The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-02-06
AT THE THEATER.
Robert Downing and Company in
"NerO, the Gladiator"

Robert Downing and Company in
"NerO, the Gladiator"
Robert Downing is a favorite with the
theatergoers of this city who enjoy the
class Of plays he gives. He has been
coming here for years, and has never
lacked warm reception. The reception
he received last night was no exception
70 the rule. Curtain calls followed each
act, and Mr.. Downing must have felt as
sured that Richard Mansfield is all wrong
when he says the people of this country
do not know a good theatrical thing when
they see It,
OF Mr.. Downing himself nothing in the
way OF criticism need be written. Every
body knows all about him. One would
as soon think of writing a critique of
ADA Ada Grey in East Lynne" as Of Robert
support this season Is, of course his
wife, the beautiful and graceful Eugene
Blair who has done much TO help him
are Misses Maud Ream Slower and Nettie
BAKER, and Messrs. J. Henry Kolker
William Fredericks, Walter Burton and
others. all of whom act well their parts.
Mr.; Downing has the reputation Of stag
ing his play deliberately. In the Glad
iator the scenery and costumes are cor
rect as to date and handsome as to fin
ish Mr.. Downing will play again this
afternoon and tonight.
Next week, Friday evening and satur-
day matinee, the new comic opera Pris-
ella, which has made such decided hit
in the larger cities of the north, will be
presented at the theater Perhaps so
great a Juror has not been made with
new opera in Boston or New York for
long time as has been created with this
dainty bit of American history and the
people of Savannah are assured that a
rare treat awaits all who attend the pro-
auctions here. The opera is in charge
OF st. Johns Rectory Society, of which
Mrs. David Wells is president. and this
Is suflclent guarantee that will be pre-
sented in the best style possible, and that
II Will be in every way worthy of pat
ronage. The chorus is made up of about
nifty of the best voices in the city, and
the cast is adequate. The orchestra will
De augmented for the occasion, and takes
in the best instrumentalists in Savannah
Correct costumes and the makeups will be
a. special feature. Mr. c. z. Macomber
or Boston has been secured to direct and
stage the piece, and the management
Will spare no pains or expense to make
this one of the best musical and dra-
matte events recently given in Savannah.
The next attraction at the theater is the
Punch Robertson Company which will
play an engagement next week
at popular prices. 1t opens Mon
his own company in a series of comedies
and melodramas which have never before
been in the city at 10, 20 and 30 cents, the
prices OF admission. There will be two
matinees during the engagement, Tues
day and Wednesday.
The company has been in nearly every
one OF the leading cities of the south this
season. The Mobile Register says THE
new Princess theater was filled on the &C.
CASTOR OF the first appearance of Punch
robertson. The Midnight Bell. a melo-
drama in four acts, was presented. 1t
was strong card, and the company play
ed 1t right UP. to the top notch, capturing
the audience before the conclusion of the
nrst act. There is enough humor and
pathos in the Midnight Bell to satisfy the
most oDserVant critic, and combined with
this there are a number of specialties.
WHICH are handled by really clever people.
Little Myrtle, a child not more than years
of age, sang and danced herself into favor,
and received most hearty welcome Mr..
Frank Fahey caught the crowd with sew
eral popular ballads, while Miss Queenie
Dale's singing and dancing was up to the
average. The principals are all clever
people. They know their business, and
give thoroughly clean. smooth and up-to-
date performance, which is not surpassed
by high-priced shows that visit Mobile
Ladies will be admitted free on Monday
night when accompanied by escort with
one paid 30-cent ticket which must be
secured at the box Office on or before I
o CLOCK p. M on Feb. TO-