The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-01-06
THE PLAY-HOUSES.
"ParIor Match" - "Chain Lightning" e
Robert Downing.

Richmond Theatre.-RObert Downing,
with Miss Eugene Blair, appears at the
| Theatre tomorrow in two performances.
At the matinee "The Gladiator" will be
PLAYED. which Mr.. Downing has produced
| here with 40 much success before. Al
night The Saracen" will be given. This
play is a translation Of the tragedy by the
elder Dumas. The plot, briefly told, Is;
Selim, the Saracen, has been found serious
| " wounded in the Arabian Desert ten
wears before the play by cunt Bertram,
and brought 10 France as slave. Inc I'M
plicatiOn is that the wound 10 inflicted Dy
Raymond, one of the kings archers. Selim.
while enjoying unlimited privileges on the
estate Of the Count. is subjected TO the Jeers
| OF the Counts retainers, and longs for free
dom. This unrest is heightened by his de
sire for revenge on Raymond for the
wound inflicted, and, having been
offered an anrOnt by the latter. Selim
avenges his wrongs by fatally stabblng him.
Count Bertram, returning from three
years absence, vows vengeance on the muir
derer. Selim is condemned but pardoned.
Count Bertram is anxious 10 dispOssess
himself of his wife, Berengere, by divorce,
and by the aid of Church and state this Is
accomplished. In the fourth act, the Count
takes as wife, Isabelle. Berengere has been
the vigilance OF the Counts retainers, sue
ceeds in remaining in the castle, and while
the marriage of the Count TO Isabelle Is
being sOlemnized, her jealousy leads her to
play upon Selim's love for her 10 induce
him to murder the Count. Selim, waVerlng
between duty 10 his master and love Tor
Berengere, finally consents. Sellm secretes
himself in the Counts apartment, but his
better nature asserts itself, and the plot
fails. Meanwhile, Berengere, doubling
Selm's cOnstancy OF purpose, proceeds TO
the Counts apartment for the purpose OF
accomplishing the desired purpose herself.
As she approaches the entrance, seeing a
movement among the hangings, which she
suppOses 10 be the Count, she strikes
through the curtain and fatally wounds
-elm, and then suicides by swallowing
poison.
Messrs. Evans and Hoey drew as a matter
Of course. and the house was crowded at
the opsninc and many turned away, less
10 say they gave most amusing and de-
llghtul performance which was evidenced
by the enthusiasm OF the audiences.
The Parlor Match" is conceded to be
Iloyts master piece. and 1t Is certainly full
of amusing situations from beginning TO
end, and Of which these two matches.
comedians thoroughly aYsiled themselves:
MANY novelties were introduced, all
adding greatly to the interest
of the piece. Among the most notable OF
which is the introduction Of the Levey sis
ters-a very recent importation from Eng
land, and made a great hit on their first APP
pearance IN New York. Graceful and
statuesque in appearance, their unusual
height adds to their charm.
The whole performance was evidently
most thoroughly enjoyed, and will be played
before a crowded house tonight, judging by
the advance sales.
Mozart Acddemy.-Nellie McHenry has
been identified with many successful per-
fOfmances, but never has she been at the
head Of a better company or given more
pleasing entertainment than that which she
presented at the Academy last night.
"Chain Lightning" as its name suggests,
rushes along with a brightness and rapidity
which dazzles and keeps one in whirl OF
laughter and excitement from the rise
TO the fall OF the curtain. The actors are all
clever. The songs are new and catchy.
The dances pretty and gracefully exc
cuted. The special scenery, OF which there
is considerable, is very realistic, and, In
short, the entertainment il one Of the most
pleasing of the season and well worthy OF
patronage. The engagement is for three
nights with a matinee tomorrow.