Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-18
At THE PLAY HOUSES
Francis Wilson In a Double Bm At

the Boyd.
Francis Wilson and company in Cousin
Billy" a farcical comedy in three acts, by
Eugene Iablche1: and ''The little Father
OF the Wilderness" a comedy in one act
by Austin Strong and Lloyd Osborne. The
COUSIN BILLY"
Mr.. William jerks. ......... Francis Wilson
Mrs. Meade, a widow. his cousin BY
K,,t9 as MsaSe her daughter. Edith Barker
Howard Post, a broker. George 3. spencer
Paul Norton, lawyer........W william Le s,s
burnside. a private guide. ..... Sidney Rice
Burrows. United States marshal
.......................... Cnarles y. OIetHe
Frauiein. a waitress at the Roseg
Glacier cafe .................. Angela he 9
Cook at jerks ......'..''''''''' hosa S1 rrltt
Mr.. Henry Williamson Suits; ....:..;;;;;;::.; ~,
"A IITTIE iFiH,Tl'iiiiEiR OF THE WILDER
- IL LII NESS !"
Pere Narlotte .,.......... Francis Wilson
Frere Gregoire. George . spencer
Captain Chevillon .............. SXnleS 49, -
Mile. Henrtette ....'..''''''; ,,TiiS eyveTs
Louis XIV ...............g... Wllnd.h T,N.-.s
Chevaler De .Frontenac. FREDERICK Bed me
Duke De St Albret. ...JOhn =. lEeih"i"e
In "The Little Father Of the Wilderness
Francis Wilson has a play that tells
story most wildly Pere Marlotte is
French missionary, one of that noble bano
of jealous workers in the cause OF man
kind who carried the name of Christ INTO
the wilderness ahead of the soldiers, ana
whose footsteps were found In the track
less forests of the lake region by the ex-
plorers who came later to exploit the coun-
try for commercial purposes. He endured
the torture of the savages, and then pap
tzed them. The story has been told again
and again Of this devotion to the cross
Having returned to France, Pere Mar
lotte. bent and broken and gray, tottering
from age and suffering still from the ef-
feet of the torture he endured, is sud-
denly summoned from his village home to
the presence of Louis of France. with
companion, Frere Gregolre, he goes, and
arriving at Versailles, the twain amuse
themselves in rehearsing their reception by
the king. Surely he has heard of the
heroic work Of the missionary, and has
called him there TO reward him. Frere
| Gregoire decides that Pere Marlotte shall
be a bishop, nothing less. although the
| old man protests. Thus they await, and
| the king comes not. A court favorite en-
tiers, and on finding why the two are
there, she brings the king and his train of
huttering women. Louis can not recall
why he sent for Pere Marlotte, but after
much snuff-taking and elevating of the
royal eyebrows, he remembers that it was
to decide bet made by a courtier. 1t
seems that Louis had asserted that Nj
agara falls were four miles high, and the
courtier said hardly. And there, before
that gay throng the hopes Of the old priest
and his faithful friar are dashed to the
ground and the old man makes answer
that his majesty is wrong Dismissed with
the kings impatient displeasure, the priest
ana companion turn to leave the presence
when the favorite, noting that the little
father is about to faint, supports him tC
seat and gets him a glass of wine. From
tenac is announced. and the great explorer
enters with his motley train of soldiers
couriers du bois and Indians. Louis de
livers a famboyant address of welcome tC
them, and then they recognize the little
father of the wilderness. To him they
kneel, while Frontenac tells the king Of
the priests service. Louis uncovers, apol
ogizes, and bids all kneel in the presenc'
of the archbishop of Tours The comedy
has given way to melodrama, but the ac
ton is most gracious, and the effect IL
decidedly appropriate.
Mr. Wilson shows u genuine capacity fol-
both humor and pathos in the role of th'
little priest. He sustains the characte
excellently WELL and with his clever hand
ling of the lights and shades draws a pic
ture that is impressive, both in its breadtl
and in it's detail. 1t fully merits all tn,
good things that have been said along tn
line of his tour, for 1t is a finely finished
piece of histrionic work. The effort Nigh
not be possible through a four-act play
for IL is too intense, but 1t is certainl,
pleasing for the one act.
cousin Billy" is not worth the pains pu
on It, It is Clyde Fitch at his poorest, ant
that's saying a good deal, for Clyde Fitcl
has been guilty of a lot of things 1t
it is not broad enough at any point to be
come uproarious For the most part
almost bores the audience. At no tim
does the star have a real opportunity. l
designed to wean Mr.. Wilson from buffoon
cry set to music 1t may do, but IL for an.
serious purpose it is a failure. SIN, 9TH
Little Father of the wilderness repay
! one for sitting through the three imam
acts of Cousin Billy
In Mr. Wilson's supporting company
May Robson, who has not been seen 4
Omaha in a long time now, but who is tn
same sprightly. energetic, capable actres
and clever comedienne. Her contribute
, to the evening is a most thoroughly an
preciated bit. The rest of the cast is gooc
Boyds theater was filled last night
welcome Mr.. Wilson in his new departur,
but II would be stretching the truth
say the people waxed enthusiastic owe
Cousin Billy" THE Little Father of III
Wilderness" received merited recognition
/ 10 IL 1.