The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-02-14
TOInuftlc.

The audience at the Theatre last night
was as large rs could be. and fashionable
one as well, and indicated Enthusiastically the
strong hold that Gilbert and Sulliyan's
plavs have upon Richmond people, to say
nothing Of the merits OF the very excellent
company that Mr.. Charles +. Ford sends
us. Ioanthe Is perhaps one OF the finest OF
Gilbert and Suliyan's efforts; that Is. so
far as the educated and well-trained ear Is
concerned, but when vim and ready appre-
citation assert their clam, this pretty
opera, with all its literary merits and
sparkling satire, does not measure up to the
standard of Patience, and will hardly
eyer become such a familiar fayorite rs
Pinaiorc. There is much similarity TO the
previous operas by the same authors, but
perhaps more OF Patience Is recalled than
apv Of the others. The buTlesquc on the
English peerago is plain and its pointed
ness Delightfully."- palplble, the music inter-
esting and taking all the way through, ana
the spirit with which it was given last
nieht evidenced finish and study and
did credit to the company. Iolanthe
will wear well. and, in fact, will improve
upon acguaintancc. Taking the verdict Of
those present last night, il can safely be
said that the originality OF expressions, the
picturesque effect OF the presentation, and
fhe entire rendition Of the opera settled the
fact Of It's distinct favor with our people
and marks IL a. IN enyiable candidate for
popularity wherever it is correctly given.
Before making inyidious mention it IS
proper to say that shortly after the CON-
menccment u the second act, while bliss
Blanche Chapman and MeSsrs. Philip Bran
son, Charles II. Drew. and J.. W. Raymond
/ were singing Though Perhaps hay In
cur Your .Biame." the clock in the church
represented by the canvasS-sctting in the
rear OF the stage caught on fire, and tiny
/ blaze flashed forth. This was caused by
/ The candle that from the rear Illuminated
| the dial. As soon az the blaze was
seen some excitement followed, good
many people rising from their seats, and
some makag their way from the house.
| The quarteitc stood their ground man
fully-Miss Chapman, always bright ana
/ plensing, not for moment losing her COM
Dosure, and the gentlemen all continuing
TO make the words Of the pretty song
they were singing heard above the cries
of "Sit down." "There is no DANGER"
&c. For a minute panic was threat
ened. but the behavior OF the actors
and the presence OF mind OF others
dissipated il quickly. y bucket OF water
accurately directed put out the little blaze,
and by the time this was done the portion
OF the scenery on fire was torn down.
Yells and shouts OF applause greeted the
actors. and there was more fire and spirit
i'm the audience afterwards than at any
preyious time. The scenery could not
have burnt. any way, as it turned out; but
the audience didn't know this.
Private Willis Will be remembered for
his pleasing notes, and Mr.. Drew and
George Denham, always fayorites here,
won fresh hold on the recollection OF thea
tre-goeTs.
This evening at the matinee performance
..Tbe Sorcercr" will be presented, and az
night "Merry War" 1t is a good COM
pany. and good time awaits those who
witness their performances.