Birmingham age-herald., 1895-02-23
THINGS DRAMATIC.

Sheridan Knowles immortal tragedy, ssVirginius'' was produced at O'Brien's opera house last night to a good audience that was thoroughly delighted with the superb rendition of the play.
 James o'Neill and his splendid support gave an interpretation of Knowles great play that elicited the heartiest applause,. and won for them warm place in the hearts of Birmingham theater-goers
 The play is baeed on Roman characters and the scenes are laid in the city of Rome and Roman territory. Virginius is Ro- man centurion, brave, manly and power- ful. The hand of his beloved daughter, Virginia, is sought by Iciius, who desires love each other devotedly, and Virgiuius gives his consent to their marriage, and in the first act of the play betroths them.
 War is raging and lcilius follows Vir- gnius to the scene of battle. In their ab- seDce Appius Claudius, one of the decem- virs, accidentally sees the fair Virginia and becomes infatuated with her. He de- sires to possess her, but his exalted posi- tion prevents him from going among the pebians. Caius Claudius, his willing tool, Is instructed to fetch her to the Forum and there make oath that she is his sslave. Vir- ginia is dragged before Applus by Calus Claudius, who swears she IS the daughter of one of his slaves and that she was sold
 
 Icilius returns from the war, and ap- bearing in the Forum takes a hand Tn affairs. Virginia is left with him and her friends until her father can return. Lucius, brother of Icilius, is dispatched for Virginus.
 Virginia is put to death and the play ends with the tragic death of her father.
 MT. O'Neill as Virginius is superb. Of magnificent physique and with full, musical voice, he quickly works his way in the hearts of hls hearers. The teUder- hearted Virginius caressing his adored daughter, Virginia, and the outraged iather's bold defiance of Appius Claudius, the pitiful mad scene in the fifth act and Virginius' inspiring exit from the camp ih the third are perfectly, are sublimely, grand, and portrayed by this masterful actor prove the greatest success.
 MT. O'Neiil has magnificent support in Hallett Thompson as Appius Claudius, Albert Sacket as Caius Caudius, Robert T. Haines as Dentotus, w. J. Dixon as Num- atorius, William H. Pascoe as lcilius, Syd- ney Booth as Lucius, Seward Hamel as Titus, Thomas Young as Marcus, Joseph Downs as Sewins and Frederick Howard as Cneus. Miss Florence Rockwell made @ lovely Virginia, and Misses Genevieve Harrison and Kate Fletcher were excellent in their parts as female slave and Servia respectively.
 will present the "Count of Monte Cristo.' This is considered by some as MT. O'Neill's greatest success, and no doubt full house will witness the performance. He has been seen here in this play before, having capti- vated the audiences as the loyal and chival rous Edmond Dantes.
 "A TRUE AMERICAN.
 Mir. John L. Sullivan, in the new play entitled "A True American," which was especially written for him, makes his ap- pearance Monday night at O. 'Brien's.
 Great interest is excited by this produc- tion. So contrary to many pessimtstic critics who forbode failure, MT. Sullivan in adopting the stage as profession has made n distinct success. The pugilistic arena held their idol for many years, and now that circumstances caused slip.up, so to speak, in the round of victories Of the gladiator, the theater-going public have taken up the role of worshippers, and John L. is more popular man today than ever. His impersonation of John Desmond in IA True American' is said to be marked by a quiet force and @ manly dignity few actors rich rich voice adds not q little to the effect of the performances. Lawyer Price, the well. known playwright of New York, has fitted Mir. Sullivan with an excellent play that shuns all cheap clap-trap devices of ordi- nary melodramas.
 sALvINI HoNORED IN MEMPHIS. MEMPHIS, Feb. 22.-[Special. lone of the most memorable receptions ever held h Cnl6 clCy was IenQer6Q tno ulstlngul6ueo | actor, Alexander Salvini, in the parlors of | the Gayoso hotel this afternoon by the | ladies of the Nineteenth Century club. | The parlors, which were tastefully deco | rated, were crowded with the 400 of Mem- | phis. MT. Salvini was introduced by Mrs. l Walter Farabee, the clubs president. | During the afternoon he rectted Hamiet's soliioquy. It was of particular interest, as he will be seen for the first time in Hamlet during his coming engagement in Phila- 'delphia.
 Tonight he appeared before brilliant | audience in his new play, IA Student of | Salamanca" It Is radical departure from anything he has been seen in here before and was a pronounced hit. At the end of the third act he was called four times before the curtain and was obliged to make | a brief speech.
 The engagement closes tomorrow, when | Sslvini leaves for New Orleans and other | principal cities of the south. This will be his last tour of the south for some time, as | Manager Wilkison is now arranging tour | of Spain, the Central and South American | countries. c. P. J. MOONEY. The Japanese know what's what. Orders ! for Dr. Frice's Baking Powder come even