The age-herald., 1897-09-03
DRAMATlCS.

It was Elks night at O'Brien's and the full membership of Birmingham Lodge, No. 79, was present for the occasion. Be- sides the Elks and their lady friends there was very large audience pres ent and for their delectation the Wood ward-Warren company put on tha de- cidedly amusing farce comedy, '"Too Much Smith," The play abounds in funny situations. brought about by the absence of the batter half from home and too oft repeated might off by the mas culine half of the household. Guy Wood ward and Miss Bessie Warren repre- sented the halves which sometimes make whole, but more often whole and half. With possibly one exception the cast was decidedly clever. and the even- ing's amusement was a success The people wsre amused and attested their appreciation by much applause and many outbursts of laughter.
 The stage presented beautiful picture, representing the interior of a w=ll fur nished home. Across the stage was draped the Elks' colors and an immense flag, the same taken to the national con- ventiOn of Elks by Birmingham Lodge. In the center of the stage at the footlights was an immense pair of antlers and at the rear of the stage on a raised plat form was a beautiful white elk with a nobl= pair of antlers. On the drop cur tain was an immense banner with the words, "Welcome, Elks." The decCra- tions were decidedly appropriate to the occasion. MT. Woodward and his lead ing man, MT. Atkinson wor= badges of Birmingham Lodg=, as did all the Elks present last night The employees of the opera house were in full dress, as on the opening night.
 Beween the third and fourth acts J. w, Smith, a Birmingham tenor render ed two beautiful ballads in a manner which won for him ell-deserved ap- plause.
 When the curtain was rung up for the last act and almost immediately after the appearance of MT. Woodward in his role, Hon. Charles G. Brown, Jef- ferson countys solicitor and a leading member of the IGllSs, stepped upon the stage, and with a graceful gesture interrupted the popular young actor In words we'll fitted for the occasion, MT. Brown told Mir. Woodward how much the people Of Birmingham admired him and his artistic ability. He also spoke of the brotherly love felt for him by his brother Elks of Birmingham lodge His words were loud and distinct.
 MT. Woodward, taken by surprise, could do nothing but stand and listen.
 After speaking words of praise for MT. Woodward, MT. Brown, on behalf of Birmingham lodge No. 79, Brother hood Protective Order of Elks, presented him with a magnificent gold watch charm with the insignia of the order and apprc- priate words inscribed thereon. The pre- sentation and address were interspersed and interrupted by loud applause.
 With an effort MT. Woodward found words to express his thanks for the honor and kindly remembrance
 The orchestra then struck up that old familiar "Auld Lang Syne." and the Elks rose en masse and sang the song which figures largely in the proceedings of their social sessions. It was indeed a delight ful affair
 Miss Ruth de Lucie. member of the Woodward Warren company, whose stage name is Ruth Sheppard is by right of possession a Birmingham girl She is a neice of Frank H. Gafford, and wil be pleasantly remembered as a welcome vstor last year. She Is a typical south ein girl, a native of the Lone Star state, and highly educated, a. charming con- versationalist, and tho this is her first season before the footlights has shown a woiaderful adapta bility for the stage. Miss de Lacie is piquant, and has pleas ing stage address Miss, deLac cie having chosen the stage has expressed deter minaton to make success, >iand isr many friends here wish for happy cul- mination of her ambition. She was much admired as victorene in'"The Man From Paris presented Wedre .day night at O'Brien's. E. D. Mccall, tfIs stfva nc- man of the Humanity company, is in the city mak- ing arrangements for the sppsaranos of his company here Sept. 10.