The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-12-20
CaRIs rMAs WEEKS PLAYS.
Monte Cristo" and "lhe TWO Johns
the Attractions.

Monte Cristo" and "lhe TWO Johns"
the Attractions.
Yesterday was q bad day for theater-
goers. Florence Bindley's company played
'The Pay Train" to small houses at the
matinee and night performances. The play
was well presented and was worthy Of bet
ter fortune. Miss Btnalsy, as the lively,
spritely elf, full Of mischief and fun, was all
that she had been represented 20 be. Her
catchy song, II Never VIII Try Il Again.
brought down the house and had the merit
Of being new.
At the end Of the second act of the per-
formanos last night Miss Bindley was pre-
sented with handsome floral tribute from
the Savannah Lodge of Elks. Miss BIndley
Is an honorary member Of the B. P. o. e.
1.-THE Two Johns" will be the Christ
mas night attraction. The present in
tsrpreters OF the play include John
Hart and Quinn Philips, who jointly tip
the scales at 800 pounds. The play is vrsll
known here for the sfun there is in it. The
simplicity Of plot evolving from mistaken
identity, and the commingling of infectious
humor, catchy music aud taking spscialties
are the principal elements that have served
to populartzs IL. The comic function de-
wolves chiefly upon Peter and Philip Johns,
two big cousins, each of whom is continu-
ally mistaken for the other, and the entan-
clements and ludicrous situations arising
therefrom afford ample scope for display
ing the abilities of score Of clever come
dians.
James O'Neill is announced to give two
performances of Monte Cristo," Wednes-
day and Thursday nights. Mr.. ONeill had
intended producing the New South" for
the frat time on any stage on the final night
OF bis engagement. but at the last moment
changed his mind. Hence the two per-
formauces of Monte Cristo." II there 10
an actor on the American stage who 10
utterly tired of success in one play 10 ia Mr..
O'Neill. He struggled hard end
accomplished little, from a fnan-
DIAL standpoint, before be secured
monte Cristo.n His production OF IA
Celebrated Case and AN American King"
were both OF an unusually brilliant nature,
but the public naver cared for them. From
the moment he first stepped on the stage in
the character Of edmond Dantes" his fort
une was made. His impersonation Of the
part soon made him famous That was nine
years ago at Booths theater, New York:
John Stetson took the piece on the road
and his business WAS terrific. At the end OF
the second season Mr.. Stetson sold the play
to Mr.. UNeill. The first season that actor
starred under his own management the
profits are said to have exceeded $50 600
since then, it is said, they have never gone
below $50, 900 on q season. Mr.. O'Nehl
long ago tired of playing the pars and has
several times tried to free himself. Last
year he spent lot of money in producing
the Dead Heart" at Hooley's theater, Chi
cago. While the play was In measure
successful, Mr.. O'Neill, having become used
to large profits each year, did not relish the
idea Of working for nothing, for the dead
Heart made no money on the road. "The
Enyoyn was tried at the Star theater, New
York, and was failure. However, Mr..
O'Neill believes that he now has a play
which will take the place Of monte Cristo. "
II Is a new Frenoh, romantic drama, by a
prominent journalist. 1t was recsntly tried
and proved so successful that Mr., O'Neill
has determined to get it up, regardless OF
cost for a production 10 the spring.
The action of the play takes place In
France during the reign Of Louis Y. Thief
act is laid In an inn on the coast OF Brittany
the second In the gardens overlooking the