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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 16, 1908)
TIIK OMAHA SUNDAY BEE: FEBRUARY lfi. 1008. S Gossip About Plays, Players and Playhouses OLANCK at the date book 'shrrs that Omaha folks hsre till In prospect plenty thilt Is of Interest. At the Hoyd thea ter between now snd the fond old wmiwr time some of the A best of American actors will be awn, while tha Orpheum and the Kruf each offera for tna remalnlnf weeks 6t the season some cf tha bt thlnxs In thotr line. The last wek was notable for nothing In particu lar, unless tt waa the resolute manner In which Omaha people refrained from going to the Boyd. Mr. Carroll' work In comedy did not lure out many, whllo Mlaa Rhaw, In a round of unpleasant plays, got atlll rawer. Miss Fettee. who waa with Mlaa Bbaw, received much attention froni her ' Omaha friend a during lier atay In the city. I Thla remlnda ua that another former favorite, of Omaha folks, Mlaa Marie Pavey, will be at the Krug the latter half of tha week. Mlaa Carmontelle a In the company with her. And atlll another. I Mlaa Grace Cameron, la to begin the week at the Knig. Mlaa Orrlce Obrr wrltea from Chicago that ahe haa been engaged as an inetructor at the Bush Temple School of Acting. Just why a woman of Miss Shawa ad 1 mltted ability and demonatrated talent I should apply herself to the exposition of (the drama of unhealthy toplca passes un deratandlng. She might be apreadlng ' aweetness and light and laughter through out the . world, Instead of gloom and the omber dissatisfaction that needa follow on auch exhibition aa "Mrs. Warren's Pro fession'' or 'Ohoata." Ibsen waa a thought ful man, but hla vlewa of lire were any thing but cheerful, and he aaw little hope for man savo In some aort of a moral re volution or rejuvenation that ahould bring him around to the Ibsen Idea of fltnesa of things. "Ohoata" la but a alngle manlfea tatlona of Ibaen'a general mood. He da- rived a grim, aardonlo delight from hla alilllty to drag unpleasant poaslbllltlea Into the light, and parade them aa exemplifying human existence. No gleam of kindly I humor ever Illuminates the hopeless horror j of Ibam'a mood, but, like aome wrathful : master of the race, he goes tearing away to Ita Innermost secrets to bare anything he may find that la hideous or repugnant In man's nature. And, having torn away the covering and shown the foul sore, he aneers and turns In search of aomethlng else to expose. Oreat In literature, because his writings are Juat now the shrine at which the faddists worship; strong In drama, be cause his ruthless realism makes us , ahudder aa we gaae on the spectacle he has prepared, he seems to utterly lack the note of human sympathy. Compared to Bhake epeare by the enthusiasts, he falls In the measure of the man, for he lacka tha ele ment of kindly love that binds him to man kind. In his bitter Irony he cuts to the bone, ' and then, with a sarcasm that Is diabolic, he rubs salt In tha open sore and leaves it to fester. With Ibsen we sit always under the Impending catastrophe, helpless nd hopeless. But, and for this thought I much thanks! we don't have to spend all ' our days In listening to the diatribes of the gloomy. If great. Norwegian, nor must we wear forever sackcloth and ashes because we have sometimes committed an offense ' egalnat tha law Mra, Alvlng may have her prototype; such j things have happened and In all reasonable I probability will happen again. But this does not argue that all martiagea are un happy, or that all families are muddled aa I hers. In most American houaeholds tha I eTood old relations of huaband and wife, . and children and parents, sent down from an ancestry that waa strong in Its adher ence to a rigid code of morals and firm In at realization of Individual responsibility, atlll prevails. In Its normal aapect the hu j man mind la clean. To bs sure, normal people are uninteresting, and only the ab normal ever get themselves prominently before the public, Ibsen's types are ab normal, and, unfortunately unhealthy. Not I Infrequently there are out of perspective . aa well mere carloaturea, purpoaely drawn "to emphasise whatever Idea the good old Joctor had In mind. "Ghosts" contains no lessen for general application. Much sor eow, perhaps. Is felt for Mrs. Alvlng; com miseration for a woman so situated Is the moat natural Impulse of a clean, warm eart But reflection leads as naturally Jo the conclusion that little loss was en tailed to the world In general when the others of the play were overtaken In the general calamity. Its moral Is as old as mankind. G. B. 8. doesn't take himself seriously. Or, if he does, he credits the general public with little discernment. His "Candida" puts forth a question that scarcely needs answer. It Is merely the analylst G. B. 8. turning to the light another angle of what ha conceives to be the sex question. His views