Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-10-09

torres of European legitimate actors.
With this famous old play as his inspira-
ton, Mr.. Coghlan wrote 1.-THE Royal
Box" changing the scenes and situations,
introducing new characters, and writing
completely new and original dialogue. lie
has made the play in every sense mod
ern creation, answering all the require
ments Of advanced stage craft OF to-day.
The story is strongly dramatic and rs
very novel In its manner of presentation.
The entire production is magnifcently
staged, and will be presented here with
the same scenery, antique furniture, pro-
perties, lighting effects, and historical
costumes utilized in New York, and his
support will be identically the same
The event of the week. however, will be
the engagement Friday and Saturday,
with q matinee on the latter day, OF the
International Grand Opera Company.
This organization, in point of artists,
chorus, orchestra, scenery, and equip
ment is the best that has been on the
road for many year. The company
embraces the names of some of the best
singers in the world, foremost Of which is
lie NllHOul uouDl tiio
best prima donna in America to-day. She
has won first place by sheer dint of merit,
and is considered by critics and the pub
lie one of the finest artists in the world.
She sang at the Metropolitan Opera
House last year. and at the Covent-Gar-
den Theatre, London, and Immediately
became a great fayorite.
Mime. Kronold Is the dramatic soprano,
and she is said to be the best artist in
America in her line.
The other artists are all first-class.
Signor Salvo Panbianchi is a tenor who
is celebrated throughout Italy as one of
the best young Italian artists.
Signor Bellati is considered one of the
best baritones living, and Signor Dado,
who two years ago was the basso of the
Imperial Opera Company, under Maple
son, is considered next TO Jean de Reszke.
He has a superb voice, is magnificent
looking man, and has extraordinary ar
tistic qualifications.
Aside from the above mentioned ar
lists there are a number of Americans
in the cast who have won fame abroad.
The opera will be presented with new
scenery costumes, properties, accoutre-
ments, etc. The special feature of these
performances will be an adequate or
chestra, which will be augmented by the
local musicians. The Chorus is fine body
Of trained vocalists.
Carmen" will be sung Friday night;
Ell Travatore" Saturday night ard
Romeo and Juliet" at the matinee.
The following ladies are among the
patronesses of the opera company: Mrs.
Archer Anderson. Mrs. DR.. Ross, Mrs.
John Kerr Branch, Mrs. Charles Daven-
port Mrs l.. L. Lewis. Mrs. Il. b. Num-
Dr L Thomas
Crump. Mrs. Gideon Davenport Mrs.
John Dunlop, Mrs. j. Taylor Ellyson,
Mrs. r. c. Hair, Mrs. A. II. Harris, Jr.,
Mrs. John Harrison, Mrs. Bette Il. Mayo,
Mrs. ]. Scott Parrish. Mrs. stephen Put
nev. Mrs Decatur Axtell. Mrs. ]. Aston
Cabell. Mrs. James Dooley. Mrs. g. w.
Stevens. Mrs. Samuel w. Travers, Mrs.
Alexander Cameron. Mrs. Thomas n.
Carter. Mrs. Edmund Strudwick.
The present theatrical craze seems 10
be Rostands "Cyrano de Bergerac'
translated by Howard Thayer Kingsbury,
and produced in New York last week at
the Garden Theatre by Richard Mans
field. The public had long looked forward
TO this production, and the playhouse
was crowded with a Characteristic first
night audience. Many critics came from
the nearby cities and Boston sent down
quite large delegation, among those
from the Hub being Ed Edgett, of The
Transcript, and j. II. Gilmore. the lead
ing man at the Castle Square. The at
tendance of the latter indicates that a
version of the play is in preparation TO
be produced at that theatre, with Mr.
Gilmore in the title role.
However, one thing Is certain, Richard
MANSFIELD. does not seem 70 have scofed
a decided hit. While the audience was
enthusiastic over the play. some OF the
critics are not inclined TO attach much
;,mportance 10 this reception, and signi +
fcontly say: "Wait and see" This means
that they do not think the general pup
lie will endorse the verdict or the nrst-
niehters One criticism charges Mr..
Mansfield with having copied NJ. Coque-
lin in the latter's conception OF the char
acter Of Cyrano de Bergerac. Mr.
Mansfield Is a great actor, ana heretofore
has certainly been most original In MS
inpergonations. His methods, as RUE.
are most decidedly his own. However
in this play. according TO well known
critics he Is sadly lacking In his charac-
terization. and his delivery or portions OF
,ho ,ext Of Cvrano de Bergerac Is said
90 no AZ times painful" And. last of ali
Mr. Mansfield did not look the part. and
,nstaad OF appearing intellectual with tha
abpormaI nose. he IL said 10 have re-
sembled the pastry cooks who are seen
in the second act
philadelphia. which some OF the low
oa,,,ad,ans with ancient jokes still like 10
cali "ihe beautiful city Of the dead also
vystnessed "Cyrano de Bergeroc" last
week. the play being produced at the
cess,n,,t- street Opera-House by Augustin
Daly's company. In Mr. DAYS version
,na most prominent character Is Roxane,
IN which role Ada Rehan ID said TO- be =