t
L.tiii1kt 24. imc,.
THE OMAITA ILLUSTRATED BEE.
Gossip About Plays, Players and Playhouses
iL'ST now the world la concerned
with mora or lss attentive ob
servation of a holiday that l con
nected with one of the most dra
matic episodes In all the history
-nd. Divested of Its religious sig-
tiiiuance, the advent, of Jesui Christ Is
Ull fraught with auto tremendous Im
portance that It must stand alone as one
of the great Incidents In history. It la
a . t,,l" lnal 11 oe paralleled,
ana therefore It might well be set up as
tne forrnoat of all the happenings In his-
tory. The life of this man haa affected
'lanJt, n 0thfir ,lf h" or llkeSy
will. From an obscure stable at a wayside
stopping place outside the city of Beth-
juaea has emanated an influence
that haa awayed the mightiest uatlons
ana Controlled the unn hn hn ... ln .
-"
uominatea Uie world. This la easily under-
stood, for, without regard to any of the
divine attrlbutea aacrlbed to the man by
his devout followers, he brought to the
world In a better form a crystallization of
an ethical code so nearly correct In princl-
pie and application that It la adopted by ail,
Christian and I'agan alike, aa the right way
for living. Arguments and assertions to
vviiuMr uo Din iw mis racu ii
may De, ana in fact haa been, asserted that
the principles of the Christian doctrine
were set forth thousands of years before
the advent of Christ. In part this la true,
but the mere assertion of an abstract prln-
rlple Is not sufficient to give it force. It
requires aomeining more, a vitalizing In-
nuence, to make it a strong, active factor
in this affair of man. It waa tbia that
Christ furnished for the vagrant I'Jid in-
definite maxims that had been tenatlvely
put forth at varioua tlmea by different
religious teachers. He collected thum Into that either would have received the hear
one compact form, and pronouncing them Ing it did. In the Barrett play the develop
In their brevity, he expounded them to the ment of thin factor Is seized upon as the
understanding of even the simplest, and
bullded on them a creed, the foundation of
which is Love, and whose whole edifice
and superstructure depends on that one di
vine word. He found a world in which
the way of life was hard, where hatred
and revenge ruled, and where the Mosaic
law of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a
tooth," was literally applied. Into thla
world He came preaching the doctrine of
Love, of doing good to those who do evil,
and forgiveness of enemies.
f
Thla novel doctrine was slow in taking
root, for It met the moat atrenuous opposi
tion In Its earliest years. But it had the
advantage in that it taught the great les
son of equality and brotherhood, and the
humblest classes found in it a refuge from
the persecutions and exsctlons of the great.
It was this leveling Influence that gave to
the Nazarlne religion Its great Impetus
and which has made it the tremendous
agent for good it has proved in the affairs
of mankind.
Solely due to the element of sanctity that
surrounds the author of this religion is
the fact that no writer, either novelist or
dramatist, has dared to use Jesus Christ
as the central figure for thla work. The
potentiality of the incldenta of Hla Ufa as
they are known la admitted, and the In
terest that would be possible is equally
apparent, should the barrier ever be re
moved and the life ef the man be used
as a baala for a drama. At varioua tlmea
Indefinite approachea have been made to
wards this end, but ne writer haa aa yet
had the temerity to make Christ actually
move In play. The Passion Play of Ober
ammergau la 'net to be Included in a list
of the drama, although it is built on a
framework resembling that of a play. It
deala with the matter from a purely re
ligious standpoint, and offers in a medium
of mysticism rather than realism a few ef
the salient points in the life of the Savior.
But the absorbingly Interesting story of
the life and work of Jesus is not told.
Lew Wallace came nearer than any of
his fellows to making- the Nazarene a
character In a drama. In his great novel
he presents the outlines of the teacher as
he went about on earth with his disciples,
and gives probably more definitely than
any other novelist has, in his indirect dis
cussion of the topic, a clear look at the
real meaning of that brief earthly pil
grimage
In the play that haa been made
from the novel, the presence of Christ
Is hinted at only, but the hint is intro
duced with auch melodramatic circum
stances as to make it one of the deml
uant notes of the play. Matters reach
cuch a pas that a miracle Is absolutely
needed, and here the stage manager has
made Just a little more prominent the
device adopted by the novelist. General
Wallace very delicately seized upon one of
the recorded mlraclea performed by Christ,
and adapted it to the uses of the novel,
thereby restoring mother and sister to
Ken Hur, and rounding out In the most
conventional way the' great novel on
which the play Is founded. In thla is
the nearest approach to the Introduction
of Christ aa a character in a novel or play.
Paul Heyse, in "Mary of Magilala," keeps
the presence ot Christ always before his
audience, but never introducea him. The
nearest he conies to view is In the scene
where Mady is converted; here Christ is
supposed to walking with His disciples in
a garden adjacent to the house In which
Mary is visiting wth a Roman nobleman.
