Omaha daily bee., 1899-12-09

There was more of the air OF house of
worship about Boyd's theater Friday night
than that of a place of amusement Not
only was this felt on account of the char
8cter OF the play presented but by the fact
that the audience was made up more largely
OF church goers than the usual habitues OF
the theater Not that the regular theater-
goers were not present in large numbers,
for they were there in force, but their more
religious brethren outnumbcred them. Not
a seat in the theater was vacant and even
standing room was at a premium.
But the play about which so much has
been heard and whose coming local theater-
goers have anXiously awaited more than
year. Doubtless few have not read the
novel, "The Christian" but all will find the
play better not only in purpose but in con-
struCtion as well. The main theme of the
book, which really relates to John storm
vocation for the religious life, is properly
put aside impossible of discussion on the
stage. He announces in the prologue his
intention to take monastiC vows, but when
the action begins he has already given that
up for active mission work, and as Anglican
priests do marry his love for the girl who Is
wandering in perilous paths involves no
such lapse from his spiritual ideas as made
the tragedy Of the novel. The character of
rated, is quite firmly and consistently pre-
sented and while the constant survival OF
the early love is always indicated the purity
and unselfshness of his devotion are never to
be doubted. His unfailing moral courage
digntes the character of John Storm, while
the contrasted character of the girl appeals
to emotional sympathy and the story OF
their entangled lives, told in series Of
logically coherent and effectively Contrasted
scenes, makes play that is not only inter-
esting but moving and more convincing
than there was reason to anticipate from the
material out of which it was constructed.
OF the two lives. that of the girl is the
| easier in it's bright contrasts and contradic-
tions, and it seems at first as though her
| adventures among music hall lords and
loafers were to be, the dominant theme. 1t
is the story Of the bird that has enjoyed its
liberty but at last comes wearily home.
Miss Elsler. who has not been seen in this
city for some time, plays the part admir-
ably. The warm blooded, impulsiveness and
the honest waywardness of Glory Quayle are
rightly felt and expressed with peculiar
skill. Her manner is not at first convincing,
but 1t gains in sincerity with the deeper
emotions of the play and she rightly de-
serves much credit for the capable portrayal
of the character.
j. Nj. ColNllle also ueSerNes SledI IIeuir
for the earnest feeling and quiet intellectual
force with which he plays the far less OBJ
vious role Of the priest, who is really the
subject and center of the drama, and COM
mands for him respect and sympathy in
situations that would easily pass into melo-
dramic impossibility.
Edward Emerys Lord Robert IRE is
clever portrayal of a cool and calculating
villain of the aristocratic type. The atten-
ton he pays the details of the character
makes the portrayal admirable.
The production is in every way praise
worthy, the scenery being elaborate and the
costumes we'll in keeping. The engagement
| closes with two performances today.