The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-30
neWS of tbe Stage

who have secured the rights to The Sign Of the Cross this season from William Greet. the famous manager of the Lyric Theatre, London, whose com pany and production have made such triumph for The Sign of the Cross" in this country for several seasons, have also purchased all the original scenery and effects from the Lyric Theatre. which have been superb1y repainted by that great artist, Matt Morgan.
 The spectacular qualities of the pro- duction will have the brilliancy of newness. for all the costumes have been made expressly for this season. They are said to be historically correct in reproducing the costumes. armor. togas and draperies of Rome in the days of Nero, and are exact copies of the original costumes of the London pro- duction.
 Messrs Berger and Craerin will give the play strong dramatic treatment. That forceful actor, George Flood. will appear as Marcus Superbus. and many Company will be welcomed in their original characters. Several noted American players will also be in the cast.
 @The Sultan of Sulu."
 It is doubtful if there Is another musical comedy which Is more well come to thaatre-goers than Henry W. Savages Sultan of Sulu," which has been secured for next Wednesday night at the Montgomery Theatre.
 This. one of the musical and dra- matic events of the season. is not new to local theatre patrons. having played 6 six months engagement at Wal lanHrsm fV ofa had longs runs in Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia.
 The words and lyrics are from the faciie pen of George Ade. author of the famous Fables in Slang" and the music is by Alfred e. wathall, Profess sor of Music of the Northwestern Uni- versity. The book is particularly good and leading critics say it Is the best that has been offered on the musical stage since the palmiest days of Gill; bert and Sullivan. It is written in a keen, satirical vein. and the humor is refined and delicate. WathalPa music Is of the light, catchy kind that pleas es the major portion of comic opera lovers. The plot is one that can be discovered without the aid of a tele- scope. and there is just enough TO- nance in 1t to give 1t distinctly pleasing flavor. It deals with tho so. cial and political conditions following the purchase by the United State of the little island of Jolo or Sulu in the Philippines. In a series of witty and whimsical situations. MT. Ado shows what might have happened at this exciting period.
 The foreign setting of the play has afforded the author. the costumer, the scene painter and the composer un- usual opportunities and great comic opera latitude. of which they have ulI taken full advantage. The Sultan of Sulu" occupies a field peculiarly its own. It is cleverly conceived and the music Is tuneful and popular. The costumes are faithful to the locale, the scenes are triumphs of stage real. ism and the chorus is made up ot young and pretty women, who are per- fectly drilled. The song hits are many and are introduced in a natural way and scattered pleasingly through the two acts.
 In the cast are Thomas WhifYen George ODonnell, Walter A. Law renee. Fred Frear. Robert w. Parkin. Willard Curtice. James L. McGeo. Maude Henry John J. Fogarty, John T. O'Day, Maude Williams, Flo Irwin. Nellie V. Nichols, Helen Tonlison. Bernice Hart. Beryl Gomez, Maude Earle. Harriet Kendall. Julia Gloss Hazel Clayton, Cctavia Broske. MIlIIs Murray Mattie Rivenburg and Fine Nasty. The company carries its own orchestra.