Birmingham age-herald., 1895-01-10
THINGS DRAMATIC.

James J. Corbett, champion prize fighter of the world, made his first appearance in this city last night as an actor, and was greeted by large audience. The play pre- scented by Mr. CorSett and his company was the American comedy drama, "Gentle- man Jack" It is intended by the author of the drama mainly to give an insight into MT. Corbett's every day lifo when he is practicing and training, and also to give the people an opportunity to see some real fistic work. The effort is a success.
 Mir. Corbett, in the third act, gave an exhibition of bag punching, at which ex- ercise he has no peer, being alike cham pion bag puncher and prize fighter. In the last act Mir. Corbett has three-round set ito, and shows his wonderful skill as a boxer. His exhibitions last night were perfect and received by the audience with rapturous applause.
 But as an actor MT. Corbett is equally good, and his rendition of the character Gentleman Jack was good and was favor ably commented upon by the audience. His is a manly form and he is by no means an ugly iuan, to use the expression of one of the gsntler sex after the performance last night. He has good stage appear ance and is an improvement over many who pose as stars on the stage.
 The company is composed of people with whom the champion has long beon asso- ciated, and they assist him no little In making the performance success.
 1.-THE PASSING SHOW"
 s'The Passing Show'' comes to us to- night direct from the New York Casino, with all scenery, costumes aud other acces- sories complete as used in the metropolis, and our theater-goers will have an oppor- tunity in the presentation of the extrava- ganza of witnessing the only entertai nment that had sufficient drawing power to run all summer in New York city.
 ssrhe Passing Show' is a fitting title and is truly indicative of the nature of the performance, which Is review of all the popular dramatic and lyric successes of the past year, and the overwhel ming success of the performance is greatly due to the brilliancy of the libretto and the beauty and melodiousness of the music. The book is the work of Sydney Rosenfeld, 1, author of "The Senatoro and numerous other successful comedies and librettos, and the music is by Herr Ludwig Eng lander, a composer of international reputa- tion. The numerous speciaties inter- spersed throughout the performance have also been a great factor in it's success. The company numbers sixty people and in- cludes a full operatic chorus and com plete ballet.
 review of the grand operas in twenty minutes is one of the novelties which at- tracted the most enthusiastic comment in New York. The salient features of fThe Passing ShoW'~ are pretty women, r1cn and artistic costumes, beautiful scenery, clever specialties and bright comedy. It is certainly novelty in theatricals and has created sensation wherever it has been presented.
 DOWNING AND BLAIR.
 Theater- goers in this city will be pleased to know that the celebrated tragedian, Robert Downing, accompanied by his beautiful and accomplished wife, nee Miss Eugenia Blair, will be at O'Brien's for three engagements, beginning Friday night in that highly entertaining tragedy, "Ingomar," which will be no doubt greatly enjoyed by the immense audience that will greet them on that occasion, These eminent actors are always welcomed to this city because of the great per- forn,ances they offer their patrons, and it is safe to predict for them on this occasion a cordial and hearty welcome,
 MT. Downing has long since established for himself record, and he is always known to carry strong supporting com. pany, which insures for his patrons a first- class performance and an evening of pleas- ure. -------s=-f5-9---
 For Saturday matinee double role is promised, and for Saturday night "The Gladiator' is the bill. @sS