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 the bowie knife to satisfy the msot exacting lovers of stage slaughter, there is less of it that is customary in those drama, 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 every 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 elecution. The best of him however, is his magnificent physique, his piercing, clear eye, and his expensive chest. The second of these tood 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 bands or on the heads of human being. 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 pantaloons of a Mexican bidalgo are not exactly the right thing to grace his stalwart left. The most meritorious of the company that supports Hon. William F. Cody is 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 Danited: C. Wilson Charles rollicks 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 sumpathetic 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 eprformance. Next week, the Harrisons, in their eccentric musical comedy, "Photos."
NOVELTY THEATRE, WILLIAMSBURG--"PRAIRIE WAIF."
There were wild scenes and incidents, portrayal of life on the plains, enacted on the boards of Messrs. Theal & Williams' cosey Novelty Theatre, Williamsburg, last evening. The patrons of the only legitimate place or amusement in the Eastern District of the City of [Churches?] devoted to the drama were treated to a representaton of John A. Stevens' "Prairie Waif," the central figure of the play being the redoubtable government guide and scout, "Buffalo Bill" (Willaim Cody). The boys were fairly wild with delgiht upon beholding the hero of so mahy dime novel stories in the flesh, and flanked by a genuine troupe of Cheyenne Indian Chiefs. The tomahawk and the war whoop will captivate the worthy 'Burgers under the wooing influence of the "Prairie Waif" throughout the present week.
NOVELTY THEATRE WILLIAMSBURGH.--This cosy home theatre, which has produced so many popular successes during the present season, and which is always well filled by [the?] elite of Brooklyn Society, will present for the consideration of their patrons on Monday Jan. 24th, and during the week, Hon. Wm. H. Cody, as "Buffalo Bill," which has always met with the greatest success wherever it has been produced, it is one of those few plays which never fails to instruct and amuse, and we have but little doubt but what it will draw good houses, and make glad the hearts of those enterprising managers Messrs. Theall & Williams, who are ever endeavoring to produce what is best calculated to be appreciated by their patrons. The usual matinees will be given on Wednesday and Saturday.
Haverly's Theatre.
Buffalo Bill (William F.Cody) and hsi dramatic company and a troupe of Indians appeared in the drama of border life, entitled " The Prairie Waif," at Haverly's Theatre last evening, before a fair downstairs audienc and a crowded gallery.
