierliug reper- tory played by a sterling ac ress, but although she was supported by Mr. Albaugh and Miss Wangh, the week resulted in a positive loss of of $156, the total receipts being $833. MINNIE PALMER. Monday, Oct. 4, the stock company played Uncle Tom's Cabin to about 8150, and the re- mainder of the week was drvoted to Minnie Palmer, who had not at that time come under the beneficent influence ot her future hus- band, John K. Rogers. She appeared in Bob, Satan in Paris, and Little Treasure, the com- pany adding for Saturday the Flying Datch- man. Her first nigbt was ber best oue and that brought in only $169; while the loss on the week was $63. Miuuie Palmer was born about 1857, in Pniladelphia, the daughter of Kale Palmer, formerly a well-known actress. Her debut was made in 1874, in Brooklyn, and this was her first starring tour. It was not very successful, and she was a'lerwards in the stock companies of Booth's and the Park theatre, and in 1879 began starring again in Our Boarding Scbool. In 1881 she appeared in My Sweetheart, and under very peculiar advertising schemes of Mr. Rogers she has attained large financial success, not only in this coumry but in Eng and, where by appearing just before Lotta, she quite distanced the latter in popular favor, although on this side of the Atlantic Mrs. Rogers is regarded as a palpable, although very clever Imitator of Miss Crabtree. Minnie Palmer's subsequent engagements as a star in Albany, have" been as follows : In the Board- ing School, at Music ball, March 35-7, 1880, and at the Leland, Dec. 3-4, same year; In My Sweetheart, at the Leland. Oct. 6-8, 1881, Oct. 30-31. 1882, Not. 10-13, 1884, Nov. 31-33, 1887, on the latter occasion also My Brother's Sister. The next stars, Oct. 11-14, were Rose Wood and Lewis Morrison, two very capable actors. They appeared in the Lotus Flower, founded on a German story and made a specialty by them in a starring tour which was notsnc- cessful. This wa-i we b'jiieve its first repre- sentation in the United States. Rose Wood is the daughter of William Wood, a pantomim- ist, and began her career as a dancer. She took speaking parts in 1887 and developed much talent. She was married to Morrison in August, 1865. They were here four nights, and Lotta finished out the week, renting the house, and bringing her own company, and taking away with her so much of the profits that the whole week together netted to Mr, Albaugh only about fifty-eight dollars, al- though th^ first week of the season that paid expenses. Lotta's company was much better than many she has since brought here, as it included Couldock, E. A. Locke, Butler, Hart Conway and Alice Brooks. AUGUSTA DAEGON. The next week introduced Augusta Dargon, who had formerly been a leading lady at the Division street theatre, where she was a favorite, and it was thought that her many friends would see tbai^ the engagement was successfnl, A number of Irishmen had spoken to Mr. Albaugh urging him to engage Miss Dargon, as they were confident ber country- men would turn out iu force to d r her honor. She is, we believe but half Irish, her mother being Scotch, but ber father was aa Irish patriot, and she bad always stood high in the esteem of the sons of Eriu. Her engagement was to be made notable also, by the first pro- duction on any stage of Tennyson's Queen Mary, a play which was not brought out in England till April, 1876 (by Irving and Miss Bateman.)Miss Dargon's ver-^ion was arranged for her by Stephen Flske and proved to be only fairly effective. Tennyson would hardly have ri-cognized bis own so radical were the changes. The principal characters were cast as fol- lows: Queen Mary Angnsta Dargon Renard Geo. F, liearock Lord Chancellor E. A. Eberle Lord Mayor of London W. J, Gilbert Princess BUzHbeth Miss Wangh Lady Clarence Mrs. Eberle Miss Dargon also appeared as Deborah, Lady Macbeth, Lucretia Borgia and Meg Mer- riiies. Queen Mary was played three times, the first night to $340, the stcoud to $160 and at the matinee to $133. The total receipts for the week were $1,143 of which Miss Dargon received seventy-one dollars, Mr. Albaugh sixty-five dollars, and the rest went tor ex- penses Miss Dargon who was now about thirty- five years old, went to Australia in 1879, ac- quired considerable fame in that far off coun- try, and Mav 38. 1880 was married to Dr. Piercy. Walter Keebie has been known to say that the second and third letters in her name ought, by rights, to have been trans- posed; but that WAS mardly th>4 ebullition of a manager, out of patience with his leading lady. Barrett came the week of October 35, and played to $1,730, although the Republican Court and Continental Tea-party was held at Martin Opera house during the week, for the benefit of the Home of the Friendless, and proved a strong opposition. Mr. Barrett's largest night was when he played the Man o' Airlie,a beautiful play that has not always met with the appreciation it deserves. The week paid Mr. Albaugh $367. Johnny Thompson came next, in Zikes, the Showman, and On Hand, and although it was election week played to over $1,300, including a benefit to the Firemen's Relief fund. Mr. Davenport now appeared, as before noted, and played to $1,673, leaving a profit to Mr. Albaugh of $370. (On Saturday evening of this week,Titiens, one of the grandest singers ever heard in this country made her first and only ap- pearance, in Albany at Martin hall, In concert. She was ot German extraction, born in 1834. She died, October 3, 1877.) Maggie Mitchell played a week with her own company, the stock going on the road with Baker and Farron. When they returned with the same stars to the opera house the next week, they played to $3,385, leaving Mr. Albaugh the handsome surplus over expenses ot $869, one of the best weeks of the season. The plays were Chris and Lena, and Conrad and Lizette. Now mark the difference: The following week Agnes Booth, supported by her husband, Junius Brutus, and part of the time by Mr. 23 Albaneb, in Borneo aod Jallet. Much Ado, KiDK Jobu, As You Like Id, Masks and Faces, Katharine and Pelrnchio, Oliver Twist and Blackened Su.-an to an actual loss of $218! Edwin Adams in Enoch Arden and The Dead Heart the followluK week did some better, the b:ilauce on the right side beihs; $183. Doml- nick Murra; iu Tce Spy, knocked that all out aod more too, the shorta^se being $411. Sherl- dau and Mack plajed three nights to fair busi- ness, and then THE NAIAD QOBEN was brought out for the holidays. This fam- ous old piece was produced at twenty different performances to nearly $5,000, tbe largest re- ceipts beini^ on Christmas afternoon $507 and Cbristmas night $630. Tbelastweek Bonfantl was eoeaged at an extra cost of $300. but did not apparently draw a peouy, as tbe business ran behind so there was a loss on that week of fifty dollars, but on the whole the production was a profitable venture, as tbere was no star to carry away the proceeds. Tbe Naiad Queen, by the way, was produced as long ago as 1841, at tbe Nat.ional theatre in New York, when Miss (Charlotte) Cushman played the part of her elfin majesty. It was the foreruaner of the Black Crook, but a much better piece of work. Mr. tiilbert, as ttie comic Scbnapps, made a decided bit, while Mr. Eddinuer first came into notice in this piece as Phibby, tbe demon of the Kbtne. January 8, 1876, Ada Gray appeared, playing during the week East Lynne, New Magdnlen, Article 47, Lady Audley's Secret, and Lucre- tia Borgia, a nice lot of charHciers, indeed, a rviuaway wife, a woman of the town, a Par- sian courtesan, a husband murderer, and the queen of poisoners. The receipts for this dish of horrors and frailty were $1,360 leaving a balance for Mr. Albaugn of $352 Robert McQiiade played Rip Van Winkle for a week, eight performances to an average of $125, tbe loss on the week being only thirty- four dollars. The slock company played the Lady of Lyons one nigh' to less than forty dollars, tbe average daily expenses of the theatre being, mind you, about. $1,000 a week, exclusive of whatever per cmtage was paid tbe star. Mrs. Bowers playtd Marti (by Mrs. Martha Lafitte Johnson), Elizabeth and Amy Robsart. She was supported by Mr. McCol- lom. I'be receipts for five uigbts and two matinees, were about $1,400 JOHN B. 0WI5NS. January 31, John B. Owens began an en- gagement in which he played Oar Boys, Tbe Vic ims, Solon Shingle, The Poor Gent leman, Forty Winks and Everybody's Friend. This was a week of rarf delight to lovers of old comedy, although tbe opening play was of tbe modern school. Our Boys was a marvelous success in London where it was played for years at a time. It is by Henry J. Byroa. It was taken off the bills at the Vaudeville theatre in London, April 18, 1879, on reaching its 1,362nd performance. It never attained a tithe of this popularity in America, bat Mr. Owens was delightfulln tbe part of the retired butter merchant, and in this play was well supported by tbe company, Messrs. Albangh and Learock playing the "boys" and Miss Random and Amie Mostyn the girls. In Tbe Victims and Forty Winks the star was supre- mely futmy, hut The Poor Gentleman and Everybody's Friend were less pleasing, owing largely to the short-comings of the support. The receipts for tbe week were $2,172.or whicli Mr. Owens received $742, and the balance in Mr. Albaugh's favor was $350, a remarkably good week. Mr. Owens died in December,t886, at the age of sixty-tbree. At one time, it is said he was worth nearly a million dollars and was ac- counted the wealthiest actor in America, but JOHN K. OWENS, reverses lett bim only a small part of the property. He bad a country seat near Balti- more, which be called Aigburth Vale, after his birth-placa which was a suburb of Liver- pool. At tbe Vale he indulged in fancy farm- ing and ilispensed rare hospitality for vears. His fame rests on "Solon Sbingle," which he accidently began playing In 1864. It was a realistic picture of a rather tiresome old Yan- kee farmer, anxious about his barrel of ' 'apple sass." It was very popular for years in this country but in England, neither the part nor tbe actor could get a foothold. Clifton W. Tayleure, who was bis agent in London says he was hissed vigorously every night for seven weeks. Mr. Owen's last days were passed as a member of tbe Madison Square Theatre company, iu which he was seen as the father of "Esmeralda " He was a comedian off tbe stage as well as on it. His repartee was admirable. "I saw you in front, to-night," said a New York critic to him. "What did you discover in • (a noted comedian) to interest you?" "The centre of gravity," was the reply. "Did you see the Comedy of Errors, to- night?" asked a popular comedian, expecting aeouipllment. "I naw a great many errors; not much comedy," was the quick reply. Mr. Owens died possessed of a number of valuable and interesting portraits, which have been purchased by Edwin Booth, and given to the Players' club. Mrs. Owens still lives They had no children, Mr. Owens's BUbs' quent appearances here as a star, were May 3, 4, 5. 1877, in Our Boys, Heir-at-Law, Victim and Solon Shingle. MINOR BNGAGEMENTS. Feb. 7, the Kiralfy's brought their specta- cle Around the World in Eighty Days, which was produced for a week by their own com- pany, which included George Metkiff as Phineas Fogg, Kate Meek, Millie Sackett, S. B. Villa, Arnold Kiralfv, etc. The play Is an adaptation by Adoioh DEn'nery of Jules Verne's fantastical novel. Tbe receipts were $2,344. but the expenses were so large that Mr. Albaugh barely saved himself on the week. The veteran Joseph Proctor appeared for a week, in Virglnius, Jack Cade, Nick of the Woods, Outalanchet and Ambition, while Saturday night Tbe French Spy was played. There was no drawing power in this actor now and bis resurrection was attended with 24 a loss to Mr. Albaugh of about $230. besides a KlCthe made the old maa of fifty dollars for his weefe's work. Belle Howitt played a week la Ixloa and Aladdlo, sapporied by tbe company, which was not strong in burlesque, to a loss of about $300. The following week, Oliver Doud Byron In Across the Uontlnenc and Rebel to the Core, did still worse, the loss beioK t377, de- splie the fact that he was supported by Ada Ueban, his sister-in-law, now.tbe leading lady of Mr. Daly's company, and one of the most popular actresses in America She was then, however quite nnknonn. F. Gratton RIggs ^n Sull Gair and Votes, to pretty much |tbe same story, a loss of $331. 'Chen came tbe benebtj to Learock and the Gilberts, Retribution and the Happy Man being played for the former: and Cinderella and Romeo Jaffier Jenkins, for the latter. Money was also played for one night. It was another miserable weeli:, and the appearance of Sothern for three performances of Dun- dreary and Garrick did not save it from a loss of $340, although Sothern played to $1,919, filling the house each time. SOTHKEN. Edward Askew Sothern, another wonderful- ly successful comedian, has passed away sincd the "Players of a Centurj" was written. He died in January, 1881, in London. Had he lived till April 1 of that year be would have been fifty-one. Born on All Fools' day, it ap- pears to have been tbe object of his life to make fools of others. A book of 250 pages, has been written ("Birds of a Feather Flock' Together," by F. G. De Fontaine), the most of M being devoted to tbe practical jokes of which Sothern was either the auchor or the victim, generally the former. His propensity for this kind of amusement knew no bounds, but like most practical jokers he never relished beinx caught himself, although Gen. Dickermau E. A. SOTHBRN. maintained that he submitted gracefully to the trick the general played upon him in forg- ing tbe name of Gov, DIx on executive of9ce paper to an invitation asking the actor to call upon the governor at a certain hour, and on arriving ia'a, carriage, carefully dressed in the most elaborate manner, found the governor deeply engaged and wholljr inaccessible, while Dickerman was there in the anteroom, grinning at his victim from over a screen. This was in April, 1874, wheti Sotheru played at Martin hall, under Dickerman's manage- ment, and was a joke played in return to some trick played by tbe actor upon tbe general, Sothern made a great deal of money very easi- ly, and the rule held good, for be spent it just as eaHily- sp^^ut It, too, In pleasures which shortened his life, for hu was a man of fine physique, although prematurely gray. He will be remembered chiefly ta Dundreary, al- though he played luauy parts, aud was, for instance, tbe Armand to Matilda Herron's CamiUe, the first time she played it in this country, a part entirely foreign to the line which be finally adopted. Dundreary was first played May 13, 1858. As alloted to him by Laura Keene, In Oar American Cousin (by Tom Taylor), ic cousi-ited originally of only foriy-seveu lines. Sothern refused it utterly, unless be could do witli it as he chose, and it has been said he intended to burlesque it, but. he re wrote It, added to it, bniit It: uu from ob^erva ion, invention and accident, until it b C4m« not only tbe princi- pal feature of the play, but a stage type: it gave the name to Dundreary whiskers, to the Dundrrary lisp and hop. He played the part iu this country 1.000 times, and then appeared in England in 1861 at the Haymarket, where his success was equally great and the house was crowded for 496 nights. He carried his creation Into other performances which he built around it, such as Sam Dundreary Married and Settled, etc David Garrick, which was adapted from the German by Tom Robertson, was something different, and showed that Sothern was not, after ail, a one part actor. That, too, was a mere skeletoo, upon which, according to tis account he built the play as he produce! it, and as it is printed. Of his family relations Mr. Sothern never spoke. It is understood that he did not live happily with his wife and that their differences of opinion extended to tbe children of which there are three, a daughter and two sons, all of whom went upon the stage. Mr. Sothern's subsequent appearances in Albany were as follows : May 31, 1876, Dundreary, A Regular Fix aud April 30. May 1, 1877, Hornet's Nest, Sam. May2o.26,1880, (Irushed Tragedian, Dundreary. The Hornet's Nest was a cjnfessed failure. The Crushed Tragedian, one of Byron's pieces originally done in England under the name of the Prompter's Box, owed much of its suc- cess to tbe Imicatlon by Sothern of tbe Count Joannes who actually brought suit to restrain him from appearing in the part, on the ground that it maligned him and burlesqued bis iden- tity. CLOSING THE SEASON. The last week of the regular season wag used by Milton Nobles in playing Tbe Phoenix to $644 while the expenses were $1,033. About all that is remembered of the play, which was coarse beyond the present taste, was the line, "And tbe Villain still pursued her!" Nobles made bis debut as an amateur in the third act of Hamlet, playing the title role, in Cincin- nati, April 18, 1867; became a professional in September of the same year, worked bis way upward to leading business which he played in a number of western cities, and then took to starring with not very brilliant results. The following week the Fifth Avenue thea- tre company played Pique to altogether tbe largest business of the season, the total re- ceipts being $4,046 for the eight performances, yielding a net profit to Mr. Albaugh of over $900. This was a^happy surprise to the man- agement, Mr. Albaugh confessing to the writer that he could see nothing in the play except a second rate melo drama, while the company 25 was Daly's second best, Fannie Davenport playing the loading role in New York, at tbe same time. Sara^* Jewett was expected to appear in tbe part here, but for some reason, failed to do 80, J eSerys Lewis being substituted for Mabel Renfrew. James Hardie played Matthew Standlsb, B. T. Ringgold, Captain Standlsh, George Parkes, Raymond Lessing, Owen Fawcet and Sammy Diraple.Frank Chap- man, Thorsby Gyll, Alice Grey, Mary Stan- dlsb, Stella Congdon, Raitcb, etc. From April 3 to 5, George Rignold appeared in tbe title role of Henry V., supported by C. B. Bishop as Pistol and B. F. Thorne as Fluel- len. Few plays of a soec'acular nature have been done more perfectly than was this at Booth's theatre under Jarrett & Palmer. The battle scenes, in particular, were grand almost beyond description, while Rignold as the young King presented a flgure of beauty and heroism that will live in the memory of all who saw this great .rjepresentation. In com- ing to Albany many of the features of tbe production were necessarily left behind, and those who had seen the spectacle in New York were not edified by its production here, which was marred by the absurdities of which un- irained supernumeraries are always guilty. Rignold is now playing in Australia. The re- ceipts for four performances were only about $900, at no one equaling those of Bryant's minstrels who clayed a night the same week to $363. Then came Harrigan and Hart in the Doyle Brothers, etc., three performances to about $700; the balance for the week being $12 on the wrong side. The following week Frank Mayo pl«yed Crockelt to $866, a loss of $108. The week of April 17, Lew Benedict post G.A. R. had tbe bouse for the production of Alla- toona. The season having closed it was time to see how the balance sheet stood, and we append it as follows : Attraction. Receipts. Extienses, Katie Pucnam 8687 "$1,027 Katie Putnam 588 883 Jane Ooomts 833 989 Minnie Palmer 886 929 Wood and Morrison 985 927 Augusta DareOQ 3,143 1,078 Lawrence Barrett 1,730 1,363 .lohn Thomnson 1,249 1,081 E. L. Davenport. 1,693 1,422 Maggie Mitchell 1,200 1,013 Baker and Farron 2.285 1,415 AgnesBooth 783 1,000 Edwin Adams 1,181 997 Dominick Murray 891 1,303 8ber' and Mack; Naiad Queen l,93i 1,459 Naiad Queen 2,135 1,291 NaiadQueen 1,307 1,356 Ada Gray 1,.3B0 1,107 Robert MoQnade 1,001 966 Mra. Bowers 1,441 1,245 John E. Owens 2,172 1,823 Around the World in 80 Days, 3,344 3,279 Joseph Proctor 670 965 Belle Howltt 933 1,133 Oliver Uoud Byron 782 1,959 T. Gratton Rigga. 