The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1895-07-27
THE THEATRES


several days ago. They were east in the
Church giving some incidental atten.
ton to the bookings for the Griffith
Church company. 1t was still some
what early when the gentlemen left
New York, but most satisfactory prog
ress in the way OF securing attractions
for the Lansing is reported. Some OF
the managers are disposed to be cautious
in arranging tours for the coming
season, the experiences OF the season
Of '94 80 having been more or less
costly lesson. On the Rialto in New
York western crop conditions are
as that felt by the Wall street speculat-
ors and bankers. The managers like to
come ives: well enough, but the compan-
les are compelled to make big jumps and
are at heavy expense generally; so that
there must be considerable patronage in
the towns visited to make the income
approximate to the outgo. However, the
agricultural season is now sufficiently far
advanced to allow of some certainty in
figuring on next years business, and the
conditions are generally so favorable as
to hold out the promise of fairly bright
Il
the crop failures and general depression
in the section west of Chicago. in the
last two years, rendered it impossible
for many companies that had formerly
played in this territory at a profit, to
make expenses. Some companies
played at a loss; and the many
cancellations left the theatres dark more
than half the time. 1t is hoped that
fhAr no 81 ha
season Of three years ago, when nearly
all the good companies took the road
and made the Pacific coast, stopping in
Lincoln, with very few exceptions. Both
Lincoln theatres will have their formal
opening early in September.
Mr.. Churchs date book, which | was
permitted to look over, is remarkably
well filled for this time of the year.
A complete announcement OF the
seasons attractions will not be made
for some weeks yet; but an idea of what
the future holds in store may be formed
from the small number OF bookings l
have singled out. There was much
disappointment in the latter part of the
season now agone that "Trilby" did not
make the projected western tour, neces-
itating a cancellation of the date at the
Lansing. This time ''Trilby' will surely
come, and Mr.. Church is assured that
the company will be strong one. A
good perform, ance of the dramitiZatien
OF Du MauricE's book will draw as
we'll in Lincoln, root better than any
attraction that conld be secured.
Since Frank Daniels was last seen in
Lincoln he has shelved Little Puck"
for comic opera, and in the princess
Bonnie" by Willard Spenser. the author
Of 1.-THE Little Tycoon" he made ore Of
conspicuous successes OF last least
season. The Princess Bonnie" will
come to the Lansing. Eddie Foy will
come again and present Robinson
Crusoe." When Joe Jefferson was last
in Lincoln, several years ago he
announced that he would never come
this far west again. He has renounced
this determination and will make one
more farewell tour, probably appearing
in Lincoln in rip Van Wrinkle or in
the double bill Cricket on the Hearth"
and LEND Me Five Shillings." 1t will be
remembered that Mr.. jefferson was not
pleased at the reception accorded him
at Omahe on his last western trip,
remarking that he would not under any
circumstances play in that city again.
l wonder if he will give Omaha the
go-by this time. The chances are that
he will forget and forgive.
Unjust be four years now since that
vociferous tragedian, Tom Keene.
visited Lincoln and left in high dudgeon
because, according to Mr.. Church. of
certain remarks in criticism in daily
newspaper, the particulars Of which
have been discussed before and which
will not repeat-for personal reasons.
hope Mr.. Church will convey to Mr..
Keene, in advance. the assurance Of
The CoURIER's most particular and dis
tinguished consideration. Surely, every