The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-09-24
HE IL NOW MANAGER.
Coi.J John Murphy Has AIKEN Entire ehh'ke
OF the RIc mind Thentre Buslness.


Colonel John Murphy has taken charse
Of the Richmond Theatre. and VIII mere
after conduct the business OF that piace
OF amusement. with Mr.. y. A. Boat"r'sht
as EN- assistant. He reached this decision
late last night and at once instr icted
Mr.. Boatwright TO be on hand early TO-
morrow morning. and for them 10 CONFER
as TO the improvements to be made In the
place. When found him later ne stated
that ne intended 10 manage the mouse
himself; that MIR. Boatwrignt would De
his assistant and right hand man. that
Klamand Erlangers attractions would De
played here, that important improve
ments would be made in the houS', and
that from now on he intends TO make the
theatre frst-class place of amusement
as far as Improvements can do 1t, and
that only frst-class attractions VIII be
played there.
1t will be remembered that early last
spring Colonel Murphy purchased the
Richmond Theatre property from the
executors OF Mrs. w. T. Powells estate,
his upset bid OF s3s.50O being accepted
over Mr.. w. X. Zimmernans BID at
previous auction. Soon afterwards Colo
mel Murphy installed Mr.. ed. Hamilton
as lessee and manager, and It was under
stood at the time that the lease was Tor
FIVE years. Mr.. Cahm Immediately Sc
cured the support of Messrs Jefferson,
klaw & Eranger Of New York, ana Mr..
klaw. coming to. Richmond, agreed with
ar. Cahiii that all Of the firm S attrac-
lions which would play south or WASH
ington should be presented In the Rich
mond Theatre. Mr.. KIaw at that time
had some fifteen companies wnieh ne
wished TO be presented In Richmond ana
Immediately turned over the contracts OF
those companies 10 Mr.. Cahill, with the
distinct understanding and promise that
there would be a large number OF other
companies booked" for the balance OF
the season. Mr.. Klaw instructed MI Ca
hill TO make certain Improvements, ana
IL Is distinctly remembered by several
that the New York man, from his CONVEX
satlon, created the impression that what
ever Improvements Mr.. Cahiii woiid
make In the house, the tlrm OF Jefferson,
Klaw e. Erlanger would be responsible.
Mr.. cahill soon had carpenters TO work,
and they made a decided improvement
TO the stage. The footlights were moved
back so as to give the occupants Of the
lower boxes an opportunity of comfort
ably Witnessing a performance, and he
encumbrances that had in years gone by
detracted from the scenic effects. and had
seriously interferred with the proper |
handling Of any great deal of scenery,
Mr.. Cahtli then took down all of the |
old and faded scenery and confidently |
expected that before Milton MOBILES APP |
peared here that he would have hew |
scenery on the Theatre stage. The |
financial stringency Of that time, how !
ever. prevented him and the New York |
firm he represented from furnishing new |
scenery to the house and as a last re- |
sort the scenery at Ford's Opera House |
was moved into the theatre, and has /
been used for all performances up to |
this time
Since Mr.. Cahnl took charge he has
presented Milton Mobiles, Barlow Brothers
Mnstrels aud the LeonZo Brothers I'm /
drama. These attractions were forced
TO come through Richmond, and, he be-
ing representative OF Klaw & Erlanger,
had to play them at his house Having
become manager late IN the season, 30
far as booking" attractions were con-
cerred, he could not dictate as to the
plays he wished I'm his house. and he
never considered his regular season
would open until the 1st Of October.
Colonel Murphy became dissatisfied as
to the management of the house. how
ever, and decided that ne wished Il
change. He had conference with Mr.
Cahill yesterday, and kilograms were
sent to New York with the result that
Mr.. Boatwright was last night instructed
10 take charge.
Mr. Cahll has worked like n beaver
since he became manager of the house,
and has literally been everything, from
scene painter to business manager. The
financial stringency having had its ef-
'ect upon Messrs. Jefferson, Kla| g.
he was unable TO do as he
Intended, and so stated 10 Colonel Muir
ply. The Colonel, after considering
he matter. came 10 the conclusion that
lie would go into the theatrical business
IN his own hook, and will tomorrow
blossom out as a full-hedged theatrical
manager, with more than running
start having a house Of his own In
which to play his attractions. He IN
ends spending several thousand dollars
in improving the property,
md when at last painter. carpenter and !
lpholsterer have finished, the old Rich
nond Theatre will be one Of the best
furnished and equipped houses in the
south.
When Mr. Cahill was asked In reference
o this matter last evening. he replied |
hat at present he had nothing to say