The evening times., 1896-02-25
AS THE CROWDS CONE OUT.

For Fair Virginia is one OF the latest
and decidedly one of the best contributions
To the american stage in the way OF a drama
based upon the great struggle between the
States.
Russ Whytal has given our native play
wrights a pointer" as to the mex haustible
material for dramatic cons struction fur
Dishcd by that historic epoch, and he has,
Furthermore, shown them that il is not
necessary to bring upon the scene ear
splitting guns. bad-smeIling smoke. and all
the other melodramatic accessories to make
such a play effective.
For Fair Virginia is built upon natural
lines. The conflicting emotions of conjugal
affection and loyalty to native land are
strongly, masterfully brought out. and
around this central point are most cleverly
grouped the romance and the various dra-
matte and humorous incidents OF the plot.
Mr.. Whytal inpersonates the central male
figure of the play, which, In this instance,
is the villain, though even he is toned down
in that the motivefor his excess OF meanness
is his love for the woman who has preferred
another to him. With his portrayal but one
fault can be found, and that is his passing,
at times, the line which divides vigor OF ex-
preston from rant. Otherwise his Col.
Laughiin is the unsympathetic character
which he intended 1t should be.
MIS-. WHY 10 anu
action as the heroine, Mrs. Virginia Es-
mond, the loving wife, yet devoted Southern
woman, who resents her husbands espousal
of the Union cause. Miss Mabel Knowles
as Nell Esmond, her sister-in-law, loyal
like her brother, but loving "JOhnny
Reb," is simply delightful, while Mr.. Charles
8. Abbe, as Col. Dunbar, is as manly, at
tractive and .true biue'' as any woman could
wish for. Miss Lottie Briscoe played the
80 T,,ISa obi a nd-
mirably, and Mr.. John Woodward as Uncle
Zeb is one of the best Southern plantation
"niggers' ever seen on the stage.
The scenery is beautiful, no prettier stage
picture being ina ginable than the landscape
among the Virginia hills in the first act.
Mr.. and Mrs. Whytal introduced them
selves to the large audience in pretty little
curtain-raiser, Agatha Dene, 'whichdemon-
strated their talent for lighter roles.
Little Christopher" at Aliens Grand
Opera House last night demonstrated Its
staying qualities as popular favorite.
This bright. effective burlesque won golden
opinions last year on its first presentation
here. Mr.. Aliens good Judgment in the
matter is indicated by the attendance and
the plaudits OF last night.
Miss Theresa vaughn again takes the part
of Little Christopher, Mr.. Collier is O'Hool-
igan, Mr.. McDOnough the Second Mrs.
Tanqueray."
The Grand vizier of Barataria is well
presented by Mr.. Henry LeOni. His tenor
gives a promise of high merit. The Bey. by
Mr.. Clark; Pepita, by Miss Pauline Train,
and Guinevere, by Miss Yolande Wallace.
fill their places admirably. Mr.. John VIII
son makes a hit in the double role Of Capt.
Slammer and Weary Waggles.
The entire Operetta is well staged and the
fun is unbroken from beginning to end.
The songs are lightly remembered on the
streets and teh a place in the heart In a
way that brings the hearer back again.
An evening with Little Christopher Is
one OF delight in color, music and interesting
situations.
Judging from the splendid audience at
the New National Theater last evening
that rather ba acchanalian play, "A Trip