Omaha daily bee., 1899-04-09

ten season having passed, us observers VINO
we're clothed in sackcloth and ashes during
the forty days OF pentence were more than
anxious to again avail themselves Of theatre
cal amusement Both theaters enjoyed ex-
cepuonally good patronage and everything
points to a continuation Of this state OF
affairs until the close OF the season, about
June /. The attractions that are booked for
the legitimate theater during April and May
are all OF such merit that they cannot fail
to attract the majority OF theater- goers
The management OF the leading vaudeville
theater promises to present during the bal
ance OF their season bills OF special merit
including many Of the leading stars in this
line. For the legitimate play house sew
cral new bookings of more than ordinary
interest were made last week. They in
cude the Bostonians, now playing on the
Pacific coast, for four performances in May;
Otis Skinner, who will present Rosemary"
and the two big New York successes, "On
and OFF" and The Turtle Notice was
received from Richard Mansheld's agent that
he would be compelled on account of the
actors recent Illness to change his Omaha
date from May TO May % and that he will
positively present "Cyrano" here upon that
date unless Illness prevents, which is not at
all likely, as just now he ia enjoying the
best Of health. So it may readily be seen
that Omaha patrons OF the theater have
much to look forward to during the two
closing months of a season that in local
way has not been any too brilliant.
or course the event of the week. and for
that matter practically the theatrical social
event of the season, was the brief engage
ment of the Ellis Opera company, which pre-
sented Carmen" on Thursday night. The
audience was not "A particularly large one,
but it made up in quality what was lack
ing in quantity. Seldom has such brilliant
gathering of society people been assembled
at Boyds theater as occupied the parquet
parquet circle and boxes on this night and
even the balcony held quite a representa-
tive crowd of society people many pre-
fcrring the front rows on the second floor
for this class of an entertainment rather
than the downstairs seats, and when Con-
ductor Seppilli raised his baton for the
New York symphony orchestra to commence
the overture the theater presented picture
that could only be appreciated by being
seen. Society was clothed in its most bril-
liant raiment and the sparkle OF diamonds,
together with the harmonious blending oil
the daintily- -Colored costumes with the SOIL
and beautiful compilations OF Omahas fair
est maidens, transformed the house into
vcritable fairy palace. 1t seems shame
that these pictures cannot be presented
more frequently at the Omaha play houses
but it is only now and then that society VIII
mt on its best clothes to attend theater
and that is when the attraction Is parllcu-
larlv high-priced. 1t seems that in Omaha
neonIe Mace little Importance in the neces-
sity of correct dress at the theater But
what is there that can add so much to a
performance as brilliant audience cor
rectly dressed?
Roland Reed and Robert Mantell, both OF
whom appeared at the theaters last week.
are always favorites in Omaha, as was
shown by the large patronage extended
them Mr.. Reed has not been seen IN SO
good a play as His Fathers Boy IN some
wears and it is hoped that he will bring
II hack next season for more extended
stay so as to give many theater- goers who
missed seeing it this time chance to laugh
at its infectious humor so capably brought
out by Mr. Reed and his company. AS usual
Isadore Rush, Mr.. Reeds leading lady, capti-
waited both the feminine and masculine por-
tions of the audience. Miss Rush has
part that suits her to a nicely
The character studies presented in HIS
Fathers Boy" are deserving of special men
tion, especially as they were so well por-
trayed by the people in whose hands they
III.
band who was ruled by wife of the new
woman" style was particularly pleasing and
almost as amusing as Mr. Reed himself
L. p Hicks. as Colonel Mackie a jealous
husband, did perhaps the best bit OF char
acter work the piece affords and a more
ideal Kentucky colonel could not find por-
trayal by anyone other than Mr.. Hicks
Miss Lotte Alter was very sweet and quite
winning as Nita, a loving daughter. Mr.
~, ,.s.S l,pg sTftF
us some good farces, but nothing that car
equal the one Mr. Reed is producing.
The esteem in which Doe Haynes, thu
former treasurer of Boyds theater, is hell
in the theatrical world can be best judget
by the following article clipped from tn
Dramatic News Chicago page, edited b!
that capable Chicago Chronicle dramat
critic, Mr.. Hepburn Johns: "Dr Haynes
y who manages the front of the house TO
Francis Wilson, has had a hard time re
fusing invitations to dine and to eat al
sorts OF meals at all sorts of hours wit
his host OF friends in Chicago. He has posi-
lively made the Grand Opera house even
more agreeable place than usual durin
his stay here. Actors and managers hardl
realize / am afraid, how much such a ma
as DR.. Haynes can do for an attraction
1t is quite a pity that Francis Wilson
not booked for an engagement this seaso
In Omaha. Mr.. Wilson is deservedly popu
lar here and not only would local theater
goers be glad of an opportunity to see hi
Little Corporal" but likewise to renew ac
quaintance with his genial manager, Doc
Haynes.
DeWolf Hopper, while in St. Louis a cou
pie of weeks ago was called upon to re
cite Casey at the Bat" OF course, he re
fused to do 1t just he did here in Omaha
hut the ST. Louis gallery occupants wer
too much for him and refused to allow tn
performance to proceed until he compile
with their wishes. He stepped to the from
OF the stage and started to strike ou
Casey" but strange to say when about hal
way through this well-worn poem he forge
his lines and broke down. He stood for
moment staring at the audience with
blank expression upon his face and fnall
said Ladies and gentlemen. after all tn
years in which l have been reciting tina
poem ! must confess that | have forgotte
it." And a deep voice somewhere in tn
balcony suddenly chimed in with an earnes
Thank Cod"
Adeina Patti and Mrs. Langtry must ne