Shakespeare, Sold Out: Warde and James Bid Seattle Farewell

WARDE AND JAMES LAST NIGHT.

The twin stars shone resplendent in "Richard III," the closing play of the Warde-James company's engagement, and was given a masterly representation at the Seattle Theatre last evening, and attracted a full house to bid farewell to the favorites. The play moved along with stirring impetuosity till the grand climax on Bosworth field, which roused great enthusiasm as the crook-backed monarch and Richmond engaged in mortal combat. The honors of the evening were shared equally by Mr. Warde and Mr. James, the former being again called before the curtain for a speech. Unstinted applause was given Mr. James when he first appeared, and he was interrupted by a greeting that lasted fully a minute.

The Richard of Mr. Warde was that of a misshapen slave to ambition, able, crafty, cruel, a creature born to bite mankind, whose only dream was the attainment of the crown. Mr. James, as the Earl of Richmond, towered a mighty figure above the crouching form of the distorted king, and the extremes of goodness and abandonment seemed to meet when the opposing leaders crossed swords. The entire play was a marvel of finish.

The afternoon performance of "Henry IV." was witnessed by a large and appreciative audience, which was completely conquered by the oddities and drolleries of Mr. James' Falstaff.

After the play last evening Seattle Lodge, No. 90, B.P.O.E., held an entertainment in the theater, fittingly described as one of the most elaborate ever given in this city. Mr. Warde made one of his bright, inimitable speeches. Mr. James contributed his part to the enjoyment of the evening by telling one of the stories for which he is noted. The remainder of the programme was as follows: Selection, First Regiment band; Selection, Zither club; Piano, Brother Meyer; "Is Marriage a Failure?", James O'Connell; Selection, Olympia Elks quartette; Selection, Seattle Mandolin club; German quartette.