Birmingham age-herald., 1895-04-08
The Play s tho Thing

The attraction at O'Brien's tonight is ssThe South Before the War;" It is de- scribed as a musical comedy, and from what has been heard of it it is sure to please. The following IS from an ex- change:
 The darkey as he existed before the south became the scene oi carnage, with all it's eccentricities, festivities and follies, is said to be most accurately represented in Whallen and Martel's new production, .rhe South Before the War; which will open at Kernan's Lyc.um theater tomor- row night for one week only. Tnere will be in addition to the reg ular perform nces, including matinee Tuetd d y, rhorsday and Saturday, special matinee on Friday and midnight show on Friday and $ Sturdhy. Charles Howard and Sheffer and Blakely are the only white artists iu the comp pany, the others being colored artists of ackuowl- edged versatility, including corps of handsome girls. Ths character portrayals are sai 1 to be highly artistic, while the dancing and singing are equal to that which 80 often enlivened plantations in antt-belum days. Care has been taken to make every scene ompleie. HUuder Southern Sky,'' the opening scene, which pictures the return oi an escaped slave, abounds in interesting ghmpses of darkey life, including festivities oi every description, from the buck aud wing danc- ing down 10 e carkey melodies of 'dsm good ole days.' 1 the camp meeting scepce another realistic picture IS pre- scented, introducing all the incidents and characters that make such gatherings in- teresting. grand cake walk, which IS open to all corners, and Tn which several noted cake walkers participate, con:ludes the entertainment. Juoilee singers and all the characters of plantation days appear. There are ever seventy people in the cast.
 MARINE BAND CONCERT.
 The sale of seats for the concert of the famous United States Marine baud tomor- row night at O'Brien's opera house, opens at the box flee of the theater tomorrow reason 10 believe that the music-loving people of Birmingham will appreciate the opportunity that IS offered them. The con cert will take place at S:30 o'clock.
 Not only will the mnsic-loving people of Birmingham have at popular prices the great Marine band, but they will also hear Fancuilli, the great leader; Miss Roma, the charming prlma don na, and a number of other great solo artists.
 Great jealousy exist, among other organ jzations against the Marine band, and pro- tests are numerous and frequent against this band playing these tours, but the sec- retary of the navy and the president havs consented to limited tour of the south, and all will have chancs to hear the band Of the nation.
 This Is the ini;iil southern trip of this national musical institu tion, and as 1t has been in existence for 100 years, and is now making it's first trip, the patriotic and music.loving people should hasten to r.. spond 10 the compliment, and give the band hearty welcome. It was o0Iy upon the personal application of the secretary of the treasury, the secretary of the navy and the secretary of the interior that the presi- dent fnally agreed to eiIo the ban1 o make tour. To granting this permission, the chief executive stated that only the southern states should bsvisited. The Ma. rine band is under the leadership of Pro- lessor Fancuilli, who has made a standard | to which no other musical organization | may dare to aspire. He is cultivated mu sician, and under his direction the band | has become known to the entire country as | the pet of the White House and the Dand of the nation.
 The programme will consist of popular airs, with fair insprinkling of gems from the master brains of great composers.
 Miss Carrie Roma, prima donua accom- panist with the band, possesses voice of unusual range and quality.
 The band is also assisted by MT. Lewis Gebicke, trombone; MT. Henry Jager, flute, and Mr. Frank Thompson. cornet.