of life In general are quite out of harmony with most of his fellow men, and in no respect mqre so than his handling of woman. He has pictured her in almost very conceivable aspect but that of man's helpmeet and companion. She has been his good genius and his evil, but she Is tho one to blame at all times. Shaw is a worthy son of Adam and recalls all too readily, the excuse behind which his first . father sought refuge. Candida Morrell had some reason for exasperation at tha action of her husband; she was not altogether without fault herself In tha matter; the resentment of Morrell for tha action of young Marchbanke waa but the traditional attitude of man from the very beginning. It la a little bit beyond belief that a full blooded . man will calmly watch another making love to hla wife. It la also a Httls hard to believe that a woman will give her body to a man with aa little thought as she would her shawl to a beggar. Such a woman might find that the greater value would attach to tha ahawl. But G. B. S. deals with a peculiar aort of woman a kind that haan't yet made Ita appearance on earth. It may come when the atata of society he thinks he dreams about Is realised. It la In "Mrs. Warren'a Profession" that Bhaw shows his most Impudent attitude toward tha woman question. Without a suggestion of reason lie has marshaled a'l tha sophistical apologies and excuses of fered for a woman of Mrs. Warren's pe culiar calling, and parades the array with cheap gusto through tha action of tils drama, finally reaching the Inevitable con clusion that no one who makea even no slight a pretense to decency ss did youn Gsrdner can touch money known to have beenderlved.by means of her "profession." It Is aot moral sijucsmlshness that makes this so; It Is merely the operation of ft heaUhy sentiment latent In the minds of ally Shaw does not undertake to handle the question deftly or skillfully; ho parades It boldly and aa If It were of moment, and trasenly pollutes the ears of unio 1 litlcaU'd hearers with the flimsiest of excuses fur tha strumpet. Mra. Warren could not re alise hr cravings for luxuries by honest means, so she took to dishonest. In the end shs Indulges In some maudlin tears and cheap regrets because her daughter de clines to accept her proffer and returns to her "botel" on the continent. A New Tork judge, after listening to argument, held the play not to be Immoral, because It presents nothing that Is obscene and In Its main argument Is opposed to the "profession" of Mra Warren; but J.t la unmoral, and It la also Indecent. i that these thins do exist snd therefore 1 are fit toplca far debate. But In the Clinic; the college professor mny lecture on them to his claasea and scientists msy dis cuss them In all their aspects, but they hsve no business on the stage. If only selected audiences were allowed to witness the presentation of these plays little harm might result, but It Is certsln no good could come 'of It. Offering them to mixed audiences, snd publicly, so that tha cynlc lama of experience fall, flippantly utterej, on the eara of Innocence, and the sophis tries of the sinful sre set with spparent alneerlty before the Inexperienced, no good can possibly be done, and great harm may ensue. Miss Shsw might serve herself, as well as the cause of the American stage, a great deal better If she would devote her self to the drama of light and goodness, rather than the gloom and rottennesa of Ibsen and 8haw. At a meeting of hm Omaha Woman's club during the week aome of the apeakers touched on the evil influence of the so called "thriller" drama and demanded Its suppression. One woman expressed her gratification that the press Is taking an Interest in the matter and Is using Its power to do- away with the meretricious plays that now give offense to good taste and good public morals. If this woman had been an observing reader of the news papera for many years she would have noted that goodly section of the American press. The Bee among It, haa tern hammer ing away at this class of drama for a long time, and with apparent little effect. It haa almost driven the dirt drsma from the better class of theaters, but the thriller still holds sway at the cheaper theaters. And it is not comforting to think so, but the conclusion Is almost Inevitable' that the evil vlll persist until the managera .can Invent aomo other form of amusement for which those In humble circumstances and with taste for the tawdry will be will ing to spend their money aa liberally aa they do for the modem thriller. LEHAR'S LATEST OPERA A FROST "Merry Wldow'i" Author Composes Piece for London Mamie Hall. LONDON, Feb. 5. (Special Correspond-ence.)