The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-10-10
THEATRICAL ATTRACTIONS.
Enc Eilsler In "Doris" at the Theatre.
Bob Graham in "After the Bali"

Charming Efie Ellser in Doris" was
| delightful and refreshing at the Richmond
| Theatre last evening. She comes to us
| like breath OF fresh air after a sultry
summers day, and presents a sweet
| natural play which choristers begin. A
dramatic story that ends with the rhyth-
mic notes of the old churchs chimes. and
play where tears mingie with laughter
and which appeals 10 our feelings and our
sympathies. She comes TO us after horse
play and topical songs have demanded
our applause; after the soubrette ana
skirt-dancer have We'd for honors, ana
after the comedian has done the honors
OF the acrobat.
Doris" is by Robert Drouet, In nve
acts. and its author demonstrates the
sorrows that are possible 10 arise from
an unfortunate marriage. Ihe cehtiai
figure i'm the play is Doris, sweet
womanly girl, who has come 70 the hoihe
Of the rector as a teacher. Years before
she marrles n brute OF a husband Yhom
she believes IL serving a term Of imprlson-
ment for theft While she teaches DORIS
is loved by a young country squire, put
upon his avowal that he would never
marry a divorced woman, she refuses 70
confess her love. The brute OF husband
tracked her 10 the rector's home ana
considerations arise. For fully i've acts
these complications become more thickly
woven into a tangls. until AT last the
woman. bounded by her blood-thirsty hus-
band, dies, only TO give her that freedom
and that happiness so justly her due.
Not once I'm the play Is there a Tagging
Of the interest, nor does the comedy-dra
ma for an instant descend 10 the level OF
the usual melo-drama, full Of its thrill
ling incidents" and "climaXes" for the
soul-stirring satisfaction OF the gallery
gods. on the contrary, the play is natu-
raj and not overdrawn. Il Is quiet and,
withal, unusually interesting, and I'm IL
Miss Ellsler has found a role that gives
her an admirable opportunity for the dis
play Of her unquestioned talent She is n
true portrayal Of sweetness and pathos,
and there Is a naturalness that Is win
some and delightful. She rises at times 10
the full measure OF the dramatic incident,
and then again Doris" seems clad in
charming naivete. which is but the per-
sonal magnetism and stamp Of a charming
individuality upon that character.
The author, Mr.. Drouet. gives splendid
support as the Squire He "loOks" the
part. and admirably acts It.
Mr.. Frank Weston as the Irish Doctor
gives us a glimpse into the personality
Of an irish gentleman such as we Rre
charmed with when told OF by Lever.
Mr.. Henry Eyting is admirable as the
rector and though Mr.. James Castle
might less exagserate the character Of
the school director, he serves in an ex-
cellent capacity when he breaks into
tears with his jests and gives us sun
shine instead Of clouds.
The other members OF the cast well
sustain their roles Doris" will be
reneafed this evening
on Wednesday afternoon and night
Miss Elesler will present for the last
time here. Steele Maekay's Hazel
Kirke."
after the Bal"
Bob" Graham. who made a big hit
as General KnickerbOclter fin the opera
Of the Little Tycoon" will be Mt the
Academy tonight and tomorrow natl
nee and night, in his new piece, after
the Ball" This piece is said 10 rive
Mr. Graham better opportunities than
anything that he has yet appeared IN.
The complications are said 10 be very