731 9.53 Stock: Sothern 2.310 2.551 MiltonNobles 644 1.033 Pique 4,046 3,119 Rignold: Harrigan and Hart.. 2,101 2,088 frankMayo 866 974 In round figures, this shows a net profit of only $2,000; the receipts having been about $42,900 and the expenses $40,900. In the latter is included the proportion that was paid to the stars and combinations. Tbe salary list was something over $500 a week; anil tbe weekly rent of the theatre was $225. Had it not been for the Naiad Queen, Baker and Far- ron and the Pique engagement there would have been a loss. A benefit to Mr. Albaugb, April 26, helped him considerably. The Marble Heart, Merchant of Venice and The Honey Moon were played. Between the two seasons of 1875 6 and 1876 7 several attractions were presented at the Opera house; Mafifit and Tyler's Humpty Dumpty came April 28th ; and May l,the Hol- man opera company appeared in Girofie Girofla., Bohemian Girl, Mme, Angot's Child, La Soonambula, La Grand Duchess, Barbe-Bleue and La Perlchole. This plucky, aiubi clous not to say.audacious little company was under the musical direction of Mrs. Har- riet Holman who played the piano at the same time she led the orchestra, and never with a note of music before her. Her daughters Sal lie and Julia were tbe SI ars and in tbe company at this time were J. Brandisi, G. H. Barton, Ellis Ryse, Emma Hall, Mary Bradshaw, Ida Carpenter, etc. Tbe other appearances of the company here have been as follows : November 29, December 1, 1877, Martin hall, Madame Angot's Child, Maritana,Bohemian Girl, Genevieve de Brabant, Girofle- Girofla. November It, 1878, Leland, Madame Angot, Maritana, Genevieve de Brabant, Bubbles, La Periohole, Girofle— Girofla, Bells of Corneville, Princess of Trebizonde. September 23-:i. 188?, Martin hall. Bells of Corneville, Pmafore. Girofle-Girofla. George Holman, the father of the family, was born in New York in 1814,and made bis debut in 1836 as a ballad singer. He married Mrs. Harriet Phillips, also a singer and actress, for ten years at Burton's theatre one of its most useful and industrious members. Ireland says: "Mrs. Holman has saved many an audience from disappointment by rendering her willing services as a substitute for invalid or capricious vocalists and discontented ac- tresses. She was at one time engaged in teach- ing music to the million at prices incredibly low, and has since directed a juvenile opera company, of which her children are the lead- ing members." She had one son by Mr. Phillips, Bennie, and three children by Mr. Holman,Sallie,Julia and Alfred. She brougbt them up to a stage life, and Pallie in particu- lar rewarded her efforts Sbe was born la :Lynn, Mass, June 23, 1852 and at an early age became the star of the Holman parlor com- pany as it was called. Later she was at the head of the Holman opera company which travelled widely and won mucb favor from those who were not too particular about the way opera was sung. Sallie was really very versatile, and was capable of playing, as she sometimes did, Alida Bloodgood in~ tbe Streets of New York one night and singing Ami'ua in La Somnambula the next. She was always faithful to her parents and played un- der no other management, although there was a time when it might have been for her pecu- niary interest and future fame to have done so. I'n 1869 she was the leading lady of tbe Royal Lyceum theatre, Ontario, under her father's management. In 1879 she was mar- ried to James T. Dalton, tbe baritone of the company. She died at her home in London, Canada, June 7, 1888, and her father followed her in the next October. Benjamin died in Troy March 7, 1864, aged twenty-two. Julia died some ago and the only survivors of the family are the widow and Alfred. They were all hard workers, kept themselves free from scandal and were favorites with the public. Their company served as a school for many who afterwards became prominent, including William H. Crane who made his first appear- ance on any stage with them at X7tica, playing the notary in the Child of the Regiment. John Cbatterton, now Sig. Perugini, was once a modest member of the company, and Wil- liam Davidge, Jr., Charles H. Drew and Alfred Hudson passed some of their younger days with the Holmans. JULITTS CiESAR. On the 9th of April Julius Csesar was pro- duced to a house in which there was scarce an inch of standing room, with Davenport as Brutus, Barrett as Cassius, Bangs as Marc Antony, Milnes Leviek as Caesar and Alice Brooks as Calphnrnia. This was under the 26 direction o£ Jarrett and Palmer, who had brought out the play with great sumptuous- Dees at Booth's theatre a little while before. Here there was no attempt at pageantry, un- less It was that the students at the law school gave their services as supernumeraries in com- pliment to ^he fame of the actors. Barrett aud Davenport also appeared in the same play at Martin Hall November 14 following, with F. B. Warde as Antony, B. K. Collier as CsBaar, Miss Laura Grayson as Calphurnia. May 12 and |13 the Union Square Comedy company played Led Astray, with Henrietta Irving in the principal role, W. H. Thorne as Delcsparre, Charles Mestayer as Count Ru- dolph, William Henderson as Hector Placide, Louisa Eldridge as the Dowager Countess, etc. May 29 and 30 John T. Kaymond appeared as Sellers, with C. W. Couldock, James Tav- lor, Hart Conway, E. A. Locke, C. W. Butler, Kate Meek, Mary Maddern in the cast, under the manascement of Henry E. Abbey. May 3l8t Sothern played Dundreary, A Regular Fix, and Garrick, with W. M. Fiske, M. C. Daly, Harry Pierson, W. H. Crompton, Emma Pierce and Alice Wyndham In thecom- pany. Haverly's minstrels, the Sheppard Jubilee singers and MacEvoy's Erinopticon had dates about this time. Manager Albaagh's Fourtli Season. 1876-1877. Mr. Albaugh's fourth season opened August 28, 1876, with a performance of Rosedale, oast, in its principal parts, as follows : Elliott Grey.. .. .: R. Fulton Eussell Miles McKenna E, A. liberie BunburyKobb H. O. (Jarley Matthew Letgh J. H Anderson Col. Cavendish May W.H.Edwards Bosa Leigh Hattie U'Neil Tabitha Stork Mrs. Eberle Lady May Ada Behan In May previous the theatre bad been sold to Warren F. Leiand, and was thereafter called the Leiand Opera house. It was now opened with a number of improvements, including a thorough redecorating, and the removal of the never popular stalls in the rear of the orches- tra chairs. In their places more orchestra chairs were put in. A crimson drop curtain was added, and the improvements behind the scenes, in the cellar., etc., were considerable. On the opening night, Mr. Albangh made a cheery little speech, in which he modestly promised that the theatre should be conducted so at least that the productions should not sink beneath respectability. The company was more expensive than those of the pre- vious seasons. The leading lady was Miss Ada Rehan ; the sonhrette was her sister, Hattie O'Neil, wife of J. Fulton Russell, the leading man. The comedian, H. C. Curley, was a great disappointment to Mr. Albangh, doing nothine well, most things indifferently and some very badly. Mr. and Mrs. Eberle were retained as the old people and coutinupd to occupy the • places in popular favor that they had. gained in years before. Ed- wards and Anderson were fairly reliable peo- ple and the others were useful without being at all remarkable. The receipts of the opening ntsht were $441, a very good beginning, but owing to Barnum's circus, the return of the champion Beaverwjoks from the rowing match at Philadelphia, and other attractions, the week turned out rather slim, in fact, fell short of paying expenses hy $250. These in- cluded a royalty to Lester Wallack of $140 for the use of Rosedale. ADA BEHAN has since become a distinguished member of the profession. Her family name is Crehan, and it has been said that she owes her stage name to the accident of the printer, who on the first play-bill in which it appeared, left oS the first letter; that she rather liked the change, and to the world she has been Rehan ever since. Piay bills are said, however to be in existence in which her name appears as Crehan. She was born in Limerlclj, April 22, 1859. Her father was a shipmaster, who losing all he had at sea, came to this country wheh Ada was six or seven years old, and set- tled in Brooklyn. Her sister Kate married Oliver Doud Byron, and Ada made her first appearance In Newark N. J., with his com- pany playing a character in Across the Con- tinent, as an experiment which succeeded so well, that she adopted the stage as a profess ston. This was in 1874. Her first season was at Macauiey's theatre in Louisville; the next was at Mrs. Drew's Arch street theatre in Philadelphia; her third was here in Albany, and here she first undertook the leading basl- ness. In 1878 she attracted the notice of Auaustin Daly, and made her first appearance in|New York, playing Mary Standish in Plane, with Fanny Davenport at the Grand Opera house. In 1879 she appeared in Mr. Daly's production of L'Assommoir, and has been with his company ever since, assuming the principal roles, with great credit to herself. It is rare, indeed, to read a word of adverse criticism upon her performances, no matter what they are, while manv of the notices are so gushing as to be a constant source of won- der to those who remember that here Miss Rehan, while displaying many gifts and graces, was often careless aud indifferent and wasla'long way from being considered a genius, but It is to bs remembered that if the accepted date of her birth is correct, she was now only in her eighteenth year. Her schooling here was in many parts, and before this record ADA BEHAN AS KATHBRINB. closes, it may be thought best to group to- gether the characters which she played in Al- bany, as an important part of her history which in due time will be written. Hattie O'Neil, another of the Crehan girls, was the wife of the leading man, Mr. Russell, and played soubrette parts fairly well. Mr. Russell was a young, intelligent and pleasing actor, with a good presence, and good voice, and while he was here he was careful In his study and behavior. Rosedale was played for a week, and two nights of the fol- lowing week, giving place then to The Ro- mance of a Poor Young Man, another of Mr. Wallack's dramas. Miss Reh-iu played Mar- guerite. The receipts that week fell short by about seventy dollars of paying expenses, but it should be remembered that the presidential campaign was on In all its fury, and the crowd was shouting one night for Hayes, and the next night another crowd was hurrahing for Tilden : meantime the theatre suffered. Boucicault's Flying Scud was put on the week of Sept. 11, Ada Rehan playing Julia Latimer. It was the State fair week, and ought to have been a harvest for the management, especially as a "horse" piece was presented, but it didn't pay expenses into $1.89. The failure of the piece was attributable largely to the incom- potency of the comedian who was cast as Mo Davis the Gambler, and made nothing of it. Three weeks of the stock, and a loss of $330, not a very promising beginning, was it? The week of Sept. 18 Maagie Mitchell opened in Fanchon, and played to $2,738 during the week, taking away $1,260 as her share, and . leaving Mr. Albangh a nroflt of $463, thus putting him ahead a little on his season. During this week of her engagement, in which she was supported by William Harris, (who subsequently married Maggie's sister), Ada Rehan played Madelon in Fanchon, Georgina in Jane Eyre, and Rose in Little Barefoot Maggie stayed a second week, playing for the first time on any stage 27 MIGNON, dramatised for her from Goethe's Wilhelm Melster by James B. BuQaioa, of Cblcago. The original cast is worth KivlDK in its pria- clpal parts ; Mignon Maggie Mitchell Sparati William Harris Wilhelm Meister R. Fulton Russell Laertes H. C, Curley Phil Ina Ada Rehau Zaffl Mrs. Eberle The play was well put on the stage, and was played darios; the week, to $2 683 of which Mr. Albaugh's share, after expenses had been paid was $410. The next two weeks the stock company went on the road supporting Maggie under the management of her husband, wbile the theatre was occupied the first week by Mr. Daly's company in the great success of the former season— Pique— Jeffreys Lewis playing Mabel Renfrew as before; Ada tiilman was the Baiicb, D. H. Harkins, the Matthew Standisb, but as a whole, the company was not as strong as that of the previous season, and played to considerable less money, $2.- 869. However, it was a good week for Mr. All>augb, as was the following which was filled in by the Alice Uates opera company in La Fille de Madame Angot, byLfcoeq; Princess of Trebizonde, by Offen- bach ; La Grande Duchess, by Offenbach; La Jolie Parfumeuse, by Offenbach; Girofle- Girofla, by Lecocq, and Trial by Jury, by Sul- livan. The company at this time included Henri Laurent, about whom and the sprightly Alice there was some scandal created by Mrs. Laurent; also John Howson, C. H. Drew, Bose 'I'eiuple, Julia Chapman, Venie Clancy, Mrs. Harry Chapman, A. W. Mafflin, Susie Winner, etc. Owing, no doubt, largely to the election excitement, the engagement was a poor one, that is for the attraction, the receipts being about $2 640, and Mr. Albaugh benefiting only about $50. For many years ALICE OATHS, as she continued to call herself, no matter whom she married, was a favorite public per- former. She was new, we think, to Albany when she appeared in Division street, in the fall of 1870. Her appearances here since the ■^^^"^^ ALICE GATES. time of which we write were as follows : Le- land, October 23, 1877; April 22 5, 1878; May 5, 1879; Martin hall, February 11 and June 13, 1880. Her maiden name was Meiritt ; she was born in Nashville, September 22, 1849. Her first marriage was at the age of sixteen to James A. Oates, an actor In Cincinnati. Un- der his management she made her debut. For a time she sang under the name of Mile. Or- sini. Her metropolitan debut in comic opera was made shortly before her first appearance in Albany in 1870. Oates died in July, 1871. and soon after she wedded her business mana- ger, Tracey Titus, from whom she obtained a divorce in 1875. Four years later she was mar- ried to Samuel P. Watkins, of Philadelphia, and at his home she died January 10, 1887, of softening of the brain. Sne was not hand- some, but she was sprightly, ambitions and dashing. Some thought her vulgar, and per- haps she was. She made familiar in English some of the most objectionable of the French school of operas, adding to them a broadness that was not in the orignal, although omitting much that would be impossible on the English speaking stage. She was a bard working lit- tle woman, strove bard to please, and succeed- ed measurably well. Her eqd, like so many of the profession, was a sad one. LOUIS XI. When the stock company returned from their three Weeks' absence Byron's Married in Haste, was put on, the receipts running down on the night of a great Democratic parade to $38.25. In this play Miss Behan played the garc of Ethel Grainger. Friday evening, Ooto- er 20, Mr. and Mrs. Albaugh made their first appearance of the season In an adaptation of Delavigne's Louis XI., in the title role of which Mr. Albaugh won honor as a star, not only In Albany, but later in New York. Mrs. Albaugh here played the Dauphin, and Ada Behan, Marie, the daughter of Commine, with whom Nemours (Mr. Bassell) is in love. The play was made a great feature by Charles Kean, with whom Mr. Albaugh had played years before, and Mr. Albaugh's per- formance was probably a copy so far as he could remember it. Whether so or not. ie was one of the most memorable pieces of act- ing be ever did, although ic must be confessed it was not as well appreciated here asitshould have been. In New York the press notices were uniformly favorable. Saturday evening Oliver Twist was added to the bill, Mrs. Albaugh playing Nancy, the receipts being the largest of the week, but they did not reach $200. The week of October 28, Raymond played Col. Sellers to $1,471, Ada Rehau playing Laura Hawkins. Monday October 30, the Kellogg B}nglish opera company sang Lucia di Lammermoor to $1,400, of which Mr, Albaugh received $280. The regular company were on the road that week, supporting Ray- mond, and the time was filled in by the Aiken combination in The Black Diamond and Free Love to small business. But there was worse to come: The widow of James H. Hackett, the great Falstaff of his day,an "accomplished and gifted tragedienne," to let her tell it, was allowed to try her fortune for a week in The Charter Oak, Medea, and Lady Macbeth. She had a few influential friends in town, and through them and their pleading with the newspapers, sbe received a vast amount of the most glaring puffery. Sbe drove around to the newspaper offices herself, and seemed con- vinced if she captured the press, it was all that was necessary. Some of the critics fairly fled the field, and allowed "correspondents" to write the notices; but it was no go. The total receipts for the week were not sufficient to pay the salaries of the stock company; Mrs. Hackett got nothing, but ner not!ces,and poor Mr. Albaugh was out nearly $500. The loss was just about balanced by the Lotta engagement of the next wesk in Musette and Zip. Monday and Tuesday, November 20-31, flrst appearance in Albany o£ Eugenie 28 Fappenheim in Italian opera; the Flying ButchmaQ being sung, for the first time la Albany co $731 and Traviata to $216. This was most discouraging, for the attraction wasof rare merit. It is doubtful mbetber the part oC Yioletia was ever sung and acted here with more exquisite taste than by Mme. Pappenheim. The nights that the Pappenheim opera com- pany were here, Nov. 20, 21, 1876, the regular company were in Troy,.snpporiing, under Mr. Albaugh's management, Mr. Charles Fechter, and Wednesday night, Nov. 22, he made his appearance for the first time in Albany, as Hamlet. Thursday be played Ruy Bias, Fri- day night and Saturday matinee. The Lady of Lyons, and Saturday nieht Don Caesar da Bazan; the average receipts being $300 for each performance. In all dramatic history, it is difficult to point to a more interesting figure, on the stage or off it, than CHARLES FECHTER. He was the most fascinating of men ; he had traveled widely, as most great actors have, but be had also been in the society of the brightest and most gifted men of bis time. He was a sculptor, a painter, a student of costume, of color, a man of ideas upon every subject, a man once having met to remember for a lifetime. He was far from being at his best when he came Co Albany ; but on ibis his first visit, there was enough in him to arouse much of the enthusiasm that followed him through his career, almost to the end. His IKe has been so well written, and lis history is so accessible, that the merest sketch must answer here. Charles Fechter, as he preferred to call him- self, dropping the middle name of Albert, was born in London, Oct, 23, 1824. His father was of German lineage, though born in France, and bis mother was of Italian parentage, though born in Flanders ; and both were im- bued with artistic tendencies, the father in particular, being an actor and a sculptor. Much has been said about the foreign accent of Fechter, and really it is difficult to account for it. His first six years were spent in Lon- don, where be would naturally acquire at least a little English ; and in private conver- sation, the much complained of accent was wholly unnoticeable. It could hardly have been an affectation, for it was the most vul- nerable point upon which adverse criticism could touch. In 1830 the family returned to Paris. In 1844 Fechter made his debut in a small part in Mahomet at thj . Theatre Fran- cais, and remained there two years, playing some of tbe time with the great Rachel; then dissatisfied he left the theatre abruptly, and turned his attention to sculpture, between which and the stage he long hesitated. He played a nine months engagement in Berlin, doing about everything known to the staee. including singing In opera and dancing in the ballet. Keturning to Paris, from 1852 to 1858 he was tbe star of tbe YaudeTllle, and among many other parts creating that of Armand in La Dame aux Camelias, Madame Doche being the original Camille. On the 27tb of October, 1860, Fechter made bis appearance on the English speaking stage at the Princess' theatre in London, in Kuy Bias, which ran for one hundred ulgbts; then The Corsicaa Brothers was put on, and March 26, 1861, Fechter appeared In Hamlet. Immediately began the great discussion that this marvelous personation caused wherever it was seen. It was in this character that he won the admira- tion of Dickens who sought his acquaintance and ever after they were the best of friends. CHARLES FECHTER AS HAMLET. Hamlet ran for 119 