The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-09-30
THEATRICAL ATTRACTIONS.
Patti Rosa at the Theatre and John I
Kelly at the Academy.

Charming Patti Rosa opened the rerui
lar season Of the Richmond Theatre last
evening in one OF the brightest comedies
that has been seen In that playhouse
for many a day, and competent COM
pany supporting the coincidence, made
the performance an admirable attraction.
The paint brush. carpenter and up
holsterer have made a decided improve
ment at the Theatre, and new furnish
ings add no little to the comfort Of the
patrons. With new scenery, which Is
10 be purchased at an early date, the
house Will again be able to sustain its
old-time and enyIable prestige.
Dolly Warden" in three acts, by
Charles T. Vincent, is the clever work
that served TO create so much merriment,
and is a simple story Of an American
girl going over 10 England to visit rela-
tives, OF a spendthrift youth who needs
money TO pay his debts, and uses dia-
monds which are the property OF the
American girl; Of the girls being accused
OF the theft. and the final happy solu-
ton OF the dramatic difficulties.
Patti Rosa. whose methods in produc-
Ing merriment have the charm Of orig
inallty, sang and danced her way into the
hearts Of her audience. 1t was a relief
to find something out OF the farce comedy
line. with clean humOr and legitimate
comedy methods used TO produce amuse-
ment, instead Of the dance-hall horseplay
and antediluvian gags" which within
the past few years have passed for COM
edy.
Patti Rosa is not alone the possessor
Of natural wit, but she also has a clear
well trained voice, bright, piquant
face. and a trim, comfortable little figure
that makes 1t possible for her TO as
sumo the role of young girl with O
reasonable degree of naturalness.
She was ably seconded by John Gilbert
one of the best eccentric comedians how
on the stage. and Joe Cawthorn, whose
rollicking representations Of the stage
servant served as foil for the efforts
Of the little Coincidence.
A novelty. and a laughable one, was
the Crap Song" sung by Patti Rosa,
which much amused the orchestra pa
irons and set the dusky gods into fever
Of excitement by the technical way IN
which she described the influences Of
the game. The PAROLES upon the Bongs
Of the day were ali new, and were well
received by the audience.
At the Acad my.
John T. Kelly and his company, In
the farce comedy, 'McH &c OF bupilHt
were at the Academy last evening. Kelly
as Roger O'Mara alias "McFee Of Dub
lin" gave a very humorous impersona-
ton OF a bright, quick-witted Irishman,
who finds himself placed in the position
of Lord Glads, with all OF the RESPONSE
bipties that the title carries with y.
He is forced by his master to court In
his name an opera queen (who is in.-
personated by Adelaide RandalD, and
she, understanding the fraud, has her
ladys maid take her place. The com
plications which ensue are worked out
In a humorous manner.
George Parker. as the ladys maid,
was bright and winsome. and intro
duced several clever songs and dances.
There was, Of course, tie usual bevy Of
pretty girls. the usual tough man and the
likewise usual acrobatic second funny
man. without which farce comedy would
b. stale, fiat and Improbable.
Kelly is. perhaps, the best flannel
mouthed Irish comedian on the stage to-
day. and George Parker is a delightful
soubrette. but the bevy OF pretty girls
could help the play no little by a few
Songs, and the star could make the play
a better "go' II he would cut out about
half of the dialogue. and have songs
rendered other than Of his own compost
ton.
There will be matinees at both houses
to-day, and at the Theatre the ten dol
lar gold piece will be awarded to the
winner Of the word contest. Patti Rosa
will present Miss Dixie this evening.