-i-Just about the most painful "Jar" that Londoners have had' lately was the announcement from Vienna a few days ago that Fram Lehar's new opera, "The Man with Three Wives," had failed to prove another "Merry Widow." George Edwarda bought It "unslght unseen" and will, of course, produce the piece In London, but ha admits that both tha book and the score practically will have to be rewritten, and London Is not looking forward to the pro duction with any great enthusiasm. A bit of consolation has come along, however, In the shape of an announcement on the part of Alfred Butt who Is acting the part of the proverbial new broom at the Palace Music Hall, that he has secured a one-act musical comedy the score of which Is by Lehar and the libretto by a new author, and will produce It within a few weeks. Butt denied further details when I pressed for them today, but gave the Impression of being quietly confident that he has a "hit" In his possession. If only he has caught the composer In hla "Merry Widow" mood we are In for some enjoyable half hours at tha Palace, and you on the other side of the Atlantic will be In for a sim ilar treat, for the American rights will be placed at once If a success Is scored here. The bill at thePaface by the war, will have been strengthened before thesj lines are In print by tha reappearance of Marie Dressier, who got such a reception upon ner first appearance at this house as sel dom has fallen to the lot of a foreign fun maker. She will return In her American sketch, "The Bonnet Shop," but she tells me that she doesn't Intend to remain "on the halls" long,' but Is Intent on carrying out her original Idea and "presenting'' her self here in a musical comedy. Mean while there is plentiful evidence of the ex tent to which Miss Dressier has scored here In the theatrical columns of the Lon don papers, the writers of which are sug gesting her for about every fat (I use the word In Its technical aenae) part for a comedienne there la going. George Ed wardea has been advised to star her In l"Th Dollar Princess" "(nor la the advtoe bad conaldering that Ita heroine la an American); Frank Curxon haa had her pointed, out as the Ideal Interpreter of a leading part In "The Worm," which he Is producing shortly, and the latest suggestion I have seen Is that she should play the match-making widow jn the Angllclxed ver alon of "The Manhattan Belles," which we are to have shortly at the Shaftesbury, where the famous "Belle of New Tork" made her hit. It is all very flattering to the American comedienne. Novelists eontlnueobe "the people" In the stage world of London and the most prominent of them Is W. J. Locke. Jn my next letter I will be able to tell you what manner of stage piece he has contrived to make of his story, "The Beloved Vaga bond," which Americana liked so much, for Tree produces It at His Majeaty'a next Saturday evening. Dublin, the canine upon which tt waa tried, liked It a lot, and other provincial cltica ditto, but "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" which haa expired after a three week's London run. also hit the provinces hard, ao that la not criterion. It la aurprlalng to Londoners that Locke's "Morals of Marcus" failed to score In the United States, but I am told that the play used aa a starring vehicle for Marie Doro .was a totally different affair from that which ran 360 night at the London "Garrlck." Perhaps managers at home will take warning and not try experlmenta with "The Beloved Vagabond" should It succeed here. Locke; meanwhile, has had a lesson, too, or at least what seemed like one. His "Palace of Puck" which was not an adap tation of any of hla novela failed to acore a little bit when tried at the London Haymarket recently, and evi dently the author drew hla own con cluslons. At all events, on hears that his next-stage piece will be a dramatic ver sion of his early novel. "Idola" and an uncommonly good play It ahould make. Later on, moreover. Locke means to take his story "Where Love Is" In hand for the stage, though about the results of that experiment one la not quite ao hopeful. Until hla "adaptable" book a are used up. however, tt la not likely that he will try his luck with another orlslnal play. HAYDEN CHURCH. Cosslna; Brtsta. One of the most certain tests of the popularity of a musical play is the number of copies of Its songs which are sold to the audience as It leaves the theater after the performance, and taking this as a basis for figures. Joseph E. Howard's music sale of "The Girl Question" is unequalled In the history of musical comedies. During Its first six months' run at tho LaSalle thester In Chicago Charlea K. Harris, pub lisher of Its music, sold more copies than of any other play whose muslo ho hss ever published, and since it has been on tour the sales In ths theater after the perform. ance have averaged nearly a copy of one song or another to every person In the audience. Although the LaSalle theater company will continue "Tha Girl Question1 at that playhouse in Chicago until lata In June, tha Askln-Blnger company haa as sembled aa all-star caat for ita road tour snd It will be seen here at the Boyd for three