nights. Othello was not as successful; In January 1863, Fechter be- came manager of tbe Lyceum theatre and brought out The Duke's Motto, which ran for seven months. The Lady of Lyons with Fech- ter as Claude ran for seventy nights. At the Adelpbi, No Thoroughfare, dramatized by Fechter, Wilkie Collins and Dickens, was acted 150 times and Monte Cristo, 100 times. J anuary 10, 1870 Fechter appeared for thQ first time la America in Buy Bias, at Niblo's Garden. In February following Boston'went wild over his Hamlet. "In New York" says Kate Field, "Fechter was admired; in Boston he founded a religion." Selwyn's theatre was obtained for him,;and re-named The Globe, and the new dramatic era se in. It did not last long. Fechter was a great artist, but like other great men, it was hard work to get along with him. He quarreled with J. W. Wallack, one of tbe company, and not long afterwards resigned the directorship of what was to have been a great school of dramatic art. He sank a small fortune in preparing the Fourteenth Street theatre in New York for bis use, but never acted in It as a manager. Misfortunes befell him ; he broke his leg ; his magnificent health failed ;bis many faults became more and more public: be bought a farm near Quaker- town, Penn., and there Aug. 5, 1879, passed away from earth tbe greatest romantic actor of his^generatlon, at least, so far as actors are known in America. Where the pens of Charles Dickens, WUkie Collins, Edmund Yates, and Kate Field have written of a man, it is presumption for another to do much more here than to briefly note some of the points in bis life. Mr. Al- baugh was one of the last managers who at- tempted to have relations with this brilliant hut unfortunate actor. On this, his first visit, Fecbter was pleased with Albany. He made a little money (some $900) but this he valued less than the favor he found with those who heard him ; and he was pleased with Mr. Al- baugh while Mr. Albaugb, in common with all actors that we ever heard of, was enthus- iastic over Fechter's genius. During one of his engagements in Albany, whe n there had been a matinee, Fetcher did not leave the theatre, to dine, but a repast was sent up and eaten In Mr. Albaugh's private office. Fechter, as was his wont, told of a play which he wished some- time to bring out, and giving a running sketch, acted for his one auditor certain scenes which he deemed the most ellective. Mr. Albaueh 29 said aCterwards'that he looked on in amaze- ment. That any actor could before one person become so lost In a part vras Incredible. It was not rehearsal, it was actiog, such acting, too as is rarely seen upon the boards. Tears not only streamed down the actor's cheeks, but down thoise of bis auditor before the scene was over. This was a singular characteristic of Fecb- ter's. He enjoyed as well as any man could, being en rajjport with his audience, but he told the writer that when this could not be done, he often, in imagination, dropped the curtain ; or, in other words, forgot that there was any one present, and acted for himself alone, conscious, as he said, that he was doing some of the finest work of his life. His performance of Hamlet here drew forth some adverse criticism, asitdid everywhere; one writer assumiog from the manner in which the actor spoke the soliloquies that he was not familiar with bis lines. This brought from Fechter an exclamation of Impatience '-'It has been the study of my life," said he, "to speak such speeches, not as though I knew the end from the beginnins;, but to utter them as the thoughts came to me, one idea suggestini: another, and now, after years of pracice I have succeeded, and this writer briogs rae to task for appearing not to know the lines !" Not know the lines ! There was not a sylla- ble of the part that he did not only know, but haa weighed, and for every gesture he had a reason. Hamlet was always a favorite part with him. In it he wore a ring that he wore in no otiier play. It was given him by Arch- bishop Darboy, of Paris, who afterwards suffer- ed death at the bands of the commune. When young Fechter was coofirmed there was some- thing abont the boy that attracted the atten- tion of Uarboy, then a young priest, and he inquired particularly about him and remem- bered his name. When he becama tamous as an actor the bishop sent for him and had a long conversation with him, at the close giving him a costly ring, asking that he would never wear it In any character that he might play in which there was anything mean or wicked. Fechter promised and reserved tiie jewel sole- ly for one of the ornaments of the melancholy Dane. Fechter was married November 29, 1847, to Mile. Roebert, a most estimable woman and a peosionnaire of the Comedie Francaise. By her he had a daughter, Marie, who made her debut as an opera sineer in CarlJlosa's com- pany in London as Marguerite; also a son, !Paul, who was killed accidentally while fenc- ing, by the breaking of a foil in the hands of his cousin and brother-in-law, Henri Poret, who had married Marie. When Ftchter came to America he left his family behind him. He was accompanied by Carlotta he Clercg, with whom, it was said, he was deeply in love; but he quarreled witn her as he did with nearly every every one, and she returned to London and married John Nel- son. She became a widow three days before Fechter died. Fechter was accompanied in this city by Lizzie Price, whom he introduced as his wife, and with whom he lived till his death. She was a handsome woman, and al- though his inferior in every way, was a tolera- ble actress, having profited largely by his schooling. Mme. Roebert Fechter wrote a let- ter for publication in 1879, dignified in tone, denyiug the possibility of his being married to any other woman ; and after his death she be- gan proceediniis to obtain possession of bis property, but there was very little left to fight about, and this Lizzie Price kept to herself. She died in Florida, April 11. 1884. Fechter had made half a dozen fortunes,bat he had no idea of the value of money; and spent it like a Monte Cristo. Even here in Al- bany his bills at the Delavan for "extras" were said to be enormous, although at that time he bad none too much money. Much of it went for liquor and cordials, upon which he lived for months, being, it was said, unable to eat. A strange drink of his was a mixture of champagne and brandy. Those who never saw Charles Fechter will be quite unable to obtain any adequate idea of his acting, although Kate Field, forgetting that he quarreled with her, has done what can be done to perpetuate this most evasive and evanescent fruit of genius. He left no succes- sor; there is no one, in tact, who dares attempt to wear his mantle. A writer in a Boston pa- per truly says : "Everything about Fecbter's name seems even now so meteoric and Illusory as to appear almost incredible that only about sixteen years ago he was electrifying Boston : • and that on the night he bade it good-by from the Globe theatre stage, the whole house arose to its feet and cheered him to the echo. Al- though reams were written abont his acting at the time, and elderly men meeting in the horse cars used to forget business to split hairs about the possibility of bis Hamlet, it is hard to analyze the exact nature of the enthusiasm low. One only remembers distinctly that no other actor ever seen here had the same power of making even romanticism seem for the time the only thing real; of temporarily transport- ing you out of your daily life ; in short, of pro- ducing for the time.complete and ideal illusion. It was an experience worth having once in a life time." A second engagement was began the week of February 26, when Monte Cristo was played to over $2,000. Some marvelous acting was done in this piece. Fecbter's last engagement was played here in E'ebruary 1878,one week in Monte Cristo and one week in No Thorongh- fare, with Hamlet for a benefit. He was in very bad shape then, and on several nights, in no condition to play. His friends not only were Sained, they were compelled to blush for him. [either week paid expenses for Mr. Albangh, an>t during l^hac season in other places he lost over a thousand dollars on the same unfor-' tuuateman. From toat time Fechter passed out of sight as an actor. The pity of it; Oh, the pity of it! GBOHGK F. KOWE. November 27. George F. Ro we appeared in Brass and Little Enaily, the latter being his own adaptation from David Copperfield, the same one that is still remembered in Boston for its famous production at Selwyn's theatre, with LeSloyne as Micawber. Mr. Rowe played the part here. Although an English- man he made bis first appearance in the Olympic theatre in New York In 1866, In 1882 he went to England, and has not, that we are aware o(, been in this country since. He was at one time the husband of Kate Girard, from whom he was divorced. He played this week to 81,693, leaving a fair profit from Mr. Albaugh. Ada Rehan played Sybil Hawker in Brass and the title role in Little Emily. THREE COMEDIANS IN EMBRYO. The week of December 4, brought Rice & Goodwin's Evangeline company here, and look- ing at the popularity of that kind of amuse- ment at the present time, and the company then seen here, the paucity of the business seems strange indeed. It was the first repre- sentation of the burlesque in this city, audit was cast in the principal parts as follows : Evangeline LauraJoyce Catherine Harry Josephs Gabriel Kitty Blanchard Le Blanc M. W. Fiske 'Ihe Lone Fisherman.. H. Hunter Captain Deitrioh N. C. Goodwin, Jr. The Policeman Richard Golden The Headsman H. E. Dixey Golden and Dixey also appeared in the Hei- fer danee. Nellie Webster was also with the 30 company, and appeared in an openlnK sketch, In which Goodwin gave imltatlous oC actors. This combinatioQ played for eight perform- aocea tu an average ot less than 1200. Mean' time Mr. Albau^b was oat on the road with his company, meeting wUh such poor saccess that the net loss on the week was nearly S600. Some of the members of this burlesque company are worthy of more than passiui; mention. It is a little remarliable that it should have contained three such undeveloped comedians as Goodwin, Golden and Dixey. Goodwin, to be sure, had the honor of having his name in large le'ters, and was In fact one of the managers. He was bora July 25. 1867, in Bnaton, and in 1872 gave dramatic readings. In 1877 he married Eliza Weathersby, and soon after they left Rice, and went starring in farcial compositions. Goodwin is credlteel with an ambition to do something better and has recently appeared in old comedy with succeas. Golden, who is well known here through subsequent appearancen, is to be a star next season, while Henry E, Dixey has touched the topmost wave of success, al belt he was borne upon the lightest bit of foam that ever lifted an actor into fame and for- tune. He was, like Goodwin, born at the Hub, is two years younger than Goodwin and went upon the stage at the Howard, when a mere boy. Laura Joyce is now Mrs. Dlgby Bell. She was born in England, in 1851, made her debut as Gertrude, in the Loan oF a Lover, at St. James hall, London, in 1871; was a soubrette at Covent Garden, and made her American debut November 30. 1872, as Babette in Leo and Lotus, at Niblo's Garden, Her flrst husband's name was James Va'ent'ne Taylor. She was married to Bell in 1883. Kitty Blancbard was and is the wife of McKee Rankin. She was born about 1817, and went upon the regular stage in 1863, at Wood's theatre, Louisville, as a chambermaid. She made a great success with her husband in The Danites. and is now starring by herself. Of the late Mose Flske we have previously spoken, STUABT KOBSON. The week of December 11. Stuart Robsou played Two Men from Sandy Bar. to about $700; his arst night;$127, being the best. This amusing comedian never succeeded remarka- bly well as a star till he joined forces with Crane, Bobson was born in Anapolis, IMd., March 4, 1836. He was low comedian at the Variety theatre, Washington, and at the museum in Troy. Tnen he was at Laura Keene's and at the Arch Street; at Selwyn's theatre iu Boston he made a great hit as MIcawber, and later he joined the Union Square theatre and made another hit as Hector in Led Astray. He has a squeak in his voice who is at once his bane and his fortune. Ex- tremely comical to hear a few times, it is a bar to his versatility, and it is always Robsou that is laughed at, not the character he as- sumes. This play of Two Men of Sandy Bar was written for him by Bret Harte who hashed it up out of his sketches of California life, that were then so popular. The critics gave it an unmerciful scoring. In New York, whereupon both actor and author replied charging venality, which didn't help matters at all. Here Mr. Robsou not only placed his own part, of Col. Starbottle, btit doubled and played the Chinaman. Ada Rehan played the part of Donna Jovita. On the 18th and 19th of December a charm- ing amateur entertainment was given for the bene&t of the Gbild's hospital.The Rose of the S'orest and Box and Cox, being played. On the afternoon of the 20th, there was a perfor- mance for the benefit of the sufferers from the Brooklyn theatre fire, Stuart Robson ap- pearing as Toby Twinkle in All that Glit- ters is not Gold, Mr. Albaugh as Stephen Flnm.Mrs.Albaugh as Martha Gibb3,and Ada Rehan as Lady Valeria. Hattie O'Neil, Ada Rehan, Jennie Cook and Sam Reed also sang a quartette, "Rihg the Bell Softly," Mr. T. J. Lanahan recited ttie Battle of Fontenoy, and Tony Eddinger swung the clubs. DEBUT OF GEORGE EDGAE. The evening of the 20th was Interesting be- cause it witnessed for the first time on any stage the appearance of Mr. George Edgar of New York, who, convinced that he could play Lear, although he had no stage experience whatever,hired the theatre for two nights,and tried it. The remarkable thing about it was, that he was no crank, but a thoroughly intel- ligent man, and a careful Shakspearian scho- lar. That an amateur should thus attempt one of the most di£Bcnlt roles known to the stage seemed like presumption, but those who went to scoff,remained to yvonder— not that it was an ideal performance but that any man with BO experience could do so well.Mr.Edgar appeared under the name of Edger, and was supported by Mr. Albaugh as Eduar and Ada Rehan as Cordelia, probably her flrst, appearance in that role. The house was small, of course, but the play was care- fully done. Mr. Edgar, however, admitted that be did not satisfy himself. It was his first taste of the intoxication of stage life. Subsequently he tried managing in New York, and again he tried starring in Lear and Othello. It was said that he made way with what money he had in this dangerous but fascinating amusement. He appeared here again for Mr. Albaugh's benefit, April 16, 1879, and September 27-9, 1880, as Lear, Richelieu and Othello, the latter time being supported OEOaOE EDOAB AS I.EAB. by Margaret Mather, who subsequently came out as a debutante ( !) under Mr. Hill, and whose career is so well knosvn. On the 25th, The Naiad Queen, the holiday success of the former season was revived with Ada Rehan as Lurline while Billy Gilbert came back to play Schnapps, Hattie O'Nell doing Idex. The receipts for the week were nearly $1,600 ; but the play had lost much of its drawing power. 31 "SHAKESPEARE'S WOMAN." ADEL&IDE NEIIiSON THE UCST BEAU- TIFXTL ACTKE8S OF THE AQE. illegitimate child. Her mother was an actress of no Kreat repute; her father, It is said, a Spaniard of great beauty and from him she inherited that personal appearance, which made the story of her birth in Saragossa, seem probable: but she was born In 1849, in a little The Mistake of Anna Dickinson— Finan- cial Kesnlt of AlbauKk's Fonrtli Sea- son—Musical Attractions In 1875-77. The first star In 1877 was Robert MoWade in Rip "Van Winkle, for three performances to less than $100 each. Saturday night, January 6. Russell took a benefit when the Carpenter of Rouen and Cartouche were played. Miss Rehan as Madelon and Louise. For Gilbert's benefit on the following Wednesday, A Victim of Circumstances and Cousin Joe were pre- sented. January 8 and 9 Jarrett & Palmer produced withmnch magnificence, so far as a ballet was concerned, Byron's play of Sardanapalus, Fred. C. Bangs in the title role, Louis Aldrich as Salamenes, Miss Dora GuldthwaUe as Myrrha. Agnes Booth was announced for the latter chara-ster, buc a family atfilction pre- vented her from being present and robbed the play of its greatest attraction. Bangs, too, was sick, and did not do justice to the part which he then plajed for the 150th lime. The ballet dancing by Barioletti, Mascagno, and particularly by Palladino, wa^ the finest over seen In Albany, and actually aroused some en- thusiasm. The scenic eSecis were meagre be- side those used at Booth's theatre in New York, where the play had a run of 100 nights. LOUIS ALDKICH, who was so closely identified with The Danltes and My Partner, has been on the stage from boyhood. He was born in Germany, aad his real name, or at least, until it was chaaepd by the courts, was Salma Lyon. He was adopted when a child by Morris Moses, and became a juvenile prodigy, at the age of eleven playing Richard 111, in Cleveland, where he was billed as "The Ohio Roscius." Subsequently he joined the Marsh troupe of juvenile comedlauH which in 1858 60 was very poDUlar. He went with them lo California and Australia. In this company wen also Jennie Gourlay, Louise Arnot, Ada Webb, Ada and Minnie Monk, Josephine Laurens and others well knonn afterwards as mature actors Mr. A'drich subsequently played in San Francisco, Boston, Pulladelphia and in New York, always in responsible parts. Thursday, Friday and Saturday matinee, January 11, 13 and 13, were made memorable by the appearance of Adelaide Neilson, as Juliet and Rosalind, supported by Eben Plympton. Her only other appearance in Albany had been made a,t. Martin hall, Octo- ber 18, 1874, as Juliet. The most beautiful actress of her day, the most charming Juliet of the century, LILIAN ADELAIDE NEILSON will be remembered by all who saw her in the two cnaracters of Juliet and Rosalind, as an Ideal from which all others will fall short. Some one has given her the proud title of "Sbakspeare's woman," and as such It is sweet to think of her. Her story, strippfd of the romance which some of her biographers have taken pleasnre in''weaving around it, is brief, and not alto- gether pleasant. Like that otber favorite of the English stage, Nell Gwyn, Neilson was an ADELAJDE NEILSON. village in Yorkshire, ICogiand. The mother soon afterwards married a paper-banger named Brand, and the girl grew up supposing that he was her father. She was called Lizzie Ann in the village, and led a hard life of poverty, serving as a nurse girl, and also work- ing in a factory, till one day when about sixteen, by rumagliig in the house she came upon letters that led her to believe that she had been kept in ignorance or her true origin. She insisted nn the truth which her mother told her. From that time she became uneasy, and finally running away from home she went to London determined to go upon the stage for which she had con- ceived a blind passion. One or two nights she slept out of doors in a park, but was final- ly taken home by a kind- hearted policeman to whom she told ber story, and from that hour she found friends. In a short time she ap- plied to a manager of a theatre to be enrolled in the ballet; he becaifie interested in her, educated her, and gave her a start in life. In 1864 she married Philip Henry Lee, the eldest son of a Northamptonshire parson. Her first appearance was in 1865 at the Margate thea- tre in Juliet. In a few weeks she repeated the performance at the Royalty theatre. Her suc- cess was immediate, and in a short time all London was talking of her beauty and her genius. She did not live happily with Mr. Lee, and in 1877 was divorced from him while in this country. Her last engagement in the United States ended in May, 1880. Aboutthls time she was married to Edward Compton, an English actor who had come with her from England. The following August while in Paris, she was taken suddenly ill, after drin k- ing iced milk, and died in twelve hours. Her body was brought home to England and buried at Brompton. The whole world might well mourn the death of one so young, so beautiful, so gifted. When she bade adieu to New York, Mr. Wil- liam Winter wrote : "Since the night when Dlckeos, with slow step and sad face, made his last exit from the stage at Stein way hall, there has been no theatrical sensation in this city at once so 32 animated with chivalry and so touchiog with seuse of sorrow and loss. We shall see ot her actresses whose powers are as distioc^, who are unique in one element or another, and potent in soma one line of art; we are not likely again to see an aciress in whom are combined as they have revealed themselves in her the attributes of power, fire, tenderness and erace. She is exceptional in this and that is the reason her career has been one of conquest and continued popa- laiity." The poet Longfellow saw her in Juliet and wrote her the next day: "1 thank you for your beautiful interpretation of this enchant- ing character. I have never in my life seen intellectual and poetical feeling more exqui- sitely combined." Many beautiful photographs of her were taken, albeit none of them could expri-ss all her charm of feature. That from wnich the accompanying picture was made is the most satisfactory one we have seen, and is kindly lent tor the purpose, by Mr. E*. J. Walton, oC Kidgewood, N. J. Her mouth was more beau- tiful in expression than in outliue; and this was true of all her feature s, except her eves which were large and lustrous. Her bead was small and shapely, and her ruddy brown hair well suited the pale olive-tinted complexion. She was slight of form, but queenly of bear- ing. Her voice was appealing, pathetic and melodious. Monday night, January 20, Eustach and The Country Cousin were played by the stock to a little over $70, and the remainder ot the week Joe Murphy appeared in the Kerry Gow to bouses ranging from $300 to $400 a night, leaving for Mr. Albangb $460 on the week, the startakiDg $760. Sanford's UncleTom's Cabin gave four performances to about $450, and then ANNA DICKINSON appeared in her own play ot A Crown of Thorns, three performances, to $635, the week closing with a benefit to Curley, the comedian when Luke the Laborer, was played. This was Anna Dickinson's first appearance here as an actress. She was here again Feb- ruary 20, 1882, when she played Hamlet lu Martin hall. It was a daring undertaking for Miss Dickinson to go upon the stage at alf. Born October 28. 