Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-31
At the Theaters


pher, Jr," a comedy in four acts by
Madeline Lucette Ryley. Opening per-
ormance OF the season The cast;
Christopher Colt. an East Indian Mer.
chant. LLOYD lng5ansm
Christopher Colt, Jr., their son...'',
William Grew
Nellie Colt, their daughter
.ftdIl GNtNhS
whimper, their man servant ......;.
William Schrode
Job. valet to Christopher Jr...,;..
..Ioyu rThhCls
Major Hcadway. a retired soldler.,
Edward Clisbee
Dora H~eadway. his neice 80.
Mrs. Glib, president OF the Amateur
Theatrical club ..........Jane Jeffrey
Mr.. GLIB just Mrs. Gibbs husband
Burt Ballaby, a young lawyer.......
Mr. simnson manager Of COTS branch
at BOMBAY AOuu
For the fourth time the Burwood theater
has been opened by a stock company that
will be resident during the winter season.
In the audience last evening were many
who were present on that blistering hot
evening in 1905. when the doors of the
house were first swung apart to admit its
guests. and who have attended each time
since. and these were most emphatic in
their announcement that the present Is
the most promising Of all. The theater
was crowded and 1t was more like a fam
lily gathering, perhaps, than a formal
theater party. Old friends recog-
nized old friends, and the exchange of
compliments was cordial and persistent.
While each member of the company was
given a reception" on entering, and the
strangers we're made to feel that they were
among friendly people. it was for Miss
Elliott that the real demonstration was
reserved. Her appearance was the occasion
OF a long continued clapplng of hands,
while she bowed and smiled, and bowed
and smiled again, the enthusiasm of her
welcome gaining until she came down to
the footlights and waved her acknowledge
ment. Clad in one of the very latest of
Partisan creations. a sheath gown of soft
gray material, with a hat to match, her
bright face glowing with the excitement of
the occasion, she made a picture that
brought her many compliments In the
course of the comment. Omaha folks had
not forgotten her, and she was made to
feel 1t. Mr.. Grew stepped out of his role
long enough to give a brief word of appre-
citation for the welcome extended him., and
the others took their greetings with APP
parent satisfaction. And when the first
act was ended Miss Elliott was fairly bur
led in flowers, and at the close of the sec
ond act she got more flowers, and so on
through the evening. No woman ever had
more occasion to be proud Of her hold on
the popular heart in Omaha. AT the close
OF the third act Mr.. Todd got his" in the
shape of a floral addition to the glad up
roar his entrance occasioned. Altogether,
1t was a most enjoyable evening for aud
fence and actors alike, and the season is
fairly started under the best of conditions.
The play was given with excellent pre-
clsion, when one thinks of how much oc-
CURED to distract the attention Of the
actors. Mr.. Grew, the leading man, shows
evidences of ability which will produce
many a good performance during the sea-
son. He carries himself well, has a good
voice, and speaks his lines we'll. especially
the more serious ones. Mr.. Conner, also a
new conner, is quick and vivacious, and will
be popular in the Juvenile roles. John Todd
is a year and some months older than
when he trod the boards of the Burwood
last, but he doesn't look it. His added ex-
perience has simply made him a better
actor and his friends realize this. Mr..
Bacon is a comedian of the truest type.
and in his silent role Of Glib is an excel
lent opposite for his voluble wife. The other
men are all well remembered, and all are
popular.
Miss Elliott enters on her new engage
ment with the same earnest determine
ton that marked her closing performance
at the theater in December, 1906. Many were
there last night who saw her play Camille,
and remembered the compelling force and
life with which she endowed that woman.
Dora Headway is a widely different type
OF woman, but Miss Elliott takes her I'M
just as seriously, and seemingly eniovs
the lighter scenes of the comedy as much
as she did the more serious work Of the
tragedy. Sho has a dainty, dizziness of
touch. certain of her results, holding
herself we'll in hand, but missing
no point that will give light on
the action of the comedy in hand. and al
together satisfying her audience. Last
night she was affected to some degree by
the enthusiasm of her welcome, but not
enough TO destroy her poise. Her popu-
larity was we'll attested, and is we'll de-
served.
Miss Jeffrey is simply bully as Mrs. Glib,
and made a great personal hit when she
checked the demand for a speech from
Mr.. Bacon in the role of Mr.. Glib. George
is so ~excitable." she said to the audience,
and In the laughter that followed this pat
sally the situation was saved.
Miss Beyers is a handsome woman, with
evident capacity. She is hidden In a minor
role this week, but will be heard from be-
fore the season is over. Miss Stearns. in
genue of the company. is a pretty girl, with
a quick. snnppy way, and ought to establish
herself very firmly during the season.
And last OF all, Herr Director Hoffman
has his orchestra in hand as usual. and his
music Is as 1t has been ever since Emil
first sat in the directors chair. the night
the theater opened-of the best. II last
night is TO be taken as an Indication,
Manager johnson is to be congratulated
in advance on a successful season. 1t was
a record maker as an opening.
Reception at the OrPheum.
Bright and clean from the front post of
the canopy TO the rear wall Of the stage,
the Orpheum theater was thrown open
to the public Saturday night and the pub
lie was on hand 10 inspect the popular
playhouse over which w. p. Byrne will
preside as manager this winter. Martin
Beck. general manager OF the orpheum
circuit, instructed Mr.. Byrne to go over
the theater from top TO bottom and make
every needed Improvement during the
summer regardless Of expense. Mr.. Beck
does not care for the expense so he gets