The Influence of His presence la manifest
always, without making Him an actual
character. Heyse' s handling of the theme,
presenting the contrasts of Roman and
Jewish character, animating Judaa Iscariot
with the same patriotic motive that moved
Hie aon of Hur in his preparations for wur
on the Romans, is masterly. Mary, while
she Is made the central figure In the drama,
is really a secondary participant In the
struggle of Interests Illuminated by Heyse's
genius. It Is rather a tale of the resistance
of the Jews to the domination of Rome, a
resistance that culminated a few years later
in the desperate rebellion that led to the
final destruction ot Jerusalem. Mary adda
the religious component; her conversion, her
devotion and her sorrow, are finely wrought
out and presented with auch vigor as to
rreate an Indelible Impression on any who
lias ever been privileged to witness the
play. But, for all thla fineness in develop-
ment of the character of Mary, and per
fection in Ita delineation, the conclusion
seems unavoidable that the political rather
than the religious aspect of the play Is up
permost. Thla Is undoubtedly due to the
Dr. Lyon's
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MISAHCD V
fact that Hcyse Us, as nil others hae,
to the unexpressed prohibition against deal
ing with the sac rod theme on a' secular
basis.
4
These plays are the best we have that
deal with the Immediate time of the Sav
iour's presence on earth. Others have been
written, but none that are now called to
mind have In them anything of merit or a
claim on aerloua consideration. They are
for the main crudely conceived and care-
le.sly put together, designed merely to ar-
rest attention of the heedlesa by cheap
melodramatic exhibitions, and have as a
rule eoon returned to the obscurity from
which they slightly emerged. Some really
strong playa have been built having for
their central theme the effect of Christ's
... ., . -
iDKmiiaa. ji uiesv me vest luiuwn nu
most successful have been "Quo Vadls"
and "The Sign of the Cross." The elemental
etructurcs of these playa Is so nearly alike
that It Is almost possible to lodge a charge
of cribbing against one or the other, and
yet the treatment In detail diverges auf-
flclently to defend the author of either
against such an allegation from the other,
Slenklewlca gives In aome regards a mora
realistic picture or tne lire or tne Christians
in Rome under the empire than does Bar-
rett, but the action of the Barrett play is
probably the smoother for the reason that
It waa put together by a master ef dramatlo
construction. The traglo ending, too, la
more in keeping with the verities, and for
that reaaon the mere aatisfactory. Neither
that reaaon the mere satisfactory. Nelthei
ef them rises te the dramatic height at
talned by Heyae and were It not for the
inevitable love tale that runs through both
the passion of a Pagan patrician for a
Christian maiden, it Is scarcely probable
central Incident and la
skilfully and effectively.
worked out most
In the Slenklewlca
drama the love story Is brought to the
front, but alongside It are other Incidents
that at tlmea seem to overshadow It, so
that it does not get as full a measure of
importance as Barrett gives It, and yet
both agree In making the merely religious
aspect of the dramatlo action an Incident
rather than a feature. In both plays had
the heroine been a worshiper of the Roman
gods Instead of the Jewish God, the episodes
on which the tales are based would have
been impossible.
Playa in whloh religion figures in one way
or another are many and as varied In type
as In authorishlp. "The Christian" is one
in which both hero and heroine make the
mistake of undertaking to apply abstract
principles to practical uses. John Storm
goes to London, full of zeal for what he
conceives to be a correct application of Ihe
doctrine of Jesus Christ. He finds that his
efforts are thwarted by the conventions
that have grown up around the teachings
of those who have gone before him, and
that the wealthy congregations will havo
none of his views, and that the poor among
whom he undertakes to establish himself
have other things to occupy their atten
tion and are Inclined to look upon his offer
of salvation as a poor substitute for some
thing to satisfy their more Immediate and
material wants. Glory Quayle finds that the
freedom she enjoyed In the Isle of Man Is
not to be had In London, and that certain
conventions hedge her roundabout with re
straints, and when she undertakes to break
through'them she proves again the shallow
ness of good and (he depth of meanness
that makes op1 existence In the metropolis.
The atmosphere of religion fn the play Is
decidedly tenuous and exists rather as a
haze than a true medium.
Ministers generally cut a poor figure in
plays. This Is probably due to the warfare
that has In the past and to some extent
today exists between the church and the
state. Ministers have denounced the actor
from the pulpit, and the actor in turn haa
Music and Musical Notes
Christmas Eve.
Oh. hush thee, little Dear-My-Soul,
The evening shades are falling
Hush thee, my dear, dost thou not hear
l no voice oi mo jnasier calling ;
Deep Ilea the anow upon the earth,
But all the sky Is ringing
With Joyous song, and all night long
The stars shall dance, with singing.
Oh. hush thee, little Dear-My-Soul,
And close thine eyes In dreaming.
And angels fair shall lend thee where
The singing stars are beaming.
A Shepherd 'calls His little lambs.
And He longeth to caress them;
He bids them rest upon His breast.