1852, she was nearly thirty-five years old before she made this de- parture, although she had been before the public as a lecturer since 1861 ; but she found that oratory and acting were arts whic)i though allied, were far from being identical. •^ Q Jl ANNA DICKINSON. Her play, A Crown of Thorns, was unfortun- ate in Its name as to mauy it suggested sacred things, although it dealt simply with the sor- rows of Anne Boleyn, the unhappy wife of Henry the Eighth. It was not without con- siderable merit, biit Miss Dickinson was un- able to express her concepiion of the part. She was unduly criticised, not 10 say abused, but she had Influential friends who sympathl- zrd with her. Her reasons for going on the s'age were that she no longer bad anytliing to say as a leciurer. The days oc the war iu which she had scolded Lincoln and denoun- ced McClell-in had gone by; the cause of woman suffrage was not stirring enough for her to take much interest in, and the tem- perance question had long before become trite and commonplace. She was anxious to vin- dicate some one, and first thought of taking Joan of Arc for a subject, but as the charac- ter did not readily lend itself to stage repre- sentation, she bethought her of poor Anne Boleyn whom she believed aspersed by Fruude and other careless historians. She was en- couraged by Rev. James Freeman Claris, of Boston, Rev. Robert Collyer of Chicago, Gen. Butler, Gen. Hawley and Gov. Hariraufr, Julia Ward Howe, Wendell Phillips, Joa- quin Miller and many others who admired the woman, but knew little about the requisites of an actress. The play was first produced at the Globe theatre in Boston, before an im- mense audience. The New Yoik Tribune was especially severe upon both play and player. Of the former it said : "It is a tedious piece done on th" Giacommeiti model, made bnown here by Ristori. The language lacks elevation. Mrsc of the characters a k political conun- drums. The Impression left is that Henry the Eighth's reign was popu- lous with bores, and his fondness for decapitation iiad good grounds." Of the actress it said : "Miss Dickinson went through U with masculine force. At points where she could lecture she was effective. Her presence as a queen was puny. Her voice was nasal and thin. Her walk was one-sided. Her at- titudes were mostly crouched. She does not burn, but she glints." And in conclusion : "Mistakes are not the less mistakes because they are made with talent and vigor; and we see no reason to encourage (he idea that Miss Dickinson is an actress because she dresses herself In four gorgeous robes and goes into an ecstasy of elocution." Nevertheless, she went on'ber tour, and, actu- ally Insisted on higher prices than did Rose Eytinge or Mrs. Bowers. During her ergaee- ment here Miss Behan played the part of Lady Jane. MES. LANDER played the following we<-k, producing as her principal attraction. The Scarlet Letter, dramatized from Hawthorne, but not success fully ; also presenting Elizabeth, The Stranger and Macbeih. She was supported bv Mr. Al- baugh In the Scarlet Letter, as Roger Chil- liogworih; tn Queen Elizabeth Miss Rehan played Lady Sarab, in The Stranger, the Countess. The proceeds of the week were only a little over $1,000, and the loss to Mr. Al- baugh was $850. Rose Eytinge played Miss Multon the following week, to $1,453, Ada Rehan playing Mathilde. Monday, February 13, Mrs. Albaugh played Virginia in A Victim of Circumstances and Margery in Cousin Joe Gilbert doing the the opposite parts, to $79. The following night Mr. Albaugh toi k a benefit when Lost in London was presented, to over $1,000. The next night it was played to sixty-three dollars, Mrs Bowers came next and played a week, supported by McCollum to $800. by far the poorest business she had ever done in Albany, Other engagements that followed were as fol- lows: Fechter In Monte Cristo, as before 33 Doted; Dommlck Murray In Escaped from SiDg Sing, Golden Babble and Micky Free; Maggie Mlicbell as before noted; Lawrence Barrett to exasperattngly poor basiness; tbe Btock ((or Saiu Reed's benefit) in Lone House on tbe Bridge, and Did you E^er Send Your Wifeto 'L'roy ; Soldene in comic opera; May Howard in Tbe New Magdalen, Marguerite, Sweetbeartfi, and London Assurance; Kellosg in Mignon aod Star of the Nortb ; Oar Board- ing Houst; Tbe Florences in the Mighty Dol- lar; Evaoueliue wHh Eliza Weathersby in tbe cast; the Knights in Otto; Sothern in The Hornet's Nest aod Sam ; a benefit; to DuBois. This closed the regular reason (May 2). Sol- dene who appeared iu L'Archiduc, Cbilperic and La Grand Dachess, was at that time in the height of her career, and was really an artist in her way, yet what she did was not as taking as it it hnd been dooe by a smaller aod less capacioos womau. The size of ber mouth was a standing jest in the newspapers for mouths. Ttie Knights are a very clever couple, George S. KQiuht, whose family name is Sloaa was born in Philadelphia about 1850. He worked up thruagh the line of a Dutch dialect singer to one of the best character actors on the 8t.age. His Baron Hudolph Is worthy to l)e classed with Jefferson's Rip Van Winkle, but fur some reason it has not. been made popular, aod its failure endangered if It has not ruined the prosoecis of ^he acior whose heart was set upou It." This play of Or.t.o, was the first In which he tried to star, and was first produced Id Philadelphia, August 20, 1877. His wife was Sophie ^ orrell, (one of the three Worrell sisters). They were married November 22, 1875. She is a favorite soubrette. The figures for the regular season are no*^^ at hand to give exact results, but we append a nearly complete table of the receipts which reached about $51,500. But little If auy mouey was made, as the outside trips of the stock company, made when comblaaiions were playing, aeldoQi were very satisfactory and fre- quently oSset the little that was made iu Al- bany. Heceipts, Expenses. ATTRACTIOn. Stock in Kosedale Stcclr, Romauce Poor Young Man Stock, Flying Scud Mnggie Mitchell Maggie Mitchellln MisnoD — JJaly s company in Pique Gates comic opera StocK in Married in Haste, etc. Kaymond In Ool Sellers Kellogg in Lucia (one night)... Aiken combinatluu Mrs. Hackett LoTta Italian opera (two nights) PtCliter (live perl ormances)... G^orge Fawcett Rowe Kloe & Goodwin's Evangeline Stuart Kobson Stock, George Edgar, etc Ntiad Queen Naiad Queen and Rip (.Mc- Quade) Pardanapalus (house rented).. Neil.-on (three pen ormances).. Joe Murphy Uncle Tom Anna Dickinson (three per- formances) ■ . ■ ■ Mrs. Lander RoseEytinge •■■ Stock. Lost in London (benettt) Mrs. Bowers Feohf er in Monte Cristo nominiek Murray Maggie Mitchell Lawrence B-irrett Soldene (four p"rformanoes) .. Kellogg (two performances) . . . May Howard isix pert'rmances) Our Boardine; House & Sellers Evangeline Knights in Otto $1,397 $i,65e 1.080 1.090 i.aii l,a41 a.7.i8 2.a7S 3.883 2,273 2.4a9 a, lot a,630 3,583 S-iU 1,130 1.471 1,349 1.400 1,130 674 ,553 1,023 2,6fi8 2,057 947 1.517 1,693 1,395 1,581 714 1,124 1,573 1,377 l.;^S8 1338 1.237 2,349 1,789 457 817 1,019 1,399 1.453 1.399 1614 1.107 803 1,223 2,041 1.H64 713 1,075 2.1109 1,680 1.1.59 L150 1.613 1,154 t •• ■ H9o 2.83.5 2,337 1.237 628 831 After the regular season had closed the fol- lowing engagements were played : Week of May 7, Daly's company in Lemons and Big Bonanza to only about $1,000; May 14-16, Schoolcraft's & Uoe's minstrels to ligbt busi- ness ; Almee In La Jolle Parf umeuse, oue night. May 30; Wallace Grant, an ambitious ama- teur iu Remorse, June 21-33; Oliver Doud Byron in Plenty of Money, July 3-7; Harrigau & Hart, (uly 1314; August 17, Jo Murphy in Kerry Gow and Maum Ore, supported by Annie Ward Tiffany to $1,692; the Lingards in The Vestal, etc., and Slavln's Uncle Tom; Grover's Boarding House, and Campbell's How Women Love. SOME OF THE MUSICAL ATTRACTIONS in Tweddle hall about this time are worth re- cording. October 14, 1875, Camilla Urso, the most famous of female violinists appeared in concert. She was born June 13, 1843 in Nan- tez, France, the child of a musician. At the age of six she determined to learn the violin, and her studies were immediately begun. They were prosecuted at the Conservatorie in Paris, where on the first application the idea of a young girl or even of a woman as a pupil was laughed at as absurd, but after tbe judges, Auber, Rossini, Meyerbeer and Massart ha<] been induced to hear her tbey admitted tbe child unanimously. She came to America In 1853, played with the Germania society, with Alboni and Sontag, and subse- quently with most of the great musical asso- ciatloQs of the country, and also in troupes of which she has been the head. Hans Guido von Bulow, the great German ptanlst gave recitals January 19 and April 18, 1879. He was then, and is yet probably, the only rival of Rubiiis'ela. He was born in Dresden, January 8, 1830. He studied under Liszt and married bis natural daughter in 1857; she deserting him for Wagner whom she married in 1870. Von Bulow is said to have no equal as a leader of orchestra. He is about to make another American tour. Ole Bull and Emma Thursby gave a con- cert April 24, 1877. Ole Bornemann Bull, a Norwegian violinist was born at Bergen, Feb- ruary 5, 1810. His history was full of romance, in which a duel, an attempt at suicide, law- suits, politics, love affairs, an attempt to found a colony in Pennsylvania, opera manage- ment, etc., etc., find place. He died August 18, 1880. Miss Thursby is a native of Brooklyn, in which city of churches, she was a member of several leading choirs. She was sent to Italy to cultivate her voice and made her debut in Boston, under the auspices of tbe Harvard Musical association. She has made successful appearances in concert in Paris, London, Vi- enna, Madrid, Baden and other capitals of Europe, but has never essayed opera. Da Belocca sang here May 1, 1876, and An- nette Essipoft gave a piano recital, March 12, 1877. Manager Albaugh's Fiftb Season. [1877-1878.1 Manager Albaugh's fifth season opened Sep- tember 17, 18T7, with the Victor of Rhe. As the cast introduced the principal members of the company, with the exception of Mrs. Al- baugb, it is appended : Adelard de Valancey J. W. Albaugh Richelieu, unknown R. Fulton Russell Domlnque E. A. Eberle Martial W.J.Gilbert DeLafail J. J. Spies Raoul Owen Ferree Servais F. O. Savage Governor of Poiotiers E. L. Eddinger Df.Hermont G. Mortimer Soissoins George Smith Bassompierre J.H.Anderson Aunine... AdaRehan Mane de Medeois Mrs. Eberle Rarotte Connie Thompson Louise KateForsythe 34 It will be seen that the favorites of the former season had all been retained, and that the company had been strengthened. Kate Fursytbe.who was but a begtnner.at this time, baii sluce achieved such success, that Mr. Al- baugb lakes pleasure in the thought that it was under his management she first made the acqualutauce ot the public. Not lone after- ward she joiued RIguold's company as Prin- cess Catherine. She was also leading lady for John McCuUough, then was for a time promi- nent in Jotin T. Raymond's company and has sluce become a star. The opening business was discouraglne, . rather more so tban usual, as the total re- ceipts for the week were only $706, involving a losu lo start with of over $400. Saturday night Oliver Twist was added to the bill, Mrs. Altiangh appearing as Nancy. The second week did a little belter, but not much. The stock company appeared in Around tbe World In Eigbiy Days; Our Oddities by Stanley Mc- KeuHa, and on Saturday night in Six Degrees of Crime, and Blactc Kyed Susan. The re- ceipts were 1842, deficiency, $286. JOHN BROUGHAM. Oclober 1, the John Brougham combination began a week's engagement during which Playing with Fire, Good Bye, Flies in the Web, The Serious Family, Slander, and the Lottery of Lite were played. This was the last tour that genial Jobn ever made. He was supported by Annie Deland, Sara Stevens, Fiauk Kvaus, Charles Norris, T. J. Hind, C. W, builer, eic. With the exception of The Serious Family his repertory was original, with himself. The business was poor, only $916 durmg tbe week, and to make things worse for Brougham, his watch, of consider- able value, was stolen from him in this city, and never recovered. The farewell tour from wbicb so much was expected lett him worse off ttian ever. ' Ue wriies in his diary January 1,1878; "1877 is dead and buried, thank God! Ii Biuie away my money, my watch, my health and very nearly my life." Early in 1878 benefits were arranged for him wblqb netted over $10,000, and an annuity of $1,300 a year was bought with the proceeds. He died June 7, 1880, after much suffering. He WHS twice married, first to Emma Williams in 1838; subsequently (in 1847) to Annette Nel- bou, who died in New York May 4tb, 1870. In his last days he was attended by Annie Deland and Laura Phillips, and to tbe former be left his little property. He was just past seventy years old. That Brougham was the author of London AssuraDce bas frequently been stated, al- thougb, as is well known, tbe play is usually ascribed to Boiiclcault. Tbe New York World of January 2, 1878, has the following : "Jobn Brougham is known to have been the author of Loudon Assurance. He and Bouci- caulD were playing together an young men in the company of a London theatre. Brougham was modest and shy, Boncicault adroit, bold and ambitious. Brougham, unable to secure the manager's attention to his manuscript, persuaded Boncicault to present.it as bis own. It was accepted, put upon tbe s' age and proved immediately successful. The audience called for the author, and Brougham, blushing and frightened, appeared at tbe wing, only to find his more ready rival already at tbe footlights bewing his acknowledgments. Boncicault, as is believed, afi^erwards bought from Brougham the right to call the play perma- nently his own, but it is so wholly different in texture and flavor from anything Boncicault bas ever been known to write that that fact alone has shown that be never wrote it. This 1h from tbe lips of Mr. Broueham himself, wbols a uentleman above the suspicion of false speaking." Brougham's own allusion in his diary to tbe matter Is as follows :" Wrote London Assur- ance in conjunction with Boncicault, who claimed the entire authorship, according to bis usual angeneronsness. Had to bring an action against D. B., whose legal adviser sug- gested payment of half the purchase money rather than conduct so damaging a case." The week of October 8 the Shaugraun com- bination played to over $2,000, the regular stock company being on tbe road for two weeks, suppoHIng Charlie Parsloe. They returned, October 1.5, to support Maggie Mitchell in Mignon, Becky Mix and Lorle to nearly $1,000. The week of the 22d was divided between the Alice Oates opera company in The Pretty Pert f umer, Madame Angot and Girofle-Girofia, and Oliver Doud Byron, in Plenty of Money, Hero, and Across the Continent. With the Oates company at this time were Emma Delaro, Henri Lanrent, Gustavus F. Hall, Jennie Winston, Harry Allen and Mrs. Clara Fisher Maeder, , LOUISE POMEROT made her first appearance In Albany, October 29, as a star, playing Rosalind, Imogene, Ju- liet, Viola, and for « change from these youth- ful heroines of Shakespeare, Lady Macbeth. Miss Pomero? had been upon the stage about LOtnSE POMEROT AS '•HAMLET." a year, having made her debut as a professional October 16, 1876, at the Lyceum theatre, New York, as Juliet. She was born in Cleveland, O., and became the second wife of Mark Pome- roy, otherwise known as "Brick," a country editor, who in his own way earned a wide repu- tation which he lost almost completely by re- 35 moving to New.Tork. His wife was also a wri- ter of considerable ability, she was In no small degree a woman of society, and her adoption of the stase was a nine days sensation It la understood that her husband was opposed to it, and not long afterwards. In Utah he ob- tained a divorce. Sbewa8handsome,ambitious and accomplished, devoted to the stage and determined to win success if.it could be accom- plished by hard work. Not meeting with quite the measure of triumph that she thought . her due she tried her fortunes in Australia, opening there in November, 1880. She was In that far off country several jears. In 1883 mar- rying Arthur Elliott, an actor with whom she has appeared ever since. She came again March, 11-15, 1878, in As You Like It and the Sea of Ice. Since her return from Australia she adopted the rather doubtful expedient for any woman, of playing Hamlet, doing it as well, possibly, as any woman ever has done; which is not saying much. She appeared in that character at tbe Leland and as Camille, March 4 6, 1886, and November 8-13, of the same year in An Unequal Match, as Rosalind, Lady Teazle, in The New Magdalen, Lady Audley's Secret, Camille and Kathleen Mavourneen. She also played an engagement at the Lark street rink. She has usually won the good opinion of tbe critics, but has hardly drawing power enough to make starring suc- cessful. She is at present supporting Keene. Her first engagement in Albany was not a paying one, either to herself or to Mr. Albaugb. Another new star, and first appearance as such In Albany, was Maude Granger, who came tbe tollowing week in Camille, Lady of Lyons, Bomeo and Juliet, The Marble Heart and Frou Frou. Business was a little better, but failed to pay expenses. Miss Granger Is a graduate of the Union Square theatre, where she made her first appearance in 1873. Her name when a girl was Anna Brainard. She was born in Hdiddletown, Conn., about' 1851 and played as an amateur before adopting tbe stage as a professional. She has been twice married— to Alfred Follln and Bevel Ger- malne. John T. Baymond played a successful week, presenting himself as an insurance agent in Bisks, also as Col. Sellers, and in the Golden Calf and Toodles. It was the first production on any stage of the Golden Calf, which was written by Lancaster and Magnus. Its suc- cess was not overwhelmmg. November 19, George Bigaold appeared for a week as Henry, the Fifth. Miss Marie Waiowrlght was the Princess Katberine and Marie Brabrook (Mrs. BIgnold) Rumor. Busi- ness was miserable for so expensive an atirac- .tion, the loss on the week being over $560. MARIE WAINWRIGHT was born in Philadelphia, May 8, 1855. She is the granddaughter of Bishop Wainwright of the Protestant Episcopal church, and daughter of Com. J. M. Wainwright, who was killed In a naval engagement in Galveston harbor early in the rebellion. She Is also a relative of Mr. Bayard, ex secretary of state. She was educated in a French convent. Family reverses drove her to the stage, and her debut was made as one of the six Juliets who played at a benefit for George BIgnold, at Booth's theatre, May 17, 1877. She next joined the Boston museum and was the original Josephine of Pinafore in America. From the Boston theatre she, with Louis James, went to tbe support of Barrett for five years; then she and James married (1879) and starred to- gether, until the season of 1888-9 after which they will separate. JOHN M'CULLOUGH made his first appearance in this city, as a Shakespearian star, November 26, and played during his engagement which included a ThankBgiviDg matinee, Virglnius, Othello, Lear and The Gladiator. He had played a star engagement here in November 1864, althougn about that time he was supporting Forrest. He never came forward as much of an attrac- tion till May 1874. when he appeared in New York as Spartacus in the Gladiator. From that time till his star set in the obscurity of mental night, he was an ornament to the stage. JOHN M'OULIiOtrGH. John MoCullough was an Irishman, born In Londonderry, November 14, 1832. With his father's family he emigrated to America at the age of fifteen. He could read a little, but that was all. No ancestor of his was ever upon the stage. Introduced to Shakspeare and a dramatic association in Philadelphia, by a stage struck and half crazy chairmaker, the boy imbibed a taste for tbeatricals that in the end brought him fame and fortune, but not without long years of bard work. His first appearance on the stage was made at the historic old Arch street theatre, August 15, 1857, in a small part. He was there till 18G0, then he was at the Boston AtbensBum, and at length attracting the attention of Forrest, was engaged to play second to him, beginning In 1861. In 1866 he went to San Francisco and became manager of the leading theatre there, in company with Lawrence Barrett, and afterwards managed It alone till 1875. His career thereafter as a star is well known. Few men have been more successful, fewer still have been better loved. In April and May 1881 he appeared at Drury Lane, in London. In 1883 he :began to show signs of disease, then graaually broke down and finally collapsed wholly while playing in Chicago. September 29, 1884 and retired from the stage forever. He was for a time an inmate of Bioomingdale asylum, but died at last, at his home in Philadelphia, November 8, 1885. During this engagement Ada Rehan played Virginia, Desdemona and Cordelia, Mr. Al- baugb played lago and Mrs. Albaugh Emelia. The receipts for five performances were about 81,450. McCullough's subsequent appearances In Albany were as follows : September 30. 