Omaha daily bee., 1910-02-23
At the Theaters

''The First Night" at the Boyd.
Lillian. Russell and company in The First
Night" a farce comedy in three acts, by
George W Hobart, under the direction of
Joseph Brooks. The cast:
Colonel Ketcham, a particular papa.
Jessie, his daughter. 9. d. -. Millicent Evans
Mabel, his other daughter. Leonora Oaktord
MRS. Ptitzer, his sister. Susanna Westford
Langdon Jones', an author. Julius McNtcker
Mortimer Smith, a lawyer. -. Sydney Booth
M~urgatroyd Howe, a young mar with
money George n, MACK
Luke Sharp, a chauffeur. t. Hayes Hunter
Nina, a maid .......... .Saidee Williams
Rose a .............. Lillian Russell
Any farce written by George ". Hobart
is sure to contain ~laughable lines, and IL
the same be given over to actors who have
the saving sense of humor, the effect is
just as certain as death or taxation. And
here we have a farce written by Hobart
and put into the keeping of actors entirely
competent; moreover, the members Of Miss
Russelrs company appear to enjoy the fun
themselves, so heartily do they enter into
the proceedings, and the effect produced
is much more nearly real than any farce
shown here since Alice Fischer played
Mrs. Jack" to about as many people as
faced Miss Russell at the Boyd last night.
Some thousands of Omaha folks are still
kicking themselves because they did not
go to see Alice FISCHER, and these will be
Joined by an equaA number who will be
kicking themselves with equal vigor, unless
the matinee this afternoon and the two
remaining performances are much better
attended. This is not to give the impress
sion that 1t was lonesome at the Boyd last
night, for It wasn't, but the company and
49, 49, --la -
packed house at each presentation.
No matter how Lillian Russell does it;
she does it, and that ought to be enough.
She preserves the loneliness of her features,
and while her form is no longer the lissome
shape suggestive of sheath gowns and sim
liar drapery, her smile is as enhancing as
it ever was, while she still bubbles with
the good 'humorSof a healthy mind that is
looking for the fun life contains. In this
piece she is playing the part of a wife
whose husband hates the stage and every
thing connected with it. and is inclined to
intense and unreasonable jealousy. She
has music In her makeup and writes the
score and lyrics for a musical comedy, for
which the book is provided by a we'll known
author. ButIStheA wife does not dare dis
close her identity, until the piece has been
tried and itSosuccess has given her war
rant to claim It as her own. The events
of the farce. occur on the day of the first
performances; She. has slipped away from
home to witness the first night" and her
husband imaginea she has eloped. He fol-
lows her, and thinks he has caught her
with her lover, who is only her co-author.
This and the fact that the co-author is
affianred to, the daughter of a man who
does~ trust RS own sex and who is a
friend Of The ,. dsband, afford a nice array
Of complications, which make fun for three
acts, and are sal Strengthened out in the
end, when the ambitious wife declaims her
emotions at the theater while her piece is
on trial, and her happiness at its success.
Miss Russell has plenty of chance for
quiet comedy, and one mighty good oppor-
tunity for Evolutionary effort. Her best
work Is done with Digby Bell in the second
act,
Mr.. Bell, who hasn't been seen in Omaha
for a long time, is still an unfailing source
OF rich and healthy comedy. Each member
of the cast deserves a special word of
thanks for efforts we'll directed to the end
of making the performance most enjoyable.
The matinee performance will be given
this afternoon instead Of on Wednesday.
The engagement closes on Wednesday
night.