nights and a special Tuesday matinee, commencing Sunday. Ezra Kendall cornea to (he Boyd theater February in, 21, 22 and S3 In GeorrV Ade'a rich comedy, "The Land of Dollars," a hank of laughter, guaranteed to withstand the demands of all the spectators. His managers, the Harry Askln company, have furnished Mm with a company of excel lence and three beautiful sets of acenery. Prominent In his company are Eleanor Barry, Charles Crosby, Horace Newman and a doxen others whose work deserves much applause. The caat Includca over twenty players. Wednesday. March 4, the flowery Japa nese grand opera, "Madam Butterfly," that took Nebraska music lovera by atorm laat year. Is to return for a matlnes and night performance at the Boyd theater. This will be the last visit to the state of Henry W. Savage's celebrated English grand opera company, especially organized to pro duce this masterpiece. It brings Its own symphony orchestra of fifty musicians and all the new artists Imported for this season. "Madam Butterfly" Is the grand opera masterpiece by Olaeomo Puccini and the work has now been the reigning sensation of two contlnenta for the laat three seasons. For this yesr's organization Mr. Savage haa Imported six prima donnas and even Increased his orchestral forces. An Inter esting feature of the Omaha engagement will be the first appearance In the state of Miss Phoebe Strakosch, the gifted niece of the great Patti, whose American debut In New York made her an Instant favorite In thla country. Mlsa Strnkosch Is one of four prima donnas who sing the title role in the opera and she will be heard at the night performance. Miss Betty Wolff, the pretty German prima donna, whose photos have appeared in all the American maga sines since she sang "Madam Butterfly" In New York, will sing at the matinee. Mall orders of "Madam Butterfly" will be accepted now and Manager Monaghan of the Boyd theater will fill them In order of receipt. The box office sale opens Saturday, February 29. No gallery seats reserved by mall. In ordering seats remember that the Music and Musical Notes HE difference of opinion over the T singing of Tetrazzlnl, one of the stars of Mr. Oscar Hammerstetn at the Manhattan Opera House, New York, is adding a volume to the already plethoric set de voted to the gaiety of newspaper readers. Humorous It would be. If It did not have quite a serious phase to It. But It affords a reason for the policy of the New York Mualcal Courier, which, from time to time, print In parallel columna the criticisms from the various metropolitan dallies re garding aome special opera or concert. Theae are so often at complet variance that one must wonder and wonder. And the serious phase, as alluded to, above. Is this: When critics hear exactly the op posite effects from one given production at one given time, what shall eventually be come of criticism? Is there really any necessity for It? Is It ever absolutely un influenced? This Is not Insinuating that the criticisms of our famous critics are paid for. In cash or equivalent. It does not suggest that they are open to tho charge of unfairness. But is even the best musical criticism entirely without prejudice, for or against, uirougn personal acquaintance, or aoctal relations? Tha case of Tetrazzlnl Is, however, a very Interesting one and not altogether unamus ing. Hence this musing Here beglnneth the tender tale Of strange conditions which now prevail. When tha "AlBF," ahlr- m.t , , , OWS pale. In the Hamraerstelnesque Manhattan, - tUb. C.UU U1H miHU- Cometh a singer from o'er the sea, (Sing "Ho" for the singer and "H the fee): igh" for And what will tho critics do to me? jnusea me Junoesque Tetrazzlnl. Now, ahe ahaketh the vocal frills. And now she taketh the treacherous trills. And now the dear public thrills and thrills, ua unuajesque excitement: Then the critics begin to write, And contradictory thinga Indite, Can It be they refer to the self-same night au wivir auierence ox opinion : Comes the "Star" with a ray of light - til. VII1D 1U1VII IliaHV, Perhaps to sing but she missed it quite. Ana me money snouia be refunded. Comes the "Forum" with vords like these: Dinging iixe mat is sure to please; Mualc-lovera are on their knees, ai ma looisiooi or Tetrasslnl." Now tha "Cosmos" doth sing aloud: in ever was singer so unendowed As the one who warbled to laat nlght'a crowa From the stage of the new Manhattan." Thus the "Letterbox:" "Yesternight, Gladsome we were with a new dvlight. Artist, Indeed, and by heaven's own right, in me magical xeirazzini. Quoth the "Tides:" There Is naught o aay, Tetrazzlnl will pass away. Scales and trills will not come to stay, f or me aay or mat scnooi is over. Then the unmusical man spoke out. And feeling a sense of the vaguest doubt. He asked what the trouble was all about This fuss about Tetrazzlnl? When he heard the tale f have told to you, Of the various points of a point of view. How one