1S78. with Maud Granger, In Vir- €??l"^'j?}¥^®^'®°' Otliello, The Gladlaior. and Kichard 111. June 16-19, 1879, with Mary Anderson, as Ineo- mar, Clanae Melnotte, Mercutlo, Petruohio. Clif- ford and Macbeth. Deceomber 14-16. 1882; in Virglnius. Lear The Hunchback and The Gladiator. It is not likely that MoCullough will occupy a great deal of space In stage history. His life was not eventful ; he originated no great character, and to a large extent was the copy of a greater actor. Yet in the hearts of those who knew him his memory will be cherished as a saortd thing. His kindness to actors was proverbial, and It was said shortly before his 36 death cbat there was DOt a theatre in the coun- try where money was not owing to John Mc- Cnllongb. He was moiTeatln his assamptions, and earnest in his amhitions. A weli known critic has said; "McCullough's acting was essentially the flower of his character. He played many parts but the parts In which he played best were distinctly those which rest upon the basis ot the genial human heart and proceed from the realm of the affections." The part by which ho will longest be remem- bered, is Virglnlns, in which he towered far above any ot those who have come after him. it was his favorite character. EFFIE BLLSLER made her first appearance as a star in this city, December 3, playing A Heroine In Rags and Under the Snow. For her benefit Friday night Katherine and Petruchio was also given with Mr. Albaugh as Petruchio and the star as Kate. The receipts for the week were less than a thousand dollars; but the little Jady made a pleasant although not strong impres- sion. February 3, 1879, she showed her versa- tility by appearing in Bonnie Kate, The Grass- hopper and The Daughter of the Kegiment. The same year, December 17 30, she was here with Couldoclj, Ringgold, Whiffeu, Du Sauld and Frank Weston in The Iron Will which afterwards became famous the world over as Hazel Kirke. Time and again it has been said of her that she wa? the first of the Hazels, and the best. February 3, 1886, she was here again In Woman Against Woman, and in Septem- ber 27-9. 1888 in Judge Not. Effle was born in Philadelphia in 1858, the daughter of John A. and Eaphemia Ellsler, both actors of the old school. She was but. five years old when in Rochester she played Eva in Uncle Tom's Cabin. Somewbatj latpr, and while at school at the convent ot the Sacred Heart in Cleve- land, she played minor parts at her father's theatre in that city. At the age of 14 she played Virginia to Forrest's Virglnius and Ophelia to his Hamlet. At sixteen she was the leading support to all the stars who ap- peared at her fattier's theatre. Booth. Barrett, McCullough and Jefferson, Then she went starring in Shakespearian roles and legiti- mate comedy and as stated, in Campbell's Heroine in Rags. For one season she sang in the Bohemian Girl, Pinafore, etc. In tbese many parts her artistic success is unques- tioned but she lacks drawing power to make tier fortune as a star. She is the wife of Mr, Frank Weston who usually supports her. The week of December 10, Marlon Mordaunt played in The Working Men of Albany, and Our Girls, seven performances to S364 50, probably the poorest week's business ever played in Albany. She wes born inLeesburg, Va., in 1849. went upon the stage in 1865, mar- ried Frank Mordaunt, the actor, In 1862, sued for divorce in 1880 and got It fourteen years afterwards. She then married W. H. Strick- land, Saturday night of the Mordaunt week Gilbert took a benefit playing Kinchen in Flowers of the Forest and Romeo Jaffier Jen- kins, liiberati, the corneter, and Prof. T. Spencer Lloyd assisted. The week of December 17, 1877, Edwin Booth paid his first visit to the opera house. His previous engagements in this city had been played September 14-19, 1863, at Tweddle hall. May 14-16, 1868, at the same place ; May 23-4, 1878, at Martin hall. This, then, was his fourth engagement In the city, and the first played at the regular theatre. He appeared in Hamlet with Mr. Albaugh as the Ghost, Russell as Laertes, Eberleas Polonlus, Gilbert as the Grave Digger, Ada Rehan as Ophelia and Mrs. Eberle as the Queen ; as Shylock with Mr. Albaugh as Gratiano and Mrs. Albaugh as Portia; Richelieu with Mrs. Al- baugh as Julie ; Richard III with Mr. Albaugh as Richmond, Mrs. Albaugh as Queen Eliza- beth, Ada Rehan as Lady Anne (the original text being used); lago, Mr. Albaugh as Othello, Mrs Albaugh as Emilia, Ada Rehan asDesdemona; and in Henry the Eighth. The receipts were $3,630, of which the star received fifty per cent. Mr. Booth's subsequent en- gagements here have been as follows, both under Mrs. Leland's management : April 15-16, 1882, Richelieu lago and Hamlet. December 22, 1886, Richelieu. EDWIN BOOTH is not merely the foremost American tragedian; he stands to-day so far ahead ot all others as to be solitary, except that Mr. Barrett is his manager and acts the secondary parts, Fechter is dead ; McUullougb is dead; there Is only Booth in all the dramatic land- scape. The life and career of this actor have been the subjects of so much writing, in books, magazines and newspapers, that a brief sketch will here suffice. He was born in Maryland, November 13, 1833, the son of Junius Brutus Booth, one of the greatest and also one ot the most erratic actors our stage has ever seen. He was named Edwin Thomas after two of his father's friends, Edwin Forrest and Thomas Flynn, but long ago dropped the middle name. There are many stories in regard to the experience the boy had in accompanying his father from place to place in his profes- sional tours, watching over him in his insane freaks and guarding him from danger. On the 10th of September, 1849, Edwin made his first appearance on any stage at the Boston museum, appearing as Tressel to his father's Richard. In 1881 his father being "not In the vein" to appear as Richard at the National theatre in New York,where he was announced, the boy went on in his place, and tradition says was watched by his lather surreptitiously throughout the entire performance. Nob EDWIN BOOTH. long afterwards Edwin was engaged at six dollars a week to play in a Baltimore theatre, but mads poor work of it, and in 1853 went with his father to California. The old man did not long remain there but coming east, was taken Hi on a Mississippi steamer and died November 30, 1853. Edwin remained for a number of years in California, went to Aus- 37 tralla, retarnecl, experimented successfully witb the great characters of Shakespeare, and In 1857 came east, aod first attracted attention by playing Sir Giles Overreach in Boston. This is regarded by him as the turning point in his career, as it determined what coarse he should pursue. He next went to New York, and there appeared May 14, 1857, as Richard III., his first appearance as a star in the me- tropolis. July 7, 1860, be .was married to Mary Devlin, daughter of a merchant in Troy. She was bora in that city, became an actress, but retired on her marriage, and died iu February, 1863, leaving one daughter, Edwina, who was born abroad. Booth went into retirement ou Che death of his wife, bat reappeared the fol- lowing September. The great run of Hamlet was begun at the Winter garden, November 26, 1864, and was continued for 100 nights. Booth's theatre was opened February 35, 1869, with Romeo and Juliet, Booth as Romeo, Mary McYicker as Juliet, and £dwin Adams as Mercutlo. Romeo and Juliet were married the following Jane. Mrs. Booth died Novem- ber 13, 1881. Of late, Mr. Booth has been act- ii'g under the management of Lawrence Bar- rett with great success, the receipts being un- precedented. Mr. Booth is greatly dependent upon his moods. He is capable of doing great things, but he does not always do them. He is a con- ventional, not a natural actor. He has created nothing. He is comparatively powerless to express the passion of love. lago is probably his best part. Many critics at home and abroad have written of him. His success in London on the occasion of his first visit was questionable. In 1881 he was more kindly re- ceived there, and in Germany the critics were almost as gushing as are a tew in his native land. One ofthe best of American critics, has embodied many jast ideas in the following: "Edwin Booth's superiority may be said to consist in the energy and iDtelllglblllty, not in the warmth or subtlety of his acting. He Is, above all else, a vigorous, incisive actor. Everything that lie does is direct and unmis- takable. Not, of course, in the same degree, for lie touches a depth of significance in lago that he cannot conceive in Othello, And this sharp intelligibility is owing, first, to a some- what superficial and theatric insight, and second, to the marvellous . excellence of his vocal delivery. "Mr. Booth's acting is not marked by great force of imagination or great stress of emotion. The best test of this is in the extremes of pathos and humor, where he Is sure to fall short. He does not see uutold possiblltles in a character and hint them forth to the specta- tor, as his father did. He is not as good In Macbeth as he is in Hamlet, He is not as good in Othello as he is in lago. He is not as good In Lear as he Is in Sbyiock. And he is not as effective in any of them as he is in the Fool's Revenge or Richelieu. This limitation of Mr. Booth's ability, is a llmltallon that Is observa- ble only when we measure him by the greatest standard. We freely accord to him the honor of a representative American actor. Too much praise cannot be given to him for the work he has done in perpetuating the best forms of the drama. He wins the sober admiration of the thoughtful for bis many talents. He never sweeps the heart with the whirlwind of genius. He will be remembered by Americans with gratitude and respect, but he' will not be thought of with a thrill as we think of some of those giants who trod his path before him. "In all respects Mr. Edwin Booth represents upon the stage the taste and tendency of the time, which is not so much averse to great and grand passion as It is incapable of finding or expressing It. The Victor Hugos of the stage have for a time given place to the Wash- ington Irvings." THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Beginning December 34, and running for two weeks, lacking one night. The Ice Witcli. was played as the holiday attraction, by the stock company, Ada Rehan appearing as Druda, in the title role. Business the first week, amounted to $2,100, more than half of it, however, being done on Christmas. The next seven performances were given to about $1 200 of which more than half was received New Year's. One night the receipts got down to less than $50, but on the whole over $nents at the Leland were, Februarj.Q, 1880, as Beatricp, Mercy Merrick and Lady Clancarty; and Uu- TiOber i, one week, in The Soul of an Actress. It is said that she is the daughter of the duke of Devonshire by a morgaaailc marriage with Miss Cameron, and at her father's death in 1870 came Into possession of his personal estate, of $50,000. At the matinee, Wednesday, October 9, the stock company appeared lu My Mother-in- Law, and The Laughing Hyena. The week of October 14 was squandered on John A. Stevens's Unknown. He was supported by his own company, as Wds RoseEytiuge who came the following week, and. played Rose Michel. Led Astray, Oliver Twist and A Woman of the People. Cyril Searle was her leading sup- port. The week of October 28, the Park Theatr* company, Including Agnes Booth, Joseph E. Whiting, James Lewis, George Stoddard, Mrs. Gilbert, and Sidney Cowell appeared in Hurricanes, Champagne and Oysters. Baby, and that most delightful of comedies in one act, Old Love Letters. Joe Murphy, also supported by his own com- pany, appeared in The Kerry Gow, Shaun Rhua and Help. Then came the Holmans for a week in a repertory that has already been mentioned; Modjeska for one week, with Frank Clements, W. J. Ferguson and Robert B. Mantell in her support. Frank Clements wastkilled by the cars at Newark. N. J., May 8, 1886, whether the result of vertigo, or of suicidal intent was not clearly established. EGBERT BRUCE MANTELL has proved a valuable addition to the stage in this country. He is a Scotchman, and adopted the profession, not because he was obliged to, but for love of dramatic art. He was born at IcTlne, Ayrshire February 7, 1834, was brought up In the Irish city of Belfast, and there made bis debut as an amateur. His first appearance as a professional was in 1874 at Rochdale, England, as the Sergeant In Arrah-na-Pogue. This was his firs'-, season in America. At the close he returned to England and played op- posite characters to Miss Wallis, an English tragedienne, for about three years. His next engagement in the United States was leading man in the Romany Rye company ; then he was for two seasons with Fanny Davenport, sharing largely in the triumphs of that actress in Fedora. Next be appeared as a star, in Called Back and Tangled Lives. Of late he has been winning tame and fortune in an adaptation of one of Dennery's plays, called Mod bars. He is now a citizen of the United States, and Is likely to be a prominent figure in the dramatic world for years to come, as his ambition leads him in the direction of tragedy, in which there is abundant room for an actor so well equipped as is Robert Mantell. The regular company returned Thanks- giving week to suppott Maggie Mitchell, William Harris being with her at that time. December 2, the Berger family, assisted by Sol Smith Russell were announced in a masi- cal entertainment, but owing to the Illness of Mr. Russell's wife he was called away. Mr. Russell is one of the best mimics the country has known. He was born in Brunswick, Mo., July 15, 1848, and was reared in St. Louis. He first appeared in public in July, 1860, and five years later joined the Peak and Berger fami- lies as a humorist. He married Louisa Berger iu 1869. She died in March, 1872, and Septem- ber 13, 1875, he married the daughter of Wil- liam T. Adams, known as Oliver Optic. Mr. Russell has recently bad plays written for him to serve as a vehicle for Introducing his recitations, songs, personations, etc., which are always not only amusing, but wholly un- objectionable. December 9, McKee Rankin and Kittle Blanchard came again in The Danites, for a week, with much the same company as before; then after a long absence, Joseph K. Emmet, as Fritz supported by his own company. JOSEPH K. BMMET has for a nnmber of years made Albany his home. He is one of Fortune's favorites. It is doubtful whether any actor has ever made so much money on so little capital. He was born in St. Louis, March 13, 1841, in very humble circumstances. His father died when the boy was ten years old, leaving him to support his mother and two sisters. They were nearly starving when he found work in a "hominy mill" for $1.50 a week and all the hominy the family could eat. His mother died In 1856. his sisters married and Joe, in 1864, followed their example, taking to wife Miss Elizabeth Webber. They started in life with as little furniture as anyone ever did, a grate, a dry goods box and a frying pan— not even a bed, and no place to sleep but the bare floor. In 1866 he went Into a variety theatre in Cincin- nati, having some skill as a drummer and some talent as an imitator of the Dutch dia- lect. His handsome face and musical voice did much for him. He joined the minstrels and first came out as an actor in Fritz, in Buf- falo, November 22, 1869, the play having been written for him by Gaylor. His second en- gagement in the play was at the Capitol theatre in this city on Division street. It may be said that he has never played any thing else, although the character of Fritz has been car- ried into half a dozen or more plays. His hold npon the public is almost incomprehensible. In view of the fact that he has not always treated them with the respect which is their due, but his admirers seem always ready to for- give so long as he will sing and dance and "yodel" for them. His songs are sung from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and babies hashed 41 to sleep by his Lullaby oaa only be numbered by ihe hundred thousand. His money goes about as easily as it comes, and much ot it has gone into a palatial home on Yan Ilensselaer boulevard, overlooking the Hudson, just uoroh of the city, known as "Fritz villa." Conserva- torlee, a Turkish bath, artiQcial lakes, gondo- las, windmills, a stable of horses, and a Qve thousand dollar dog bave taken tbe place of tbe dry goods box, graie and Crying pan in the actor's home. His son, J. K. Emmet, Jr., is now his manager, and their travels are exten- sive, little lime being allowed tbem (or rest in Albany. Mr. Emmet has been generous as well as extravagant, and in September, 1885, played an entire week at tbe Leland (or the benefit o( tbe firemen's (uud. December 27-8, Kellogg, Litta and Gary ap- peared in I'rovat.ore. Aida was announced but Lncia Di Lammermoor was substituted. Tlie regular company now csme back and played December 28, tor Gilbert's benefit, Enoch Arden, Mr. Aibaugb in tbe title rale. It was announced tbat the play bad been given to him by the widow o( the late Edwin Adams, with all Che original costumes and music. The Forty Thieves was played the same even- lug. For the holidays, Tbe Enchantress was produced December 30, with Ada Rehan, as btetla. January 3, Scbuol, and Katharine and Petruchio were