That His tender love may bless them.
So hush thee, little Dear-My-8oul.
Whilst evening shades are falling.
And above the song ot the heavenly throng,
Thou Shalt bear tha Master calling.
EUGENE FIELD.
Eugene Field.
rays, all the little "Dear-My-6-ula"
should have full stockings
this Christmas time. Not alone
the rich babies, but the children ot
W
ITH prosperity shining in gleaming:
the poor. I suppose nearly every one who
has much or a moderate supply of this
world's goods, puts apart something for
those who haven't so much. It may not
be a great amount, and perhaps of Itself
wouldn't buy very much, but If everybody
gave a little, the fund wouldn't be long
In swelling. But it Is rather pleasant as
you eat your own generous Christmas din
ner, and open the gifts, to know that a
few dollars ot yours are gladdening some
body's else holiday spirit. How about
those Salvation Army pots around town?
Did you drop In a bit of silver? Have you
given to some mission Christmas tree?
There la Mrs. Adams, superintendent of
the Visiting Nurse association, who goea
to homes where little children haven't had
even bread for aevaral days. Money given
Into her hands would do blessed service.
The Chrlstmaa preaent idea among
friends seems gradually to have developed
Into a sort of mis-shapen, unlovely carlca-
ture of what In the old days It waa meant
to be. Ifs this awful dollar proposition
creeping In to ruin all that la best in our
Uvea. Where have poetry and sentiment
betaken themselves? Even affection grows
dim! The most hopeless thing you can
say of a man nowadays la "he la a seeker
after beauty." Beauty of feeling counts
for ao little with the majority of people.
Like the man from Missouri they exclaim,
"Well, you've got to show me!" This
spirit haa hopelessly invaded Christmas
giving. Many people have altogether
atopped remembering their trlenda because
they can't afford to do it aa they would
feel bound to. What a pity I What a pity I
When It'a auch a Joy to plan and give
as you are able. "A cup of cold water
In Hla name." Maybe aome day we'll
really get our balance and see things in
their sane light. When we do, this won't
be earth any more. It will be heaven.
Musically speaking this week will be
given aver to the churches, whese choirs
have all prep ired more or less elaborate
programs. The Christmas tnuslo la always
a great feature and for weeks ahead the
varioua choirmasters are busy people, first
selecting- the competitions to be parformed
held the mlnlncr up to ridicule on the stagv.
This retaliatory warfare haa eerved to re
tard a proper understanding between the
two. It Is plain to those who think that
the stage could be made the complement of
the pulpit. If only the aealots on both sides
could be brourht to some sort Of agree-
me nt.
ThA ethical turto of the stare la
ihe etnicai purpose or tne siage is
admitted, and Its educational forct Is also
well established. Bermona are preached by
id. eermona are preacnea oy
a nla !ut as natentlv as
a play just as petenuy as
t. If only this be understood
the action of
from the pulpit.
and the correct relations between the two
be established, 'the work of both will be
rendered more effective and a harmony that
cannot fail to have good effect will result.
When that time deea oome, and it ian't
too optimlstlo to Bay that It la coming, the
... . . . L
way will De clear tor wi prwuuuuu i m
great religious drama. The elmple facta of
the life atory of Jeeua of Nasareth can be
used in a way In which they never have
been used, and by the Illuminative process
of stage production can be presented with
an efrntlvenesi that cannot be attained by
the more recital of them. His creed is
dally obtaining more followers and la dally
hecomin. better understood. Men and
women accept more readily the doctrine or
self - sacrifice and undertake to do more
nearly aa they would be dene by than ever,
The Imperceptible Influence ef Christ Is
really mere of a factor in the life ef man
than Is the direct. This Is apparently a
paradox, but It Is easily established as a
correct conclusion. If thla be true, and the
end to.be obtained la the spreading ef this
influence, why is It not a part ef wisdom to
avail the cause ef every possible avenue for
reaching the minds of men? And what
avenue more readily offers than the stage?
Men lose sight of Christ the Man in the
contemplation of Christ the Qod. It does
not appear that It would be In the least Ir
reverent or that It would at all detract from
the sanctity of His divinity If He were pre
sented more clearly In His character of a
man. And this would be the mUslon of the
stage. Let the church give forth the re
ligious phase of His teachings, while the
theater sets out the secular philosophy in
volved. Viola Allen has a very proper notion of
the dignity of her profession, and her faith
In tho American stage is almost sublime.
She discusses the conditions very sensibly
in a signed article, as follows:
To say, generally, that the American
stage differs in no way from that of any
other country would not be altogether
true. Human nature is the same tiie
world over; yet custom and tradition must
be taken Into account. Our people have.
for example, never taken kindly to tha
so-called tainted drama. We have delighted
In that which was uplifting and ennobling.
and shunned that which was salacious and
degrading. It has been the rule that no
play which is unlit for the "young person"
to see was unworthy ot the elders to at
tend. Foreigners have poked the finger of
derision at us on this account; but we have
stood our ground and upheld "our tradi
tion." Of course, plays which were be
yond defense and beyond contempt have
enjoyed Borne little prosperity on our stage,
but these huve been like angels' visits, few
and far between.