seas a "rd" and another a "blue," When tha shade is a royal purple- Quoth he: "Your 'Manhattan' la very rare. For myaelf, I ever ao much prefer The vaudeville girl with the yellow hair, To your wonderful Tetrazzlnl. You take your 'Manhattan' and 'Tetra,' too. (And the critics take also their point of view) But with all due respect to the rest of you, I will stick to a 'dry Martini.' " The life of a critic ia never a merry one. He la alwaya doing the thinga he ought not to have done, and leaving undone the thinga he ought to have done, and there la no wealth In him, you may be assured of that. He who pleases people. In his duties as a critic, is an unknown quantity. He who tries to please people, pleases nobody ill.. and does not himself escape criticism. The critic who tries to point out in a general way what should be taken seriously and what ahould be avoided will alwaya find many people to agree with him, and that la also well. But better than all else he will feel the approval of hla own con acience In that he haa tried to say and do what was nearest right, regardless of who waa pleased or displeased. Very often The bee musical critic re ceives a letter containing kind words of encouragement, usually coupled with a re quest that a certain Item be printed In "next Sunday's paper!" But there are a few who ssy the thing out of sheer impulse of the moment, and such words of cheer are like a slice of watermelon on a mid aummer afternoon! Sometlmea he Is asked why he does not attend recitals of students of tha various teachers, his reply la aver and always tha same That a pupil's recital Is not the place for a musical critic of a metropoll tan daily newspaper. If ha ia a crltlo, lis must view things from all aldsa and write lagaI ire removed for the grand JP At tha Krug theater for four nights, com mencing Sunday matinee, and with the usual matinee Wednesday, Grace Cameron will be seen In "Little Dollle Dimples." Miss Cameron (Dollle Dimples) has had a most remarkable theatrical career for n young artist. Joining the famous old singing organisation. "The Bostonlans," as a mere novice and Inside of six weeks appearing In the many famous roles that had Junt been played by Alice Nlelaon, and making a tremendoua aucceaa of them all, from thla to the Savage Grand Opera com pany, to "Foxy yulller," "The Tender foot." "When Johnnie Comes Marching Home." "Nancy Brown." "The Telephone Girl," "The French Maid," "The Nor mandy Wedding," "Plff Paff Toutf." etc. The play "Dolly Dlmplea" offers ample op portunity to th large and Important com pany presenting. It, and Miss Cameron fairly revels In tier present role and Is mak ing with It tho hit of her entire theatrical carear. A. H. Wooda' elaborate scenic produc tion, "The Gambler of the West," will open a three-night engagement. - commencing Thuraday, with matinee Saturday, at the Krug theater. It la said that "The Gambler of the West" is the most sensational of this season's vintage of melodramas. While the circus people the , past summer have been raising the limit In daring performances of the arena, Mr. Woods haa devoted himself to raising the limit In the sensationalism of melodramatic productions. Owen Davis, the author of the play, has put to the blush all the authors of thrilling literature. The time and place selected for the scenes and situations the west when It was wild and woolly could not have been Improved upon. One thrilling adventure of the heroine and hero follows another In rapid succession and with constant Increase In their hair-raising effectiveness, until near the finish of the final net the villain laughs In death's agony at the throwing of bowle knives at the heroine lashed to a tree by an Indian. Miss Marie Pavey and Miss Hattle Carmantelle, whose Omaha friends are numbered by hundreds, are with this accordingly. If he la a reporter of musical events and wishes to administer a sugar coating to all concerned, there he belongs. Pupils' recitals will always receive ad vance mention In this column, and that III alwaya be cheerfully given, If the notices are sent In In time, according to what The Bee thinks Is the proper time, not according to what the musicians may think should be The Bee'a time. Last week I received a program from one of Omaha's leading teachers, and the stamp on the envelope showed that the letter was mailed after the musical part of The Sunday Bee waa actually In print! I drew the attention of the managing editor to this, because the musical critic Is usually blamed for the omission! But to get away from the local side of the question and return to the general side of criticism, what Is the value of a press notice? Time was, when a press notice was some thing worth while, when a man worked for a press notice as he did for a dlploma. Etxcept In very, very few cases, this is so no longer. For two reasons: First, on account of the fact that press notices can very generally