Nebraska Newspapers

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f'i
* AMUSEMENTS.
Heavy -tragedy , as presented by Mr. Walker
or Wliltesldo , and up-to-date comic opcrn
oxcmplinod by Mr. DeWolf Hopper , hav
made up the bill of faro which lias been en
Joyed by Omaha theater-goers during th
past wcelt , accompanied by the constan
Bplco of the Woodward company , which pro
cceds steadily upon Its profitable way at the
Crclghton. Neither such personal popular
Ity as Mr. Whllesldo himself may enjoy , no
the esteem In which Shnkesponrc's plays nro
Btlll believed to bo held , BUttlccd to attract
In the aggregate nttemlatico upon all the
tragedian's flvo performances , BO many pco
plo as witnessed the single presentation o
"El Capltan" on Friday night ; nor was the
combined enthusiasm manifested over Ham
let , lago , Shylock and Richelieu by any
means so great In volume as the outburs
of patriotic and perhaps artistic npprtcla
tlon which grcoteil Sousa's now march. Fron
ihcso premises It may bo argued that It Mr
Wliltesldo wants to vlo with Mr. Hopper It
popularity hereabouts ho must get sumo
stirring music written for Hnnilet and rer
haps cause the American ling to bo wavce
over the battlements of Elslnorc.
The fact Is , and must bo generally
acknowledged , that just now , at any rate
the people of the United States who go to
the theater do not want Shakespeare
Whether the recent manner of the presenta
tion of lila tragedies Is responsible for this
deplorable condition , and to what extent , arc
questions which admit of some argument
Doubt has been expressed , In the face ot
the neglect which actors like James Wardc
Keene and Whltesldo have encountered
whether people nowadays would go In any
considerable numbers to hear and sco classi
cal tragedy , oven If the best of the giants o
old time came back In the characters'whlcl
they helped to make famous. It must bo
confessed , however , that little solid ground
exists upon which to baae such a conclusion
There are no giants of tragedy on the stage
today. The tour gentlemen cmimoratci
ubovc , who , with Otis Skinner , James O'Nel
o < nd a few others In certain of the less robust
roles cf Shakespearean tragedy , are doing
what they can to keep the old traditions
alive , aru variously endowed , and fitted for
their ardous task in differing , but in no
case oxtraoidlnnry degree. The shortcom
ings of Mr. Whltcsldu In particular have been
repeatedly pointed out ; and the worst of It
lu , that they arc still there the next tlmo
and liavo to be pointed out again. So that the
inero fact that ho and the rest of his kind
are not at present substantially encouraged
to go on offering unwelcome Rlfla does not
necessarily go to show that real genius , even
In tills line , will fail ot recognition when It
arrives. The recent , but now happily abating
" " tends to disprove
ing craze- for "problem plays"
prove the assertion that people go to the
theater no'.ely to laugh ; for most of these
problems are quite as doleful In the solu
tion as any tragedy of Shakespeare , and In
finitely less acceptable from any rational
point of view.
Several ways naturally suggest themselves
of escape from this situation , which la fur
moro irksome to the actors than to the cco-
plo. who have the remedy , so. far as they are
concerned , l < u their own hands. It does not
seem necessary to dllato upon these means.
That the actors fully recognize the trend of
events and are doing what they can to fall
in wll'.i It Is shown by their unanimous tak
ing to the romantic drama.
Next week Mr. Kclcoy and Miss Shannon ,
who have been away from Omaha since the
Lyceum company played "The Amazons" at
Uoyd's several seasons ago , are to return ,
bringing n bright new comedy from the hand
of Madeleine Lucette Hyley. The title. "A
Coat of Many Colors , " naturally suggests the
scriptural Josenh and from him to that very
Improper woman whom I'otlphar married Is
but the shortest of steps ; whence it may bo
logically Inferred that tills mow comedy
touches upon the same everlasting subject ,
which was In the beginning , Is now and ever
shall be. the leading motive ot playn , without
end. "A Coat of M iy Colors , " however , Is
not a problem rlay , which Is much to be
thankful for , and the Potiphar episode Is so
delicately handled as to give no offense even
to the most fastidious taste. Mr. Kelcey nnd
Miss Shannon , who are at present on their
first tour as Joint stars , are euriiorted by a
flno company , including tfiat sterling old
character actor , William J. LcMoyne , who
Is himself In every way more worthy to bo a
star than many who assume stellar honors.
In "Pudd'nhcad Wilson , " which returns to
Omaha for the latter halt of next week , a
frlemlly public will welcome nn old and val
ued acquaintance. The kindly man and ad
mirable actor who dramatized the book ami
llrst Introduced theater-goers to the people
of Dawscn's Landing Is affectionately re
membered by hundreds In the city where
Ills dead body was brought on that day
when ho Intended to appear for the third
" ' " will to sec
tlmo as "Pudd'nhead. Many go
the play again for Frank Olayo's sake ; oth
ers , free from sentimental associations , be-
cnU'So they llko the piece for. Itself ; and
still others who will go for amusement
and entertainment , nnd who may bo sure of
getting both. Last season "I'udd'nliead
Wilson" was acceptably presented hero by
practically the original co'mpi-.ny , with Thc\ > -
doro Hamilton in the title role. This year
EM win F. Mayo , the son of the dead actor ,
is playing the part very well , It Is said , and
among the supporting company nro France *
Grahamo , the original Howy , nnd Frank
Gampeuu in his strong impersonation of the
miscreant Tom.
