The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-02-18
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Everything Is in excellent condition for
the successful reopening of Cordray's
theater for the spring and summer season
tomorrow evening, with q new play and
new company. Miss Ethel Brandon, who
will play a star engagement. together with
her comprny, arrived in Seattle yesterday
from san Francisco after rough sea yoy-
age, and one and all are in excellent con-
difion TO do justice to themselves and the
many patrons of Cordray's theater. The
opening play. THE Countersgn.' will be
new TO Seattle theater- goers, having been
specially written for Miss Brandon, by
Mcssrs. r. y. Wilcox and Charles W.
King, OF New York. Ii Is comedy
drama, full OF human interest and founded
on incidents connected with the war of
the rebellion. The plot is thrilling in
many of its features, with pretty love
story rs the basis for the action of the
principal characters. The scene of the
play is laid In Sandusky, o., on Johnson's
island. where Confederate prisoners were
confined awaiting exchange during the
war. and the main incidents hinge on an
attempt TO secure the release OF all the
prisoners through the medium of a
Confederate spy who is working on the
feelings Of his sister. a governess in a
family in Sandusky. This young woman
is Laura Nane Marquis. a Southern girl
with all the proclivities Of her people, who
is persuaded by her brother, Gerald Percy
Marquis, confederate spy, 20 assist by
herself becoming spy in a deep-laid plot
90 free .oso rebel prisoners on the island.
The troops guarding the prisoners are In
charge of Lieut.. Harry Strickland. Il. :.
A.. who falls in love with Laura who.
however. does not return his affection.
She deeply sympaihizes with him, how
ever. and there is n constant struggle in
her mind between her desire 10 help the
Southern cause and her repugnance 10 do
So by an act of treachery towards the man
whom she knows loves her and whom she
would have 10 sacrifice. Her sense Of
duty To the South prevails, hoN ever, and
by pretending 70 retnrn Lieut.. S,rick.
lands love she is enabled to dictate the
counteEssgn. which Is the KEY 20 unlock
the prison doors. The plot is overheard
by the heroine OF the play. Lizzie Spooner.
blind girl bat who through her
love for the Confederate spy. MARQUIS
finally agrees 10 say nothing about il.
These various scenes abound in sentiment
and pathoS, and arouse au interest as 10
te the end. The sentiment OF the play is
offset by plenty OF clever comedy work hy
Capt Aaron Wade, a rolhcking cid sea
dos, who has some spicy love scenes with
the wltos ~ Montford D4ck Wade. son
Of the captain. al Anel o-gnsniac dude, and
Alice Strickland. a lively American girl of
the period. also furnish fund OF amuse.
nent - brighten the darker sides OF tie
romantic story. Little Alice. a remark
aeiy clever ehild actress. sill appear in a
eoy's character 81 81 embryo soldier, and
CONES with the reputation Of being one OF
! the brightest chlld actresses on the Coast
Miss hFandon's principal support val 10
Mr.. Arthur Elliott a torclble leading man
H1ih handsome face and splendid
phys3qae, Who comes With au excellent
European ana Eastern as well as Cas-,
reputation. Mr. Elliott has the dis.ine-
thea o. hssas the only American actor no
Supported the ken3als IN fhis country
lie vas two years VITA Dan EroArrsa