be bought. And this Is true In Europe just as much as It Is In America! Mark that. If it Is not true perhaps you will explain to me the state ment occasionally heard, "lie can not be bought." Why should such a statement be necessary? If the "majority" of critics could not be bought, would that statement be made? Another reason, and If anything; a worse one. Is that of Indiscriminate praise, for 'expedience" sake. What value has a good 'criticism" or to be more correct "write- up," to a sincere singer or player If the same paper or critic gives the same praise next week to a mediocrity, a fraud, or a charlatan? I am not much In defense of slang, but once In a while we Americans do originate sentence which means something terse and definite In a slang phrase, one of these Is, "Can he deliver the goods?" That is the question now asked by those who have the current coin to offer In ex change for musical service of any kind. We do not hear people ask "What press notices have you?" but we do hear over and over again, "Can you deliver the goods?" He or she who ,"can deliver the goods" will never lack a customer. While the other one Is getting out his album of press notices and his pages of what the critics say, the other one comes In, gives a sample of the goods he can deliver and gets the contract. Thla Is getting to be more and more the case. Watch It and see. Apd In the meantime let us get our goods ready for delivery, and when the time comes, the customer will. Mr. David Blsphman. for instance hi com ing, March tth. I believe. Now, his local manager, Mrs. Turner, keepa me supplied with press notices of what he Is doing. Have I printed one? No. Why? Becauso you all know that David Bispham has been here before, and has shown whether or not he can deliver the goods. Can he? His audience will fill tha church he sings In. even In the beginning of Lent. Why, the sale Is actually rushing now. I take thla aa, a good example. By some un written law, a master always attracts his audience regardless of press notices, and by some equally Interesting law the real reputation of a man travela quicker and further than hla press notices do. It Is strange, but It Is true. It Is wMth pleasure that I note a return engagement of the Italian Opera company. me exact date will come later. Madame Butterfly, the Savage produc tion, ia scheduled for March 4 for two per formances, and a very Interesting cast Is promised. THOMAS J. KELLY. IH astral Notes. A concert will he iivn ,t '..i,.k.,. Neb next Monday evening, February if. urn,,,,, BuirKiiii Aivin rj. I'OOlt. violinist; Miss Alice Fawcett, contralto and Mrs. J. C. Garlow. pianist. Miss Fawcett introduced tha TjoMoimi., College Male quartette and the following pupils In addition: Misses Kerr, Maude Cloud. Katherlne Gamble. Corliss White. Ktta If untsberser. flwenriolvn r:nrlAv h Messrs. Hartwell HaVblln, Newton Itice and W. A. Kearna. Mra. William Race. Mlsa Osborne. Mrs. George bpangler, Miss Uarlow, Miss Johnson, Miss t'loud, Allen Ruggles, Mr. Hanibiln. C. C. Browne and Mr. Kearna appeared also In eiiacmMu worn. Mlsa Helen Badilek gavo an In terestlng piano solo. Two recltala or especial merit were given recently which the musical critic of The ties could not attend, ana yet tiicv were wen wormy or notice. roe m t -: wss the recital by four pupils of Mi' Borslum l piano) and the second was t song recital by the pupils of Miss Alice Fswoett. The former was given by Wua Marin Meek, Miss Alice Duvis, Mlsj Doro thy Morton and ( eel I rlerrynmn. asslbied by Mrs. Robert B. bell and Miss 1-aJH Goeta. Mr. Horglum's recitals aie always Interesting and this one di parlicului ly so. because his best advanced pupils ap peared. In fact, with the exception .if Mlsa Morton, luey are all la tha pruics alonaJ dual first four rows opera orchestra. company, Mlsa Pavey playing tha leading role. In brilliance and importance the prima donna, Mlle Zells de Luasan, who became famoua as a principal of the New York Metropolitan Grand Opera company and at Covent Garden In London, la calculated to eclipse any musical star tha Orptieum has ever offered. Mile, de Lussan will alng at each matinee and evening performance dur ing the week, beginning with a matinee today. Another artist will be Willy Zim merman with his Impersonations of his old patron, Oscar Hammersteln, Llts. Wsgnsr and other composers and directors. Fred erick brothers and Miss Burns, newcomers, promise a versatile and pleasing turn In music and comedy. A sketch entitled "A Woman's Way," said to narrate an Interesting and wholesome little atory, will serve to Introduce George A. Beane and company. Howard brothers are down to provide a unique turn In harmony with their flying banjos. Daisy Harcourt, the comedienne will render her coster- songs and other English character songs. Ferrell brothers wNl contribute a bicycle aot that Is an admixture of skill and comedy, and new motion