Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-03-18
.QUARTETTE CONTEST.
RICHMOND CHOIR SINGERS TO CON-
PETE FOR CONCERT HoN0RS.
Tho "still Alarm" to sound-New Stars ana
Plays In Which They Will Shine
Coming Attractions.

The last two weeks Of Lent are inva-
riably the dullest OF the whole theatri-
cal season, and, though business gene
rally has improved vastly and the pros
poets for Eastertide are particularly
bright, there Is little reason to hope that
any permanent Improvement will be- ef-
fected before next season. The past week
has furnished few sensations or develop
ments. and the present will probably
prove almost devoid of incident.
There will only be two attractions In
the city this week. On Monday the Mo-
Fart Association will hold their BIZ
weekly concert at the Academy. This mu-
sicale will be an interesting departure
from the regular concerts. Two local
quartettes win compete for prize OF
$l25, the decision to be made by the vote
OF the audience. The ballots will be
dropped in boxes provided at the doors,
and they will be counted by a special
committee. The two quartettes who have
entered for the prize are from the Cen
tenary and All-Saints choirs. The Cente-
nary quartette is composed Of Oscar Lob
man, bass f.. II. Cloves, tenor; Mrs.
John II. Knowles. Jr, contralto. and
Miss Ida Robinson, soprano. All-Saints
qtIlrtette is composed of H. Thurston
CORDOBA, bass; Haddon Watkins. tenor;
Mrs. Durctt, contralto, and Miss Nellie
Rogers. soprano.
THE STILL ALARM.
On Friday and Saturday Joseph Ar
thurs still Alarm" Will be presented at
the same house.
Its interesting story and sensational
incidents have often been the theme or
complimentary mention. and therefore re-
quire little additional notice now. AS
long as 1.-The Still Alarm is well cast
and mounted II will find plenty OF adj
mirers among play-goers. The hre-englne
scene loses nothing by being seen the
second or the third time, for ii is full of
action and thrilling possibilities. There
are other features I'm the play which
contribute to its popularity. not the least
among them being the spirited Arabian
horses, Pegasus and Bucephalus.
LOTS GIVEN AWAY.
THAT which is easily acquired Is lightly
estimated" The plots OF land that Mana
ger Leath has been casting upon the
waters doubtless in the hope that they
would return after many days. have
hitherto troYed drug IN the mar
kei. and there are no present indications
that should this enterprising manager run
for electors as Mayor OF Plum Point there
will be a sufficient number OF property
holders from Richmond to elect him to
the post. The idea of giving lots away
10 each purchaser of reserved seat was
originated by J. VI. Hill in connection with
the vaudeville entertainments he has been
giving since last fall at Professor Herr
mans Theatre. in New York. Mr.. Hill
d "a l.
house TO syndicate represented by
Charles Benton. who lately left the Star
In -atre. in Philadelphia.
An era in the progress OF theatrical
affairs in this city will be marked al the
commencement OF next season by the
publishing OF a weekly dramatic paper.
AS IL will not depend for existence on its
subscIiption-list or advertising columns,
& is almost certain that it will prove a
permanent institution. 1t IS understood
that it will deal almost exclusively with
coming attractions.
THE MIRROR RELIEF FUND.
The Mirror Fund" for the relief OF
distress among actors and actresses has
realized considerably more than $500 and
VIII be closed tomorrow. Taking into
consideration the short time the fund
has been opened and the extreme depres-
sion. the result is little short of marvel
lOus. The past week has added the names
OF four companies to the long list of this
seasons disbanded attractions. They are
j. W. Harr.ngton's RUDE Stacy Com
pany, the Tolten Dramatic Company. the
Gaiety and Burlesque Company, ana "Only
a Farmers Daughter Company
Louis James, who is to head the Sum-
mer Stock Company in Kansas City. will,
4, Sc caf1 r.p.xriIa ngfhinfr hui (Dnp6lf y.
IL was stated in these columns some
weeks ago that 1t was his intention TO
appear in comedy roles only, and as IL
is a fact that the best farce actors. as
rule, are those who have played serious
business, mis- many friends in this city
Will look forward TO his next appearance
here
Will S. Rising, who visited Richmond
for the first time with the Little ~
coon" Company, is TO star next season
In an operate comedy, which deals with
American, Partisan. and Mexican life.
Otis Skinner will tour next season as a
star in standard drama, and will not ac-
company Nine. Modjeska on her European
tour The plays he will present include
a translation of a French melodramatic
tragedy. a new comedy-drama Of the
period OF Charles IL; The Merchant Of
Venice" Macbeth" and Hamlet"
Nearly all Mr.. SINNERS time will be
filed in large cities.
NEW PLAYS NEXT SEASON.
Next season seems prolific with promises
of new things to whet the theatrical gor-
mands appetite for each week brings
news of some new and clever plays which
seem destined to.be successful. Theodore
Wostmark the African explorer. has writ
ten, and will soon publish. a drama, the
scene Of which IS laid on the Congo. and
in which Stanley, hi BroZza, and other
noted travellers will figure. 1t Is entitled
Among the Cann!bals." A new musical
farce comedy. called ~ Tale of a Shirt :"
will be put out next season by Ollie Hagan.
manager Of Pope's Theatre. st. Louis. The
piece is from the pen Of Homer Bassford.
dramatic editor Of the ST. Louis Republic.
viii Miller Farnum is at work on two
new comedies. which will be called THE
Bachelors BALI and FASHIONS Fool"
Sigmund Il. Alexander has contracted
with Harold Roorbach. Of New York, to
write a series OF juvenile plays for publ