iMany cities , cast and west , arc still strug
gling with 'tho ' theater lint , nnd ordinances
without number moro or less effectual are
pnesed from tlmo to time , Intended to ernd-
Icato the evil. Omaha stands conspicuous
nmong American communities by tenson of
having practically solved the problem with
out process ot law and solely by moral sua
sion. Women In this city almost without
exception sit uncovered at tno pluy ; nnd
nothing has constrained them thereto ex
cept their own sense of fitness and of con
sideration for their neighbors. In the rjvilto
representative nudienco which heard "El
Cupltun" the other evening there were not
moro than halt n dozen hats worn on the
lower floor of the theater , and these by a
Btrungo anomaly were en the heads of
women whoso names flguro as conspicuously
as possibleIn the society columns of the
newspapers.
The unexplained cancellation of the Nan-
eon dates for thla week , apparently 'by a
euddcn caprice of itho Intrepid < lector him
self , has entailed serious loss upon the promoters
meters of his western tour and brought dla-
appolntment til the * local public , which gave
every Indication of an Intention to fill two
largo liouscH on the occasion of the Nor-
woglan'o vtTit. This latest happening tends
to confirm certain suspicions already exist
ing , that the Illustrious explorer Is out
primarily "for the stuff. " There ought to bo
seine way ot causing him to yield up BOIIIO
of his pains as a penalty for a llagrant
ibrcach of contract.
As will appear from the announcement In
another column , Lieutenant Peary naif been
engaged to glvo n lecture this week on his
Arctic experiences , which should In some
measure make up for Nnnseu'H defection.
Cumlni ? KvcntH.
Decidedly ono of the most Important en-
KagenumtH of the season Is that of Herbert
Kelcey and Klllu Shannon , who will , Monday
night , make known for the IIrat time in this
olty , at lloyd's theater , Madeleine Lucette
Ityloy'n now comedy , "A Coat of Many
Colors , " which was written especially for
thorn , Doth Mr , Kclcoy ami Mlua Shannon
won distinguished honors during their long
connection with the Now York Lyceum
Theater Stock company , which covered that
period when "Tho Wife , " "Tho Charity
Iall ) , " "Sweet Lavender , " and kindred sue-
erases were produced , and thvlr presence In
the leading roles of "A Coat of Many
Colore" Is an assurance of a trtrlctly first-
class performance.
The main thcmo of the now play hinges
upon a daughter's search for her mother ,
who Is tlui uuppCBod wifu of that daughter's
father , The daughter , Esther , however , Is
Ignorant of 'this fact , and In merely acting
under thel Instructlono of lier father , who Is
a lawyer. The bachelor lawyer , Herman
Walboys , to whom gho la cnt In New York
for nwlstance , .becomes hopelessly entangled
In an earnest endeavor to help Miss Gun
ning , and at the same time shield a younger
brother who li concealing hla marriage to
the daughter of a crabbed old Scotchman ,
the Inveterate enemy of ills father , The
ompllcatlons nre Added < o by Herman' ? dir. .
.overy that In Mrs. M&Jendle , the woman
MM Gunning la In search of , he himself Ij
likely to find a step-mother , for his father , n
rakish old widower , has proposed to her and
been accepted. Hennau does everything
powliblo to break off tills engagement , con
ceal the truth from Esther and Induce Mrs.
Majcndlo to return to California nnd go
through the long-delayed marriage ceremony.
The Hiipportlng company Is nn admirable
one , Including William J. LoMoyne , Edmund
D. Lyons , Druco Mcltac , David Terrence ,
Edward See , Ed.wln James , Mlis Ellle Wll" " .
ton and Mlc.i Georgia Uusgy. A matinee
will bo given Wednesday.
The announcement of the return of "Pud-
d'n'head Wilson" the last half of this week
will awaken In the minds of the
local I heater-goer memories of one
o the most enjoyable perform
ances ever witnessed on the local stage. The
story lie * been linnded clown from father to
son and from mother to daughter until It IB
almost known by rote. The late Frank Mayo
occupied a unique place In the history oV the
stage , associated ns It was with the name
of "Davy Crockett , " and the older generation
could not hear the name of Crockett with
out conjuring up thoughts of the actor.
For a tlmo he dropped from public notice ,
and even then hi was not forgotten , for
who could forget the daring trapper , who
Impersonated young Lochlhvar ? After a
period of seml-rctlroment , the Davy Crockett
ot our younger days appeared as I'udd'n'head
Wltaon. To bo sure , a number of people
had read of the quaint character conceived
by Mark Twain , and their curiosity was
aroused to see him In life , even If It were
upon the mimic stage. Hosts flocked to see
him , only to wonder , and as the wonder
Increased they went again. The Interesl
grew nnd the quaint characteristics of the
homely lawyer who had spent the best years
of his life pursuing a fad became the
vogue. The people of Omnha need no In
troduction to I'udd'n'head Alison. It has
been presented to them several times by the
elder Mayo , but now the Interest centers In
the title part , which Is assumed by Mr.
