Kansas City daily journal., 1897-01-25
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.

Those who have read the "Chimmie Fad
dem stories will be particularly interested
in their stage illustration at the Grand
this week, where the dramatiZed version
is being presented by an excellent COM
pany, with Mr.. Charles Hopper in the title
character. In the dramatization theauthor,
Mr.. Edward w. Townsend, had the assist
ance of Mr.. Gus Thomas, author of ALA
bama," and other successful plays. Mr.
Thomas hand is clearly seen in the last
two acts of the play, especially in the ro-
mantic touches, such as the love scenes
between Fanny and Burton, and in the
wooing of Paul, otherwise Small Bottles
The play is so different from the other eX-
ploitationS of Bowery types that il should
not be allowed to suffer from any prejudice
that may have arisen in the minds of some
against the poor limitations of Harrigan
that have been sent on the road. There
are some Bowery types to amuSe those
who like the tough, slangy. sporty atmos-
phere. with Its attending humor, but there
is u very pretty story, full of romance in
volving several dignified types appropriate
ly played. In its first essentials the play
is distinctively local, yet there is no rea-
son why II should not retain popularity out
OF New YORK city.
Mr.. Hoppers characterization is one that
appeals to the galleries and the orchestra
chairs as we'll 1t is a discriminating char
acter study. just farcical enough to popu-
lar1Ze IL with the masses a very excellent
piece of light comedy is the Paul of Mr..
George Nash. and Mr.. John Flood plays
Burton well. Preconceptions of Van Court
land CHS WhiskersO are well met by
Mr.. Sydney Price. Miss Berenice Wheeler
a gifted Kansas City actress, who has
hitherto distinguished herself in emotional
roles does well in light comedy, and gives
an engaging personal charm to Fanny.
The great comedy hit of the performance
is made by Miss Marie Bates in the brief
sketch. Mrs. Murphy. Other important
members of the cast are Miss Beth Frank
lin, the Duchess and Miss Fanny Den
Tn-kln MrE-
Rices 'Evangeline' has been revived on
an elaborate scale. and never appeared in
prettter dress than yesterday afternoon
and last night at the Ninth Street theater
This most profitable of all American bur
lesfues has been the standard for so many
years that its revival is interesting to those
who know 1t only by traditions and by the
history that comes down with the many
members OF the original cast VINO have dis
unEuished themselves in various lines since
they were seen in this merry extravaganza
ana 1t VIII prove scarcely less interesting
TO those who will go out TO renew acquaint-
ance with the characters and scenes. There
is only one familiar figure on the stage
but with a figure! But there is something
tescue's Catherine. 1t is inimtably funny,
anil Ereathes with the true spirit of bur-
IesGue. Joseph w, Harris is the Lone
Fisherman. and the best compliment 10 him
is to say that he plays the unique charac-
| ter as well as Maffit did. Miss Mamie
| Forbes was the Evangeline yesterday aft
erncon, Miss Irene Verona who was billed
! for the part, not having arrived in time to
| appear in the cast Miss Forbes looks and
| acts the part most interestingly. although
| she is not strong vocally. Miss Mae Baker
| Is the Gabriel. Mr.. Dan Mason the Captain
Dietrich and Mr.. Charles Seagrave the La
| Blanc Sherman Wade makes particular
| hit as the policeman. The costuming of
| the burlesque is especially attractive, being
| both rich and artistic.
The advance sale for the Yvette Guilbert
| event at the Auditorium tonight promises
| q ORC at hn np1 oh anti
| will arrive IN Kansas City at 10 o'clock this
| morning from st. Louis.
| Miss Emily Bancker, the charming COM
| edienne who will be seen at the Auditorium
| tomorrow evening, Is said to be especially
| well suited in her new comedy, "A Divorce
| Cure