Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1901-03-22
"A SOCIAL HIGHWAYMAN."
The Neill Company Gave Satisfaction
Last Evening.

If the Neill company had given two
performances Of "A Social Hishwayman"
in Butte and one of ELLEN Gwynn of
the Kings Playhouse" instead Of revers-
ing this order it would have departed
from here with the satisfactory knowl-
edge that the local public had been fur
nished with food for mental enjoyment
on two occasions and that it's curiosity
had been gratified on a third.
Ellen Gwynn" is play that will yield
the best results if used exclusively for
matinee performances. 1t deals with q
period and is surrounded by an atmo-
sphere appealing with much more force
to women than to men. While it is bill
ed for lengthy period in San Francisco,
the critical nature of Golden Gate audi
ences is so we'll known as to warrant
a conviction that the business acumen
of Neill will soon bring him to a reali-
cation of the fact that he has again
erred. 1t is human nature to wish to see
the performance Of a play which is ad-
vertised as a fad, but unless the play
comes up to expectations the qualification
of curiosity is accomplished very speed
ilv.
In "A Social Highwayman," however,
the various members of the Neill COM
pany have an excellent opportunity to
exhibit their talent. 1t is a drama of
absorbing interest, and when the char
acters and situations are depicted by so
capable company an audience cannot
fail to depart in pleasant mood.
Neill himself, as COurtice Jaffray, was
at his best, and that is saying a good
deal. His soliloquy on the manner in
which his tentative information concern
ing the identity of the society thief was
received by his associates is strong
and clever bit of acting meriting spe-
cial mention. si
Sonora Caprices, the adventures, was
fittingly portrayed by Edythe Chapman.
whose remarkable versatility seems to
fit her for almost any, role in the dra-
matte category. When it is said that
she carried out her part in her usual
style the idea is conveyed that few could
have done better.
Not the least Of the praise for the
meritorious performance should go to
Robert Morris, who appeared in the role
of jenkins Handy, the servant Of Jaf-
fray The instinct to lay hands on ev-
cry article of value within reach which
seems born with a thief, the sense of
gratitude frequently found even in the
most degraded of mankind, and the
blending of emotions incident to the ac-
ton of the play-all these We're shown
so neatly and SO conscientiously by Nor
ris that he was frequently rewarded by
spontaneous applause. The cool and
clever manner in which Sonora Caprices
was checkmated showed that Morris not
only understands clearly what is res
quired by the character he assumes, but
possesses the ability to transmit that
knowledge to others through the medium
of the optic nerve.
Both as Elinor Burnham and as Dora
La Fargo Miss Julia Dean was fittinely
cast to show her ability as an actress
AS Elinor Burnham she held the mirror
closely to nature in revealing the loving
nature of the woman ana the conserva-
tlsm and rigid morality of the Puritan
continually warning with each other. As
Dora La Fargo her pretty face, neat
figure and dainty, coquettish ways PROV
ed an irresistible combination.
The company took the train for Spo-
kane last evening Immediately after the
performance ended.