Edwin Mayo , his son. At llrst It was thought
that no ono could bo found that could take
the place of the creator of the noted char
acter , and that "Pudd'n'hcad Wilson" had
died with Frank Mayo , was almost certain ;
lint such was not the case. Mr. Theodore
Hamilton was seen hero last season , ami
gave a most thoroughly satisfactory perform
ance of the part , and reports from other
cities give the younger Mayo credit for
liavlng duplicated hla father's success. Mr.
Mayo Is a largo , fine-looking man , nnd Is
possessed of a strength of character nnd
gentleness of nuturo wlhch should fit'tho
: ; nrt admirably.
Miss Ada Dwyer , who plays the part of
lloxy , the one-sixteenth part negro , Is said
to excel In this peculiar style of f.haractcr
for which she Is particularly adapted.
The part of Howy , I'udd'n'head's niece ,
is still played by Miss Frances Graham
Mayo , while Tom Driscoll , noxy's rightful
son , remains in the hands of Frank Cam-
pcau. Other members are Mnnlfeo John-
stone , Augustus Ilnlfour ' , William It. McKcy ,
Donald Smedt , E'dwln Nalod , David Rivers ,
William Arthur , Miss Uclle Stoddard , Sadie
Delmorc , Mnrey Ilarlam , Wlllard Curtis anU
numerous other lesser lights.
The Omaha Camera club has arranged
with the Edward Shields company to give
an entertainment at Patterson hall , Seven
teenth and Farnam streets , Monday evening ,
January 24. Mr. Shields will Illustrate his
: ravcls In Alaska and the Klondike , covering
: ho Journey over all routes. He Is assisted
jy the young entertainer , Helen Laciear , who
vlll give George II. Slmm's "Jano Conquest , "
beautifully Illustrated. Charles II. Whitney ,
i baritone singer , lo a member of the com-
iany and will render several solos. Mr.
Shields and his associates come well recom
mended.
The Woodward company begins its third
week at the Crolghton today with afternoon
ind evening performances of the
strong sensational play , "Mantcr and Mao , "
which will bo kept on during the first half of
; ho week. A "production" will bo made of
: his piece , new scenery and effects having
been specially created for this occasion and
much paias In particular having been ex-
lendC'J on the great furnace scene. Com
mencing Thursday night "Tho Lost Para
dise" will bo revived for the remainder of
: ho week. This play has always been among
the most popular In theWondword repertory ,
and no falling off ! a Us popularity at thla
time Is anticipated. Both plays will be pre
sented by the full strength ot the company ,
reinforced by additional people specially en.
gaged to meet the requirements of the largo
cast of characters , and performances of ex
ceptional smoothness may bo confidently ex.
peeled.
The specialty features for this week In
clude sixteen people In all , composing the
Nelson family of acrobats , numbering nine.
and said to bo the most remarkable troup of
gymnasts now on the road ; the four Leander
ilsters ! ui spcc'altlcs ; and Manley , Rooo and
Howell , a good triple sketch team. Lu-
nlcre's Clnomatographo will also be exhlb-
ted with now pictures of foreign scenea
No ono can complain of either quantity or
quality of such a hill of fare , which will bo
presented at every performance this week.
IliiytrH.
Adclo Rl/tchlo / 8s studying music In Paris.
The new Hoyt farce will bo called "A
Day and a Night. "
Maud Haslnm Is to have ithe 'leading role
n "A Paris Model. "
Cora Tanner will star next season In
'Alono In London. "
Nat Goodwin will soon , produce "Nathan
Halo" In Chicago.
Edouard Romenyl , the violinist , has gene
nto the continuous houses.
The grand opera season at the Metropolitan
n Now York opened Mat week.
William Gillette will appear In London In
Vprll In "Too Much Johnson. "
Ernest Coquelln haa deferred until next
season his proposed lAmerlcan tour.
Paul Wllstnch has -written a comedy for
May Irwln , called "His First Offense. "
J. J. Corbott has become an actor at least
hero Is no pugilism In his new piece.
Eousa and his hand began their twelfth
regular Hour In Now York City last week.
Hello Ilucklln , who has been seriously 111 ,
ias resumed her place with "Tho Idol's
Eye. "
Hettlnn Glrnrn has temporarily recovered
icr health , and threatens to return to the
logo.
The Actors' society has decided to apply
or atnilatlon with the American Federation
of Labor.
Deflntto arrangements have been made by
vhlch May Irwln will appear In London
next June ,
Gcorgo Thatcher , the minstrel , has retired
rom the stage and opened a hotel at Eliza-
oth , N. J ,
Robert Hlltlard is presenting- revised
crslon of "Lost 21 Hours , " which he calls
'A Now Yorker. "
Dun Daly has gnno south for his health ,
> ut expects to rejoin the "Hello of New
York" company at St. Louis ,
"Tho Whirl of the Town" has finished Its
ourto and Catharine Llnyard has Joined the
'Hello of New York" company ,
Fritz Williams Is to have the leading role
n "Oh , Susanna , " n comedy which will
ere bo produced In New York ,
May Irwln's latest song in "Tho Swell
llta Fltzwoll" Is entitled "Keep Your Eye
n Your Friend , Mr. Johnson. "
"Tho Telephone Girl' ' " Is to bo taken to
.omlon , with Louts Mann , Clara Llpman and
11 the rest of the original principals.
