The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-01-15
OUR AMERICAN COUSIN.
CREDiTABLY PERFORMED BY
RICHMOND AMATEURS.

Its Presentation at the Mozart Tor '"'
Benefit OF the Retreat for the sick-A
Fashionable Audience Enjoys it-ih"''
Present.
Youth and beauty on the stage faceu iasu-
ionable critics IN the auditorium at the NO
Fart Academy Of Music last night Inc
performance by Richmond amateurs VI
"Our American Cousin for the beneht oil
the Retreat for the Sick, was not only a
Great success financially, but was an event
Of note in the history Of one OF kichInonds
gavest seasons. The inhabitants Of Rich
mond's social world packed themselves into
the house. Lovely dresses and jewels, with
q background Of broadcloth, gave
the house a brilliant appearance, and the
women Of this city never looked fairer'
Governor Mckinney, Northumberland
Tyler. Judge Flounroy and other state
officials occupied the left box. while III inc
right box were seated beyy Of pretty Wo-
men, the party being given by Mr. Jonn +
Branch.
sO,fF CHARACTERS CHARACTERIZED
The plav was "A success. In all OF the
plavers there was an absence OF that aWk-
wardness that so characterizes the average
amateur performance.
Nr. X. b. Shopperd as Asa Trenchard-
Our American Cousin, Of c0urse-was
central figure and he executed his part Oh
Yankee farmer with some Of the art OF Ezra
Kendall. Dir. Shepperd viii be rememDerei
rs having sung at Grace Episcopal Church
ne time ago, and possesses rich Dari-
tone voice.
Mr.. 4. W. Coleman as Lord Dundreary
PLAYED the very insipid part with all OF the
eust0 Of assumed insip,dity that could be
given IL. The part is almost too ridiculous
to be funny. but the audience was generous
and applauded accordingly.
Mrs. II. A. Tabb. as Florence Frenchard,
made a capital ''leading lady," and acted
with an ease and grace that at once be
smoke for her more experience IN the art
histriOnicr than that given scope TO IN the
play last night. She did remarkably wen,
and deserved all the plaudits Of her AUDI
cnce. She will be remembered as taking
mart in Amelie Riyes' farce, "Mad as a
March Hare" here last year, and then az
now. she received the hearty Endorsement
and applause Of those present.
Mrs. j. T. Patterson. as Mary, Won COM
pletey the hearts Of her audience. ana IN
The second act, when she sang "Rock-a-Bye
Babv.- the house gave full vent 10 it, pent-
up enthusiasm. Her gracefulness, ease OF
carriage and fine stage presence argued Tor
her capabilities little known Of by her
friends. and they received from the audience
that recognition that was Justly due. She
was the recipient Of numerous floral triD-
utes.
Mr.. P0whatan Boiling as Sir Edward
Trenchard was good and rendered the "Old
man part in truly theatrical style, while
Mr.. Cotton Chaplin as Abel Meincett, the
"heayy man, showed an insight in drama
tic work that was highly creditable. Mr..
Eugene Massie, the other "heayy man.,
showed equal dramatic powers, and with
Mr.. Binny MIR. Jock Pleasants) athletic
resources came into play unknown by his
friends.
Mr. Thomas Dabney, who was to play tho
part OfCaptain De Boots, was prevented AT
The last moment by sickness, and his part
was creditably filled by Mr.. Richard
Pegram.
Miss Mary Cameron, as Augusta, did
well. and was ably supported by Mrs.
Charles Walker as Mrs. MOuntchessingt0n.
Miss Belle Perkins, as Georgina 1.-THE in
valid). was unusually sedate in her part
and showed very plainly that acting was
necessary TO change her from the yiyaclOus
girl that she is generally to the invalid that
She PLAYED. Last, but not least, mention
should be made Of Miss Carrie Moore as
Sharpe, and Miss Florence Mckinney as
skillet, and Mr. Thomas Bander as John
wilkins. Their parts did not permit much
display, but they did what they had with
true naturalness and ease.