The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-03-15
PLAYS HERE THIS WEEK /.
NAT GOODWIN WILL EsEES Tues
DAP EI0RTIN an MIzzOURI."
Primrose and West Minstreis Coming
Edward Hsrrigan VIII Present "Ot
Lavender" and my Son Dan"


going TO give the thcatre-goers Of this
city something worth seeing. First
comes the inimitable Nat c. Goodwin.
on Tuesday evening. folio Sed by Prim-
rose and West, each attraction play
ing one night, and these are to be fol-
lowed in turn by Edward Harrigan and
his company OF comedians.
What will make Mr.. Goodwin's advent
this season all the more interesting is
the positive assurance that he will ac-
quiesce in the Vulnerable requests which
have been made 10 the management that
he should favor our theatre-goers with
q revival OF Augustus Thomas delight
full comedy, I'm MizZouri," perhaps
the most brilliant of all American plays,
and one which affords Mr.. Goodwin the
greatest opportunities for displaying his
remarkable versatility.
The story of I'm Mizzoura" is interest
ing. Jim Radburn, the leading charac-
tor, is the sheriff of Pike county, MIS-
souri,. He IS young, but quiet and set
tied of manner, the nervieSt man in PIKE
county. a sure shot, who makes II his
boast that he has never killed man,
satisfied 10 wing him, and Is in love with
Kate Vernon, the daughter OF 10. vernon,
the blacksmith. 1t is due to him, though
10. alone knows the fact, that Kate was
able to go TO college, his money paying
for 1t all. This service intended for her
betterment is the very thing that makes
Kate dissatisfied with the thought or
Jim as her lover. At this time there is
in town Robert Travers, handsome,
educated fellow, and with whom Kate
has fallen In love, and he with her.
Travers is a train robber. fugitive from
Justice, large reward for his appre-
hension being offered. Kate. Of course,
Is ignorant OF this, and she has consent
ed 10 go away with Travers the evening
OF the day on which the play begins.
Radburn- the gen.leness ana poeucal
qualities OF whose nature Is shown IN
his tender soiicltude for a learned dog,
tells Kate OF his love for her, and Is IN
formed By her that she cares for anoth-
err. This IS the state OF affairs when Sam
Fowler, the express messenger, who was
arrested for supposed completely In the
express robbery, returns home honorably
acquitted OF the charge. He recognizes
Trayers as tho robber. There is a fight.
and Trayers seeks the home OF Kate as
q place OF refuge. She hides him, and Is
alone in the house when Jim Radburn
rides UP. He seats himself in front OF
the closet In which Travers is hiding, and
bids him como out. Trayers rushes out,
wIih raised pistol, ready to kill his
would-be captor, who sits quietly with
out a weapon drawn.
In an admirably written scene Jim
tells Trayers, that for Kate's sake he is
going TO let him escape, and gives him
the horse at the door. Travers, pro-
ioundly g1atefuA offers his hand. Il
give you the boss" says Jim, but I'm
id II I'll shake hands with yer" But
Trayers does not get further than the
adjoining town, where he Is suspected Of
b-ang a horse thief Radburn's horse
being recognized, and IS shot, attempt
ing 10 escape. but before dying declares
that Jim gave him the horse. This fact
being established. the sheriff Is accused
OF conniving at the escape OF crimi-
nal and affairs are threatening, when
Kate, who has learned much from her
father, comes TO the rescue with her
story Of Radburn'a self-denial, friend
ship, and hcrOlsm. and the tide OF pop
ular sentiment rolls more strongly than
ever In favor OF Radburn and We per-
ceive that by and by 1t VIII be well with
him and Kate.
There are two minor love stories. the
minor ono between 'Llzbcth, Rates
younger sister, and Dave, JOS helper 1T
the forge: and the juvenile, romantic one
burn, Jim's sister. other characters are,
Mrs. Jo. Vernon, Colonel Bollnger, Bill
Sarber, the stage-driver. and Esvron,
an old negro, each a distinct and clear
~ drawn type, well defined in the per-
Torrance. The play is skilfully written,
concisely, yet forcibly constructed, the
incidents and the situations being de-
vised and treated with the most posi-
tive art. In the matter of dramatic COM
position this IS decidedly the best OF Mr..
Thomas plays.
What a world of merriment their mel
ody foretells."
Every season since its organization the
Primrose and West Minstrel Company
has found always substantial welcome in
Richmond. Their repeated success IS ow-
ing TO the fact of the united excellence
Of their organization, the artistic merit
OF each performer. the refinement OF
their entertainment, the novelty and
pleasing attractiyeness OF their intro
auctions, and, whether vocal or instru-
mental. the superiority OF their music.
Another potent factor OF their success
and reason of recurring welcome lay In
the fact that their announcements were
always realized by the expectant public
whose confidence they have thus won
and retained. Their entertainment this
in sweet songs. introductlons, original anu
The organization OF whites
and blacks. headed by Primrose and
West, is said TO be the greatest aggrcga-
ton ever gotten together. They include
the highest minstrelic talent available.
comedians. musicians. vocalists, and spe-
cialitty artists.
Edward Harrigan, surrounded by his
famous company OF comedians, will be ire
coming attraction at the Academy OF
Music. commencing on Friday night, and
for two nights and one matt
nee. One OF his greatest New York sue
cesses, Old Lavender" will be the Offer
ing for the first night, and his last (and
some say his besD domestic drama, NY
Son Dan," win receive the initial presen-
tatlon in this city on Saturday afternoon
and night. As an author, playwright, and
lctor Mr. Harrigan nils a niche particu-
larly his own. Like Dickens. he has gone
among the poor and humble. and hi
types OF character are innumerable. al.
though all true TO nature. Before tn +,
IT was not considered goo
form 10 patroniZe low comedy character
From the "Mulligan Guards" OF old 10
"Old Lavender" and my Son DAN" Har-
rigan has persisenuy improved mis- work
sticking to the same vein.
With each production he more agrees
slvely appeals not only to the resstibili-
ties. but also to the heart His songs and
Braham's music have been strong fac
tors in this direction. and above all. the
selection OF the players. who had talent
TO extract the essence from the works
and the good sense never TO overstep the
line OF reason.