0. Uernant Shaw , the eccentric English
rltla and playwright , Is said to be on ideal
lephlstopheles In personal appcarinco.
William II. Crane has a now comedy Iby
jouls N , Parker , ono of the author * of
Rosemary , " entitled "Treasure Trove. "
"Tho Highwayman" has been so successful
hat It haa been put on for an Indefinite
uu at the Hroadwoy theater , New York.
Kathryn ICIdder Is recovering from her
Incsa , and may reconsider her determlna-
lon to retlro permanently from the stage.
Mme. Pllar-Morln will Introduce In "A
arts Model , " now in active rehearsal at
he ittljou theater , New York , Rudolph Aron-
ou'i "Wlutwr Frolic" galop , lor which she
1
Do you know ybii can have a suit
made to your order for as
little as
SOU fir &
With the privileg-e of selecting
same from a variety of nearly
2,000 designs.
II Fi
We are making garments to order at a reduction of 20 per cent
from our regular season prices ,
$45 SUITS to order at $36. $12 TROUSERS to order at $9.
$40 SUITS to order at $32. $10 TROUSERS to order at $3.
$35 and $37 SUITS to order at $28 , $9 TROUSERS to order at $7.
$30 and $32 SUITS to order at $25. $8 TROUSERS ( o order at $6. $
$26 and $28 SUITS to order at $20. $6 and $7 $ TROUSERS to order at $5.
$20 and $22 SUITS 10 'order at $15 , $5 TROUSERS to order at $4.
Such prices are indeed a temptation but when backed up by Nicoll's guarantee for
first-class tailoring 3'6u can ill afford to let this chance slip by.
Bear in mind this reduction is not limited to a certain class of woolens but applies
to every yard of cloth in our store.
Several Hundred choice remnants in Trousers at about cost.
The woolens and prices displayed in our window are worthy of attention. "
Our Garments are made by the Most Competent Tailors of Omaha ,
209 and 211 Karbach
So , 15th , Block.
Is arranging the dance and pantomlmo busi
ness. The piece will be produced In Wash
ington.
Mrs. Gilbert , for many years a prominent
member of Daly's company , will retire from
the stage at the close of 'tho present season.
Only two actors have been distinguished
by American colleges with honorary degrees.
They nre Joseph Jefferson , and Otis Skinner.
A. M. Palmer Is about to resume hts
former place among New York theater tnan-
agera , having closed negotiations for the
Murray Hill theater.
A New York property owner has filed a
complaint against Julia JIarlowo'a manager
for defacing his property with "unsightly"
portraits of the actress.
n. C. Carton's now play , "Tho Tree of
Knowledge , " was produced lost Monday night
at the Lyceum. It concerns the everlasting
and never settled "sex problem. "
The ord'aanco In Boston against the wearIng -
Ing of hats In theaters Is now seriously and
uniformly enforced. Every woman U re
quired to takeoff her millinery.
Denman Thompson blushlngly admits that
ho and Joseph Jefferson are no longer workIng -
Ing solely for the love of art. Ho neglects
to designate the tlmo when they did.
Anne Sutherland Is resting In Washington
until the opening of Joseph Jefferson's
spring season , when she will rejoin that
eminent comedian as Jeadlng woman.
It is said that among the foremost of those
who resent Clement Scott's strictures on the
morality of the stage are Delia Fox , Lillian
Russell and Mrs. James Drown Potter.
Wilton Lackayo produced his new romantic
play , "The Royal Secret. " In Chicago last
week. He also appeared In "David Garrlck"
and In a curtain wiser called "Mollere. "
Virginia Dulo's success otiily's has un
settled the peace of mind of the Casino style
- of whom are experiencing
of young -women , many
periencing a craving after "higher things. "
An attempt to establish In New York an
edition of the famous Muolln Rouge of Paris
seems to bo a failure. People who go there
stand around undecided as to what Is ex
pected of them.
Despite the almost universal condemnation
of Paul Potter's play , "Tho Conquerors , " cs
Immoral , or rather , protably , on account of
It , the pleco Is drawing Immense bus'aess to
the Empire theater.
Mrs. M. J. Jordan , who will bo remem
bered ns the ono redeeming 'feature of a
production of "Darkest Russia" hero last
season , Is recovering from the effects of an
operation for appendicitis.
Margaret Mayo , the bright llttlo girl who
played Caroline Mitford In "Secret Service"
hero the other day , has written a curtain-
raiser called "Broken Harmonics , " and got
It accepted by a Broadway manager.
Fanny Davenport appeared as Joan of Are
In Philadelphia last week. Her escape from
prison , by means of a good stout rope sua-
ponded from the full height of the Btnse ,
Is said to bo quite as thrilling as Mrs , Car
ter's boll-clapper turn.
Ono night recently , In consequence of
Henry Irvlng'a sudden loss of voice , his
poll , Laurence Irving , the author of the
play , undertook the title role of "Peter itlio
Great" without rehearsal , ami Is said to
have won applause by his performance.