pictures will be shown by the kinodrome. A series of laughs, a period of pathos, many phrases of philosophic reasoning and then some more laughs In plenty that's "Young Mrs. Wlnthrop," which Is now run ning at the Burwood. Its story is a delight ful ono, well calculated to Interest and In atruct, and, unlike many playa, It doea not depend on but one or two .characters to unfold a charming narrative. When he wrote "Young Mrs. Wlnthrop" Bronson Howard was at the height of his career as an American dramatist. Tha piece was ac cepted for very extended, runs In all of the larger cities, and at the time for one not to have witnessed the comedy two or three times was Indeed an exception among those appreciative of this typo of dramatlo effort. The Burwood management has given the piece a most fitting mounting, particularly so In tho library set used In the first two acts, it being the most realistic scene of the kind ever shown In OmahaIn' fact, there seems to bo a well-founded doubt that the vast library shown Is anything else than Just what It represents. "Young Mrs. Wlnthrop" will continue with two perform ances today and throughout the coming week. There will be matinees on Tuesday, Thuraday, Saturday and Sunday. Goaalp from Staaeland. Art note: Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" haa been produced with moving picture effects. Mra. Helen Cohen, wife of Jerry and mother of George, ia at St. Elizabeth s hos pital. New York, where she underwent an operation for appendicitis last week. When the emperor of Gerniany Is at the theater he alwaya leads In the applause. Russia's czar never thinks of such a thing, and Edward of England only wants to be left undisturbed. Observes Franklin Adams: "Musical ad vertising," says one of the trade Journals, 'Is always dignified." Surely. Think of billing Mine. Carreno. for instance, as "The Girl Behind the Counterpart." Lillian Russell was once refused a posi tion as a chorus girl by a manager who later chartered a special train of eight cars to carry her from ono city to anotner at the head of an opera company. Frederick de Bellvllle and Ida Jeffries have formed a vaudeville partnership and plan to present "Mrs. Van Vechten's 11 vorse Dance," In which Mrs. George Gouid appeared in New York recently. Sardou is said to be writing a play for Beerbohm Tree, which will deal with the French Revolution, the principal role being one of the leaders of men In those times. It will likely be brought out next autumn. "Driven from Home" Is a drama that nm Murphy Is equipped by experience to write. Six years ago he bought a lot in Roslyn, Long Island, and the next spring it was condemned to put a boulevard through. Then he bought at Great Neck, but In a year fire wiped out Ills home. Last week he was notified that his latest acquisition was to be seized by an Inter urban traction company for right-of-way. Mabel Hlte, who left the cast of "A Knight For a Day" in Chicago because she was overlooked when the New York com pany wis organized, has gone into vaude ville. Miss Hite began her short tour In the east In a new act wrtttea for her by Vincent Bryan. Iater In the season she will likely Join the company that Is belt.;; formed to give musical shows at the Circle theater In New York. Maxlne Elliott brought out another new play In Baltimore when she presented there a comedy called "Myself Bettina." The new play was favorably received by tlui Baltimore first-nighters. A significant faH in connection with the production was the absence from the cast of Charles Chetry, wno nas ocen Miss fjlllott s leading man since she launched herself as an Inde pendent star. Robert Drouet has the lead ing male part In the new play, and it Is said Mr. Cherry was not utilized because there a! no part In the piece to suit him. In "Under the Greenwood Tree " Mnvin.. Elliott appeared In a bathing auit. In "My self Itetttna" she gives an imitation of the Salome dance. In the second act to the play a acene represents the rehearsul of a part of an act from "Salome. Throughout the rehearsal music from Strauss' opera of the same name Is played on me piano and at the proper time Miss Elliott executes some of the movements from the dance of the seven veils. She Is gorgeously covered with yellow satin gar- msneii witn brilliant spangles or gold. Tno dance was Introduced to plctore life behind the footlights and gay Parla, where Bettina haa been atudying art. aa a contrast to life In a typical New England village, where the drama, to show that a woman may be both wise and good. Is worked out. Walter Eaton concludes a half-column review In the New York Sun thus: "Such a piece of work as "Fifty Miles from Bos ton." considered as a play and that, In spite of Mr. Cohan's excuses Is exactly what it aims to be is so silly, false and In effective, and so ridiculously played by Its heroine into the bargain, that one is hard put not to get serious about