Surely the "young person" has his
"rights," although some are of the opinion
that he has no place In the piay-houso.
No healthy mind will agree with this
opinion, which is little less than a weak
and absurd excuse for the presentation
of plays which are degrading and Improper
for the mature mind to see. There are
those who pretend that the plays of Ibsen,
for example, should have a place on our
stage, and claim that our lnappreclatlon of
them augurs an absence ot artistlo appre
ciation on our part. But it may be asked,
where are these rlaya "popular?" Surely
not In England or France, and I tin In
formed by an excellent authority that the
total of presentation of the Ibsen drama
on the German fetage has not exceeded 3uO
performances.
If wholesomeness is one of the striking
characteristic of the American stage, as
I truly think it is, we have no reaaon to
feel ashamed of ourselves. This demand
on the part of the theatergoer haa not,
it appears, cramped, cabined or confined
the American dramatist. He has grown
bteadily. His work hus come to rank with
the best output of the English and French
playwrights. There was a time, and not
and then drilling their choruses and solo
ists. This year there will be many works
of great beauty given. Those who attend
the ChrlBtmas morning services in the
different churches may be certain of carry
ing away many memories ot sweet sing
ing. Poor Mr. Symons haa let hlmBelf In for a
dismal Christmas. We will hope that he
can prove to everybody's satisfaction that
he has sent his wife monthly installments
of money and otherwise behaved himself
with seemllness. Then, when he has gotten
through "proving up," he had better get
another position as organist right here In
the city, where his story is known. Un
pleasantnesses like Mr. Symons' have a
w of following people to new places.
Tl. only comfortable and at all satisfac
tory thing is to live them down where they
occur. There ia generally a good friend or
two to help along, until time, which levela
everything, geta In ita aoftenlng work. If
Mr. Symons has acted with honor, a few
years will blot out the contretemps. Peo
ple have such different ideas about "facing
the music." Why not? and get It over
with I
The recital given by Harold Bauer last
Tuesday . night at the Lyric under Mr.
Chase's direction waa a huge auccess. Mr.
Bauer played aa only he can play and de
lighted hla audience beyond words. Next
In the Chase series comes Francis Rogers,
the famous baritone. He has been reap
ing much success this season, and has
twice been "commanded" by the president
to sing at the White House. Mr. Rogers,
besides being a thorough musician, is a
charming man socially and has received
many attentions. His appearance here
should call out a crowded house.
Mr. Alberta concert Thursday night
stirred many memories among the older In
habitants of the city those who remember
quite a ways back; not so far as Nahan
Franko's residence in Omaha, but back to
the good old daya when Mr. Albert waa
teaching here and playing constantly In
publlo and In many private houses. He
was always generoua with hla muslohow
we did revel in It!
On December 30 Mrs. Sheets gave a Rus
sian program for the Mu Sigma club at the
residence of Mrs. Hancock. The numbers
were greatly enjoyed by those in attend
ance. Mlsa Paulson la extending her excellent
reputation aa a pianist and accompanist.
The following program waa given in Lin
coln at All Saints' church on December 11:
Quartet My Journey in the Klrgls
Steppes. Opus 87 Be hu berth
Allegro Moaerato, "Departure;" Bcherzo,
"Buchar Song;" Lento, "Tartar Song;"
Allegro Moderate, "Baschklr Song and
Return."
Trio-Opus K Arensky
Allegro Moderato, Elegia.
Miss Paulson, Mrs. Hagenow, Miss Elche.
Serenade Espagnole ...Glaxnunow
Nocturne Popper
The Butterfly .Popper
Miss Elche.
Andante from Quartet, Opus 11
Tschaikewsky
Scherzo from Quartet, Opus M....Schuberth
Toccata Sgamhatl
Nocturne, Opua OS aarUett
Mts Paulson.
Wldmun Schaper
Canzonetia Herbert
MAJIT LEARNED.
long agii,lther, that the American nmnager
had to look abroad for material; but tills
day has happily passed. It has bet-n no
unusual thing, either, during the past few
years, to find one or more American plays
successfully presented on tho London stage.
Ail mese ract are occasions tor concratu-
Ution,
We have grown steadily, and
"a past" to be asuamed of.
without
ntner tne native arama is to maintain
. nnaition anil rivnr t. un
ly u it has during the lan tew years is
of course, problematical. The first great
vi course, prnuijin.uc.i. ine nrsi gieui
b"be"-'-, however, has been overcome the
preJudlc and appreciation of
'home talent." It was said years auo that
given an opportunity, the native playwright
would taKe nis piave amongst tne loremost
dramatic craftsmen of tho world. Thla hope
la being speedily realized. Managers have
happily discovered that the theatergoer haa
a greater Interest In familiar, homely char
actera than In French Intrigues, almost al
ways of questionable propriety. Conditions
with us are not the same as they are on the
continent, and so It Is that a play popu-
tvuoireiiv, buu - l'"J y-j,
ir over seas 18 no augury that it Will sue
ceed with us. That we have grown very
weary of the overworked French triangle
as employed in farce is , truly a hopeful
sign.