played (or Mr. Russell's bene- fit. Then there was a week of Mrs. Bowers. Diplomacy wa played the week of January 13, by the Warde and Barrymore combination, cast in part, as follows: J ulian Beauolere Maurice Barrymore Henry Beauolere i'red B. Warde (!oanr. OrlofE Sig Majeroni Baron Stein U. Bees Davies Algie Fairfax John Drew Coantess Zicka Signora Majeronl Dora Anna Edmondaou Diplomacy, known in France and England as Dora, is by the greatest living play wrigbt, Sardou. and will long bd remembered for Its Kreat scene betneeu tbe three principal male actors. It will also bs remembered for tbe real tragedy with which it was connected only a tew weeks after it was clayed in this city. At this point the company divided, Mr, Bar- rymore and Mr. Warde separating, and Bar- rymore going south with tne piece, taking with him Mr. John Drew, Mrs. Baker. Miss Ella Cummins and Benjamin Porter. They had played several towns in Texas, and early on the morning of March 20 were about to leave the 8tate whe >, at Marshall, while wait- ing for a train, Mrs. Baker, one o[ the ladies of the company, was grossly insulted by James Currie, a noiorions desperado. Barrymore and Porter remonstrated, when Currie fired a re- volver, bitting Barrymore in the left arm; Porter said something to him, when he fired again, sending a ball into Pointer's abdomen, Infiicting a wound from which the actor died in fifty minutes. The murderer was never punished. FKBDERICK BARHAM WABDE has since come Into some prominence as a stellar attraction, having played a star engage- ment at the Leland January 6-8, 1887, present- ing Virginius, Damon and Pythias, Ingomar and Ricbard III. He is a native of England, born in Oxfordshire, In 1851. He was at first intended for a lawyer, but went on the stage at ibe age of sixteen, and made his American debut August 10, 1871, at Booth's theatre. His home is in Brooklyn. Monday, January 20, began a week of bnr- lesane opera by tbe Colville opera company headed by Eme Rosseau, and including Marie Williams, Lina Merville, Susie Winner, Annie Winner, Marion Elmore, C. H. Drew, Wm. B. Cahill, A. W. Maffiin. Robinson Crusoe, Babes in the Wood, Oxygen and Blue Beard were presented. Monday evening, January 27, Oura was played under the auspices of Company B, Washington Continentals, by the regular company. The remainder of the week Katy Mayhew appeared as M'liss, supported by C. J, Edmunds. The week following Effle Ellsler and Frank Weston appeared in Bonnie Kate, The Grasshopper, and Child of the Regiment. Then February 10 for the first time here Bea MoAuley, in A Messenger from Jarvis Section, supported by his own company, in which was Katie Wilson as Clip. McAuiey was born in New York, September 19, 1837, and went upon the stage in 1853. From 1868 to 1877 he man- aaged Wood's theatre realizing It is said £100,- 000. In 1873 he built a theatre In Louisville which proved a failure. He was a comedian of no little ability, but got to drinking and the last visits he made here was so drunk that he disgraced himseK and disgusted his patrons. Aside (rom this failing he was popu- lar with the public and tbe profession. He died penniless, March 28, 1886. PINAFORE. On the 17th of February, 1879, Gilbert & Sullivan's comic opera, Her Majesty's Ship Pinafore, had its first production in Albany, an event which may almost be said to have begun a new era In tbe amusements of this staid old city. It was cast as follows : Sir Joseph Porter Digby Bell Cant. Corcoran Percy J J.Cooper Ralph Rackstraw Charles H, Thompson Dick Deadeye John Benitz Josephine Ethel Lynton Little Buttercup Mrs. Flora E. Bai ry Hebe Carrie Burton Tbls was the Saville Comic Opera company, and a very satisfactory performance was given, tbe sprightly opera meeting with the snccess here which attended its representation all over the couniry. Probably no opera ever written was played for so many times during an equal period. Authorized and unauthor- ized companies, amateurs and professioniais, Alice Dates, Corinne, growa folks and babies, eburch choirs from Philadelphia and barn- stormers from Coboes all took tbeir turn at this famous work. It led to the establishment of the Boston Ideal Opera company, and many and man-y a stage-struck maiden through the Pinaforio characters found her way to a permanent place upon the boards. Its first production on any stage was at the Opera Comique in London In May 1878. Its first production in this country was at the Boston Museum, November 25, the same year; first time in Philadelphia January 6, 1879; in New York at the Standard theatre January IS. In Boston it had sixty-one consecutive performances and was then revived for twenty -times; in Pniladelpbia it started In with an eight weeks run and was subsequently re- vived ; February 10 of this year three com- panies were playing it in New York, at the Standard, Fifth Avenue theatre, and Niblo's Garden, to say notbtng of His Mudscow Pina- fore at the San Francisco minstrels; March 22, a German version was given at the Ger- mania, etc. It filled the newspapers with catch words, and its phrases were as common on the streets as profanity. Tbe people learned it by heart, words, music and business. It is safe to say tbat never was so popular an opera known in anv land, in any tongue. For a time it almost banished a serious use of the word "never" from the language; for fear that it would be caught up with tbe everlasting, "Wbat! Never?" "Well, Hardly Ever." Pinafore was subsequently sung in this city as follows : March, 1879— Leland, Standard Theatre com- pany. April and June— Martin Hall, Prof. Lloyd's amateurs. May— Leland. Alice Dates. May 27-31— Martin hall. Prof, Moaher's ama- teurs. 42 May 22— Leiand, Boston Pinafore company. Jnne 26-28— Martin hall, 81neer children. tjeptemher lb-16— Martin hall, Apollo club. September 22— Leland, SavlUe Opera company. December 30— Tneddle hall, Boston Ideals. May 2, 1881— Leland, Corinne. January 1882— Leland, Melville , Opera com- pany. September 22— Martin hall, Holmans. Feoruary 26, 1884— Leland, Coboes amatenrs. May 26— Leland, Bennett andMonlton. May 14-16. 1886-Leland, Oblldren's. June 1, 1887— Leland. Troy Ideals. This does not include some performances that were given at the ten cent theatre. It will be noticed that 1879 was tbe great- Pina- fore year; and that in 1880 there was are- action, no perfornaance of the opera being re- corded that year in Ibis city. February 84, 1878, Genevieve Ward made her appearance for the first time In Albany, sup- ported by Milnes Levlck, under the manage- ment of Jarrett & Palmer, Com. Tooker being their representative. The principal play was Wills's Jane Shore, although The Honeymoon and the fourth act of Henry YIII were also Kiven.the one on Friday and the other on Satur- day evening. Tbe business was far from what it should have been, in view of the unusual excellence of the attraction. Miss Ward is one of the most intelligent and accomplished actresses America has ever given to the stage ; yet for some reason she is not popular. Uer history is interesting in the extreme, and has been quite fully set forth in a biography written by her friend, Zadel Barnes Gustat- 8on, from which the following is gleaned: GENEVIEVE WARD. eenevleve was born "on the 27th of March, on Broadway, N. Y."; was taken to Havana when two years old, thence to Italy, and thence back to Texas where her father Col. Ward had large landed possessions; GENEVIBVE WARD. then to St. Petersburg, becoming at a tender age, a "globe-trotter" of the most conSrmed tendencies, acquiring in her fltttlnes a thorough acquaintance with French, English, Italian and Spanish. Quite early in her girl- hood she met a young Russian nobleman, Constantine de Guerbel, from all accounts, an extremely fascinating and equally unprinci- pled fellow, wbo offered marriage and was ac- cepted, and they ware married in Italy after the American fashion; but this was not con- sidered binding by him till supplemented by tbe rite of tbe Greek church, and this he sought to avoid ; but he reckoned without taking into consideration the energy of his American mother-in-law, who with her daughter fol- lowed him to St. Petersburg, appealed to the czar and with such effect that the ceremony was performed at the cathedral in W arsaw ; then tbe bride took tbe arm of her father, they left the church, and an hour afterwards were on their way out of Russia. The lady was never divorced, although that was her in- tention as soon as she had placed herself in the proper position, but she never saw her husband again. He became dissi- pated, lost tbe use of his legs at thirty-five, and died not long afterward. This marriage took place before Genevieve was eighteen. She next began studying for tbe opera and made her debut at La Scala, in Lucretia Borgia, under the name of Madame Guerrbella. She sang with success in Paris and London, both in opera and ora- torio, and later in New York and Havana. In the latter place her singing voice left her sud- denly and totally. By tbe advice of Adelaide Phillipps she then fitted herself for the tragic stage, and after a while made her debut as Lady Macbeth, in Manchester, October 1, 1873. Her first appearance in her native land as an actress was September 2. 1878. at booth's thea- tre, as Jane Shore in Wills's drama of that name. She also appeared in King Henry tbe Eighth. Her noDices have been as fiattering as any that have ever been written by critics of acknowledged ability; and she has been much admired bjr the cultured circles of Europe and America. She is purely an intel- lectual actress, and tbe characters she assumes are rarely sympathetic. This is particularly true of Stephanie in Forget-me-not, in which she has won her widest renown. In this she appeared here for one week, beginning March 13, 1883, and again November 1, 1886, at which time she also appeared in The Queen's Fav- orite. March 6 Josh Hart's combination gave a performance. In the company were Kate Caa- tleton In songs, Scanlan and Cronin, Fostelle, Bobby Newcomb, Frank Bush, Harry Eernell and others well known to the variety stage. Kate Castleton has since become a star, large- ly on the merits of her demnreness in singing, dressed in Quaker costume, the song, "For Goodness Sake, Don't Say I Told You." March 10, first appearance, in Albany, of MAET ANDERSON, under the joint management of S. M. Hickey, of Troy, and JobnW. Norton, the latter play ing opposite characters. She appeared during this engagement of six nights and a matinee as Parchenla, in Ingomar; Julia, in The Hnnchbach (Mr. Albaugh as Master Walter); Blanca, in The Wife ; Juliet, with Mr. Albaugh as Mercutio; Evadne, with Mr. Albaugh as Lndovico, and for tbe last night, as tbe Duch- ess, in Planche's comedy. Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady, and Meg Merrilies, in Guy Mannering. Her subsequent engagements in Albany have been as follows : June 16-19, 1879, with John McCnllough. In In- gomar. Lady of Lyons. Romeo and Juliet, Evadne, Tbe Hunchback and Macbeth. February 2-7, 1880, Evadne. Juliet, Parthenla. Julia. Pauline, and the Countess, in Love. Febraary 7-13, 1881, Parthenla, Evadne, Julia, The Countess, Blanca, Pauline and Ion. December 26, 1881. Parthenla, Juliet, Evadne, Julia, Gralatea, and The Daughter of Roland. March 28, 1883, Juliet, Parthenla. Daughter of Bolavd, Julia, Galatea, and Blanca, December 26, 1885, Rosalind. Mary Anderson was born in Sacramento, Cal., Jan 28, 1859. Her parents moved the next year to Louisville, Ky, and in the civil 43 war her father died at Mobile. In 1867. Mrs. Anderson married Dr. Hamilton Griffin, who had been a surgeon in the southern army, and was then living in Louisville. Mar; early evinced a love for dramatic libei^ature, which ripened into a passion for the stage, and Nov 27, 1875 she made her debut at McAuley's theatre in Louisville, as Juliet. The next day, the Louisville Courier pronounced her "au- doabtedly, a great actress." She had then re- ceived just ten lessons from the younger Van- denhoS. Her first regular engagement as an actress was began Jan 30, 1876, at Louisville. Others followed at St Louis, and New Orleans. It took some time and some money to win for her a paying position as a star, but it was reached, all things considered, in an astonish- ngly short space of time. Her first New York engagement was played at the Fifth Avenue theatre, Nov 13 to Dec 21, 1877. From that time onward she has been the best paying, as well as the most popular female star on the American stage, Sbe is today the foremost American actress. Her wortb has been freely acknowledged in London where she made her first appearance at Irving's Lyceum theatre. Sept 1, 1883. To follow her career is simply to record a series of triumphs. These triumphs have been legitimately won. They have been awarded more by the people thah by the press. From the start, with the notable exception of Henri Watterson and William Winter, and a few others, the news- paper writers have been severe in their treat- ment of her. It was so in London ; it has been so in this country. She has never taken par- ticular pains to conciliate them. Her life has been as free from scandal as that of a Sister of Charity; and even this baa been made a jest of. She has been called "an iceberg," angular, and declamatory, and a thousand reasons have been assigned why she is not a great ac- tress; yet the beauty of her classical features, the grace of her form, the charm of her per- sonal presence, above all the melody of her voice can not be effaced; while added to these and inspiring all these is the subtile fire of Genius, "which argues your wisdom down." If Mary Anderson is nob a great actress it Is difficult to account for the position she occupies. Half a million dollars would cheer- fully be paid to place another where she is, merely as a business speculation. . The num- ber of those who have attempted to follow her, and have fallen by the way. Is countless ; yet her reign in England and the United States is undisturbed and undisputed. The week of March 17, the Standard Theatre company gave Albany its second week of Pina- fore, with W. A. Paul as Sir Joseph, R. W. White as Capt, Corcoran, Walter Macreary as Balph, Cora Cascade as Josephine. The fol- lowing week a company from the Park theatre played Gilbert's Encaged, with Katherine BosEers as Belinda. The next week Leonard Grover's company appeared in Our Boarding House, Mies Waugh being in the cast, John T. Baymond followed in My Son, Bisks, and Col. Sellers. April 14, the Jackson corps gave a dramatic entertainment and drill ; the play being Waiting for the Verdict. On the 16f,h, Mr. George Edgar appeared for Mr, Albaugh's benefit as Othello, Mr. Albaugb as laso. and Mrs. Albaugh as Emelia. Constance Hamblin as Desdemona. Charlotte Thompson played •Jane Eyre for three nights, and tben there was a week of the Troubadours in The Brook, Nate Salsbnry, John Webster, Jotin Gourley, Nel- lie McHenry, Helene Dlngeon making up the merry party. ADELE BELGABDE. April 28-30 the '•youtbfnl,cultnred and intel- lectual artiste," Miss Adele Belgarde,appeared as Bomeo, Hamlet and Bosalind. Her real name was Adelaide Levy. She was born in Yazoo City, Miss., and made her debut as EomeOjFebruary 84, 1879. Henry J.Sargent had considerable to do with bringing her forward ; but although she did not prove the prodigy that it was attempted to make her, and some time ago ceased starring, she is a useful and canable actress who has since been frequently seen here in responsible positions. Beginning May 1, there were three nights of Jananschek, supported by Edwin F. Thorne In Mother and Son, Deborah, Mary Stuart, Come Here and Macbeth. The week of May 5, Alice Oates under the management of B. E. J. Miles in Gerofle-Gerofla, Pinafore, La Perlchole, Le Petit Due. La Marjolaine.. It was announced that Miss Oates made a special journey to Paris to see The Little Duke ren- dered under the immediate supervision of M. Charles Lecocq, the author, and received the necessary instructions from him for its production in this country. May 1314, George C. Boniface appeared as Corporal Antoine in the Soldier's Trust; May 15-17 Lotta appeared in Musette, and La Cig- ale, with Ed Marble for principal support. The Boston Pinafore company put in a week and Emmett put in another as Fritz, of course. June 11, the Jackson corps amateurs played The Drunkard. The season ended gloriously by the unparal- leled combination of Mary Anderson and John McCuliongh playing together for a week, with Mr.~ Albaugh as support. It was during the State encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic. Monday evening, June 16, Ingomar was played with Miss Anderson as Parthenia and Mr. McCullongh as Ingomar ; Tuesday evening Mr. McCullough played Claude to Miss Anderson's Pauline in The Ladv of Lyons: Wednesday tte tragedian was her 'Romeo, with Mr. Albaugh as Mer- outio; Thursday Evadne was given with Miss Anderson in the title role, Mr. Albaugh as Ludovico and Leslie Gossin as Colonna, Mr. McCullough appearing the same evening as Petruchto witb Constance Hamblin as Cath- erine. Friday The Hunchback was given with Miss Anderson as Julia, McCullough as Clif- ford and Albaugh as Master Walter. Ingo- mar was repeated Saturday afternoon, and tbis great week came to an end with Miss Anderson as Lady Macbeth, McCullongh as Macbeth, and Albaugh as Macduff. DECLINE OF THE STOCK COMPANY. It will be noticed that the stock company dropped quietly out of sight the week of Feb- ruary 3. It had become an impossibility to maintain one any longer, so many were the combinations and so few were the stars trav- eling without them. No stock company alone could any longer be expected to draw paying houses,at least no such company as could be ob- tained for Albany. No matter what were the plays, no matter how well they were played, unless there was some special attraction to supplement the company the people would not go near them. Manager Albaugh tested this thoroughly and to his cost. Many a night the company, with Mr. and Mrs. Albaugh, Ada Rehan, William Gilbert, the Eberles and other fairly good people in the cast played to less than $100, and not Infrequently to half that sum. These facts are to be borne in mind whenever complaint is made of the present system. And after all, the public have little to complain of In the new order of things. The combination system is hard npon the actors, whom it makes into "vagrom men," with no abiding place; it breaks up the schools for actors that the stock companies were sup- posed to be; but It gives the public better per- formances, better scenery, greater variety — in short better entertainment. To illustrate, however, what a school the old stock company was, for a young actress, take the case of Ada Behau, who during her 44 engagements here appeared in the following diversified parts. They did not make her a finished actress by any means, bat to a bright girl such a wide range of experience must Save had great advantages. We venture to say that under her long term of acting at the head of Mr. Daly's company she ha^ not ap- peared In as many different characters as she did under Mr. Albaugh's management. ADA REHAN'S CHARACTERS. Lady Mary Rosedale Marguerite LaRoque Romance of a Poor Young Man Julia I-atlmer The Flying Scud Madeloa Fanchon Georgina Jane Eyre Rose Little Barefoot Phlllna— (first time) Mignon Ethel Grralnger Married in Haste MarieOommlne Louis XI MaryClark The Charter Oak Fanny Elkton Zip Elizabeth The Golden Farmer Sybil Hawker Brass LittleBmily Little Emily Donna Jovlta Castro Two Men of Sandy Bar Cordelia— (debut of George Edgar) Lear Lurline The Naiad Queen Lady Valeria All That Glitters Is not Gold Madelon Carpenter of Rouen Louise Cartouche Celia— (with Neilson) As You Like It Nora Drew Kerry Gow Lady Jane— (with Anna Dickinson) Ttie Crown of Thorns Lady Sarah Queen Elizabetb TheCountess The Stranger Mathilde de Latour Miss Multon Elizabeth Mary Stuart Harriet The Jeaions Wife Ophelia (with Barrett) Hamlet Laura Livingston Escaped from Sinii Mng Grace Roseberry Ihe New Magdalen Armine Victor of Rhe Aouda Around the World In Eighty Days Adelaide Olyton Bonds Our Oddities EIoiEe Woodruff . Becky Mix Princess Ida Lorle Agnes Constant Across the Continent Louise Goodwin Across the Continent Olivia TwelfthNight Marie Marble Heart Drnda Ice Witch Mary Netly Ours Eve Hlllington Lone Man of the 0> ean Laura de Beaurepaire White Lies Cora Darlington False Light Stella Little Detective Maud ..