Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-04-12
THIS WEEKS PLAYS.
Farce Comedy and Sensational helo-
drama Constitute the Bill
RETURN OF MISS EMILY BANCkER.
she and Her Excellent Company to
Be Seen Again In "Our Flat
"Charley's Aunt, to Visit Us, and
"side-Trscked" VIII He Last.

Farcs-oomedy and sensational melo-
drama will hold high carnival az the
Academy of Music this week The sea-
son is fast drawing to q close and the
regular theatre-goer will doubtless take
advantage of the few remaining oppor-
tunlties that are offered. After this only
two more attractions are booked. VIII
liam II. Crane will commence an en-
gagement OF four nights and a matinee
on tho ed, to be followed by ID. w.
Truss Company In wang" the latter
attraction closing the season.
"Charley's Aunt" with It's comical old
woman from Brazil. where the nuts
come from" win open the present week
on Tuesday evening. with matinee and
evening performances on Wednesday.
"Charley's Aunt is not like great
many comedies which have been i'm
ported from the other side. and particu-
larly differs In that It is not dependent
on vulgarIty for Its humor or success.
The name and plot hinge on the fact
that two college youths are In love with
two girls, whom they invite to lunch In
their rooms at college, expecting that the
aunt OF one OF the hosts VIII arrive from
Brazil in time to act as chaperon. she
does not come, and smooth-faced chum
Of theirs, who has had experience In
private theatricals, Is persuaded TO don
woman's clothes and impersonate the
belated relative. lie is asked to do this
for only fifteen minutes, but series OF
complications ensue. which compel him
to maintain the deception throughout the
entire action OF the play. The compli-
cations can hardly be imagined, much
less described. The two girls take fondly
to the bogus aunt, and she Tor heb takes
advantage of her Tor his) opportunities
and returns their kisses and caresses
with great vigor, much to the discomfort
OF the lovers, his chums. He also re-
ceives two proposals OF marriage, ana
becomes mixed up In other complications
too numerous to mention. In brief. the
play from first to last Is genuinely.
constantly, and surprisingly funny.
Moreover, II Is clean, wholesome, ana
will be exceptionally well acted. Mana
ger Charles Frohman promises his prin-
cipal organization In this comedy, en-
bracing three importations from the Lon
don cast
Miss Emily Banckers SUCCESS III Oui
Flat was so distinct when she was here
last month that Manager Thomas g.
Leath has booked her for a return en-
gagement, commencing Thursday evening
ana continuing Friday, matinee and eve
ming Miss Bancker. before venturing
on starring tour, was engaged by Man
ager Charles Frohman to head the numer-
Gus successful comedies he has OF
iate years presented at his New York
and surround them with luxuries, they
Theatre. Young. ambitious. and beautl-
full. with q rare endowment OF keen per-
ception of what is artistic, refined. and
graceful In connection with her art, she
mas quickly reached n position OF promi-
nence seldom vouchsafed to one 50 young,
Our Flat La an old and tried comedy,
effcrvescent with wit and humor and
amusing situations. The story deals
with the difficulties Of q young married
couple Of literary proclivities. who have
no capital. except the love which they
mutually swear shall hnger between them
as long as life shall last While con-
structing tha play. which is to bring
their names before the civilized world.
and surround them with luxuries, they