ERNST, ADOLF

(1846-1927)

   Manager, actor. Ernst was one of the most successful and prosperous theater managers in the Wilhelmine period. He began his career as an actor playing the "refined clown" in such comedies as Paul Lindau 's Ein Erfolg (A Success), Gustav von Moser's Der Veilchenfresser (The Violet Eater), and Julius Rosen's O diese Männer! (Ah, These Men!). In 1879 Ernst rented the Louisenstädtisches Theater in Berlin, and in 1888 he bought the place, renaming it after himself. He continued to offer popular comedies there, though he also did an extended run of Wilhelm Mannstaedt and Julius Freund's Eine tolle Nacht (One Crazy Night), featuring circus performers in elaborate clownery, dance numbers, gymnastic movement, and singing. Ernst's most significant acting "discovery" was Guido Thielscher, whom Ernst cast in the title role of the German-language premiere of Brandon Thomas's Charley's Aunt. It proved to be so popular that Kaiser Wilhelm II ordered a performance of it at his private theater in Potsdam.