Omaha daily bee., 1889-05-19
PLAYS AND PLAYERS.
Story of Miss RSblns son's New Opera
The lakss Benefi,.

Ine E4ksS benen.
Bella Robinson's new romantic opera,
"The Smuglers ofSehooton." which will be
produced at the Boyd next Friday and Sat
urday evenings, resemh hles Planquette's beau
tiful "Chimes of Normandy" somewhat, both
in construction and scene. The libretto and
music are by Miss Bella Robinson, bright
young composer musician of Council Bluffs,
who is very well knowniu Omaha. The scene
of the opera is laidSin the castle of Senooton,
which is situated oh the coast of England.
The part of the castle iSing next to the sea IS
a ruin and supposed to be haunted. Strange
servants, and young Lord Walter, of Senoo-
ton, finds himself without help, and his castle
full of guests who have come out from Lon
don to spend the Christmas holidays. Lord
Walter is brave and determines to solve the
gh0stly mystery. He sends to London for
soldiers and DISCUSSES them as female ser
wants One night Lady Penelope, sister of
Lord Walter, sees the ghost, and rushing
into the room, relates the legend of the cas-
tle which is to the effect that many years
ago the lovely lady Anne was murdered
while singing her infant to sleep, and her
ghost still haunts the spot, always singing a
lullaby. After much search and investiga-
tion Walter finds that the strange noises
and wierd sights are occasioned by u band of
smugglers, who nightly held revel in the
ruined part of the castle. He also hnds that
his sweetheart, the Lady Eleanor, whom he
supposed had gone to France, was in the
possession OF the smugglers. One night he
takes up position in u commanding part Of
The castle, and is recognized by Eleanor, who
rushes to his protection, but is soon after re-
captured by the smuggler chief. During the
Christmas festivities Lord Walter gives a
mask ball in honor of his London guests.
While the ball is progressing Lady Penelope
entreats her partner to reveal his face Just
Tor moment, which he consented to do. He
is instantly recognized as the sE ug ! r
chief DIV Lord Walter. who has just en., red.
A sword combat ensues; the chief is dis
armed; the soldiers, guests, ETC., rush out
and capture the remainder of the smugEiers
and rescue Lady Eleanor, and all ends well.
The opera will be presented by the best pos
sible talent to procure in the west, most OF
the singers being well known both in Omaha
and Council Bluffs. The character of the
scene is fully up TO the libretto, and the opera
sparkles with beautiful gems from beginning
to end.
"Gentlemen, to business" That is what
Chairman Larkin will say when the curtain
goes up at Boyd's opera house Monday night,
and discloses one of the finest minstrel first
parts ever witnessed on local stage. In
mighty tones the entire company will then
break forth with an opening chorus, selected
especially for the occasion. Then ensues a
succession of attractive features, each one
of which promises to make hit
and add much to the general enjoy.
ment. The programme offers end
songs by Lieutenant Wright, l.. II.
Boer ana Frank Moores; a solo, "Clara
Nolan's Ball." by Judge Shields; duet,
"The Fisherman" Jules I.umbard and Cap
| tain Kinzie, and an extraordinary quartette,
Messrs Brigham, Abbott, Wherry and
Kierster in plantation melodies, besides
| eight new, original and extremely funny
| Jokes. The olo offers horizontal bar exer-
cises by picked performers from the Omaha
| Turn Verein; a prize drill by the Omaha
| Guards, and one Of the neatest turns in song
| and dance business You ever saw, with "Sam
| Johnson's Coloredn Cake Walk" as
/ the theme. The performance will
| conclude with Billy Goodall's
| humorous burlesquee ''Mr. Sampson of South
| Omaha" in which good acting, both by prin'
cipals and chorus. may be expected. The
| chart for reserved seats. will be opened TO-
morrow morning at 1he box office of Boyd's
| opera house Better get there early.
The best show of Lhe, season is promised al
the Eden Musee the coming week. The
| popular drama, "Uhcle TOMS Cabin" viii
| be produced by large and excellent com
pany, and with new. and startling scenic
| effects. In spite o., the.great increase in ut
fractions, the same popular price of one dim'
| will prevail.