Omaha daily bee., 1899-03-14
...AMUSEMENTS...


\ house crowded to the limits Of crowding
possibilities and a cyclone of enthusiasm
greeted De Wolf Hopper and his merry COM
pany Monday night at the BOYD theater.
The Charlatan" was the name of the pro-
duction.
The book by Charles Klein is original in
many places, the theme not being thread
bare The music is of that infectious nature
which creates an epidemic OF enthusiasm in
stantly. Sousa seems to have a reverend e.
ing supply of melodies laid away. and the
absolutely different settings which he gives
TO so many of his musical thoughts make his
work wonderful mystery almost akin to
the magic cabinet which is utilized by Demi-
doff in working out his dark problem of
necromancy.
Demidoff is the name assumed bv De
Wolf Hopper during the few hours of very
funny entertainment which The Charlatan"
company presents. He is creature of
many good qualities, and no bad ones He
Is full OF wise saws and modern in
stances" not the worst saw in the tool box
being that addressed to the poor, stupid and
disguised Jelikoff, when he is told that. COM
pared to him. "the five foolish virgins we're
wise old women"
Mr.. Hopper possesses fine voice of wide
range and one wishes that he could be
heard in something legitimate in the way of
solo which would show its worth for in
the constant whirlwind OF comedy that al
ways ensues upon his entry there is a
tendency to lose sight Of his unusual gift
vocally. When he told the audience las,
night to look out for his top note he reall,
gave good advice. and the audience heard
it and applauded. The song of many verses
which he sang made quite hit and doubt
less many will take advantage of his invita-
tion to return tonight and hear the rest. If
they do not they ought to, for if a good
story is worth telling twice, good comic
opera well presented is worthy of a second
hearing, many OF the finer points being
missed at first.
Edmund Stanley as Prince Boris displayed
a good vocal organ OF very pleasant quality
and carried his part well, receiving a good
share of appreciation. Jelikoff was treated
by Alfred Klein with an excellent dash of
low comedy, and the manner in which he
handled his voice afforded much amusement
The Grand Duke looked the part with all
the traditional ferocity and sang with good
effect
The fair sex was represented by four
beautiful women. conspicuous, of course. be-
ing Miss Bergen. She has fine stage pres
ence. but her work would be more enjoyable
| If she did not take life so very very ser-
ousy. Her singing is, in some respects.
above the average comic opera prima donna
and in others faulty tone production mars
the part. noticeably in her highest tones.
Alice Judson was highly acceptable and
decidedly chic, and Adine Bouvier appeared
we'll as the Grand Duchess. Katherine
Carlisle as Sophia did her small part with
ease.
The minor roles were adequately filled.
The chorus was good in all the work al
lotted and the action OF the ensemble was
highly commendable Elaborate costumes,
many OF which were apparently "ery costly
and scenery of much beauty, set off the pro-
duction admirably.
The vociferous applause of the house. and
the prolonged calls for Casey" brought Mr.
Hopper to the footlights for a speech, which
was very complimentary to the au0Ler ce,
and to Omaha But Casey" was struck out.
The usual Monday night society crowd at
tended the Orpheum last night and thor
oughly enjoyed the bill At the Thursday
night performance and also at the special
St. Patrick's day matinee the Misses Dora
and Mable Swearingen and Lille Kauble,
the three Omaha society girls who achieved
such success at an Orpheum matinee last
week, will repeat their artistic hornppe and
skirt dances.
The interest already created by the dis
play of Papintas pictures and the announce
ment that she will be a stellar attraction
at the Orpheum next week make her com
ing performance looked forward TO with de-
liehtfu anticipation.