Aa to "reforming the American stage."
I do not see where any reform Is neces
sary. Good plays succeed and bad ones
fail; vicious plays are driven from the
stage, and scant support is given to the
trifling and Inane. These, then, may be
" J? -Vf'hT ai0.L,m
defects there may De win nna speeay rem
edy, for that which la lacking in truth can
not long survive. iuua. auliun.
Co sals a; Events.
In "When ILuiBUiUiood Was In Flower"
Miss Rosello Knott haa found a worthy
opportunity for a display of her taleut and
clevernesa. Her interpretation of her role
is more than satisfying; cleft touches hero
and there have, made it her own creation
and not an imitation. Aa "Mary Tudor"
Miss Knott presents a character which
novae ullnwn the interest In it anil the olav
never allows the interest in it ana tne piay
to abate, a lovable character, marked as
it is by the oppositions of a hot tempera-
ment
which will beBtow the hand only
where the heart has gono. One feels her
quick, passionate movements are the result
Instinct with natural impulse. But dignity,
tiie dignity of a king's sister, is always
ready when need arises to bring it into the
play. Miss Knott's support Is la fact which
can seldom be stated with truth) well in
keeping with her worth, even to the small
est part In the cast. Mr. Hastings makes
a most dashing and handsome Brandon, and
la an actor who combines unusual ability
with the natural graces of a gentleman
Mr. Stevens sustains the role of choleric
majesty. King Henry tiie Klghth of Eng
land, with great intelligence. The play is
ataged and costumed with all the elegance
that marked the first production, so that
the desirable physical quality of richness
's provided in the prudence of Messrs. Kano,
Shipman and Colvln, under whose auspices
Mlsa Knott and her magnificent Criterion
Theater company are appearing. Miss
Knott'a engagments of three nights at the
Boyd theater begins this evening. She will
be seen at a special matinee on Christinas
afternoon.
The Chrlstmaa week bill at the Burwood
la peculiarly appropriate, "The Christian"
having been selected by tho director, J.
Sedley Brown, as being best designed for
the season. In this play Hall Cv.ine has
sounded a loud note of protest, ?iid with
his customary vehemence. When the novel
was first put out, some seven years ago,
it made a great sensation, and the play
which followed was no less of a sensation.
Mr. Calnc himself dramatized the novel,
and naturally preserved its full strength
and atmosphere. He is a master of the
climax, and in none of hla worka doea he
sustain the Interest at a higher tension
than in "The Christian." The story of
John Storm and Glory Quayle and their
struggles with the world, the flesh and the
devil is most absorbing, and the faithful
verisimilitude with which It Is worked out
Is astonishing in Its truthfulness. The
Betting of the play admits of liberal treat
ment and Mr. Brown lias taken full ad
vantage of this fact. The great mob Bcene
at Storm's mission church In the alums of
London Is one of the celebrated mob scenes
of the drama, and Is really a thrilling situ
ation. Other sets are equally effective.
Mr. Morrison will be John Storm, Mr.
Owen will be Lord Robert Ure, Mr. Todd
haa the fine character of Drake, Mr. ful
ton will be Archdeacon Wealthy and 'Mr.
Simpson will be Brother Paul. In Glory
Quayle Mlsa Lang will have the best part
she haa yet undertaken at the Burwood,
and much Is expected from her in this role.
Miss Ward, Miss Davis and Miss Hill are
well located in the cast, and the others of
the company have been called upon, for
the play requires them all. The first per
formance will be given this afternoon. A
special matinee will be played on Christmas
afternoon.
Planquette has given to the stage and
the world of music aims ot its most de
lightful light and comic operas. The best
he ever offered, however, was the great
naval comic opera, "Paul Jones," which
will be the attraction at the Krug theater
for four nights and three matinees, start
ing with a matinee today. There will be
a special matinee Christmas afternoon.
Mlsa Rose Cecilia Shay,, who has for a
number of years headed her own organiza
tion In grand opera and has made for her
self a reputation second to none, has been
Induced to play the tills role in this opera.
Miss Shay, like Miss Huntington, is the
one prima donna of tho time who is In
every way exactly suited for tho very par
ticular part of Paul Jones. She haa the
ability as an actress and tho right build.
but above all the voice which enables her
to sing the very difficult scores. The sup
porting company, tha scenery and the cos
tumes were procured with the idea of hav
ing this the finest comlo opera production
on the road today and there Is no doubt
but that it has succeeded.