The Frederick Wnrdo company closed for
the second time this season the other night
In Chicago. It Is said , however , that It will
at once bo reorganized on a firm financial
footing , ami that Mr , Wnrdo will continue
to present ! his romatlc drama , "Iskander. "
The engagement Is announced of Ethel
Barrymore , daughter of Maurice nnd Georglo
Drew Uarrymoro , and granddaughter of the
late Mrs , John Drew , to Laurence Irving ,
son of Sir Henry Irving. Miss Harrymore
is at present In London playing the part
of 'Eiuphrosyno ' In Irvlng's production of
"Peter the Great. "
A patriotic song entitled "OhLand of
Freedom , " words by Harry FUtier , musle by
Kratz , has been received at this ofllce. It
Is arranged both for female and male voices
and for male voices nlono and Is a stirring
coinposltlan. The melody Is simple but dlgnl-
fled and the harmony very well planned , To
: tie amateur eye It will look much moro diffi
cult than It la.
ClOHl'H.
MAnQUETTH , Mich. , Jnn , 22. Wilkin
son's bank closed Ita doors today. J , M.
Wilkinson hns made nn assignment to his
son , 13 , C , Wilkinson , nnd son-in-law , A. E.
Miller. The assignment Is made to protect
the Intcrr-sta of the pgtato of J. M. Wilkin
son. who la now lying1 at the point of dt-ath.
All creditors arc expected to bo paid In full.
Itiirncil tn HIM Home ,
ST. LOUIS , Jan. 22. News was received
lioro today that Ilev. T , W. 13 , Dawson , nn
nged recluse , wldc-ly known In. central
IlllnoU , was burned to death in hla cottage
ncnr Troy. Ill , , last night. Hov. Dawson
WUB once iuiBtor of tlio IlaptUt church of
Troy and nati for many years a. teacher In
public uclioola in and around that town.
The fact that the Mme. Scalchl Concert
company presented such , largo portions of
two well known operas will perhaps make
a few facts concerning ihoeo works Interest-
Jug nt the present tlmo. The composer of
"Martha" was Frlcdrlch von Flotow , born
April 27 , 1S12 , In the Duchy of Mechlenberg-
Sclnverln. Ho was the composer of sixteen
operas , of which only ' 'Stradella" and "Mar
tha" have lived to the present time. In the
year 1S3S he brought out an opera in three
acts entitled the "Due do GuiseTho
. libretto iwns Ixtscd upon Dumas' "Henry III. "
j The performance was organized by Princess
Czartoryoska for the benefit of the Poles.
Mme. do Lagrand made her debut in the
loading part and the choristers Were the
duchesses and princesses of Faubourg Saint
Germain. The costumes were- most elaborate
and It Is said that $2,000,000 worth of Jewels
blazed upon their persons. This was pro
nounced "sufficient evidence that the per
formance was brilliant In nt least one sense. "
Flotow died at Wiesbaden January 24 , 18SJ.
The opera "Martha" Is In three acts. The
libretto was by Saint Georges , translated Into
German by Frledrleh , and 'flrst produced at
Vienna 'November 25 , 1847. arl 'Formes
sang the part of Plunkett. . The libretto of
this opera hai its origin In an attempt on
the part of the author to construct a ballet ,
at the request of the manager of the Paris
Grand opera. The adventures of the plot
were suggested to him by some experiences
of two of his lady friends who had attended
a country fair Incognito. Three composers
were to furnish the music and the first act
was given to 'Flotow. ' The ballet was so
successful aud Flotow so 'pleased with the
story that lie Influenced Saint Georges to re
write It for an opera , and the result of their
labors was the production of ono of the most
popular works vcr heard upon the lyric
stage. During the forty years of Us exist
ence nearly nil the great prlma-donnas have
appeared In the title role. The opera Is es
pecially characterized by Its melodies. The
melody for the "Last Rose of Summer" Is of
Irish origin and Is ono of those fortunate
Interpolation which , llko Luther's hymn In
the "Huguenots , " places upon the piano of
the highest musical art the simple songs of
the pcaplo and makes easy a clearer under
standing of their Intrinsic value.
Gulseppo Verdi ( In 'English ' , Joseph Green ) ,
the composer of "II Trovatorc , " was born at
Roncale , Italy , October 9 , 1S13. In his na
tive country It has long been customary to
glvo scholarships to young students who af
ford evldcnco of unusual musical ability , but
Vordl was refuted a scholarship on the
ground that ho displayed no nptltudo for
music. Ho studied privately for flvo years
with the composer Lavlgne and commenced '
his career ns n writer ot opera with a work j
entitled "Obcrto , " which when given at La
Scala , Milan , hardly proved to bo a suc
cess. In 1844 "Ernanl , " founded upon Victor
Hugo's drama of the same name , was re-1
ceived with , great enthusiasm. It Is a work |
very much , llko "Trovatoro" In some respects ,
but the musle Is heavier and at times la
bored in Its style , ( It contains , however ,
some grand concerted i eces and the soprano
aria , "Ernanl , Fly with Uio , " has been sung
tho'world ' over. Vnrdl Is a composer of about
twdnty oporas. Although 85 years of age ,
there nro rumors afloat that this greatest of
the Italians Is composing ; yet another opera.
