13

Novelty Theatre.

"The Prairie Waif" in which Buffalo Bill, the
well known government scout and guide, is now
performing at the Novelty Theatre, is by long
odds the best play of the class known as border
drama. While there is sufficient introduction of
the pistol, the rifle and bowie knife to satisfy
the most exacting lovers of stage slaughter,
there is less of it than is customary in those
dramas, and when some one is shot to the
death, or wounded, there always seems to be
some reason for it. There is a plot to the play
which runs through every act and scene, something
never before heard of in any Indian
drama. The parquet of the Novelty was well
filled last night and the best compliment that can
be paid to piece and performance was that very
intelligent people sat the play out with evident
interest and enjoyment. Buffalo Bill, of course,
plays the leading role. He is the same picturesque
hero as of old; the protector of right and
innocence, the overthrower of villanous plots and
strategies, the rescuer of virtue, and finally the
signally rewarded friend of the government.
The gentleman plays with more force than
heretofore and is greatly improved in his
execution. The best of him however, is
his magnificent physique, his piercing, clear
eye, and his expansive chest. The second
of there stood him in good stead in some exhibitions
of fancy rifle shooting, which were
really marvelous. He has not dropped into the
clap-trap custom of shooting at objects in the
hands or on the heads of human beings. One
thing about the gentleman's make-up deserves
correction: while wearing a costume chiefly Indian,
and after being exposed to the elements in
a long hunt, the pantaliens of a Mexican
hidalgo are not exactly the right thing to grace
his stalwart legs. The most meritorious of the
company that supports Hon. William F. Cody is
Bonnie Runnells, who makes Hans a feature of
the piece. His rich German accent, his funny
positions, his broad humor, all help to make his
performance extremely amusing. Mr. R. C.
White amply fills the role of Mark Stanley;
Harry Clifton and George T. James make a sufficiently
interesting pair of Danites; C. Wilson
Charles relucks through the part of Captain
Russell, with a rich Irish accent, and Robert
Neil is a dignified General Brown. The drama
only provides parts for two ladies- Miss Lizzie
Fletcher and Miss Connie Thompson. The former
is a graceful, pretty, petite blonde with a
peculiarly sympathectic voice and excellent ideas
of acting. She is worthy of a place in more elevated
drama. Miss Thompson is a good soubrette,
and her business with Hans is very amusing,
without being coarse. A live donkey and three
genuine Cheyenne Chiefs add to the attractions
of the performance. Next week, the Harrisons,
in their eccentric musical comedy, "Photos."