For three nights and two matinees, start
ing Thursday night. December 18, "Qunicy
Adams Sawyer" will be the attraction at
the Krug theater. The story of the play
Is as sweetly natural as the breath of the
fields. The good folks who move in its
scenes are real and their honest humor
and everyday views ot life are cheerful,
while throughout the clever chain of events
runs the golden thread of a love story.
The first act Is the Interior of IV-nonl Hills'
grocery store and the village postofllce at
Mason's Comer; the first scene of the sec
ond act Is the crossroads between Kast
borough and Muson's Corner; the second
scene of the second act Is the "settln' "
room ef Mrs. Putnam at the Putnam farm;
the third act Is the Pettlnglll farmyard,
showing an old-fashioned "hukin' bee" In
the great barn, and the fourth act is the
exterior and Interior of the rettinglll homo
stead, showing a good old-fashioned snow
storm. Its features and typical characteis
are said to be exceptionally well presented.
There will be the usual matinee Saturday.
A bright, merry and altogether fitting
holiday entertainment Is promised at the
Orpheum for the week beginning matinee
today and Including a se-ial Christmas
matinee Monday. Most prominent of tl u
purveyors of mirth will be Francesca P.ed
dlng, who will present tha funny sketch
entitled, "Her Friend from Texas." which
has many humorous lines and situations.
Charles Bsron's burlesque menagerie Is a
troupe of canines gulsed as Hons and dif
ferent animals, the simulation making the
"stunts" curiously Interesting and amus
ing. Charles Iieonard Fletcher, the tal
ented player, will give some Impersona
tions of well known people and show some
characters from the works of noted novel
ists In quick succession, not even leaving
the stage for the making-up process, thus
giving a decidedly comprehensive glimpse
Into the players' art. Estelle Wordctte,
who comes for the first time, and company
will present a sketch entitled, "A Honey
moon In the Catskllls," of which Miss
Wordette Is author as well as star. Joe
Flynn, styled "The Man Behind the Book"
and noted as te writer of "Down Went
McQInty," will deliver one of his eccentric
monologues. The Doria trio In a skit called
"A Night In Venice" is, as the title nat
urally Implies, a trio of Venetian Instru
mentalists and vocalists. The three Mitchels
are vocalists and terpsichorean exponents
and In eccentric dances are said to have
few peers. Entirely new motion pictures
will be projected by the ktnodrome.
ftoaalp from "tagelaod.
Grace Cameron sends back word from
South Africa that while she has been a
tremendous hit In that faraway land, she
will close there on January 15 and sail for
London, where she has a short engage
ment, and then back to America in March.
"Aa o Bow," tne new piay written by
the Hev. Junn Snyder of boston, and pro
duced wiln so mucii success in Chicago and
Boston by W llliam A. Brady and josepu
K. Gristlier, Is to hegin an eng.igument in
New lork at tiie u aril en theater on tne
matinee on Christmas Uay. it is expected
that the play win ruu all thruugu the
balance ot the sea sou.
Dramatic editors all over the country are
silling up ana tatting note J not now ot tho
prets woik that la being uone In behalf
of George Cohan. Kddie JJiinu. lamed Horn
cuaoi lu coast, is at lue head of the Cohan
press bureau, and with his own originality,
"l'"eu uj euuinuuuuia nuiu ms j'nii-
cjpaJ auJ lrom Jelry Colmll( tlle 8JOt.
Ji.nt. sent out eacu week in the interval
t the Vankee L)ooUle author, is surely a
" ' " , . .
Willi much relulaeiice in whatever tluaieis
are opeu to them.
Mrs. taller is playing
Adrea, &az,t. and lictil of ia
htuu in I'liiiauelplna, and is doing great
buauieb. One is suuu lo appear in bt.
Louis. i;laiK-ne Hates is dciifciiliug New
Voraeis Willi "The Girl from the Golden
Weill, ' and Hurt I in Gahand Is Kuiuig aiuii
nicety nun 'sweet Killy Beuans,' while
David WailielU is making as mucii of a suc
cess lliis season aa lie did iaal in "liie
AiLinic Aiaaler."
Some months ago It was announced that
Stephen i'huhps, when lie had completed
his "Nero" tor Mr. Tre, wouid uevote
himself lo a UtieUy upon ine suojeel ol ine
Oitxou iiaroiu ajid ms tove siory with
iuilli. George Alexander, who has already
coiiiinlSNioiieu Mr. iiuiups lo write a bluiiK
veiso piay on ihe legend ol "Fuusl,'' also
luleiius lo produce ' 1 Lai old'' at the si.
Jauies theater, L,ondon. In the character
of lue tlaxeti-naiieu baxon hero Mr. Alex
ander ought to hud a pail admirably suiled
lo
mm. in ihe liual tableaux Air. flumps
will show Ldilh al tne feel ol the con
queror, praying lor the possession of the
body of me ueiuaied knife, and liieu wan
dering thru una the field where lie tiie
slaiu.
