Evening journal., 1904-12-28
Theatrical Notes


Risk of His Life" with Harry Leigh
ton, will play an engagement at the
Lyceum Theatre December 29, 30 and
81. The Swan Amusement Company
has surrounded Mr.. Leighton with an
especially selected company Of recog-
nized players n of ability and have
mounted the piece with complete seem
cry. There are many thrilling and in
teresting episodes; spiritualism is cum
ningly utilized and the naturalization
of Napoleon Bonaparte lis a convulsing-
ly amusing scene. In all the drama is
a powerful and psychological one.
William L. Roberts new play, ION
the Bridge at Midnight" written for
George Klint and Alma Heesn, is full
Of hease interest. and abOunds with
bits of unusually good comedy. While
bordering on the melodramatic at times
the play IS free from the conventional
devl. el of she ordinary meiodrama.
Scenlcally il g the greatest production
Of It's kind ever put on. one scene
from wli.h the play takes its name
/ represents a lack knife bridge in OPP
Grafton, the huge halves CT the bridge
rising to permit the naysa sc OF a
steamer. 1t VIII appear at the Lyceum
January 2, 8 and l.
A large audience witnessed the presenta-
tiOn of "a Chinese honeymoon" at the
Opera House last evening Fred S. Heck.
of this city, who has been on the stage
I for several years appeared in the role Of
Emperor and was in excellent voice.
His friends gave him warm wlcome.
Miss Lillian Reeds portrayal of Eff"
was amusing and praiseworthy. The COM
pany is large and well trained.
That rafting gay and altogether
young person, THE Girl From Kays.
is boldly announced at the Grand Op-
era House for next Tuesday evening,
January 3, for an ascent in the public
favor. The right royal welcome has
been accorded her en- tour has in no
way abated. She is all that she was
at the start. and more too. She embod-
les all that is conducive to enjoyment.
and is an excellent remedy for despond-
ency. In fact, It would seem that one
could not spend an evening with THE
Girl From Kay's'' and leave the the
atre with any kind OF a feeling akin
to the blues.
II a wholesome, honest, cleanly play
that alternates Dathos and laughter
with Gatling gun rapidity is what the
atregoers want. they will go and see
Denman Thompson and George w. Ry-
er's greatest of adj character dramas,
"Our New Minister" when it comes
again to the Grand Opera House next
Monday afternoon and night, and judg-
] An q faa aI L. f- trff "a
evident they are going. "Our New Min
lister" was praised in these same col
umns last season when il made its
initial appearance here no other rural
play, not even The Old Homestead, -
appeals more thoroughly to the masses
than this idyi OF New England life, or
more thoroughly satisfies them, and it
bids fair to be as popular ten years
from now as it is at the present time
It teaches its lesson in the most effect
i've way, and is constantly fascinating
and entertaining.
1.-THE Volunteer Organlst" comes to
the Grand Opera House on Saturday
afternoon and might. A play without
a deep-dyed villain, murder, an old
will, or a prosecuted heroine, would, TO
some people. until they witness "The
Volunteer Organist," almost seem like
no play at all. Its story is laid mid
the hills of Vermont, and its many
characters are as true to life as 1t is
possible to make them. The liquo1
question enters largely into the plot OF
the piece, and the rescue from the
clutches Of that curse is one of the
principal points Of the story. It is the
unique method adopted by the young
minister to ac ;onphsh this that serves
as big enterprise. Notwithstanding
that II is a most rational way to 60
. about it, as thinking people will admit
r lTheatregoers have not had a play Offer
ed them since "The Old Homestead
that has caught the public fancy SC
thoroughly as has this one.
THE Pit" the dramatization oi
Frank Norris famous novel. in which
Wilton Lackaye win appear ait the
Grand Opera House ON January z. is
said to be the biggest play of the yeal
just as the book was the sensation o1
, the year in literary circles in 1903. "Th.
Pit" is a tale Of Chicago. 1t is the mas.
terful story of a deal" and is told ir
n way intensely dramatic without seem.
ing of unreality. This phase of tn,
r wheat-its distribution-entails a Low,
! romance. the quality of which Is
unique and delicious. Jadwin and wifi
r viii never be Forgotten characters
= Just as virile and strong as was tn,
= book is the play made from it by Chan
[ ming Pollock for William A. Brady
I Wilton Lackaye is the star of a greai
D organization that numbers over three
p hundred people.
| AL. G. Barnes trained animals
4 which are appearing at the Garricl
= aheatre' this week, will give a specia
q performance tomorrow afternoon, es
{ pecially for the young folks. MI
z Barnes VIII make his animal famil,
e .go through every act in their repor
Y Itoire. The list Of animals inclu6e
g lions, monkeys. ponies and dogs an,
= their performance is interesting Il
/ young and o'd alike.