The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-15
UfLL NOT LEdyE THE STAGE.
Mr.. jefferson Again Deolires He Will Cons
tinue to Appear ~ On Actor


tinue to Appear ~ On Actor.
They gave Joseph jefferson another ova-
ton at the Academy last night. II
was q large and representative audience.
Before the second act of the first bill was
over a close bond Of sympathy had been
established between actor and audience.
and at the close Of the act his admirers
found an opportunity 10 make the cole
bratcd comedian come before the curtain
and give one Of his delightful little talks
which have done almost as much as any
one feature OF his acting 10 make the real
creator OF Rip Van Wrinkle IL n, or.te
among lovers Of the stage.
Cricket on the Hearth" was the bill
More and more interesting grew the play.
The actor had already stolen into tie
natures of his audience without their con-
sciOusness Of the fact. Caleb Plumn er.
the genial old man with d tender heart
and an empty pocket had rendered m a
most comical way his grotesque song al
the Christmas dinner. Ii was one Of
the choicest bits Of acting ever seen in
Richmond. People forgot that they ere
looAing at a play so absorbed were thcy
I'm the portrayal OF the character. At re
drop Of the curtain the call for Mr.. JEFF
ferson was enthusiastic lie appeared
smiling though somewhat out of breath
from the rural dance in which he had
taken prominent part.
Ladies and Gentlemen" said he 1T
is particularly gratifying to me that 50
handsome an audience should show their
appreciation OF my acting. ! feel high
~ complimented and | wish TO thank you
cordially for the kind reception you have
given me both socially and professionally
while in Richmond. II was stated this
morning that the reason / was greeted
by so large an audience last night was
that the announcement had been made
that this was my last tour and that !
would retire ut the end Of this season
from the stage. have been approached
by people who said they were sorry 10
learn / would act no more. 4 stranger
approached me recently and said Excuse
me. sir but I understand. Mr. jefferson.
you will retire soon from tl,3 stage.
When do you expect 20 do so I replied
When you say the word 1 shall do so.
Uaughter)
1 wish TO say | have never said I eX-
pccted 10 retire from the stage. The am
nOuncements TO that effect are unauthor-
lied and without foundation. So long ~
the American people wish 10 see me. and
I have my good health l shall continue 10
appear before them.
These statements. by the way remind
me. OF the story OF the man who was
grinding the organ before the woman :
window. She offered him a shilling 10 60
away. but he replied that he would make
music for a shilling. but would not 90
away for less than five
'"rhe actor when he finds that the pub
lie do not longer care for him will take
the example OF the wellbred dog who
when he sees preparation are being made
10 kick him down the steps. avoids any
thing OF this kind by quietly taking his
leave"
Mr.. jefferson closed by again thanking
his audierre for so cordial a reception for
himself and his company. and bidding
them an affectionate adieu. His brief
talk was received with vigorous applause
As Caleb Plummer in Cricket on the
Hearth" and AS GOlightly IN Lend Ne
Five ShillinCs." Mr. jefferson appeared
as the same remarkable comedian as has
so often captivated Richmond audiences
Every minute detail in the portrayal Of
these two widely different characters
was carefully observed. and the creation
in each case was well night perfect. Fur
Their criticism Is useless.
He was ably supported by capable
company including Mr. John Jack. Misses
Rosabef Morrison and Blanche Bender.
Miss Connie Jackson and Miss Mary
Shaw.