The New York Dramatic Mirror for tho
current week comes in its Chrisluias fonu
and piefienls a lnusl attractive appearance.
The Minor has long maintained us posi
tion at the head of publications UevoUd
to the stage, and by us conservative, in
telligent uuectiun has won tor itself a
place that no oilier may hope to allain.
Each week it is a welcome visitor to tnou
sands who have the good ot ine stage at
heart, and Its honest criticisms are us
thoroughly reiled on as are lis statements
of taut. Mr. Fiske has brought to the
management of his paper the same hon
esty of purpose, as wen as the same zeal
for art, that have been a part ot his ca
reer aa a producing manager, and his ad
mitted success in both lieids ot endeavor
Is the best answer that can be given to
those who uuesilon if integrity In art oan
win. May tne Mirror long reflect from its
calm surface the evidences of prosperity
now seen there.
Kicluud Mansfield's visit to California
has been immensely successful. Tiie Grand
opera house lu ban Francisco, which tioids
over 4.M) people, was pacaed every per
formance, and lue receipts tor the fifteen
representations were dose upon tbu.uuu. Mr.
Mansneiu lectured to an audience ot
people at the University of Cajllornla. Tiie
faculty bamiueied nun on his last nigiit
in bau Francisco, the Bohemian club liou
oitd him similarly on tne preceding Mon
day and Admiral McCail, Lulled Stales
navy, gave a naval reception tor him.
Mr. Mansneld entertained las own company
and all the attaches ot tne Grand opera
house at a supper after the play Thanks
giving night, lie is to mane ms last ap
pearances in California this week in Los
Angeles, where all seats have been sold
for the entire engagement. He piays lu
New Orleans Chriaimas week, and travels
north thence ' to Baltimore, Philadelphia
and New lork.
Viola Allen has caught on In New York
In Clyde Fitch's play, "The Toast of the
Town." Her time has been extended at
Daly b theater to cover the Christmas
holidays. As William Winter said in the
Tribune, the presentation proved "a great
personal success fur Miss Allen." Miss
Alien, with her tine company, will appear
In this cily on April 3 and 4.
One of the best known authors of recent
Juvenile stories is iiennelt Aiusson, whose
"Maisie and Her Dog Snip In Fairyland"
haa enjoyed gieat popularity during the
last two or three years among the "young
folks," as tiie publishing house of Har
per's calls them, fcome of these young
people would doubtless he both grieved and
shocked to know thai their beloved author,
Instead of being a lienevoleiu old grand
father. Is a young fellow who mukes his
living by playing the role of Sieve, the
cattle thief, in "The Virginian." Mr. Mus
von will be seen In this roiu when Dublin
Farnuin returns to Boyd's theater in the
Owen Wlster-Klrke Lu. Shelie play.
Out of the Ordinary
Several grocers in Illinois have been fined
for sell.ng as spices u compound containing
wood ashes, puiverized cocoanut shells and
olive stones.
Germany has already 30t statues of Bis
marck, with tiiliiy-cifiht more soon to be
finished. Fortunately, however, they are
not so situated that any one person can
see all of them at tiie same time.
Charles bimons, who lives near the eat
end of tne lioosuc tunnel und is hi years
old, has cut, split and slacked lot) cords ot
wood binec spring. As a chopper he is tho
peer ol even tne late William Gludsione,
In a recent race up the Eiffel lower in
Purls victoiy was won by a cyclist named
Foreslier, who climbed the 72s sieps In tne
extraordinary tune of i.ll 4-5. ills next
comiciitor was less than four seconds be
hind him.
Roger Mills county, Ok! , Is especially
favored lu the matter ot giant citizens,
lu Elk City there are sixteen business men
over 6 feet lull, one being ti feet 4 inches.
Bay re has a merchant wno stands ( feet 7
Inches and four oliiera over 6 feet i. Berlin
clinches the list with a li-ycar-ld boy, Ell
Guthrie, who measures 6 feet 6 inches in his
blockings, weighs Wi pounds and is still
growing.
Miss Kettle lienke, a department ' btore
clerk, was escorted through the streets of
Klkhart. Ind., wearing handcuffs, bhe had
allowed a man clerk to slip on a pair to
see how it felt, lie was unuble to remove
tnem, und led her to the police station.
Rergeant Whlltman. In trying to unlock
the iiandcufls, lightened them, snd it be
came necessary to file the handcuffs off.
Many urange dishes were eaten by Dean
Buekland, tne English clergyman ami
ceolocisi. At his dinner parties, which
were attended by leaders of science and
literature, the menus were often ot a most
eccentric character. On one occasion
Pickled horse tongue was greatly relished
by the guests until they were told what
Ihey i.ad eaten. Alligator was served up
as a rare delicacy and puppies occasionally
and mice frequently. At other times neoge
lious. tortoises, luitteii ostrich and soine
times rats, frops and snails were prepared
for the delectation or favored guests.