His later works , 'beginning with "Aida , " pro
duced In 1871 , show to a marked degree the
Influence of Rlchardi Wagner. His last work
la "Falstafffounded upon Shakespeare's
play , "Tlia iMerry IVlfes of Windsor , " and ;
contains all the vitality to bo expected from
a composer at the meridian of his career.
"II Trovatoro" is an opera In four acts ,
the libretto of which was written by Cam-
murfno. It woo p pdu'eed in Homo , January
19 , 1SB3 , nnd was greeted at Its first per
formance with an enthusiastic welcome. It
shares with "Martha" and "Faust" the
highest place In pop ilaf admiration excepting
only Wagner's "Lohengrin. " At the time the
story was written , lt was quite a fad to pic
ture the children of noblemen abducted by
gypalcs , propelled through a series of dan
gers and disasters , often trnglc , their true
rank and Importance to the world to bo dls.
covered only when lee late. Manrlco , the
hero of "Trovatore , " is one of these and the
librettist succeeds In getttag him murdered
by his own brother , ho taking him for a
gypsy. The music of Trovatoro Is cunfclally
lyric. As a general thing Its harinonlea are
simple , but for an Italian work It IB remark
ably dramatic and. true to the demands of
the situations. It contains some of the most
beautiful music that has ever been produced
by the Italian school of composers end even
the orchestration eliowa much to challenge
admiration ,
The world , ever since the days of Jacopo
? rl , hai been interested lu opera and the
greatest composers have given their best
efforts to this order of composition. The
operatic stage Is the goal toward which all
singers of exceptionable ability look.
The concert given by Mme. Scalchl and
her company Thursday evening demon
strated that arlaa and contorted pieces done
In costume and with appropriate action are
moro Interesting than fv'hen done as In the
ordinary concert. The Idba presents Itself ,
shall not Omaha and Its test singers organ
ize themselves Into a company for the per
formance of opera In this city during the
cxpcsltlon ? There are eeventy or eighty
singers la this city of standing and ability
who are soloists In church choirs or pupila
studying tone production and vocal expres
sion who would find the work Involved In
the preparation and performance of the
lighter order of operas both Interesting and
profitable. Furthermore , It behooves Omaha
to bestir Itself lest Its musical ability be
burled from sight beneath a multitude of
extraneous Influences. There are a largo
number of operas' which contain good music
and which , will please the llotener that are
wlthla easy reach of the singers of this city.
Between this and the llrst of Juno there are
four months which could bo used in their
preparation none too long a time , sure
enough. Yet , if there Is sufficient interest
in the undertak.tag all things are possible.
The writer suggcots the Idea , of a local
opera organization for the consideration of
the musically Interested. The past ha3 dem
onstrated that the musical forces ot Omaha
are able to accomplish what they undertake.
I The preparation of an opera involves a great
i deal of labor and the time of performance
I will bo dur'ag the hot summer months.
These two factors should bo carefully
weighed In the beginning.
The musical world Is grieved to know of
the death of the great operatic tenor , SIgnor
j Nlcollnl , which occurred last Tuesday at Pau ,
Franco. Ho has been In this city several
i times , although he has never sung here.
I SIgnor Nicollnl's real name was Rrnest
] Nicholas and ho was born at Tours , France ,
1 February 23 , 1834. Ilia father was a hotel
keeper nnd cared llttlo for music , at least
as far as 'als eon was concerned , for ho set
i him to the study of medicine. Nicholas
I possessed a flno tenor voice and entered the
| Paris Conservatory or Music for Its cultlva-
I tlon. A great many doctors have become
singers nnd Nicholas Is of the number. In
1855 ho was engaged at the Opera Comlquc.
In 1859 ho went ! to Italy and there took the
nimo Nlcollnl , which 'ho ' made famous the
world o''or. Ho was engaged in Paris from
1SC2 to 1870 , but sang a short engagement In
London In I SCO , his llrst appearance being In
concert with Lucca on May 20. He sang with
flattering success In nearly all Wio European
cfpltala and made frequent visits to America.
Ho first met Madame Paul at Homberg , and
was Instantly enthralled by her beautiful
voice and manner. She did not Immediately
reciprocate his ardent affection , but he per
sisted in his devotion till the great prlma
donna beramo his wife in 1SSC. Nlcollnl wes
an artist of the first ratik. Ills 'principal
roles were Lohengrin , Ithadames , Faust and
Edgardo. He possessed a fine stage presence ,
a rich tenor voice , the compass of which In
cluded high C , and the ability to Interpret
his parts and make them living characters.
