The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-03-15

q landmark in the history OF fici'IuC ~
n has a history itself which feaos hhe
romance: 81 marks the era oel"eSn eiio
oid and the new South. slavery and Nooll-
tion heroism and force. Built when tne
roar Of cannot and the war-cry OF SOL
sierv were familiar 10 the southeineI
cor 4, NAV almost be called a relic OF
the great civil strife
II has a history, did I say2 There ac-
tors Just beginning 10 launch out upon
the stormy sea OF the drama youhs' am
i3tfous understudies longing and strug-
stire Cor public recognition: faithful pu-
,rs and tlrnld girls with perhaps SPARK
=, Genius either wept over hopeless
foflure or made merry over signal spp-
cess There actors were MADE Ihero
actors "awoke and found themselves Ia
nous" there actors were ruined S'aIs,
leading supports, understudies, chorus
girls and "supes" have made their DEBUT
In the Richmond Theatre
Nearly all the brightest gems IN the
hfstrionio armament have been idonzed
or coidlv received in the old playhouse.
Tie interior has resounded with the plau-
dts Of thousands Several fortunes nave
been taken IN at the box office, and hum
dreds OF dramatic critics have been de-
veloped within its walls. Tears ana
laughter ovations and Kisses. indiiter-
cnee and empty seats-all have been IA
served as a school for actors and au-
dience alike and that famous playhouse
around which hOverS so many memories
has not only held a warm place In the
hearts OF the profession, but has also
been the chief influence in making Rich
mond audiences critical, scrupulouS and
unprejudiccd.
ERECTED DURING THE WAR.
THE Richmond Theatre was erected IN
$50 and 1853 In 1861 the old Marshall
Theatre. which stood upon the same site,
was burned. II is believed that the fire
was OF incendiary origin, though no
definite information has ever been OBJ
tanned.
Tho Marshall Theatre was also IA
nous playhouse. 1t was erected away
back In the early part OF the century,
not many years after the burning 81
the old theatre where Monumental
church now stands. IL served as a dra-
matte school for many years, and young
actors underwent regular courses OF
training there.
il was the custom many years prior
10 tho breaking ont Of the war 10 have
what was known as stock company
which remained at the playhouse
throughout the season. They took the
minor roles. and some OF them even AS.
sumel leading parts IN the cast The
star upon arrival, dealt out the several
parts with which the members OF the
company were expected 10 lamiliarize
themselves in a day. They reported early
az the theatre and rehearsed their parts
nearly an day The star and the man
aver instructed them, and when the cur
tain went up the prcmptcrs did tne rest
These stock companies were changed
nearly every year Tor new performers
though some OF the actors were retain
ed for several successive seasons. FIRE.
quentiy the poor actors were found sound
asleep behind the scenery. with their
manuscripts or pamphlets, as the case
may have been. lying beside them They
worked and studied during the day. and
PLAYED late az night SO that often they
were almost physically and mentally
worn out when their times came TO go
on"
The instructors frequently lost their
tempcrs In drilling the members OF the
troupe. and discord was quite common.
Notably among the manarcrs OF the
old Marshall Theatre We're John Wilkes
Booth and the celebrated actor Joseph
jefferson. who assumed the management
IN 1854 Tie held the position, however.
only a short time
The same stOck-company arrangement
was in vogue for years after the war
and was not entirely abandoned until
about 1874. IL was wonderfully salts
factory considering the number Of disad-
Naniaees the actors encountered. and
some of the best productions. both tragic
and comic. ever seen IN this city were
brought out IN accordance with that
plan.
AN AMUSING INCIDENT.
At times, however. the audience was
called upon 20 witness scenes at once
ludlcrous and discouraging. AS an ex-
ample OF what the star had 10 nut IN
with. l.. l.. Davenport WAS oYfce booked
for weeks engagement at the present
theatre. This was IN lS.2 DayenDort
had played here before. and was quite
a favoriie lie arrived one Monda. nom
fnE bright and Qarly, and a. once went
20 the Theatre TO arrange for the dis
tribution and instruction OF the parts
Eliza Wren who IL now playing with
Robert Downing. was to be in the cast,
and Squire William A. Graves, more
Familiarity known as 'Lonnie' Graves Of
this oty. who was At that time . rising
young actor. and whose versatile talents