Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-03-10

ndrp, bringing lIOin IL pacioHbet oasN f~o
sionate music.
| cannot help regretting that the great
majority OF the playgoing public, with
such n vigor OF determination, turned
their backs upon and would have nothing
TO say to the performances OF the Tayary
Grand-Opera Company. for though the
audiences were fairly large at each OK
the performances, the empty bencnes
were very much en- evidence. To me II
is an infinite delight when i feel that
others can, at rare moments, experience
the same keen pleasure as l do; that
the same music viii sooth them az softens
me, the same text appeal to their sensi-
tive ear as falls pleasantly on mine,
the same acting carry them away into
a world Of fancy as Il does-ohl so rarely
now-this sorry me. There Is no account
ing for tastes no understanding why some
times the play-goers stay away without
even sampling the work OF great men.
The favor denied 10 the really clever IN
terpretations OF grand opera by the Ia
vary Company was awarded a week or
50 back TO Hoyts clever and racketty
comedy "A Bunch OF Keys" and in
comparative degree to "A Jay Circus,
only n few nights ago. They preferred
smashing crockery and tumbling fiat on
the floor 10 the soul-inspiring music and
the intense dramas like "Trovatore,
"Tannhauser." "Pagllacci," and the rest.
And these are the days when We are
asking the better-disposed people 10
patronize the reformed music-hall, TO ap-
lure the clumsy clown with the gin-fog
voice and Redeemed nose, tc detest veiied
lndecency and coarse doibie meaning.
1t is a curious. as well az mad worid'
my masters!
As the season wanes the theatrical at
fractions become fewer and farther be-
tween. This week the Theatre VIII be
closed and the only attraction at the
Academy will be 4. H. Sothern. who
will present Captain Lettarblair" on FRI
day night and at the matinee on Satur-
day. concluding his engagement with
Lord Chumley" on Saturday night. Inc
latter play is so well known here that
comment would seem to be superfuous.
The story OF Captain Lettarblair" Is a
very simple one. Captain Lettarblair II
in love with Fanny Hadden. the ward oil
Mr.. Leyton, a lawyer. Miss Hadden is
rich, the Captain Is poor. She wants TO
relieve his necessities in such q way that
he will not know Of IL. She communicates
her plan TO her friend. Polly Messiter.
The conversation is overheard by Francis
Meriyale, a neighb -.lg squire, who is
also an aspirant for Fanny's hand. The
aid intended for the young soldier IL TO
come through n letter which the Squire
intercepts and approprlates. He then cons
trives to have Fanny believe that Let
tarblalr gets the money. and that he Is a
spendthrift who loves her only for her
wealth. For a time the plan works well.
and Fanny and Polly are almost con-
WINGED that the young Irish officer is a
pretty hard case. The debt for which Let
tarblair is pushed to the wall is really
due to Fanny, although neither are aware
OF their business relations. Lettarblalr
has TO sacrifice everything TO pay this
debt, including his commission in the
army. War breaks out and Lettarblair
volunteers as a private In the regiment
In which he was formerly an officer. In
the end, OF course. Lettarblar returns in
safety, the 'squre's double dealing is un-
masked. and Lettarblair wins the eirl
OF his heart
on Monday. March 18th, a benefit en-
tertanment Will be given under the di-
rection Of Miss Mayme Leahy for the In
dustrial Home. II 10 understood that this
deserving institution. in addition 10 being
scantiiy furnished, needs Increased re-
sources. and the object OF this entertain
ment will be- not only to direct public
attention 10 a worthy cndTlty, Out Dy
skllfully- and attractive pro-
gramme TO furnish those who are char
itably inclined with ample compensation
for their delay. The occasion will serve
10 reintroduce 10 the admiring public gaze
Captain Frank Cunningham, who has un-
fortunately been compelled to give his
invigorating and charming Lyric tenor"
a rest for several weeks Miss Mary
Thaw's dancing-class will be another OF
the features. There will be, In addition.
tableau vvants. readings, songs, dances,
and other delights.
JEDnE-DT ~ rr-cI-