The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-04-12
PLAYS AT THE ACADEMY
.CUtRLEy,s AUNT" VIII BEsEEN
ON TUESDAY IND WEDNESDII.
"side Tracked" on Thursday-fharin-
ing Emily Bancker VIII Present
"our Flat

Manager Lcath offers three attractions
for this week, two Of which are pleasant
~ remembered. and which have the high
est recommendations.
The attractions are tuesday and We'd
nesday, "Charley's Aunt"
Thursday side Tracked
Fmday and Saturday Emily Bancker, TN
"Our Plat
"Chaneys Aunt" was presented here
last season and was we'll received, as
was "Our Flat" which only played here
recently.
No comedy ever written has achieved
more success than "Charley's Aunt.
The play is comedy farce OF the fun
niest type and the fun hinges on the as
sumtion Of wOman's clothes by a college
under graduate. There Is no horse-play,
but on the contrary. the Dialogue is bril-
liant. the humor- IL incessant, but not
exaggerated.
Just one incident may be mentioned,
that will show how many ludicrous situa-
lions are involved. After dinner, the
ladies' dnciuding "Charley's AuntD the
real one, who has arrived and having
the Joke explained, 70 her, takes part
retires TO the drawing room, and while
the bogus aunt. desiring TO smoke, and
does not want to 20 to the drawing room
for fear the ladies' will indulge In con-
versation OF the gossiping nature that
they are apt TO do when no man is near.
His struggles 10 escape are ludicrous but
futile.
The principal members OF last seasons
company have been retained. The cast
is much stronger by the addition OF a
clever lot Of artists that has helped TO
brighten this laughable play.
"Side-Tracked,' like young Loehinvar
has come out of the West, where II has
been a popular attraction for some time
and this is"it5 first venture into the
Eastern States. It is breezy and always
on the move, ike tlIe country from
which il sprung. After all, the best test
OF the merits of a decent play IS in the
verdet OF those for whose amusement it
IS intended and lodged by that standard,
"Side-Tracked" will prove = success In
this city. In the course 81 tile third act
a number OF diverting specialries are
given "side-Tracked" is a iaughable
comedy-drama II viii be presented with
new and ingenious mechanical effects and
striking costumes.
"Our Flat" is play of the farcicai
oricr. IL Is a satire on the custom which
some young people have OF rushing into
matrimOny and trying to set up house.
Keeping on an empty purse, depending on
the iaSlment house lproprletors and
other trades-people. The piece enjoyed
phenomenally successful runs In London,
something like 200 performances having
been given. The loving pair find them
selves bounded 10 death by bill collectors.
The young wife has been trying her hand
az play writing. and. unknown 10 her
husband has turned out "A clever comedy
She receives a note from a prominent
theatrical manager informing her that he
will take the play. or course, she is
jubiant. but her joy is short lived, as
three big. brawny rOustabOuts from the
installment house appear upon the scene
and carry of every chair. table and bit
Of furnishing in the fiat Left alone in
her best room. with nothing but few
pillows. scarfs and draperes. she under
takes 10 reproduce the former effect Of
the interior Of her home with the assist
ance OF few tubs. dry goods boxes, bas
kets. etc. draped with curtains. OF
course. everything is I'm apple pie order
when the visitor arrives but when he
endeavors to- utilize some OF the neat
looking articles OF domestic comfort that
are scattered about the room. there are
a succession OF laughable farcical scenes
which keep the fun going at a merry rate.
Since its past production in this city
"Our Flat has been considerably bright
oned by the Introduction OF a number
OF high class vocal introductions. The at
tractive comedienne, Miss Emily Bancker,
susiains the principle role on the play.