Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1898-08-27
POWERS 1HEATER.

Manager Powers has worked ma gle
change in the appearance of that resort
of fashion devoted to the drama. and
so long and so affectionate1y known as
Hooley's Theater.
For some years II has been q source
of amaze that dingy. gloomy cavern
such as Hooley's was should retain its
place AZ the head Of American thcsitcrs.
Powers new theater bears no rescn.
blance 10 the old house that was SO he
loved by playgoers. 1t opened Monday
night without u visible sign Of the play.
house that was. for everything from
entrance 20 stage door had been reno.
waited and rebuilt, and now the house Is
one Of which its proprietor may well be
proud.
Powers Theater is one of the pref
test. most commodious theatcrs In the
country. The decorating Is character.
lied by the best of taste and the color.
ing Is rich 10 the point Of gorgeousncss.
However. the alterations have been de-.
scribed previously, and each amuse-
ment.secker will satisfy himself as TO
the splendor of the new theater.
The opening Monday night was some.
thing Of n gala occasion; the manager.
Mr.. Powers, was called upon 20 tell
how he had accomplished such trans
| formation In so short u period, and In
a brief speech thanks were returned
to the brave spirits who had ventured
indoors on the hottest night of the sum.
mcr to wish the thcater good luck.
Clyde Fitch's new society drama.
"rhc Moth ana the Flame" acted by
Miss Efiie shannon ana Herbert Kcl.
cey, was the attraction. The surest
| attcstation TO the audiences liking for
| the play and the performance was Its
| Willingness 20 remain IN the theater
despite heat ana humidity seldom
Al the opening Of what Is practically
the new house there was crush OF
elegantly attired humanity. a glitter OF
gems and a simmer Of summer silks
that testified TO an interest which could
bid defiance 10 torrid temperature and
| depressing humidity.
And the highly ornate and charming.
~ tasteful auditorium, comfortable as
to its seating arrangements. convenient
as to Its entrances and exits, glowing
with artistic cOlOrs as to It's decorations
was entirely worthy OF the splendid au
diencc which had assembled for the
double purpose OF dedicating Powers
new theater and Of assisting at the
opening production OF the season, Clyde
Fitch's play. "The Moth ana tn,
Flame" done by the brilliant Kelley
shannon Company.
As for the play? While the eviden,
Intention Of the author was In the III
rection OF society drama he has
verged from musical comedy. thrOngl
tragedy TO mel0drama. But the result
has been and cannot fail to be n sue
cess.
There Is much old material presented
In a new guise, SO far rs scenes nnt
situations are concerned, In 1.-The M0tl
and the Flame" but the dialogue Il
original. bright, witty, sarcastic and a
times a trife over bold.
At the end Of the first act there Ia ,
tremendously effective tragic situation
made intensely real by the superb act
Ing Of Herbert Kelley and Ellie Shan
non. This scene Ii the crucial test, o.
excellence, and IL triumphantly met b!
the two brilliant stars.
As for the second act. Its clever
ness of dialogue, bold contrast Of sacre,
and prOfane things, Its cutting satir'
and Its flashing repartee make one nj
most forget the Earring discord of tn
harsh and almost brutal finale.
As a whole "The Moth and tn,
Flame" IL a tantalizing, interesting
disappointing and yet highly successful
drama. The east was excellent In ev
cry respect, the acting neat, alert. intel
} ligent and crisp, and the stars hav
found a medium which gives ample OF
portunity for the display of talent
which demand and which receive wild