-- Musette Diana de Lascours Sea of Ice Mary Watson Dick Tnrpin and Tom K ing '•Bunker Hill" TheDanites Queen Elizabeth Richard III Morgiana Forty Thieves Stella The EncHantress Naomi Tighe School Louise Frou-Frou Clara Wakefield Luke the Laborer Laura Hawkins Glided Age Mrs. Castlemaiue (first time) '. Golden Calf VlrBlnia Virglnlns Desdemona Othello Flde'e la Crosse Heroine in Rags Louise Under the Snow Lady Ann ( Booth) Richard III Barbara Hare EastLynne Alicia Audley Lady Dudley's Secret Florida Vaughn Bonny Kate These parts were all played by Miss Behan in 1876-7-8-9, when she was from seventeen to twenty years old. (Mr. Winter, in a recent sketch published In Harper's Weekly, makes her a year younger.) From September 30, 1879, she has been the leading lady of Daly's thea- tre, acting as Peggy in The Country Girl, Hippolyta in Sbe Would and She Wouldn't, Sylvia in The Becruitine Officer. Orlana in The Inconstant, Tilburnia In The Critic, Kate Verity in The Squire, Helena in Midsummer Night's Dream, Mrs. Ford in The Merry Wives of Windsor, and Katharine In The Taming of the Shrew; besides creating parts in A Night Off, Nancy & Co., Love on Crutches, Dollars and Sense, The Railroad of Love, The Lottery of Love, Love in Harness, The Passing Regiment and An International Match. The influence of Ada Rehan upon the American stage is well tested by the small army of actresses who. consciously or uncon- sciously, imitate her pretty mannerisms. Manager Albangh'a Seyenth. Season. (1879-1880. Manager Albaugh's seventh season began August 35, 1879. without a stock company. Mr. Albaugh was now the manager of the HoUlday Street theatre in Baltimore and of the National theatre in Washington. He was not here much of the time, the business of the Albany house being transacted by Fred A. DuBois. The first attraction was a week of the magician Hermann, who was attended by his wife "Mile Addie," and the three Lorel- las, grotesque dancers. Hermann is one of the cleverest of modern sleight-of-hand per- formers, and claims to be a relative of the great Hermann who came to America in 1861, and remained here for nearly two years. He was also here again in 1869 and died a million- aire In Carlsbad, June 18, 1887, aged seventy- two. The present Hermann was born in 1844. Some say that he was merely the assistant of the man from wbom betook his name: but it fdoes not matter, he is a very clever per- former and an extremely amusing companion. He is said to speak fluently seven languaees. Of late he has become a manager of considsr- able prominence. The second attraction was Dora Gordon Steele's Halloween party, in one of the earliest of the musical farces. Milton Nobles in The Phoenix and A Man of the People came next. With this season began the prevailing custom of dividing the week between two attractions. The Howards presented Uncle Tom's Cabin with Cool White as Uncle Tom. Mrs. Howard, at this time fifty years old, was still the "original Topsy" and Mr. Howard the origi- nal St. Clair. She is still living, but he died in Cambridge, January 18, 1887. Their daughter Cordelia, the famous Eva of thirty- five years ago, is now Mrs. McDonald, her hnshand to wbom she was married in 1871, dying May 9, 1887. She and her mother live in Cambridge. September 15, three nights of Richmond aod Von Boyle in Our Candidate. September 22 24 the Saville opera company in Pinafore, Trial by Jury and The Sorcerer, with DIgby Bell, Flora E. Barry, Carrie Bur- ton. Percy Cooper in the cast. September 25-7 Frederick Paulding made his first appearance in Hamlet, Amos Clarke in The Bar Sinister, Claude Melnotte In The Lady of Lyons, and Bertuccio in Tom Taylor's play of The Fool's Revenge. He was supported by Gussie De Forrest and Constance Hamblin. Paulding was born at West Point, and Is the son of Col. Dodge, of the regular army. He studied under Frederic Robinson and went upon the stage in 1878, making his New York debut in February 1879 He was ambitious himself, and his friends were ambitions for him, but their highest hopes have not been fully realized. Beginning September 29, there was three nights of The Banker's Daughter, by Bron- son Howard, which was now seen for the first time in Albany, one of the best of this clever dramatist's productions. It was presented with Louis James as John Strebelotv, Marie Wainwright as Lilian, Waicott as G. Wash- ington Phipps, Harold Forsberg as Mr. Bab- bige, J. W. Collier as the count; and Mrs. Farren, Mrs. Waicott, Gustavua Levlck, E, L. Tilton and other good actors in the cast. Of Marie Wainwright we have before spoken in these papers. Her huband LOUIS JAMES Is now also a well known actor, with strong 45 proclivities for the legitimate. He was born In Illlaols in 1842, and began playing In Louls- Tllle, In 1863. For six years he was at Mrs. Urew's Arch street theatre : then, as we have seen, he was with Daly's company playino; here in 1872, with that organization. In 1875 he uecame leading man for McVicker at Chicago; was vlth Barrett as leading man for five years, and in 1886-7 began starring with his wife In Virginias, and Sbakspearian roles. Lately, however, they have separated, as ar- tists, and it is said, as man and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Walcott are favorite comedians. He was born in Boston in 1840, and has been on the stage since he was eighteen. She was Isabella Nickinson, and is seven years her husband's junior. T bey were married in 1863. Harold Forsberg was well known in Albany, having been leading man in Lucien Barnes's company at the Trimble. He played some parts well. His last appearance here was witb Frank Mayo in the Three Guardsmen. He was then a pbyslcal wreck, pitiable to behold. He died May 16, 1888, In New York, and was buried from t,be residence of his father in Washing- ton. His marriage with the younger Trimble girl, Ada, was unbappy, and she was divorced In 1884. She has since married Frederic Bry- ton, tbe actor. Mr. J. W. Collier was mana- ger of the company. He was Mrs Albaugh's first husband. Mrs Farren, who is still upon the stage, was born In 1818, went upon the stage, as a dancer at tbe age of three and with 68 years of experience can justly lay claim to being one of the oldest of the profession. She has in her day, been a popular star, with her husband George P. Farren (who died in 1861) and In 1869, was In Frank Lawlor's compaoy as old woman at tbe Division street theatre. Shi^lplayed here not lonzago. Gustavus I^evick Is a son of Mllnes Levick. Edward LaFayette Tilton, a native of Ashland, Mass, has been on the stage since 1846, and was formerly a Bowery actor of repute. JOSEPH JEFFFRSON. Of Joseph Jefferson, who played Rip Van Winkle, Oct 3 and 4, there is not much more to be said than was given in Players of a Cen- tury, so far as the main facts in his life are concerned, while as to comment upon his art, the uews-papers and magazines have printed volumes. His autobiography is about to be pnblisbed. His engagements in Albany covered by Ibis record have been as follows : April a2-3, 1873. Martin Hall, Rip Van Winkle December 7, 1877, Martin Hall, Rip Van Win- kle. October 3-4, 1879. Leland. Rio Van Winkle. September 14, 1880, Tweddle Hall. The Rivals. September 5-6. 1881, Tweade Hall. The Rivals. April 26-B, 1884, Leland. Urlcket oa the Hearth, Lend Me Five ^hilliags. Rip Van Winkle, i^ September 19, 1887, Leland. Rip Van Winkle. October 6-8, Gus Williams appeared In Our German Senator in which he began this sea- son to star. Ue was born in New York about 1847. His full name is said to be Gustave William Leweck, his father having been a Po'e. He was at one time a singer at Harry Hill's in New York, and has made considera- ble money as a German dialect comedian. A companion attraction was Joe Murphy who filled out the week with Tbe Kerry Gow, it being remembered that "gow" is the Irish for blacksmith, and lu this play the remarkable dramatic effect of shoeing a real horse on tbe stage was considered of great Importance. The play was by Fred Marsden. During the engagement Shaun Rbue was played. It was by tbe same unfortunate author, who com- mitted suicide May 19, 1888, by turning on the gas in his room. FRED MARSDEN. As Harrison Grey Fisk, of the Dramatic Mirror says, "The tragedy of King Lear is not more pathetic than the tragedy of Fred Mars- den." He was with out question, driven to desperation by the wildness of his daughter Blanch whom he believed to be dishonored, having found letters implicating her from men whom he supposed were his friends and who certainly ate at his table. He was born In Baltimore, April 10, 1843. His real name was William A. Sliver. He graduated at Dick- inson college in 1863, and was admitted to the bar in Philadelphia, in 1865. He wrote his first play in 1871. Later he went upon the stage, bat was not particularly successful as an actor. In play-making he made a fortune, finding his patrons in those who wanted plays made to order. He wrote Zip, Musette and Bob for Lotta; Humbug and Cheek for Ro- land Reed ; Shaun Rbue and the Kerry Gow for Joe. Murphy ; the Irish Minstrel for W. J. Scanlan: Zara and Eily for Annie PIxley; Otto for George S. Knight, and many others for which he received large sums. He was under contract when he died, to write a play for Corinne for which he was to receive $10,000, and bad other work on hand sufiScient to have brought him twice as more. He seems for years to have entertained the idea tbat a per- son had tbe moral right to end his own life when and as he chose. His will disinherited his daughter. The Irish drama had another inning the next week when Scanlan and Cronin appeared as Michael and Mary, in O'NTeil. This was their first ventcre in drama after some eight years of variety sketches. William J. Scanlan was born in SpringQeid, Mass., in 1856. He has been before the public ever since he was ten years old, and never has he been regarded with greater favor than at the present time. There Is to-day no better Irish comedian in America, and it ia believed that the verdict which he is waiting in England and Ireland will be equally favorable. He is a song maker as well as singer and his Peek-a-boo, has been one of the most popular ditties of tbe day. Cronin has achieved less fame than his old companion. The engagement of Fanny Davenport in Rosalind, Imogen, Pique and Divorce, calls for no special mentioo, nor does that of ijina Tettenborn, a German dialect actress, in Tina, and Gretchen. Tbere was a week of Clinton Hall's Strategists, with T. J. Heme, Sol Smith, Sam R;an, Ada Monk, etc., all alleged comedians. Then a week, beginning Novem- ber 3, of RICE'S SURPRISE PARTY in Horrors, Babes In the Wood. Robinson Cru- soe, Esq., and Revels. In the company were Willie Edouin and his wife, Alice Atherton, George W. Howard, Henry E, Dixey (not then famous), Louis Harrison, Lena Mervllle, Jen- nie Calef, Pauline Hall, Marian Elmore. Ma- rlon Singer. At this day, when so many of the company are recognized as stars or are at the head of bariesgue operatic companies, such an aggregation oC talent seems enormous. Edouin is English born, (1845). His wife Alice, was born Hogan, in Cincinnati, August 25, 1854 and made her debut as a child, in the Sea of Ice, at the age of three. Edouin has also been on the stage since be was four. They were married in 1873, and are now in London, where they are very successful. Louis Harrison was born in Philadelphia, and began bis career there. He is a brother of Alice Harrison, and has frequently been seen here, more recently.ln The Pearl of Pekin. He is a genuine comedian, with sufficient In- telligence to insist upon bis audience laughing with him occasionally, rather than always at him. Lena Mervllle and Marian Elmore are sisters, of English parentage. HABKr SARGENT AND BARTLEY CAMPBELL. Other engagments that need only mention 46 were the Bergers and Sol Smith Ruasell for three nights ; Dtokey Llngard in Pajamas, a dire failure; H, J. Sargent'a company In Con- tempt of Court and Forbidden Fruit; a week of Kate ClaxtoD in The Double Marriage and the Two Orphans; Robson & Crane in The Comedy of Errors; Aldrich and Parsloe in My Partner; The Tourists, headed by W. A. Mestayer; Bartley Campbell's play of The Vigilantes. U.. J. Sargent has had a checkered career. He has been a magician, an actor and a mana- ger. He it was who Qrst brought Modjeska before the public. He aiso did considerable for Rhea at one time in the same way, but proved untrustworthy. WUIiatu Mestayer, who has won success in nonsensical farces was born Id Philadelphia in 1814. his family name being Honpt. He has been on the stage since 1865. His present wife, Theresa Vaughn, is a charming vocalist. William H. Crane, who war for so many years an artistic partner with Robson, was born in Massachusetts about 184.5, and first went on the stage with the Holman opera company. He has developed into one of the best of the latter day come- dians, and promises to do something still Hiore notable than he has yet accomplished. The fate of Bartley Campbell, the dramatist was as sad almost as that of Fred Marsden. He died in the lunatic asylum at Mlddletown, July 30, 18S8, after having been confined there nineteen months. He was born in Alleghany city. Pa.-, and was about forty-five years old when he died. After an unsuccessful attempt at newspaper work he tried playwritlng.mak- ing one failure after another till Sept. 16, 1879 his play of My Partner scored a great hit at the Union Square theatre. From that drama alone be made about $15,000. The Galley Slave, White Slave, Siberia and others were also a source of large Income to him ; but he must needs try managing a theatre in New York, there were reverses, his mind 'gradually gave way, and finally his case became hopeless. HAZEL KIRKB. Beginning December 17, for four nights, An Iron Will was produced by the I^adison Square Theatre company, including Effie EUsler, Gabrlelle Du Sauld, Charles W. Coul- dock, Thomas Whlffen, B. T. Ringgold and Frank Weston. This play by Steele Mackaye, was afterward known as Hazel Kirke, and had one of the most remarkable runs on re- cord. The Madison Square theatre was not at that time completed, and the company were making a preliminary trip in order to get into good shape tor their metropolitan appearance the following month. They were under the direci^ion of Daniel Frohman. Of the long aud honorable career of Mr. Gouldock, due men- tion has been made in Players of a Century. On the 10th of May, 1887, a benefit was given him in honor of the completion of his fifty years upon the stage. He played Durston Kirke for 255 consecutive performances, and after that played It for three years on the road. He was last seen in it here at Jacobs Sa Proctor's theatre. Mr. and Mrs. Bandmann played a week, presenting Hamlet, Merchant of Venice, Othello, Narcisse, Don Caesar de Bazan and Richard III. The engagement included Christ- mas, but did not add to Mr Bandmann's reputation as an artist, particularly the rapid manner ia which he rattled through R'cbard on the closing night. Mr. Bandmaan was last seen here at a cheap price theatre. Hav- erly's minstrels put in two nights, and on New Year's eve Mr. and Mrs. Albaugh made their appearance in Ettie Henderson's play of Almost a Life, supported by the author and by Felix Morris. It was given three or four times. Kate Girard's company played Elliot Dawn's Prejudice for a week ; then came for a week the Criterion Comedy company in Freaks. The company included that bright actress, Louise Sylvester, whose history Is given at length In Players of;a Century ; De Wolf Hop- per, the now very popular hero of comic opera ; and F. F. Mackay the author of the play, which was funny but did not draw. . Mr. Henderson, manager of the company began acting in the Odeon theatre in this city on eight dollars a week, and afterwards with his . wife played at the Museum under Meeoh. At ' one time he tried to manage the Green street theatre ; also a theatre in Troy. He was at this time manager of the Standard theatre in New York. Mr. Hopper was nowjonly about twenty-one years of age, and this was his first venture. His second was with a play called One Hun- dred Wives, (in which he apoeared atTweddle hall, September 15-17, 1881.) Neither proved successful and Mr. Hopper joined Harrigan's company to play the hero In "The Blackbird." Byithis time he discovered that he had a good singing voice which he proceeded to cultivate but not to use very much, as he was for some time in the Madison Square theatre company playing Pittacus Green in Hazel Kirke, and Owen Hathaway In May Blossom. Then he joined the McCauU opera company and has been seen and heard here in the Black Hnssar, The Begnm, Bellman, etc. He was born March 30, 1858, in New York. He and DIgby Bell are said to be the Damon and Pythias of the modern stage. MINOR ENGAGEMENTS. The following week witnessed a revival of Bouclcault's play of southern life The Octo- roon, with S. N. Gotthold as Salem Scudder. January 26, began a week of the Mahn Eng- lish opera company with Jeannie Winston as the prima donna in Fatinitza and the Chimes of Normandy. Mary Anderson appeared as before noted in Evadne, Juliet, Parihenla, Julia, Pauline and the Conntess. She was supported by Mr, Albaugh, Milnes Levlck and Atkins Law- rence. Ada Cavendish came tor a week in Beatrice, Mercy Merrick and Lady Clanoarty, She was supported by Mr. Piercy. Fun on the Bristol, Emmet In Fritz in Ireland, and Lotta in Musette and Little Detective, carried the season along iato March. Commencing March 8, Abbey's Park theatre company presented Bartley Campbell's Fair- fax, in which Agnes Booth, Joseph Whiting, Sydney Cowell, Mrs. Gilbert and others ap- peared. Charlotte Thompson followed for a week in Nell Gwynne and Cousin Helen, the latter being merely an adaptation of the Hunch- back, with the parti of Helen made more prom- inent. George Learock was in the company and played Modus. On St. Patrick's day a matinee was given for the benefit of the Irish relief fund, the gross receipts btilng contrib- uted by Miss Thompson aud Mr. Albaugh. John A. Stevens and his wife Lottie Church, appeared for a week in the dramatic night mare called The Unknown. Then there was a welcome change for the Easter holidavs in Fanny Davenport, who appeared In Pique, As You Like It, School for Scandal, Leah, London Assurance and Oliver Twist, April 5, 6 and 7, Maurice Grau's French opera company were heard in La Fille de Mme. Angot; Mlgnon, La Postillion de Lon- gumeau and Les Cloches de Corneville. In this excellent company were Paola-Marle, Leronx-Bouvard, Angele, Jutean and Uapoul. , The other engagements for April were Ab- bey's HumDtyDumpty.wIth the Spanish Stu- dents and their mandolins ; The Florences in The Mighty Dollar, A Million, and Ticket of Leave; Maggie Mitchell in Lorle, Pearl of Savoy, Fanchon, Jane Eyre, Barefoot ; Rice's 47 Surprise Party in a return eni;ageinent, play- Ine Revels, Horrors, etc. Added to the com- pany were Dick Golden and his wife Dora Wiley. In Mny, Princess Toto, music by Frederick Clay, libretto by W. S. Gilbert, was presented; also Rice's Evangeline, with Jarbeau, Louise Searle, Mose Fislie, George Fortesqae, Harry Hanter, ftc. ; Sothcrn in The Crushed Trage- dian and Ii)rd Dundreary ; and the Carncross minstrels. This month was also noted for the performance o{ the celebrated opera by Charles Brown, entitled the BED KOCK WAVE. The orchestration was by Parlati, the voice harmony by George Doelker: words and mu- sic b; the author, who was an hostler by pro- fession till be was seized with the hallucina- tion that he could write an opera. What It was ail about no man up to the present time has ever been able to give an intelligent opin- ion otber than Is gained from the following distribution of characters. The libretto shtd no light apon tbe matter whatever: Admiral, the Bight Hon. Lord Ylscount Lee, K. U. R, commanding U. M. S. Victory TowDsend H. Fellows Sir Charles Orownley, slafC commander, John Oass The Garl ol Tudor, midshipman E.Hudson Tacks Weatherlee.quai termaBt«r,W. H. Henderson Anchor Jack, boatswalu.. Lawrence Kddinger Wheelmen, leadmaa, lookontmeo, reelmeu and a full crew of British sailors. ITALIAN PIRATES. Connt Navi. chief of pirates, known as Ad- miral Clueliue— a terrible conspirator aDd ex-offlclal of the Italian government William H. Dennin Connt Izia. a rich Italian, who has given up high life and estate to join the