Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-10-27
AMvsEMENTs THIS WEEK.
Sol Smith Russell in Three new
cbornctors-Digby Bell In Opera.


Perhaps no actor before the public is
moro universally and 'deservedly adj
rnired both in his public and private
character than Sol Smith Russell VINO
opens at the Academy next week, Mon
dav. A keen and earnest student OF odd
characters. Mr. Russell Is ever on the
lookout for novel and striking types.
Every creation which he has made MS
own has been the result OF long ana care
ful study, and observation OF real lie.
In his new play. "An Everyday Man.
IL IS said that Mr.. Russell had ADDED
another great character creation to his
repertoire of plays. But the growing iea-
ture of the engagement IL Is sale
10 saw. will centre in his first appear
ance here as Bob Acres in The Rivals,
Sheridan's famous comedy when Alr.
Russell has been ambitious 10 present
for some time. and when, upon us M
tial performance lately. scored triumph
which elevates the fame OF Sol smith
Russell to an altitude heretofore explored
only by Joseph Jefferson, william
Warren, and one or two others.
Mr.. Russell has given the piece
splendid setting in every way, ana mas
also strengthened his company express
" for this revival; so. aside from the
Measure OF welcoming him IN An
Everyday Man" his local admirers WIZ
have AN opportunity Of attestlng their
appreciation of his last big undertaking.
personally. Mr. Russell is receiving the
announcement and assistance OF not oniy
AR Jefferson, who has expressed a
lively interest in Mr.. RusselPs success
hut also OF others, who regard hln as
the most promising candidate for high
comedy honors before the public. me
repertoire has been arranged IN the toi-
lowing order: Tuesday and wednesday
matinee IAN Everyday Man and Mr..
Valentines Christmas Neu'ieS1"S i's''
1.-THE Rivals"
Diqbv Fell will be at the Academy
for one performance only next Thursday
in Fred Miilers new nauucai OPERA
Nancy Lee" ~
The scene OF the piece is laid in Ports
mouth bay. at the commencement OF
the civil war, and the story runs some
thing after this sort:
Edmund Lee commanding the Nancy
Lee, Is arrested for treason on the eve
M his return from two-years' voyage.
Je is taken on board the United States
steamship Kankakee, and held as prisoner
of war His sister. Nancy comes
aboard. and. through the goodness or
her lover Lieutenant Danforih) is per-
ritted TO visit him on lower decks
from whence Edmund effects his escape,
disguised in his sisters dress, during
scene of hilarty among The sailors on
the dog-watch, Edmund has barely es-
caned when orders are given TO bring
tho missioner TO officers quarters. To
their establishment Nancy appears, at
tired In the brothers apparel, onering
herself as her brothers security until he
has been proved innocent. This act OF
maiden bravery causes the executive Of
fcer to put her on parole. Three months
later. while the Fou-th-of-July festlvi-
ties are in progress, Nancy, among other
prisoners. is ordered TO be set ashore at
sunset for transportation TO the guard
shin at Fortress Monroe; when sudden
| ~ n blockader heaves alongside. bearing
order for a release of the prisoners, and
the news that Edmund has been OFF,
ciaIly exonerated. and Is now In com
mand Of the Nancy, as fuil-hedged
naval commandant. with his ship In fight
ing-commission. by order OF the fresi-
dent. and all ends happily. to the strains
OF a national antnem entitieu, ihue-
| pendence-Day."
Digby Bell plays the part OF Gabriel
Swift. a role drawn strongly from life,
and one that was familiar to many COM
munities. some thirty years ago, during
our civil! war. Gabriel Swift Is pro-
vost-marshal. and is fashioned after a
fellow who lived out West known to have
been a horse doctor. schoolmaster, town
squire, in fact. anything you saw tit
10 call him. and always conspicuous In
political gatherings. When war was de-
clared. he was by some manner OF means
made provost marshal Of the district. an
appoIntment which gave him supreme
power He could order citizen to be
shot on the thinnest pretext, and could
even exercise his authority on high off,
Gals.
Rev. John J. Laferty, y. T.. the veter-
an editor OF the Richmond Christian
Advocate" whose fame as an In imi-
table writer. lecturer. and platform speak
er. Is known throughout the North and
South. will introduce his new lecture at
Laurei-Street Methodist church next Tues
day night October 18th. Ghosts" will
be his subject, and thrilling experiences
with ghosts will be related In a style Pc
culiarly his own-rare unique. This lee
ture Is a marvellous composite--ludicrous.
humorous, suggestive. DR.. IAfferty has
that mQdulated, mufiied tone. which
breaks into shrillness just In time to
x,aLa a jimmy storv ten times funnier.