The herald., 1898-05-10
At THE THEATER
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES


Ensign" last night gave the largest amount
of satisfaction to a well-filled house, and
the instant recognition given to the lines
which made reference to "the flag" and
Uncle Sam" and quantity Of other patri-
cite illusions showed the keen interest
with which the piece was followed. The
speeches were, in fact. interrupted in nu-
merous unaccusttxned places wherever
there was the slightest chance to make the
dialogue written for the period Of the civil
war fit the existing conflict with foreign
power.
Curiously enough, the first two acts of
1.-THE Ensign" take place in the harbor Of
Havana. When the curtain went up on the
second act. showing the Cuban flag, the
Stars and Stripes and the British flag
grouped together, there was the strongest
applause of the evening.
1.-THE Ensign is a good, patriotic naval
play-the house bill describes it as a navel
drama" but let that pass; the program
man was evidently thinking of Southern
California oranges. 1t Is capitally staged.
every detail of the somewhat complicated
scenery being arranged as well as when
the piece was put on here BEFORE The
play is fortunate In one respect, which is
that it does not demand a high order of
talent on the part Of any one person for its
successful production. The interest is d..
vided almost impartially among number
Of people. and they all did well last night.
George Osbourne made everything possible
out Of the rough sailor, Coxswain Jack
Dudley, and little Bessie Buskirk was
thoroughly captivating as the baby who
docs 1t all' in securing the presidents
pardon for the unJustly convicted hero
Mr.. Osbourne, as the old jack tar, gave ono
of the most finished, sympathetic and we'll
colored pictures Of character that he has
yet presented here. 1t was gem in its
way. w. H. Pascoe, in the title role, deep
ened the good impression he had already
made, showing the possession Of genuine
dramatic ability. self-possession, ease and
smoothness Of delivery and a power Of
ready adaptation but too seldom found.
Marie Howe was picturesque as the moth
er, and Essie Tittell was effusive as the
tlancee of the hero. Gertrude Tidball, in sun.
dry pretty costumes. attracted much atten
ton on account Of her neat, quiet work, al
though she has but a small part to play.
Frank Tanning, in his double role of Pres
ident Lincoln and Of Capt Wilkes, sus-
tained both characters well. Nicholson
was a good Lieut.. Allen, giving his lines
with point and showing all the required
earnestness.
William Hawley, the new member Of tho
company, created very favorable impress
sion as Midshipman Watson, while Bacon's
Boatswain was very clever character bit
The only makeup that was really out Of
proportion was that of Gideon Wells, which
was too profuse in front and entirely too
scant behind.
The curtain calls at the end Of each act
were numerous, and, judging from the re-
ception given to this well-known piece as
whole, there is little doubt of its success
during the week.
ORPHEUM.-A crowded house witnessed
the exceptionally bright and enjoyable bill
here last evening. The first sketch was
given by Fish and Quigg. very tall man
and very short man. They gave the usual
| rough-and-tumble act and received mild
applause Robetta and Doretta followed
| end proved themselves to be very clever
| impersonators, as well as agile gymnasts.
Their act opened with scene in a Chinese
laundry and showed the men disguised as
Cinnamon, taking their midday siesta and
smoking their pipes in their hunks. Later
they had dark change and the outside of
the wash house was shown. The house was
all In pieces, and one Of the men, in the
guise of policeman. tried to catch the
Chinaman, who, with great agility, would
disappear through door, to reappear from
some unexpected part Of the house. The
chase caused great deal Of merriment and
finally ended up by the policeman's cap
turing the sly Mongolian.
Another new turn that made decided hit