Ho has been as faithful a husband as ho was
persistent lover and has watched over the
happldess of the great artist , his wife , un
tiringly ,
On Thursday evening , February 3 , Fannlo
Bloomfleld-Zleslcr. the great pianist , will
gtvo a recital in this city. America has never
produced a greater artist than Madame Z\es- \
lor. She has mad several European concert
tours and has everywhere been hailed ns ono
of the leading performers upon her Instru
ment of the ago. A Berlin crltlo says that
her playing reminded him of the great Anton
Rubinstein , and speaks of the unfailing cer
tainty of her technique and the wonderful
singing tone 'which she draws from tier
piano. She pUyed at Cologne the C Minor
concerto by Saint Saoiis , and -Arno Kleffel ,
a critic of high standing , declared tliat sha
had proved lier title to a place among the
greatest living pianists and that her playing
was a masterpiece of unexcelled beauty ami
uramdeur. There Is not a rilano student In
Omaha or Its vicinity who can afford to mls
hearing Madame JJIesler , and' the writer
would suggest that they procure copies of the
numbers upon her program and read them
over carefully as a 'preparation to their moro
complete enjoyment at Hie performance. The
more one knows about music the moro ono
will bo able to find In It that will please
one. HOMER MOORE ,
JVofi'N.
Mrs , Martin Cahn , Omaha's well known
Eoprano , will Bine ono solci at the planr > re
cital to bo given February 3 by Fannie BjV/om-
fleld-SCIesIer.
The Mondamln Choral society will meet at
the First Methodist church on Monday night.
Matters of vital Importance to tbo society
will bo discussed at InturniUsIcn ,
A inualtal will be glvcu under Uio aus
pices ot the St. Mary's Avenue Coiigrcga-
eQ / wNwvx \ * > > / \
THE ELITE EVENT
Monday , jr sr sTnr.T.\it
* * V CMtAM.,1 OK
\ * *
J y * S >
43 iusstiay , j MR HERBERT
Wednesday
5 Matinee !
Wednesday =
V
* ?
Jri Sfji 7o/orio r.i/ooffo 7J.v/oi'fl / /Jo/ffitriiIConio
, 0
0w A
5 " *
t Management of .Mr. Sntnui : ! F. Kingston.
JJP Tlic complete Wnllark u Tbtatcr ( N w Yotk Production nnj the Urlelnnl Company.
< < ? MR. WILLIAM J. LEMOYNE.
| ? Jill. EOMr.VO 1) . IVOXS , .MISS IiM.113 WI1.TO.V , Lfii
n ant. iiurcii MoitAii ! , MIL un\vi.v- \ , .MISS ISKOIUJIA MUSIIA' , PIT
" * 3 MIL jiAVin TOHIU\ < ; IJIMIL nnw.vni ) SKIS , AMI OTIIKUS. o1
3 X.KJIIT 1VUICUS 25C , { ! 0c , 7.nifl.OH , Sfl.50. A Itnuta Snlo > Ju fc *
J'roBn. , , , g
$1
o
B'rPraK ; PAXION & niRGtSS , Mnnagcrs. $
MB IKEPAXION 1919.
Three Nlgh's nid Saturday Mitlnoo.
COrVIMENCINC THURSDAY EVE UNO , JAN' 27
Annual Engagement of that Universal Success
MARK TWAIN'S
i ,
As Dramatized b/ FRANK N1AYO.
A piny that hns ttikon its place among' the olas.sics An oxcroptlotuilly
strong cast with MR. EDWIN MAYO , in the thlo t-olo.
Boiiutiful Stage Settings A story of love , comedy and pathos , enlivened -
livened with Mark Twain's Witticisms.
PAXION & RUilGESS , M0rs.
153 ! .
0. D. W03DWARD. AMUSLMEM DiatCfOS.
SU\D\Y-MONDAY IU S\Y-WED\CSD\Y ! )
ill
TllimSlHY-rrtllUY-AVO-SUURDU
- - -
SPECIALTIES G PICK VNI SISIERS , CMWE TROUE , MIM.EY AND ROSE
JOIIWISL
Sunday , Jan. 30th "Queen's Evidence. "
tlonal church Thursday , January 27 , at the
residence of Mrs. E. L. Patterson , 2202 Woolworth -
worth avenue. It is reported that a very
choice program has been arranged , consistIng -
Ing of vocal and Instrumental musical num
bers.
bers.Mlsa
Mlsa Wllhelmlna Lowe has been engaged
by the manager ot the Schumann Concert
company as harpist for that organization.
Miss Lowe's reputation as a soloist upon her
beautiful Instrument has brought her sev
eral offers of engagements Into season ,
among them the ono Just closed. She will
Join the company for a tour of sixteen
weeks about February 1.
Tuesday evening the Derthlck club will
hold Its next meeting at the Hayden annex.
The program will bo In charge of llrs. L. A.
Lent and the musical numbers will bo se
lected from the works of Donizetti anJ
Meyerbeer , Mrs. Lent will bo assisted by
Martin Calm , Miss Bowen , Miss Van Kuran ,
MlM Allen , Miss Palmer and Mrs. Cotton ,
who will fling the great Shadow song from
"Dlnorah" by Meyerbeer.
Next Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock Mr.
Adolmann will glvo another of his concerts
with the Omaha Orchestral society at Hoyd's
theater. Ho will bo assisted by Mine.
Mucnterferlng , pianist , MES ! Jeeslo Dickin
son , soprano , nnd Mtea Clara Palmer , con
tralto , A most Interesting program has
been prepared which will be announced
later. It Is a pleasure to recommend these
concerts to the Omaha public.
