Omaha daily bee., 1916-02-01

NAtNS uANhe AAAN cANics VI sANhNeNhsh
"Smart set, at the BrandeIs.
Salem Tut whitney and his associates
are dispensing their peculiar brand Of
fun at the Brandeis just at present. opon-
ing a short engagement last night. with
the attendance OF some enthusiastic ad-
mirers. who audibly expressed approval
of the bright spots and personal efforts
Of the performers Mr.. Whitney Is a
comedian OF unctuous quality, with GER
tain knowledge of his own limitations,
which keeps him well on the safe side in
his efforts to amuse. lie plays In this
the role of darkey of the old-time type
whose good sense is his best guide and
who knows how to extract the best out
of almost any situation. lie has one
good song, No matter how good you are
to this world, you never set out alive"
Along with him are quite a bevy of
singers and dancers, and these minglo in
the proceedings In seemingly aimless
way. but with result that indicates care
ful stage management. The characteristic
darkey dances are well done, and one fig
ure dance, Moonlight Pace" is well
put on. The best song of the bill. Help
Cometh from Above" sung last night by
seven voices. is far and away above the
other vocal efforts, most of which are
entirely too ambitious for the performers.
Blanche Thompson is the bright feminine
star of the show, a 1.-the and graceful
dancer. whose vivacity adds much to the
scenes in which she figures. Homer Tut
is also good as the friend in whose
schemes Whitney embarks. Luke Scott
and Ethlyn Proctor are hard-workins
contributors to the events of the evening.
The company stays till after Wednesday
night. with matinee Wednesday.
THE Witching Hour" at the krug.
The presentation Of Augustus Thomas,
The Witching Hour" by the North
Brothers Stock company at the Krug
theater, was received yesterday by two
audiences which gave unstinted evidence
OF being pleased. The story of the play
Is one OF compelling interest, with some
intensely dramatic scenes. a leavening OF
wholesome comedy, and one might say
that nearly the whole gamut of human
emotions is run during the four acts. Tho
costumes and stage settings are worthy
of mention.
The plot is based upon mental telepathy
and shows some of the vagaries of tho
ceptible of impressions from other minds
and the active mind is a potential force
| which projects its wireless messages to
| others.
| Genevieve Russell. after week OF rest,
is back in the cast as Mrs. Whipple, a
characterization which gives her ample
opportunity. Sport North. as Jack Brook
field, gives fine conception of a man
of virile mentality with a power to i'm
press his will in an honorable way. "Brr'
Bittner, new member OF the company,
was accorded an enthusiastic reception
when he appeared as Lewis Ellinger a
man who has an ethical viewpoint of
| gambling. Mr.. Bittner conducts his
largeness with seeming grace. The pro-
duction is worth seeing 1t will be re-
peated through the week. with family
matinees on Thursday and Saturday.
What the Strand offers.
William S. Hart. Triangles master of
western characters, shows to his best ad-
vantage in THE Disciple" and this drama
OF typically western strain. delighted the
Strands Sunday crowds, as well as did
the Keystone comedy Saved by Wire
less" Both will be shown today.
Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday,
''The Corner" with George Fawcett and
Willard Mack will be the feature photo
| drama WhiIe those tvvo ftinnv Ka,,sto, >. .