While her parents and the police were
trying to find her the other day Maud
Sloffel, 5 years old, JTJ Thirl) -seventh
street, Chicago, was having "a fine time
In au adjacent ronlecllonei y store, and It
was not until the police of the Blanton
avenue station had asked the assistance
of tiie whole department In their quest
that they were Informed that the Infant
had returnl home. "See," she called to
her anxious mother, as she stepped into
tiie house, "I des had a fine time." Maud
waved a package of candy above her heal
and said she hsd been "visiting" only a
few doors away. The police were aided
in their search by hundreds of persons
living in the vicinity.
If you have anything to trade advertise
it In the For Exchange column on The Bee
Want Ad iga.
AMI F.1F.TS.
BOYD'S
XIY1AS ATTRACTION
TONIGHT, MONDAY ANU Tt FHDAV, XMAS MATINEE.
SPECIAL XMAS MATINEE miCFS 2.V, BOc and 7c.
ROSELLE KNOTT
Supported by OGDEN STEVENS and EKNEST HASTINGS in
When Knighthood Was in Flower
MISS KNOTT AS "MARY TUDOR."
XMAS WEEK
THIS AFTERNOON, ALL WEEK, SPECIAL XLS MATINEE MONDAY.
THE WOODWARD STOCKCO.
IN
THE CHRISTIAN
DY HALL CAINE
1STH
BIG
WEEK
I'KOKESSIONAL TlESOAY MATINEE AND DOUBLE ORCHESTRA.
TRICES Nlghta and Sun. Mat., 10c-2fto. Toes., Thurs., Sat. Mat"., 10c-2Oo
Next Week "ARE YOU A MASON."
BKRUG 13c, 2Sc,,B0c, 76c
k Nights and 3 Matlneea
Starting With a Matins
TODAY
Special Matinee Xmas
ROSE CECILIA SHAY
The Comic Op-ra Success
Paul Jones
A Complete Scenic
Hplendid Company.
Chorus.
Production.
A Stunning
3 Nights and Saturday Mat. nor 9R
Starting Thuraday Night uct- 0
TIIE OKICJIXAL. XEW YORK,
CHICAGO and IIOSTOX
PRODUCTION'
Quincy
Adams
Sawyer'
The Beat New England
Play Ever Written.
First Time at Popular Frlces.
CNCieHTONT
'Phone 404.
WEEK COMMENCING
Sunday Matinee, Dec.24
Today 2:30 Tonight 8:15
Modern Vaudeville
Francesca Redding & Go.
Presenting; "Her Friend from Texas."
St"!." Burlesque Menagerie
Ctias, Leonard Fletcher
Artistlo Character Studies.
Estelle Wordette & Go.
Presenting "A Honeymoon In the
Catskllls."
Joe Flynn
"The Man Behind the Book."
The Doria Trio
In "A Night In Venice."
Three Mitchells
Refined Entertainers.
Kinodrome
Moving Pictures.
XmasMat. Monday, Dec. 25
PRICE8-10C, 25c, 60c
TAELE de HOTE DINNER
5unday II a. m. to 8 p. m.
40c and 50c
at tha
CHESAPEAKE
IS 10 Howard St.
The Janitor service in The Beo
Building is as near perfect as it can
te. remembering that janitors are
human. Offices from $10 to $45
per month several desirable ones
from which to choose.
AMI FMK3T.
Woodward & Durgcss
Managers.
Auditorium Roller Rink
GREAT CHAMPIONSHIP RACE
Monday. Tuesday, v ednesday Nights,
December 25-26-27
HARLkY DAVIDSON, World's Champion
vs.
J. S. PITT, ot Chicago
THE RACE WILL BE CALLED
AT 0 O'CLOCK EACU EVENING
Admission to Skating Floor, 20c
Ilalcony lOc
A Feast of Fun
HUMOROUS . RECITAL
The Fsjnous English Humertst
JEROME K. JEROME
Author of "Thre Mn In V'Eto.
assisted by
The Whimsical American Humorist
CHARLES BATTELL LOOMIS
PLACE Lyric.
v"v Tuesday Erolng, Dee. 26th,
8 P. M.
EH 60c, 7Rc and (1.00.
llox Offlc Open Friday, Dec. 22,
0 A. M.
MORAND'S
CHRISTMAS MATINEE
CREIGHTON HALL
Dancing 2 to 6 P. M. Admlsalen 23c
Sons of Malta. Club
Grand Ball
CREIGHTON HALL
MONDAY, CHRISTMAS NIGHT
Large Orchestra SOc per Coupla
XMAS CANDIES
LOWNEY'S AND GUNTHER'S
FINE CH0C0LATE8 AND
BON SONS, AT
MERCHANT'S DRUG STORE,
. W. Cerner 1th ana Howard Streets
TABLE D'HOTE DINNER
SUNDAY aj
She CALUMET
em '.?,r
It i
mi a Iw$m
V' fc. M f '-' "r ' fit
Ct. v-:.i5l-jV'ri
