The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-12
LITTLE TYCOON
A BIG SUCCESS
Richmond Lodge of EIks Benefited
by a Fine Performance,
PROF. M. STEMS GENERALSHIP
He Directs a Magnificent Production.
Miss Bessie Pace at Her Best-Capt
Cunningham in KnickerbOck-
eI's Habilimcnts.

Those who donned their new Easter
fnery last night and filled up the seats
of the Academy with the expectation of
seeing something amateurish In the per
Torrance of THE Little Tycoon" billed
for the benefit Of the Benevolent Protec-
tive order Of Elks. were agrecably dis
appointed
II seemed almost incredible that this
Well-OrganiZed and graceful company OF
young ladies and gentlemen that Iaceu
the fOOtlights and the almost overwhelm-
ing audience with such frank confidence
and easy cordiality should be The same
who. not six weeks ago, blushed ana
stammeTed over their parts when Pro-
fessor Moses Stein opened the first re-
hearsal at the new Elks' Home.
And the audiences pleasure in thelr
surprise was truly a spectacle in Itself.
CONCENSUS OF OPINION.
No more than justice IS done when the
concensus Of that audiences opinion Is
given-"It was good II was even more
than good; it passed even the excellent
I'm quality. and took on the nature OF
When Professor Moses Stein. fanked
by the flower Of local musical talent. lifted
his baton and conJured. before the charm
ed gaze of the multitude the opening
the burst Of vocal melody that followed
that convinced many that the picture was
not Of i.ecromantic origin.
From his position as king of fairies that
he seemed in the first moment. Professor
Stein. with that first huge breaking out
OF melody spTang into the character of "A
general. and as such. from his point OF
vantage. guided themelodious onslaught
that carried every heart and citadel Of
emotion in the big crowd.
Miss Bessie Pace. as Violet seemed
I'm her native element, and fairly revelled
.grrl,f .,k 20
glory I'm the gltterng heights attained by
her own surprising voice. As the misused
daughter of her tyrant father. knlrker-
booker. a part assumed 10y Captain Frank
Cunningham with a zest that did the audi
ence good 10 witness, Violet In the hands
OF Miss Pace. became one Of the individual
charms of the performance. Throughout
her impersonation there was a symmetry
OF emphasis and action. She did not
strive to individualize her part before the
notice Of the crowd. but adjusted herself
charmingly 10 the delicate rarenesses OF
her support. Her singing was fawless.
THE OTHERS.
General Knickerbocker was one OF the
evening chefs d'ocuvre. Captain Cum
nincham conducted himself as became a
subject Of his need OF popularity. He in
fused much Of his personality into the
character a circumstance which IN no
way detracted from its picturesqueness.
Mr. Frank Mccarthy, as Niolets lover.
Alvin Barry. was an ideal matinee girls
idol. His tenor voice was mellow ana
sweet and his part 40 central ngure
was borne with strength and decision.
Dolly Dimple was a character that SUI
perbly fitted the charming bundle OF pert
ness and Vivacity. whose CITIZEN name
Is Miss Maggie Leahy. Her support 10
Miss Pace could not be excelled.
Lon Wilson and Rufus Ready bore the
honors of comedy between them. and fur
nished the necessary spice 10 the whole
proceeding. >,,.,-
In makeup and Characterization fulhlled
the audiences highest conceptions OF 'he
American girl hunting English lord.
Miss Hurricane. In the person OF Mrs.
Thomas Smith, bore difficult ,character
with rare credit 10 herself, and won un-
stinted approval The others OF the cast
Messrs. Frank Morrissey. Gerald hlssih5
and Herbert Curtis. as FIRST and second
Officers and Montgomery. respectively
bore parts that In every way harmonlzed
with the rest OF the performance
Mr. Herbert l.. Reese. at the piano
proved himself an able leutenanit, 20 Fd TO-
fessor Stein a fact that the audience dlo
moi fail 10 note.