Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-04-24

Two New American Plays Written
for the Comedian.
New York Times. April 2ist J

New York Times. April 2istl
At tbs conclusion OF the present engage
mept at the Star Theatre Robson and Crane
are to dissolve partnership. and hereafter
each will appear as lone star. The plans
of William III. Crane, who is 10 be managed
next season by Joseph Brooks, have already
been matured. He VIII not cOnfine himself
as has been supposed, 10 playing Falstsf In
"Henry w." and 1.-THE Merry Wives OF
windsor" Mr.. Cranes ambition has long
been 10 become TO America what Coquelin Is
10 France, an exponent OF the national hui
NOR, and he now thinks he has an opporlu-
nifty OF putting his ambition to the test. lie
has had two plays written for him by
American authors. and will appear IN both
of them next season, IN addition to present
ing his conception OF Falstaf in Shaks.
peare's history and comedy.
The first OF these plays Is by David ID.
LLOYD, author OF "For Congress-" and the
Woman. Hater." 1t is in four acts, aud, as
described by Mr.. Crane, Is ga brisk comedy
OF life In Washington" A lopg.stand-
ing but meritorious claim" plays con-
siderable part in IL. There are more such
claims pending before Congress than is CON-
monty supposed, especially where the claim
ants are poor and lack influential friends,
aud some OF them have been drawn out
LONGER IMAM lhlbOuS VI
.Jarndyce VS.. Jarndycs, rs described in "Beak
House." The claim which will be treated in
the new comedy is an almost literal transcript
OF one that was passed by Congress
few years ago, after outasting several gen.
eratiops OF claimants who died getting JUS
tice. The play Is SAID TO have an under
current OF paihos and dramatic interest, but
10 be for the most part straight comedy, with
n strong favor OF satire. Almost every phase
OF official life in Washington Is represented,
and Nr. Crane says there IL one character
which he believes TO be entirely novel. One
of the episodes - q satirical contest over
South American diplomatic appointment.
MIR. Cranes part is that OF a young Senator
elected against his will from booming"
western State, and 10 said TO be full Of cha
racter aud humor.
Mr.. Cranes other new play Is American
in theme, though the scenes are laid In
Europe. II is four-act comedy written
expressly for him by BrAnder matthews and
George II. Jessop, the authors OF a Gold.
Mine" This play deals with the adventures
and misaavsntures OF mlddle-aged Ameri-
can who goes 10 Europe with hts sister, his
niece. and the girl he is engaged TO marry.
These four are the only Americans In the
plsy-wh the authors describe as "a
Ccsnopoiitan Comedy" The scene OF the
frst act islsid in Paris, and the other three
take place In Switzerland. In tbis piece the
numerous incidents likely 10 occur during
the usual Swiss trip OF an American party
will be shown on the stage for the first time.
Mr. Crane thinks he has found In the cen.
trail figure OF this play q character exactly
suited 10 bis powers.
In addition 10 these comedies he will have
yet q third, for which he has secured the
American rights through Samuel French 4
Son. 1t Is = highly-farcieal comedy called
"Tbe Balloon" which wes first produced at
the Strand Theatre In London, by Charles
wybdhsIn, and is now runaing there and
nightly pleasing crowded houses. IL Will
be seen that Mr. Crane intends providing
his patrons with rs many novelties as possi-
bic. His season will begin at the Chicago
OPEN House September 10th, after which
be will make tour OF the principal cities
q she coustry until Monday, January 90,
1890, when he viii begin an extended en-.
gsgensnt At the Star Theatre in New York.
fbs company 10 support Mr.. Crane will. he
says, be one OF the strongest in the country.