A concert Is In the course of preparation
for the benefit of tlio two talented boys men
tioned In last Sunday's Dee , namely Carl
Smith and Harry Ilrlggs , which will tie
given at the First Congregational church
Tuesday evening , February 1. A number of
prominent people have taken an Interest In
these young performers and are working for
the financial success of thU * entertainment.
The program will bo announced In duo time.
Joseph Gahm contemplates a fcrles of two
piano recitals , to bo given on the ovcnlngn
of February1 21 and April 11 at the First
Congregational church. The mutlcal depart
ment of Uio Woman's club has professed It
self Interested In these recitals and voted
unanimously at Its meeting to allow Mr.
Gahm. the use of Its new Steliiway grand
piano , The programs , which will bo pub
lished In t'.io very near future , will contain
numbora selected to show the various phases
of piano-forte muslo as It has developed from
Bach to Liszt. .
William Armstrong , musical editor of the
Chicago Tribune , will lecture In Mlnneapo
JIfl before the contemporary club , January
20. Mr. Armstrong In his position as mu
sical editor ot the Tribune has had the op
portunity to Interview all the great artists
who have oung In Chicago , during the last
ten years and out of these Interviews he
has constructed the lecture- which gives a
remarkably clear Idea of the personalities
of liU subjects. This lecture was given In
Englcnd a year ago with great success and
It Is very likely that Mr. Armstrong will
present it In Omoha under the auspices of
the Derthlck club In the near future.
Miss Kotio M. Helllg , a recent acquisition
to Omaha'a corps of teachers of the voice ,
gave a vocal and piano recital yesterday aft
ernoon at her apartments In the Continental
block , She was atslhted by MLj Grace
Lo Van , who has lately come to Omaha from
the Royal academy at Munich , and by M'ss '
Candeo at tbo ptano , Mtts Helllg , who adda
to superior vocal accomplishments an at
tractive pereonallty and a gracloua presence ,
sang with excellent effect the Romanzo from
Mlgnon , a < x > ng by Mascagnl , and en un
named Welsh air , a range of selections well
calculated to show her vereatallty. Miss
Lo Van and MUa Condeo played an arrauxu-
uuiH of Mozart's "FJcaro'u Hocbzelt" lor
PAXTON & BUHGES \
SUNDAY MATINEE AND KVE.
. IAXUAUY 2't. . . .
Thrilling Scenes of Ponce and War ,
# 9
A Thrilling and Romantic Play.
Ry Bclasco and Fyles.
Prices I/ower floor } I.CO , "Cc. Itnl. 75c , COc ,
Matlncc lyowcr Floor , 7Dc , We. IJal , COc , Sic.
Patterson Hall Seventeenth nnd
I'unmm t-troots
MOMKVV KVKM.VK , . .I.4Sl , INKS. ,
Auspices Omaha Camera Club. The great
.Alaska traveler and journalist ,
EDWARD SHIELDS ,
In his grand Illustrated "Tour of the Kloru
dike , " over all routes. Assisted by the Dlcasi
Ing entertainer , UI5MJ.V LA.MAU , and the
eminent baritone vocalist , CHARLES ir
WI1IT1NO , in Illustrated productions Adi
mission , 25C- ; reserved seats , 35c.
CE.EIGHTOKT . HAX.I ,
Thursday Evening Jan. 27tli.
Lecliirn by America's firc-ato-it Humorist ,
Tlio LnuKhlliK Philosopher , the Prince of Pa
thos. Rpsorvml Mints 7fic , Uouurul AilmUsloti I
BOc and iDc ! , . Tickets on Kiilo nt Clomuno
'x , IfjlH 1''irimm Mrcul.
Fine Skating
ExcitiiiK Tobogganing
Day and Night.
Including iiilmlsilon to the tea .
Professor Wclu Chiinplou Htintcr.
live ill Hz
IIOTHI.S.
THE MILLARD
13th and Douglas Sts. , Onutlia ,
C1JNTIIAI.UY LOC'ATHD.
.1. H. MA It 1C I'M. 4t SO.V , I'ropx.
four hands , and MIs LeVan was heard alone
In two of Mundolstxjhn'H "Songs Without
Words" and In the Padurowkkl Minuet , She
altio accompanied the vocal numbers wltl )
taste and skill.
Four songs have been received from Schlr-
iner & Co. , New York , composed by A , M.
Foereter. The first , entitled "The Grecian
Isles , " Is for scprano or tenor and Is com
posed In the Ititrlcatu modern style which
leaves to the accompaniment inany very Im
portant progressions. The words ore a poem
by J/Jrd Ilyron. The second , entitled "Sho
Walks In Ucntity , " Is for low volco mid Li an
stately and dignified us ono Is accustomed ,
to Jmaglno was Uio carriage of the stately
damca of a century ngo. Tlio poem Is by ,
lyord Ilyron , The tlilrd , entitled "Tho Shop.
heril'H Lament , " I full of harmonic and
rhythmlo surprises , It Is characterized
throughout by n sort of swaying movement
which la decidedly pleasing. The poem U by )
Goethe , translated by Bayard Taylor. The
fourth , entitled "When Thou Art Nlpti , " Is
for medium volco , considerably simpler than
the others and melodlouv , 'i'ho poem U L
Moor * ,