Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-16
AT O'BRIEN'S.

birmingham theater-goers, those who
choose their amusements with care and
Intelligence, have long since learned that
when Klaw & ErlaHger send one of their
numerous attractions to this city. in
whatever line it may be, they are certain
to get something good in that particular
line; and, moreover, that ii will be all
that is claimed for it. This firm has
achieved this desirable result by simply
keeping faith with the public at all times
and places, and by never advertising or
claiming more than it can perform, al
lowing, of course, for the unseen elements
of accident and Illness. Their name had
become an established trademark with
many people, and even the unthinking
ones who pick their amusements hap
hazard, are beginning to recognize it. It
has been said that Charles Hoyt was the
only manager who could fill house in
any city in the country with new
play, simply by advertising his name IN
connection with lit; but season or two
more of their past steadfast poicy VIII
make Klaw &c Erlanger'ss trademark
stronger than any theatrical managers
in America. When, therefore Canary Dc
Lederers big New York Casino success,
1.-The Lady Slavey," was announced for
presentation in this city under the direc-
ton of this enterprishng firm, the regular
theater-goer was ready to bank on 1t
in advance, even IL he had not seen or
heard of its success in New York, Boston,
Philadelphia and the other cities.
''The Lady Slavey" has been modestly
termed by the managers a. musical offer
ing" although in MANY respects 1T rises
to the dignity of real comic opera, and
good deal better comic opera than much
of that which masquerades under the
more pr5tentious title. The music is en-
tirely new, by Gustave Kerker and the
libretto, which was originally by the
English writer, George Dance, has been
thoroughly overhauled and Americanized,
until scarcely vestige of its former self
can be recognized. The piece ran through
an entire season at Avenue theater, Lon
don but so did several other English
pieces of which we have samples without
great liking for them But the American
ization of both libretto and company
placed THE Lady Slavey" on a different
footing in this country, and it started in
with such a run in New York last winter
as to make it the Casinos biggest sue
cess since the days of 'Erminie.' 1t
finished the season there, and this season
started out in Boston, with the same
result.
'erhe Lady Slavey" will appear at
O'Brien's Tuesday evening next.
BUCKLER STOCK CO.
The Buckler Stock company comes to
O'Brien's for three nights, beginning
Thursday next The Tuscaloosa Gazette
The Buckler Stock Company opened~a
weeks engagement at the Academy on
Monday night to an exceedingly good
house. The play was the way OF the
World" and if the other pieces in their
repertoire are rendered SO well the weeks
business will be most profita ble-which
d. deserves to be.
The play was very stirring and sympa-
thetic though a trifie sombre in tone. 1t
was intensely interesting throughout and
Il ha pIipon fine narticularlV at
the last AS the Rev. George Brand,
George Buckler produced markedly ia
vorable impression. Mr.. Bucker is an
accomplished actor of the legitimate
school and he holds his audiences by his
art and not by claptry contrivances. His
role called for great dignity and repress-
ed force and he was never lacking IN
these essentials. In the cimaXes he dis
played great power and he was superb IN
THE last scene. AT no time did he tear his
passion to tatters and you always knew
there was reserve force to be used at the
proper moment. His work probably did
not impress one so emphatically at the
start, but he grew on you and in the last
thrilling scene he carried the audience
with him entirely. His facial work and
his simula ton of tears in the scene where
he comes to visit Ruth in her poverty
were most admirable
Mr.. Morrison gave an effective rend1-
ton of Stephen Marler and Mr.. Cameron
left nothing to be desired as Squire
Deane Joseph Healy was extremely
clever as Ned Drummond, the cockney
dude, his work being artistic throughout.
He has very pleasing voice.
Miss Eleanore Newton's portrayal of
Ruth Hope was most artistic. Her SYM
pathetic voice, her grace and her charm
ing manner make her a most excellent
emotional actress and she had the au-
dience completely with her Monday
might. Many of her scenes called for
considera BILE power, which she played
admirably Mrs. Agatha Singleton gave
a most effective rendition of Barbara
Dale, and as Mrs. Bloggs she was inimita-
BILE. Miss Fern Dayton made a very
charming Juliana, young woman with
high historic aspiration. Miss Dayton is
very clever as an actress, and an exceed
ingly pretty girl as we'll. Her dance was
L, nrniAn