Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-11-02
The Programme.

The Programme.
THE novelty of the initial presentation be-
fore Pittsburg audience tomorrow evening
at the Bijou Theater of the marine spectacle,
''The Bottom of the Sea, ;" is the unconventional
theme and scenes that are not familiar to regu-
lar theatergoers. The piece is an adaptation
by William A. Brady, and the exigencies of the
plot demand that considerable portion of the
action shall occur on and in Neptune's realm.
Originally produced at the Porte st. Martin,
Paris, some 20 years ago. the spectacle has in
many different forms been presented in almost
every country under the sun. For years many
attempts were made by theatrical managers to
produce the spectacle in this country, but it has
never been accomplished, owing, perhaps, to
the great expense attached to such scenic en-
terprise. However. Messrs. Webster and
Brady, who now have the spectacle in charge,
produced the piece in New York. and were well
rewarded for the risk taken. 1t has Since been
presented at the Globe Theater, Boston, and in
Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Providence, etc..
and from reports that have reached
mere 1T from , these cities tiles the criticisms are
spectacle q master work of stagecraft and in
genuity 1t is on its merits as scenic produc-
ton to which the success of THE Bottom Of
the Sea" Is mainly due. The scenes are said to
be artistic and mechanical triumphs in their
way, and are presented with elaboration of
detail that is surprisingly perfect. The first act
BLOWS Lue luCeGlOT OF an ocean steamer on her
way from West India to France, her boilers ex-
plode and there is a realistic shIpwreck scene,
showing the struggling passengers in the
water and the gradual descent of the Inflated
vessel. AT this moment a full rigged yacht
comes in sight, tossing on the waves, and the
act closes with the most realistic rescue ever
conceived After some episodes. which happen
in France, the third act of the piece opens on
ing the deck of the craft which is laying the
West India submarine cable. This scene will
doubtless prove interesting from q scientific
standpoint. as very few people have ever seen
such an expedition. The fourth act contains
the submarine scenes, of which there are ten
tableaux or transformations, showing the
descent Of four submarine divers
clad in their peculiar outfit and
helmets with their flashing electric headlights.
During the descent one of the divers is at
tackled by huge octopus or devil fish, and a
realistic conflict takes place. However, the
diver escapes the horrible tentacles of the mon-
ster ard descends to the bottom of the ocean to
join his companions who are repairing break
in the cable. Here they come upon the wreck
of the ill-fated steamer sunk in the first act.
and the hero of the piece, seeing the villains
robbing the dead of their treasures, interferes
and a terrific conflict takes place. The most
interesting feature of this act is the panto-
about of all strange kinds of fish. The effect
is indescribably thrilling and has made a sensa-
tion everywhere seen. The last act is an ex-
animation by the Admiral of the French navy
tom of the sea, but who is proven to be inno-
cent The real murderer is found and he
makes terrific leap from a high
Cliff into the sea to escape the law.
The plot one that can be best understood by
witnessing the play itself. However, theater-
goers will hail with gratitude a new piece re-
moved from the conventional melodrama.
The action is quick and stirring and there are
more sensationalisms in the representation
than any scenic spectacle now travelling and
while the story is weirdly imaginative, yet it is
said not to outrage the bounds OF possibility.
The company, which is an exceedingly large
one, embracing many well.known players, the
principle of which are Eugene O'Rourke, an
Irish comedian who has found great favor
wherever seen in this representation; Messrs.
George W: Barnum, Frank Harrington, Adolph
Jackson, I. H. Fitzpatrick, Lillian Lee, Bella
Douglas and many others.
THE latest and one of the best ideas in the
amusement line is the course of entertainments
to be given in Old City Hall, and known as
1.-THE Pittsburg Star Course" With the price
of tickets placed at 81 for the entire series it
cannot but prove popular. The attractions in
this course are every one of a high order of
merit. "Ben-Hur, 1.-THE beautiful Oriental story
OF the time of Christ, told in the most fasci-
mating manner, and illustrated with l2O mag
nificent views by Mr.. l. o. Armstrong. of Mon.
treal will open the course November IA. Divide
Musin, the famous violinist, and his grand con-
cert company, the second Of the SERIES comes
November "a. Hannibal A. Williams while
comparatively a stranger to Pittsburg, has
gained an enviable reputation in his recital of
Shakespeare's plays from memory 1mperso-
mating each ofIthe characters, he will appear
in Julius Caesar" December IL. Mr.. William.
has received favorable notices from the press,
The fourth in this list, Loudin's Originai
Fiske Jubilee Singers, need no Introduction to
the people of Pittsburg, as they have a world
wide reputation. The Redpath Concert Com
pany, which closes the list, comes with the best
Recommendations, and is fully noticed in the
In md uhara air i1ar
course was given, the opening sale of seats was
attended by regular blockade by people flock
ing to secure tickets. Seats for the p. s. O.
will be on sale at Mellor & Hoene's Fifth
avenue music store November to IA inclu
siye A full announcement of this series OF
entertainments with dates and particulars in
detail, is given in our advertising.
THE GREAT METROPOLIS" the melodrama
which comes to the Grand Opera house this
week, is said to be wonderfully strong in spec
tacular way. The play is in good hands, bu,
after all the main interest centers in the great
scene of the piece which realistically produces
the work actually performed by the United
states life-savers in rescuing from shipwreck.
The system is that which was adopted by the
Government some time ago, and which is in
successful operation all along the ocean fronts,
1t is an intensely interesting work. and as will
be seen by brief description it makes a
dramatic situation of remarkable novelty. The
signals OF distress from an imperilled vessel are
observed by the life-saver, who is patroling the
| beach, and he in turn notifies his comrades All
once a rush is made for the beach cart which
| contains the now famous Lisle gun, and out
| upon the beach speed these courageous men
| A proiectile &c which hawser is attached IL
asserted in the little cannon, and with card
bearing the words make this FAST attached tC
| the line, the gun is fired and away speeds the
life line to the rescue of the unfortunates upor
the distressed ship. The line having been made
fast upon the vessel there is sent to IL what IL
| called the "breeches buoy" Into this device
| the passengers and crew come one by one like
the wind, and are brought in safety to the
beach.
HYDE's STAR SPECIALITY COMPANY will
| be the attraction at Harry Williams Academy
| this week. The company comes direct from
HYDE & Behman's Theater In Brooklyn ant
contains many first-class variety stars, among
| whom are Yank Hoe. the Japanese slight O.
hand artist and his fair Caucasian assistant
| Omene: Helene Mora, female baritone: St
Felix Sisters, skirt dancers; La Petite Freddy
whom Pittsburg has admired SO much for his
| precocious talent; Belle Clifton, skipping rop,
| dancer; Sam Dearin, eccentric musician, ant
others of note.
| FRANK HARvEY's famous domestic drama
"Woman Against Woman will be given a
| Harris Theater this week, and ought to draw
the usual large audiences at this popular plac
of amusement Among the features and effect
| absolutely new to the stage will be introduced
! the great kitchen scene, in which an entir
| meal is cooked, served and eaten during tn
| progress of the play. The company is said t.
| be a good one. Election returns will be reat
| from the stage on Tuesday night. They will
| be received by special wire, and telegraph
| operator in view of the audience.
| Other Amusements.
MANAGER DAVIS made special engage
ment, while in New York last week, with tn
famous Royal hungarian Gypsy Band frou
Buda Pesth, where they played for three year
for the royal family. They are now ten il