192
WAGNER OPERA HOUSE. WAGNER & REIS...............................................Managers THURSDAY EVENING, MARCH 31st.
A new and powerful drama. The Renowned Government Scout and Guide,
BUFFALO BILL (HON. WM. F. CODY).
A Troupe of Cheyene Indian Chiefs, A Superb Band and Orchestra, and a Star Dramatic Company, who will appear in the new drama, by John A. Stevens, author, of Unknown, entitled,
PRAIRIE WAIF, A STORY OF THE FAR WEST.
Mr. Cody, "BUFFALO BILL," will give an exhibition of Fancy Rifle Shooting.
Upon the arrival of the company in town look out for the Grand Street Parade by the Indians on horseback, headed by Buffalo Bill's serenade band.
Admission 75 cents. No extra charge for reserved seats. On sale at Wentworth's, commencing Tuesday, March 29, at 5 a. m.
193
--While Buffalo Bill's parade was [parading?] down Main street in all its glory yesterday, the great scout's horse became excited at the music and ran away. A young man who carries the mail happened to be in the way and was knocked down receiving slight injuries. The procession passed on without doing further mischief.
194
The Prairie Waif.
The Buffalo Bill combination played last evening before a full house, which is usually the case since as it has been truly said this attraction draws like a circus. There were noticeably fewer of those sanguinary scenes which formed the strong points in Buffalo Bill's first entertainment and the "Prairie Waif" was construed with some idea of the eternal fitness of things. Mr. Cody's feats of marksmanship earned merited applause and his assumption of three Western characters showed him in a better dramatic light than ever before. The piece is filled with exciting incidents, properly relieved with love passages and humerous by-play and the audience certainly showed a keen sense of appreciation. The introduction of a band of Cheyenne Indians added to the strong Western flavor of the drama and proved an acceptable novelty. To admirers of frontier life, viewed at a safe distance, the play met with the heartiest approval.
195
Lafayette Daily Courier Thurs, Mar. 3, 1881
Buffalo Bill.
The Buffalo Courier, in speaking of "The Prairie Waif" and Buffalo Bill, says:
The play was "The Prairie Waif," written expressly for Mr. Cody by John A. Stevens, author of "Unknown," and is, we think, the best border drama Mr. Cody has in his repertoire. Of course Mr. Cody appeared in his original role of Buffalo Bill and played his part in a way peculiar to himself. He has the benefit of exciting situations and strong climaxes and figures in them to good advantage. As everybody knows he is a fine looking fellow, graceful in manner and gentlemanly in deportment. He can draw a knife, pull a revolver and handle a rifle more gracefully and effectively than any man we know of, and he never fails to bring down the house in his heroic scenes. His role was well sustained and his performance showed a versatility which pleased the audience exceedingly. The supporting company is the best he has played in this city.
He will be here to-morrow night with the same company, and we bespeak a crowded house. Popular prices.