The Wichita daily eagle., 1897-01-27
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
AT THE FRENCH BALL.

The story of AT the French Ball,
which is at the Crawford Grand tonight
as told by the Memphis Appeal, after
the first presentation Of the play in
Memphis, Tenn.
A large and fashionable audience
greeted Fanny Rice and her company
at the Grand last night where the popu-
lar and versatile comedienne presented
for the first time in this city her latest
success, AT the French Ball" which
proved to be a delightful novelty in the
dramatic line. 1t is simple. touching
story of a woman's discomfort with ner
lot, and the, manner in which she is rec
onciled to it. midst laughter, song and
tears, by witnessing the hidden thorns
meath the roses of others she had be-
lieved so much more fortunate than her
self.
Nancy is the pretty young wife OF
an industrious, frugal, German shoe
maker. Poverty has deprived her of
education and pleasures from cnilGhood
and through the unhealthy Influences
of designing woman acquaintance, she
has become dissatisfied with her num-
BILE little home. and longs for fine clothes
and a chance to go about and see some
thing of what her frivolous friend calls
life. The Woodworking husband is at
his wits end TO undo this bal influence.
when, by a happy inspiration, ne sends
Nancy" to deliver three pairs of shoes
to three of his wealthiest customers.
The. first act takes Nancy TO the home
of the wife of wealthy stock broker.
The second act takes her TO the boudoir
Of naughty and petted pf.ma donna,
and the third act TO a French masque-
rade ball, and in each place, (although
at first fascinated and entranced at the
grandeur of these wealthy people,, Nan
cy soon finds beneath the glitter and gla
NOR OF wealth aching hearts with whom
she would not care to exchange places.
Her earnest sympathy ani anxiety TO
serve her wealthy sisters, together with
her honest simplicity. get her and the
other characters of the play into irnu-
merable screechingly funny complica-
tons and situations. out Of which, how
ever her quick perception and ready wit
invariably eXtricate her as We'll as those
she endeavors to serve. Finally, becom-
ing convinced that this sphere OF life
which she had thought all sunshine and
roses, was a myth, and that tn, posses
sion of wealth and fine clothes do not
always bring happiness. she returns TO
her humble but comfortable home,
contented and much wiser Ettle woman.
The play is wholesome, mirthful and
delightfully."- y;ertertaining. Il is a novel
ty in construction. and each act is brim-
ful Of humor, clean fun and song en-
twined in a story, thoroughly human,
that cannot fail to appeal TO the heart.
The dialogue is alternately witty and
pathetic, giving Fanny Rice and her
excellent company ample scope 10 dis
play their histrionic talents.
Competent critics have pronounced
Nancy" Miss Rice's greatest success.
1t is certain that this popular actress
has never attempted anything so well
adapted for the demonstration OF her
wonderful capacity for fun and dramatic
ability-the two being all but syn0n-
ymous in "At the French Bail" Dur
ing the performance Miss Rice introduc-
ed her singing and dancing pictures and
illustrated songs. which were ra7turous-
II received By the audience and she was
compelled toArespond 70 repeated encores
and curtain calls. The company is an
excellent one. each member proving
themselves TO be worthy az appearing
in support Of an artist % Miss Rice's
rare ability.
ELLEN BEACH YAW.
Although no announcement as % the
Arrangement for seat reservation for
Vow concert have yet been made. there
we're over fifty inquiries at MOsbsCher's
aoout them yesterday and The manage
rr7ert desires 10 state that the reserved
ssat chart vii be open after 9 o'clock
Saturday morning Miss YaW's present
tour has proven as phenonenally sue
csssful a. its predecessors. and the press