Omaha daily bee., 1895-10-13

the plays DTeSenteu. II soiOs ~ oi""sS
good-the plays are of all sorts.
At the Creighton, Ernest Norden's band
of instrumentalists still falls or its best
achievements through over-nOisiness. There
is too much brass, or too much bass drum, or
something. Too much racket, anyway. Mr..
Norden Is too good a musician to allow his
effectiveness to be longer hampered in this
way, and one hopes that a speedy reforma-
ton in this regard may remove the chief
blemish upon the performances at this house.
1t is an interesting fact that speaks well
for the dramatic qualities Of the novel that
the three most distinguished successes of the
theatrical season are plays that have been
taken from books. These pieces. Of course.
are "Trilby," "The Prisoner Of Zenda" and
"a Social Highwayman." This last piece,
adapted by Miss Mary A.. Stone from the
story of that name by Elizabeth Phipps
Train, has just made a splendid success at
the Garrick, New York, and has given both
E. NJ. and Joseph Holland serious characters
to interpret, in which they are seen to the
best possible advantage. "A Social Highway
man" contains all the excitement Of a melo-
drama without any of the claptrap methods
and expedients noticed in that class Of play,
and it has the refined atmosphere that we
might expect in the best class of society
wherein the drama takes place. The char
acter Of Courtice Jaffrey, the gentleman
thief, played with great dignity and force
by Joseph Holland, belongs to the category
of "Jim the m and Captain Swift. 4"
but it has many attributes that are dis
tinctly individual. The role of Jenkins
Handy, the ex-convlct, faithful valet and
friend Of Jaffrey, presents e. M. Holland
In a most sympathetic light; and the finesse
and discretion of these admirable actors
performances cannot be too highly COM
mended. The spiritualistic seance and the
fatal collapse Of masonry in the last act
which kills Courtice Jaffrey make two Of
the most thrilling situations that have been
seen for a long time upon the New York
stage. The success Of "A Social Highway
man" is so great that 1t could easily run. ac-
cordiDg to present indications, throughout
the entire season, II not well into the sum-
mer, but the fact that Nine. Modjeska begins
her engagement at the Garrick October 7
and the engagements made for the Hol-
lands in the other cities make such a run
impossible.
Conroy and Fox, who are remembered from
a few years ago by their clever work with
Rich G. Harris, Howard Athenaeum company,
and who were In the support OF Lottie Col
Inns when she was creating such a furore
throughout the country, are now on their
third starring tour. The new piece in which
they appear In this city is called "O'Flarity's
Vacation" 1t is by Arthur North and Hart
wig Cassell. and was written especially to
suit the peculiar talents Of Conroy and Fox.
III Is Salu TO De unlike HOT IamaleS,' mas
much as 1t is possessed OF a plot where many
complications arise, getting the two Irishmen
into hot water and forcing them to resort to
all sorts of ludicrous schemes In order to
clear themselves. The theme and construc-
ton of the piece are both new. and although
1t is enlivened with many novel specialties,
still they do not interfere in any way with
the story. AS for the company supporting
the comedians, 1t is but necessary to mention
a few OF the names to show that they have
a combination OF unusual strength. 1t en-
braces such people as Miss Susie Martin, for
a long time with Harrigan; Miss Letta Mere
dith, late of the Boston theater Black Crook
company, Hayes and Post. grotesque artists,
formerly of Marian. Hayes & Marian and Ma
rian & Post; Miss Katie Allen, the clever
little singing and dancing soubrette. who was
one of the big hits Of Conroy & Fox's Hot
Tamales" last season; Miss Jean Evelyn. for
several seasons with w. ii. Powers 'Ivy
Leaf" company, and late with Charles Froh-
man; Mr.. ]. W. Kingsley. formerly OF the
robin Hood" opera company, and others
who will assist in keeping the pot Of fun
effervescent. Conroy and Fox open a four
nights engagement at the Creighton, with a
matinee today.
Telegraphic communication was received by
Manager Haynes OF Boyd's theater Friday 10
the effect that David Henderson's big Ameri-