Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-02-24
RUsSELLIN" "PsAcEFUL vALLEY.'
The Eminent Comedian ut tho Academy
Last Night-Minstrels To-day.

The Eminent Comedian ~ the ACADEMY
Last Night-minstreis To-day.
A very large audience assembled at the
Academy last night to see Mr. Sol. Smith
Russell in Peaceful Valley"
This outpouring of theatre goers was not
surprising as Mr.. Russell Ia one OF those talented
men who are known 10 the general public as
"drawing cards" and TO appreciative minds as
artists. =,
1t Is not at all strange that Sol Smith Russell
should have popularity In an enviabie degree.
He Is a comedian OF a rare order, whose humor
is spontaneous and unaffected and whose wit II
OF delicate and unusual kind. For many years
he has been recognized as the chief exemplar on
the American stage OF what Is termed "low
comoiy."
The play In which Mr.. Russell appeared last
night-Mr. Xidder's latest comedy-is not calcu-
lated to bring out the best points OF either the
star or his support. IL is weak ana common.
place melo-drama, built upon conventionnal
lines, and is little else than vehicle for the dts
play Of Mr.. Russelrs talents. There are some
good situations (emong which the climax OF the
first act, where the villain drops In on mother,
is notably good) and some clever bits oi
dialogue; yet the pleasant effect which the play
produces upon the minds OF those who see II Is
probably due almost entirely 10 the acting OF
Mr.. Russell. "Peacetui Valley" affords kus-
sell but little scope for the display OF that quaint
and odd pleasantly which Is his peculiar forte.
But the humor OF Russell is like the sparkle Of
champagne, and no play, however weak, would
nut him AZ a serious disadvantage. Comedians
like him are independent, In a large measure, OF
the restraints OF plot and create their own op-
portunities.
Mr.. Russell's support was very fair, though
the members Of the company have but little op-
pOrtunity to show what they can do. The
audience was very enthusiastic and frequently
interrupted the performance with bursts OF ap-
plause. There were doubie-curtain calls at each
intermissi0n.
"Peaceful Valley will be repeated this after
noon and tonight, and will be sure OF large
houses.
MIssTREIs sAFzHBJzsASRE rD-nAY, =
AL G. Fields excellent minstrel company viii
give performances at the New Richmond Theatre
this afternoon aud tonight. Fields Minstrels
are well known throughout the South. The
singing and dancing are said to bc unusually
coed, while the " Phantom Drill Is represented
as being intricate, novel, aud ekilful The com
pany Is a large one aud embraces many we'll
known names. No attempt Is made at gaudy
display, the efforts being centred into good
old-tine negro minstrel entertainment, which
should prove a relict from the modern style that
has usurped Its place.
MIR. LEWIS MORRISON.
This well-known and popular actor, supported
by A strong company, will be at the Theatre
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday In bis spectacu-
lar and elaborate production OF Feust. Mr..
Morrison's powers as an actor need no praise.
His scenery and costumes are new and said to
be accurate and extremely handsome, the cleo
trical and mechanical effects being remarkably