It, seriously angry. Hucn a play is a kind or insult to our intelligence. And the attitude of Its author, this I hope you will not take mo seriously" pose as If any artist that Isn't worth taking seriously Is worth taking at all! 4s a greater innult still, for it In sults his fellow playwrlghta and his brother actors as well as us. llowaver, mere is a retribution so certainly foreordained that wo can afford to keep our tempers and pass on to more important matters. Mr. Cohan's play will fail of its own dullness and falsity. The truth Is mighty and shall prevail. Even Mr. (Jonas cannot siop u. AMUSEMENTS, ELEVEHTH AJTITTJAXj GRAND BALL OF THE OMAHA HACKMEN'S ASS'N arEDBTESSAT EVEVTJBTO, FEB. 19TK. TICKETS 60 CEjrrs. PSsbbbSSS Where the Fleet Goes Robcrson Has Boon ' Famous Traveler and Jjecturer. At First Methodist Church, Feb. 27, March 5, 12, 19 In Hla Illustrated Travelogue on South America and Norway. An Interesting education and entertaining story Illustrated ultb hundreds of colored lantern alldea. Latest and most special pictures of the canal and Its conditions. Beautiful views of Norway; Inaccessible Peru and the cities of the Coast. Koblnson Is a natural story teller and born observer. Under the auspices of the Ladles' Aid Boclety, Flrt Methodist Church. Heason Tickets, $1.00; fcingle admission, 6e. Don't miss It. r-rv-' traTKjaawr'sia in AMIKKMESTK. sal Y TONIGHT -MONDAY--TUEGD AY Special Tuesday lYIatlncc THE ASKIN-SINCER PRODUCTION TIE E1EL QUESTION With PAUL NICHOLSON and All Star Cast WHY IS THE 4th OF JULY? Teems wltrt Muole, Mlrtti Girl. Songs. THURS. FRIDAY SAT. snd SUNDAY...Cpf ?fl pi 00 ori MATINEE: SATURDAY I UU. t.U, a, I, LL, CQ wrr In GEO. ADE'S COMEDY LAND OF DOLLARS The Thraa Cartlflad Chacka On tha Bank of Laughtar. Monday Tucs. Wednesday.. .rPh 91 PS ' 9R MATINEE WEDNESDAY 1 fau M -U TOE 1TALIARJ CiRAND OPERA CO. IN REPERTOIRE Monday Night . . . AIDA Tuasday Eva., TRAVIATA llO-People and IVIusIcIansllO 30-ORCHESTRA-30 PRICES! SOC, Sl.OO, l.RO, S2.00. o BELL. 'PHONE, DOUGLAS I BOO 1 THE NEW STOCK COMPANY'S "IH3 'Y DO" PRODUCTION EVERY evg. in QQ P 25c At AND SUNDAY MATINEE IU ROWS AT 3S0 TUESDAY, THURSDAY and SATURDAY MATINEES, 10 ft 20c. In Praparatlons Tha Dalightful Carman Romanes, "OLD HEIDELBERG." 7m If Dim THEATRE HIIUU 15.25.50.75c Matin as Today, 10-30-50 4 DAYS, STARTING MATINEE TODAY ' MATINEE WEDNESDAY Mr. C. H. Kerr Presents the Ne braska Favorite Cominediennc and Prima Donna DAINTY GRACE CAMERON In His Latent Musirul Cut-Up LITTLE DOLLY DIMPLES Supported by the Two Great Comedians AL. LAWRENCE and WILL PH1LIJHICK 10 BIO VAUDEVILLE ACTS, 10 20 MUSICAL HITS, 20 3 Nights, Starting Thursday, Feb. 20 A. II. Woods Presents LAST SEASON'S GREATEST SUCCESS THE GAMBLER OF THE WEST Ily Owen Davis A BIG PRODUCTION. A GREAT CAST. A REAL BAND OP INDIANS. A REAL STAGE COACH. The Boyd Theater School of Acting (A practical training echool for dramatic and operatic v 6tage) Fourth Season Now Open Students' Matinee Engagements. ' LILLIAN FITCH, Director W. J. BURGESS. Manager PA ROUttKE'S OaSE BALL HJiAD'iUAlTi;a AXZ. LIlDLNa BftAVDS -CIGARS JIG to. iSt Stxtet. ana m tyswsarwg-ar.wta gawwa AMliEMKXTi. r.TTTT.r.J.r Larrm.ftjma msaautu ajmjLJU'j 9 (Tt THEATRE m Wadnaaday Mat. CARMEN Wadnaaday Eva. . FTMJHT 'PHONE YOUR SEAT ORDER FOR ENTIRE SEASON. TODAY And All Week 'Y A Comady by Branson Howard. A FEW FRONT ft CRtlONTON 'Phons Song-las 494. ADVANCED VAUDEVILLE Mat. Eiery Daj 2:15, Eferj Night 8:15 Week Starting Mai. Today MLLE ZELIE DE LUSSAN THE CELEBRATED PI11MA DONNA OK THE MKTROI'OMTAN OP EH A HOUSE. NEW YORK WILLIE ZIMMERMAN MIMIC AND IMPERSONATOR FREDERIC BROS & BURJ.S COMEDY AND MUSIC GEO. A BEANE & CO. PRESENTING "A WOMAN'S WAY" HOWARD BROS. WITH THEIR FLYING BANJOS DAISY HARCOURT COMEDIENNE FERRELL BROS. AMERICA'S FOREMOST CYCLIST COMEDY KINODROME ALWAYS THE NEWEST IN MOTION PICTURES PP.ICES 10C-25C-50C GRAND OPERA AT ' nnvri'C ! matinee DUiU O -- AND NIGHT WEDNESDAY. A MARCH T The managrmcnt takes pleasure In announcing to society and nvera-lov-Inx circles the loim-expe ctert return vUlt of Mr. Henry V. Savag;'s funious ENGLISH GRAND OPERA CO. With SYMPHONY O&CBESUU OF 5) In the World-famed Japanese Orand Opera by Puccini, I MADAM L BUTTEHFLY This remarkable work of Korgeous harmonies, noul-ttllrrlnic romance and truly maxnlflcent scenic Ix-auty Is the musical animation of two conti eiits. and Omaha Is to haio an op portunity to hear the Ksmo superb cast of artists that recently capti vated New York. SEAT SALE SATURDAY FEB. 29 FICE! Matins and Klfhtl Box B.ata a and 9300 Low.r I-loor a.60 and J3.00 Baloony, nss 4 rowa Jj ialoony, nss 4 rowa I tsar Balcony f rtaiiarv. unrsasrTsa a ,50 MOTE Tixm first thrsa rows of varquet ara not for sals, bslnr Loved for tha fiand cpsra orensstra. Alall ord-rs with remittance pay able E. J. MonaKhan, will filled In order of receipt as near as possible to juration desired. OK IK WHTHROP'