45
Facsimile
Transcription
last evening. The theater, notwithstanding the threatening state of the weather, was packed to its utmost capacity in every part of the building with a very enthusiastic audience, as was shown by the frequent storms of applause which greeted the workings of the plot at every point. The play is a melodrama written and dramatized expressly for Mr. Cody by Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. It possesses considerable merit and abounds with numerous comical and pathetic scenes. The field of action is laid on the plains of the far West, with the exception of the second act, which lies in Chicago and introduces the heroine, "Rose Melton," whom "Buffalo Bill" had met and saved from death some time previous, but in doing so had lost his heart and fallen in love with the fair "Rose," the feeling being reciprocal on her part. Complications arise through the action of the outlaw "Ralf Royston," who is ever seeking to take the life of the brave and noble scout on whose death his safety and fortunes depend but a happy culmination is reached in the final act in the overthrow of the outlaw and the triumphant vindication of honesty and justice, with the union of the two loving hearts. The scenery used in the production of the play was made exclusively for use in its presentation. That used as the background in the first act is so arranged as at its close to vividly and strikingly represent a prairie on fire, with a herd of maddened buffaloes rushing wildly before it direct upon the Indian camp at which the scout is held a prisoner, bound hand and foot. In the last act the representation of the stage coach stopped by a gang of robber outlaws is very lifelike, and adds much to the effect of the scene. It can truly be said that since his last appearance in this city "Buffalo Bill" has greatly improved in his character of an actor, and where he is called upon to act a thrilling scene of border life his interpretation of the part is so real and true as to call forth a marked acknowledgment of his talent. His feats with the rifle are truly wonderful, but must be seen to be appreciated, as it is impossible to draw a pen picture of the situations under which he sends a ball true to its aim. Miss Nellie Jones' acting of "Rose Melton" is well performed, and the "Wild Nellie" of Miss Lydia Demer could hardly be improved. Being the wife of "Royston," wronged and deserted by him, her strong love turned to hate, and living the same wild life as her male companions, she carries the sympathies of the audience with her until her tragic death at the hand of her husband. Mr. J. J. Loudon as "Ralph Royston" somewhat deficient in force, and his execution of the character is rather labored. Mr. Alf. Beverly as "Judge Chincapin Shyster" and Mr. L. R. Willard as "Moses Molock," the scheming Jew, create considerable amusement, and they are continually getting out of one scrape only to fall into another. The negro "Buttermilk," by Mr. Harry Irving, together with his obstinate little donkey, also comes in for his share of applause. Another feature of the play is the introduction into the first act of a group of genuine Indian chiefs, and their war-dance and other antics seemed to be highly appreciated, especially by the gods of the gallery. In view of the immense success of the programme last evening, "Knight of the Plains" will be repeated throughout the week.
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings of next week Billy Emerson's Megatheran Minstrels will be at the Academy.
Notes and Questions
Nobody has written a note for this page yet
Please sign in to write a note for this page
