166
BUFFALO BILL.
His Reception at Union Hall Last evening a Fine One.
The Buffalo Bill combination was again welcomed to our city last evening by one of the largest audiences that has gathered in Union hall since his last appearance in Burlington. The benches fairly groaned under the weight of the crowd, while the old gallery creaked like a tavern sign--even standing room was at a premium. In fact, it was so close that many of the boys had to go down stairs between the acts. But then Buffalo Bill always depends on Burlington for a full eight hundred majority.
The present combination is really an improvement on the troupe traveling last season, and the play, a five act drama entitled "Prairie Waif," or a "Story of the Far West," gave general satisfaction. It is one of the best border dramas ever presented here, being a simple but interesting plot, but each scene is full of thrilling encounters and laughable scenes characteristic of life in the far west. The stage appointments are good, although displayed at a disadvantage in Union hall. Of course a girl is captured by the Indians, and after much planing and following trails through the wilderness, considerable "injun" fighting and daredevil skirmishes the maiden rescued; falls in love with the hero who takes her from the clutches of the red skins, and then every thing is lovely--until she is captured again the next night.
Buffalo Bill is the central figure and should be, for his acting is not only good, but his fancy shooting is fine. Jules Keen, as Hans the Dutchman, is simply immense. Miss Maggie Fletcher as Onita, shows good training as an actress, and does some especially good acting in emotional scenes. Sadie is well sustained by Miss Corrie Thompson. We have not the space to mention all, suffice it to say that the persons named have good support. The play is free from vulgar expressions which alone commends it. No doubt Buffalo Bill will get a good house wherever he goes, at least he will have no difficulty getting one when he comes to Burlington.
167
SPRINGFIELD
OPERA HOUSE.
ONE NIGHT ONLY!
SATURDAY, September 25.
A New and Powerful Drama.. The renowned Government Scout and Guide,
BUFFALO BILL
169
BUFFALO BILL TO-NIGHT.
This evening Buffalo Bill, the famous scout, will make his appearance at Durley Hall, supported by a first class dramatic company, a band of genuine Indians in a war dance, a brass hand and a full orchestra. This evening will be presented the popular drama, the "Prairie Waif, or a Story of the far West," one of the best pieces which has ever been written for this famous son of the plains. Buffalo Bill, of course, is the central figure of the combination and his fancy shooting will form a leading feature of the programme. The support is said to be one of merit, every one of the company being actors of considerable ability. The scenic effects are realistic and the wild western scenes are portrayed in a manner laid down by the most romantic writer of dime novels. Tickets for reserved seats for sale today at Maxwell's book store.
170
BUFFALO BILL.
Durley Hall, last evening, contained one of the largest audiences of the season to witness the performance of Buffalo Bill and his splendid company, who appeared in "The Prarie Waif," or "A Story of the Far West," which in many respects was one of the best dramas of border life ever presented upon a Bloomington stage. Buffalo Bill was the principal attraction of the evening, and the character which the famous scout sustained gave the audience an insight of life upon the Western plains, and his acting was natural as well as original, a strong improvement being noticed since his last appearance in Bloomington. Mr. Cody was well supported. Onita, the little prairie flower, was represented by Miss Lizzie Fletcher, who won the admiration of the entire audience for her splendid acting.