The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-05-31
OPENING OF FAST
 LAKE SUSPICIOUS Excellent Theatrical Perform
 ance on the First Night RESORT VERY ATTRACTIVE 
Presented Pretty Picture Last Night, Though All Improvements Have Not Been completed-carpen.
 ters Hard at Work.

mer theatrical season at East Lake was opened last night under the most favor able auspices. The park was aglow with myriad of electric lights and a crowd much larger than expected for a rainy night was in attendance. The new East Lake casino Is not only treat to the eye, but is comfortable and of ample proportions to accommodate the crowds that will go to the popular resort this summer. A transformation has been wrought by the Wells forces that was an agreeable surprise to the people who went out last night. Illumined by hum dreds of incandescent lights. that sparkled through the trees and gllstened on the water of the lake. the park Is verita- ble fairlyland, the center of which is the pavinon, so greatly improved that 1t is hardly recognizable. The pavilion Is in itself one of the most forcible examples of what Jake Wells intends to do for East Lake this summer.
 The attraction at the Casino for this week Is the Dixie Troubadours, a vaude- vile company organized by Otis Harlan. The Troubadours have been to Birming- ham before and played a successful en- gagement at the Bijou where they be- came very popular An entirely new pro- gramme was put on last night that de- lighted all who attended The opening number was a comic skit entitled "A Trip to Paris" arranged by Max Hoff- man. The piece is a melange of vaude- vile, comedy and music. It was well re- ceived. During this skit specialties were given by Lillian LeRoy, the Yankee Comedy Four, Gertrude Hoffman and Etta Pierce. the Otto Brothers, and the Eight English Girls.
 Second Part.
 The second part of the programme con- sisted of another comic sketch which was entitled At Weinerwurst Inn," and was arranged by Otis Harlan. The dances were staged by Gertrude Hoffman and the music under the direction of Harry Rapport. This skit gave ample oppor- tunities for musical interpellations that were very pleasing. The comedy element was also well sustained, but the strong feature of the entire evenings perform ance was the music. The songs were tuneful, the dances well executed and the whole very well staged. considering the fact that 1t was opening night. Some of the musical gems introduced in the sec ond part were Queen of the Bungalo," Dixie Land Daisy" and "Kolo Solo," a Japanese fantasy by John Gilroy. A number of very clever dances were also introduced, permitting the Eight Eng lish Girls and Misses Hoffman and Pierce to distinguish themselves. The radium dance proved to be distinct novelty that will no doubt please the crowds this week.
 As whole the entertainment furnished last night was superior to that given by the Troubadours when they were here a short time ago and is perhaps the most elaborate that has ever been given at the lake. There are number of clever peo- pie in the troupe who are creditable per- formers.
 East Lake Is Beautiful. The new East Lake presented q beau- tiful picture last night although none of the amusement's features were in oper- ation. Experts are now hard at work on the roller coaster. the toboggan slide, the merry-go-round and the laughing gallery and 1t Is probable that all will be finish ed within weeks time.
 Joseph A. Essig. foreman of construc- ton for the Wells circuit is now on the grounds and is rushing the work as fast as possible When all the amusement enterprises are in operation. with their gittering lights and handsome trappings, the appearance of East Lake park will be greatly improved The large pavilion is equipped with tables and a large foun- tain from which soft drinks are dis pensed. In short time 1t is proposed to start restaurant in connection with the refreshments so that the patrons of the resort can enjoy little suppers after the performance at the Casino Is fn- ished.
 The new theatre is very handsome in appearance and Is equipped to accommo- date first class productions. Manager Neal states that he will have an opera and 1t is probable that Little Chip and Mary Marble will come back for a sum mer's engagement.
 The new East Lake has made a hit with the public and predictions are that the resort will be liberally patronized this summer.
 
 Assaults His Wife.