Omaha daily bee., 1898-11-13

with the fall Of the curtain at the Creigh-
ton last evening the Omaha public saw the
laet OF the Woodward Stock company at
least until next spring, when 1t Is con-
templated to bring 1t back to the Boyd to
fill In the usually dark season Of the sum
mer months. The company, which has
proven SO popular here, was favored with
unusually large audiences during the week,
presenting THE Ironmaster" until Thurs
day and then Men and Women" There
was every evidence OF generous appreciation
OF the company's efforts and the members
cannot but feel that they go to st. Paul
with the best wishes Of thousands of Omaha
people whom they have entertained during
their long stay here. Mr.. John Scott, whose
smiling face has been seen at the box office
window for so long, will be there no more,
as he goes to st. Paul with the company.
In parting with both company and manage
ment Tho Bee cannot refrain from a word
OF commentator and expressing the hope
that in st. Paul they may meet with the
same generous appreciation which has been
accorded them here
Mr.. Carl Smith. who will be remembered
as the leading man Of the company before
the coming Of Mr.. Montague, has been en-
gagged in the same capacity for the new
w OOUWdTu CUIupduy a. sNihuSopoiio'
The Boyd during the past week has Of
fered a varied line OF amusement, most OF
1t strictly high class. Opening Sunday
night with 'Ole Oleson." the original
swede dialect stage production, Monday and
Tuesday followed with a strong contrast,
offering one OF the best things dramatic
OF the season In Julia Marlowe with her
new play, THE Countess Valeska." Miss
Marlowe seldom, IL ever, disappoints, and
her last visit was no exception. Without
being 30 great a play as some which she
has presented, 1t served to show another
phase Of this most talented woman's capa-
bilitles. Those who admire the dramatic
and have much to be thankful for at the
hands Of Miss Marlowe. and Omaha has
never been slow In testifying its apprecia-
ton.
Thursday evening the Hermanns, whose
reputation as entertainers In the field OF
legerdemain is among the best, appeared,
and with many new things in that line
sustained their previous reputation.
The week closed with the engagement OF
Herbert Kelley and Efie Shannon, in their
new play, The Moth and the Flame -
"hiNb oo Ao mo "hSh IL WIN
pany was here last January. Comparison
with other society dramas which have come
and gone before this latest production OF
Clyde Fitch is idle for the reason that its
originality places 1t in a class by itself.
The first act Is certainly. both In concep.
ton and treatment, one Of the best things
which has been given to the stage In re-
cent years. One might almost wish that
instead Of making it At onto the second.
which was originally written for a one-act
production, that the author had pursued the
inspiration Of the first act and written an
entirely new play, for the second while
forceful and intensely dramatic is decidedly
broad in places and improbable in others
The concluding act is fully as original as it,
predecessors. 1t is also disappointing in g
meausre that SO manly a man as Herbert
Kelley should essay q part SO repellant as
Edward Fletcher, though 1t is net wanting
in fascination.
With all its faults, 1t must be admitted
that THE Moth and the Flame" Is a drama
OF much merit. The character Of Mrs. Lori
mer Is one Of the very best Of recent years
productions and one must go a long way tc
hnd its equal. The presentation Of the play
leaves little to be desired. Measured by the
best standards Of dramatic art. Mr.. Kelce,
and Miss Shannon need not fear as to thu
verdict on their effort.
The Trocadero bill for the last week Wa!
hardly so good as some OF its predecessors
containing only three really good acts, on
carried over from the week before.