pirates; in ardent love with Marie Frank Oremmler Cunnt Devoll, once a naval officer with Navi and pait owner of many ships, known as Anchor Jack, now in the British navy, re- turns from the East in despair to avenge tbe death of bis rival, Tom Bowline, lor marrying Mari, his betrothed: he plots the tragedy Lawrence Bddinger Signer Tom Bowline, a romantic pilot and fisherman of Naples bay; marrie'd to Mari William H Lawton The Old Tar, a Enperannuated sailor; Bed Bock Wave guide Horace Wescott Shota, a di-abled sea soldier; Bock Wave soy Buasell W We80ott,Jr Bacon, keeper of lighthouse Anthony Eddinger Countess Arena, wife to Navi and mother to Marl Elzada Boat Mari, wife to Tom Bowline, being beaatif al causes the rivalry and jealousy between Izia, Devoll and her husband Lizzie Duffy Dor^ns Emma Hudson A crew of pirates and other Italian ladies. This prodaction took place May 20 and 21. The same Incomprehensible foolishness was afterwards taken to New York and produced at the Standard theatre (June 4) under tbe title of BIflns and Mermaids. It was also played at Music hall under Mr. George B Oliver's management as a sort of Count Joannes up- roar. Poor Brown lost ail his money and was a laughing stock for weeks. For Mr. Albaugh's annual benefit, Jane 2, the third act of Ingomar was played with Miss Belgardeas Part benia and William Harris as Inuomar; Mr. Frank Lawlor recited Shamus O'Brien ; Catherine and Petrnchio was played by Mr. and Mrs. Albaugh In the title roles; Joe E'nmet< appeared in songs and dances and the third act of the Laiy of Lyons was given, when, with Mr. Albaugh as Claude, Miss Carrie Turner made her debut as Pauline. CARRIE TURNER Although a native of St. Charles, Iowa, (born July 9, 1862) is regarded as an Albanian in this city, as she lived here from childhood, went to school here, began as a reader (Janu- ary 2, 1879) appeared as Heb^ In Prof. Lloyd's Pinafore (April 29 and 30, 1879,) and on this occasion made her first appearance as an actress. May 13, 1880, she appeared in Tweddle hall in Led Astray, and September 22, In London Assurance; December 31, of the same year, she took the place of Florence White as Henrietta with Kate Claxton'a "Two Orphans" combination. December 8, 1881, she had the honor of supporting Bossl, the great Italian actor, in Edmund Kean, at Philadelphia. Her career since then is quite well known. She has been here twice in Nancy & Co. In 1883 she married Mr. His, a non- professional and retired temporarily from the stage, but returned to win fresh honors, with more to come. For two night each, Daly's Arabian Night company, with AdaReban,and John Drew in the cast; Harrlgab & Hart In the Mulligan Guard Surprise; Daly's Royal Middy with Catherine Lewis and May Fielding ; one night of Haverly's minstrels and one nigbt of Sals- bury's Troubadors for Mr. DuBois's benefit, closed this not very eventful season. Manaser Albaugh's ElKbtli Season. (1880—1881.) Manager Albangh's eighth and last season at the Leiand Op^ra house can be parsed over %uite rapidly. The conditions were much the same as those of the previous year. Mr. Fred A. DuBols managed the house, Mr. Albaugh being most of tbe time in Washington and Baltimore. The opening night Introduced a star new to Albany, Annie Plxley as M'llss, the Child of tbe Sierras. She was here a week and made an excellent impression, which she repeated on two subseauent visiis, Dectmbtr 1 3, 1881, and Ooiober 16-17, 1885, on the laiter occasion playing besides M'llss, Zara and Eily. Like Lotta she was born in New York, and early In life went to California to become a pet of the mining communities. Then she went to Ausi^ralia and there mar- ried Robert Fulford, an actor, who soon be- came her business manager. Her play of M'llss, a dramatization of Bret Harte's "Luck of Roaring Cam.?" did her excellent ser- vice for ten years. She is still a popular sou- brette. Agnes Leonard, an English actress, ap- peared in Woman's Faith, or Life in Oregon in '55; (its first production), and for State fair week, A Flock of Geese, occupied the Leiand, of which it is only remembered with surprise that so shrewd a manager as Mr. HIckey should have had anything to do with so puerile a performance. Sol Smith Russell came this time with a play called Edgewood Folks, in which he introduced his well known and much liked specialties. September 27 29 George Edgar, of whom mention has been made, appeared as Lear and Othello, supported by Emma Waller, (who played the Fool, being specially engaged for thai^ cbaracter), by Constance Hamblin, who played Goneril and Emelia, and by Margaret Mather, who played Cordelia and Desdemona. Mrs. Waller, a native of London, first studied for Italian opera, but began to act in 1848, and the following year married Daniel W. Waller, a New Yorker, and came with him to America In 1851. They havn also played in Australia and England. Atone time she managed a theatre, if we are not mistaken, in Troy. lago has been one of her favorite characters. Mr. Waller died in January 1832. Constance Hamblin, who has frequently been mentioned in this record, is the daugbter of Thomas S. Hamblin, the old Bowery actor, and has been on the stage since 1851, when she was billed as four years old. MARGARET MATHER. Miss Mather is a living specimen of what can be done in the way of manufacturing an act- ress, by an astute manager. The opinion is well grounded that she was at this time about as untaught a girl as ever attempted to mouth words she did not understand ; but she was 48 teachable, she had the personal characteris- tics that fitted her for the stage, of beauty, presence and voice. JVIr. J, M. Hill believed that he could make another Mary Anderson out of her,and spared neither eS ort nor expense to brinK it about. The history of this attempt has been pretty fully revealed in the courts and what vras lacking there, can be gathered from the newspapers in Buffalo and other cities where the process of transformation was carried on. The fact that she had bad any stage experience whatever, was carefully kept inthe back-ground and slie was represented as a dramatic "bud" of wonderful promise. Mr. Hill testifled that In June, 1S81, he was first introduced to Miss Mather and after hearing her recite, the next morning signed a contract with her for six years, agree- ing to pay her a salary of fifty dollars a week, He paid her debt for board and sent her to live in a literary atmosphere, which was supposed to emanate from the family circle of John Habberton, author of "Helen's Babies," and where she was to be put through a course of Eazlett, Schlegel and Mrs. Jamieson. In due time, certain newspaper men were allowed as a special favor, the opportunity of hearing her read, and their very favorable notices were sent broadcast. Such "gushing" was rarely ever witnessed before. In Buifalo (where, by the way, a good deal of theatrical printing is done), the outburst was so enthusiastic as to be amusing. The Courier declared that "her dramatic genius is something marvelous, and her electrical forces absolutely phenomenal and unapproachable since the days of Rachel." In the "wierdly terrible potion scene" she was said to appear "like an incarnate delirium tossed by a whirlwind," etc., etc. Even so level headed an acror as Harry Eytinge de- clared that she was a David GarricK in petti- coats. Miss Mather's debut under the Hill manage- ment was made as Juliet at McVicker's thea- tre in Chicago August 38, 1882, and the con- summate puffing had its eCCect. The receipts each night were not less thau $1,000; but she did not wear. It was shown by Mr. Hill that evenin Buffalo where the "incarnatedelirium" criticism sent the receipts up in 1883-4 to $1,928 per week, the following season they were less than one-quarter that. sum. In 1885 Mr. Hill took his star to New York for the first time, and at the Union Square theatre pro- duced Romeo and Juliet In the fall and for seventeen consecutive weeks, at a cost of $22,532, on wbicb considerable money was lost, but on the strength of his metropolitan season business picked up in other cities. Finally Miss Mather grew discontented and married, or vice versa; she broke with Mr. Hill and is playing with less success than formerly. She was born in Tilbury, Canada, October 21, 1860. Her real name is said to have been Fln- layson. It is said that in Detroit, where she lived in early childhood, she was sent out to sell papers on the street. Her husband is Mr. Haberkorn, formerly leader of Mr. Hill's or- chestra. Her engagements as a star in Al- bany have been asfoilews-: February 1-3, 1883, Leland, Jaliet, Rosalind JuUa", Leah. January 28-30. 1884. Juliet, JuUa. Leah. May 14^1a. 1886, Leah, Jaliet and The Honey- moon May 13 14. 1887. Leah, Juliet, Rosalind. April 35-27, 1889, Juliet, Leah, Pauline, Lady Macbeth. A Mountain Mystery, a play by Mrs. Ettle Henderson, founded on life among the moon- shiners of Georgia (its first production) ; Ada Cavendish, supported by George Boniface, lUr. and Mrs. E. A. Eberle, in The Soul of an Ac- tress, by A. C. Gunter, founded upon the life of Josephine Clarion ; Hermann the magician ; Corinne under the management of C. D. Hess, in The Magic Slipper: and James A. Heme in Hearts of Oak, were the attractions for October. COEINNE has had a remarkably successful career. She Is the child of Jennie Kimball who was mar- ried to D. Doane about 1870 and to Thomas Flaherty, somewhat later. Corinne, her mother has staled, was born in Boston, Mass, December 25, 1873. Her first appearance in public was October 22, 1877, at a National baby show in Boston ; her next was as singer and reader at a concert in the Gaiety theatre, Boston, March 23, 1879, and May 12 of that year she began playing Little Buttercup at the Boston museum. The Clipper Annual, while giving these dates as coming from the mother, says: "It may be mentioned that in 1870, when Jennie Kimball was performing at the Theatre Comique, in New York, there was a little Corinne Kimball singing songs in the olio there. She was rep- resented as six years old." Whatever may be her exact age she was certainly a most pieco- cions singer and actress. She was speedily made the star of a juvenile opera company, first by J. D. Murphy and then bj C. D. Hess. For a time she was all the rage. In Wash- ington President Garfield, Gen. W. T. Sher- man and other distinguished men encouraged her; and the Marquis of Lome gave her a gold brick. Her first engagement was at fifty dollars a week ; her next, signed Aug. 23, 1879, for thirty-six weeks was for $150 a week. In 1881 the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children foolishly interfered with her in New York, but gave her and her mother a rousing advertisement. She Is no longer Little Corinne, and candor compels the statement that much of her charm, both of voice and manner, has gone. Mr. H. B. Jacobs is now largely interested in her man- agement, which means a protracted tour among the cheap theatres, a career that is anything but an artistic benefit. Corinue's first aopearance in this city was at) Tweddle hall November 8 lUjs 1880, and at the same place, November 23-26, 1881, Feb- ruary 9 11, 1882, and November 30, same year. After the engagement of which we write she was again at the Leland May 2, 1881; Septem- ber 27, 1883. More recently she has beenlaC the Museufn. In November Ben Maginley's Deacon Crankett was produced with Joseph Whee- lock, Harry Eytinge, and Helen Sedgewlck; Nat Goodwin's Hobbies; Jarrett's Cinder- ella; the Comley-Bartou company in Lawn Tennis, with John Howson, Digby V. Bell and wife, James Barton and Marie Jansen ; W. C. Mitchell's Our Goblins, with Anna Theresa Berger, William Gill, Emma Car- son, Francis Wilson ; the Howards in Uncle Tom. Harry Eytinge is a thoroughly reliable stock actor, who has supported the brightest stars in the profession; be made his debut In this city as long ago as 1838. Jobn Howson came to us from far off Tas- mania where he was born in 1844. He died suddenly in Troy, December 16, 1887, of heart disease. He was a member of Lotta's com- pany at the time. Marie Jansen is a native of Boston where she was known as Hattie Jobnson. It was in Lawn Tennis that she made her debut. For a while she was with the Wyndham Comedy company in London, but she has found great- est success in comic opera. Her song "Olie! Mamma !'' was one of the great hits of the time. EmmaCarson is an English girl who came to this country in her sixteenth year, and from teaching music and singing in a church choir, went upon tbe stage, where at the Cassino and in McCaull's company she has become a favorite. She was at one time the wife of Paul Arthur. Francis Wilson, is another of tbe Casino comedians. He was born in Philadelphia, of Quaker parentage, joined a minstrel troupe in 1878, played uill- Ity parts at the Chestnut Street theatre, trav- elled with the Goblins, finally bought the piece, lost $5,000 in trying to be a manager and then went into comic opera. In December the attractions were Minnie Palmer's Boarding School; M.B. Curtis in Samuel of Posen ; The Hyer sisters in Out of Bondage; Nick Robert's Humpty Dumpty; Emmet in Fritz in Ireland; Kate Claxtoa la The Snow Flower and Froa-Fron. 49 M. B. Carbis made his reputation solely^on bis representation of a latter day Hebrew— as a drummer. His real name is said to be Skeleniier, and be is himselt of the race he represents. He was born in Detroit about 1854, and began bis career as call-boy at Mc- Vlcker'.s in Uhicaeto. His wife is AlblLa de Mer, a French Canadian, who is also upon the stage. The new year, 1881, opened with the Soldene opera company in Genevieve de Brabant, La Grand Oucbesse and La Fille de Madame Ad- got; followed by the ICnights in Ot.to, Maggie Mitchell in Jane Eyre, Lorle, Fanchon, Bare- foot and Pearl oC Savoy ; Baker and Farron In The Emigrants ; Abbey's Uumpty Dumpty ; Hoey & Hardy's ('hild of tbe State, by Den- nery. Jan. 24-6, The Hunchback was played for tbe benefit of the Child's hospital, cast as follows : Master Walter J. W. Albangh Sir Thomas Ulillord Edward Bowdltch Lord Tinsel Guy fi. Baker Modna R.S.Oliver Fathom..: Thomas Bulkiey Wilford Marlon Kandolph Heartwell E. P. Treadwell Gaylove C. N. Greig Thomas S. J. Leake, Jr. Simpson E. M. Wheelwright Holdwell W.Kldd Jalia Miss Jeffreys Lewis Helen Mrs. K. S. Oliver These were all amateurs except Mr. Albaugh and Jeffreys Lewis. Mary Jeffreys Lewis was born m Wales, in 1855. and made her Ameri- can debut September 11, 1873, at the Lyceum theatre in New York. At one time she til- led quite a large space in the dramatic field ; but married and retired. Sbe has since re- turned to the stage, on which she has ap- peared principally in Callt'ornia. She. now calls Harry Mainball her husband, an Albany boy who went upjn tbe stage at the old Capitol theatre while Walter Keeble was manager, then joined Buffalo Bill's troupe, and nt late has become a very respectable actor. His first wife Laura Yirgil, has we believe been divorced from him. Jeffreys Lewis is sister to Catherine Lewis, the opera singer. In February the attractions were Mary An- derson in Ingomar, Evadoe, The Hunchback, Love, Fazio. Lady of Lyons and Ion, support- ed by Milnes Levick, Robert L, Downing and Atkins Lawrence; Willie Edoain in Dreams, with Rachel Sanger and Jacques Kruger; the Kiraltys' Black Crook, with Pauline Markman as Stalacta, Robert Downing is now starring. He was born In Washington October 28, 1857. He has played with Fechter, Booth, Charlotte Cush- man, Boucicault and Joseph Jefferson. He is now seeking to fill the shoes of John McGal- lough. Jacques Kruger, a very funny come- diau, is the son of John Kruger, who was at one time a musical and dramatic critic in New Orleins. Jacques was for some years on the variety stage. PAULINE MABKHAM has played an Interesting part in the world's comedy. This was her first appearance on the stage in over a year. As is well known, she came over from England with the first Lydia Thompson tronpe-in 1868. She was then, ac- cording to her own story twenty years old. Her original name was Pauline Margaret Hall and she was born In the very heart of London, so says "The Lite of Pauline Mark- ham written by herself" and published in 1871. It has been said however.that it was writ- ten by Richard Grant White whose description of her voice as ."vocal velvet" and of her up- Ser extremities as "the lost armsoC the Venus f Milo" bids fair to outlive her as well as ad- mirer. Sbe Is quite bright enough to have written the "lite" herself. In It she tells of many offers of marriage, none of which she accepted ; but the man she finally made happy, Mr. Martin Van -Buren McMahon, did not long remain so, for in 1880 she obtained a di- vorce from him, and has we believe married again. She is now a moderately sncccesful actress of emotional parts in the cheap circuit theatres. In March the attractions were Olivette, with Wallace Macreery, Charles H. Drew, Blanche Chapman, Amy Gordon; Daly's Needles and Pins; Samuel Plercy, Annie Graham and Lewis Morrison in The Legion of Honor; The Banker's Daughter with F. C. Bangs, the Walcotts, Harold Forsberg and Sig. MajeronI ; Fun on tbe Bristol; Rice's company in Evangeline and Calino; March 25, and matinee March 36, Sarah Bernhardt under the management of Henry E. Abbey, In Frou- Frou and Camille. BERNHARDT. This was the only appearance of the only Sa- rah In Albany. Probably no living actress has been talked and written more about. Wher- ever she goes there is a sensation. The news- papers delight in giving her notoriety and she delights In having them do so. Above all stands out the fact that sbe is a great actress. One may say more — that with Rlstori in her deca- dence, Bernhardt is I he greatest living actress. Her history can be briefly recorded. She is a Jewess; her motherof Dutch birth, her father a Frenchman. She was born October 22, 1844, Her real name is Rosine Bernard. When hard- ly fifteen years old her mother ran away from home to Paris and two months later gave birth to the first of twelve children. Sarah was at first placed in a convent, but when she decided to be an actress instead of a nun, she was sent to the conservatoire, whore she was admitted in 1858. She made her debut in August 1862, at the Theatre Francais, but for some years not much notice of her was taken there or at tbe Odeon. She believed in her- self, however, and In 1872 all Paris was talk- lug of her. It has talked of her ever since. As every one knows, she is very thin, and much fun has been made of it. It has been said that once sbe escaped from robbers by hiding be- hind her riding whip; that Damas looking at her picture painted by a great artist, with a noble hound reclining at her feet, remarked " I see— a dog and a bone." Instead of seeking to conceal this characteristic, she strives by her dressing to exaggerate it. She is a sculptor and [a painter. She has taken trips in a balloon. She has slept in a coffin. During tbe Franco- Prussian war she attended personally to the sick and wounded. She was the idol of Victor Hugo, who pronounced her perfect in some of t he creations he gave to tbe stage. As Dona Sol In Uernani, and as the queen in Ruy Bias she sbone resplendent. Sardou has written some of bis greatest play^ for 'her; and no other one had been able to portray his char- actersas she has done. Fedora, Theodora and La Tosca are cases in point. Sbe has been twice to America, making her debut at Booth's theatre, November 8. 1880, her visit lasting then till April 30, 1881 ; apnearing again March 14. 1887, at tbe Star theatre. In April the attractious were Mahn's comic opera company headed by Jeannie Winston in Boccaccio ; Rice's Surprise party in Horrors, Revels and Hiawatha with Topsey Venn, John Gourlay, George W. Howard, Rose Wilson, Dixey, Marion Singer, etc., etc.; Madison Square theatre company in Hazel Kirke; Corinne in the Magic Slipper and Pinafore. There were also two benefits, a farewell testimonial to Mr. Albaugh. April 21, when Julius Ceesar was presented with Barrett as Cassius, Louis James as Brutus, Albaugh as Anthony, Marie Wainwright as Portia. Mr. Barrett also played Shylock, David Garrick, Ricfaelleu and Yorrick that week. Finally, May 25,the season and the man- agement both closed, with a benefit to DuBois at which Hermann appeared and Damon and Pythias was played, with Fred B. Warde as . Damon, Mr. Albaugh as Pythias, and Mrs. Albaugh as Calanthe, their last appearance in Albany.