The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-12-06
AAs USE3IENTS.

FORG1EEN-The matinee perform
ance of this play yesterday was before
very large house, its excellence having
been noised abroad by those who en-
Joyed its rendition Friday night 1t Is
an olu-fashioned romantic drama, and
the stirring plot. full of thrilling illus
trations. exemplifyinG many of the
deepest OF human emotions. enthralled
the audience, but no more than did the
superb acting.
Frederick Bryton as slack Diamond, :"
the injured husband. sustained his part
IN manner that created the widest ap-
plause.
Perhaps no actor on the Academy
stage has ever more strongly Impressed
his audience. During the second act of
the performance yesterday afternoon,
when Jack Diamond discovered HAT his
wife had fled from him because Will
lard Graham. n supposed frieni, had
told her that her husband had gone
back to his old gambling life. the char
actcr OF The wronScd, traduccd, mis-
judged, heartbrolScn husband was 50 SUI
perbly presented that n female i'm tn.
audience was thrown into Mysteries and
mad 10 be taken from the building her
name could not be obtained. but 1t was
said by those nearest her that she
sobDcd out broken cNclama lions t. The
erect that She had deserted har husbah d
because of his gaming habits
Paniine Baxter. as Jacks" wife,
played highly emotional part in a SUI,
peril manner and received scarcely less
applause than did Bryton
The character of Denver Dan" the
rambler. was excellently played by ].
}. Shaw. Edwin Frosberg PLAYED the
part OF Frank Popham." from whom
Willard Graham had years before alien
ated the affections of his wife. in man
ner that made this one of the best char
acierS OF the play. and little Rcatrico
only SIN years old. acted the character
OF "l.conie Diamond. i'm a way that
went straight TO the hearts of the audit
OrS.
Clean, thrilling. and above all. full of
that romance which. scoff as we will
is still dear To the human heart. For
given" deserves the flattering receptiop
everywhere given ii.
HOYT'S IA MIDNIGHT BELL
Tire only attraction at the Academy of
Music this week viii be ~ Midnight
Bel" which Is said TO be Hoyt's hes,
work, and vii be presented here for the
first time next Wednesday night only
and In which D!gby Bel. the popular
comedian. ana Laura Joyce Bell. the
brilliant conIraito Will be seen and
heard TO Srca. advantage. The rest of
the company arc established a:,is;s spe-
cialy engaged for ,hcir particular lit
ness for the various characters in the
comedy
"a Midnight Bell" presents a harmo-
NOUS picture Of New England life. and
is creation OF which Nj. Hoyt may
justly feel proud. Unlike his other
work, in which the real human interest
is insubo:dina;ed 20 the purposes OF
satire and fun. ~ Midnight Bell" is a
straight comedy which faithfully re-
fleets the sayings and doing of rustic
Kew England people. In Deacon Tidd
Mr.. H0yt has given To the stage every
bit as human a. Joshua Whitcomb.
The interest in him may not be as Sc
rious, but his charac:c. + drgwn with
as true strokes and shaded with greater
variety Of color. This role IS entrusted
to DiGby hcil and his portrayal OF It Is
said To be more ;nan good and artistic
to degree.
Second only 20 him in po!mt Of Artistic