The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-02-02
REMARKABLE PLAY.
"Ihr Moth and the Flame" q RevcIa
ton to Theatre Gocrs

llNi ib iifdltf NDFi>.
"Tho Moth ana the Flame" Mr.. CLYDE
F.chs up-to-date society drama. is "a
revelation.
The play deals with characters I'm the
upper crust of society. and the authors
careful study OF human nature as IT eX-
.-'s in that extreme class is thorough and
true
It shows that human nature IS the same
in every class The world over. and the
various characters portrayed and which
are brought 10 The surface as the story
progresses. would have fitted other peo-
n'e in other degrees of the social station.
though the -umrtu0us surroundings may
NOT have been DUB evidence.
There are uo far-ietrhfd SITUATIONS M
"Tne Moth and the Flame although there
may De some cNaeseration. These eNas-
eeratuus however do not detract from
the splendid study tlat Mr. Fitch has
given theatrc-eocfs. and only act as a
very attractive frame about Drdullui
The sunlight of the mimic world shines
upon "a pretty scene of youth merfimeut,
and The birds sing and crickets Chirp,
while The sweet music ~ the soft sum-
mer breeze sounds softly through the
leaves. All unconscious ~ the approach
OF a. dark storm cloud the Young people
continue 60 make merry, until AT an inter-
estG- moment The storm breaks forth
and does not cease uutil the curtain goes
down 0n fhe first act
I'm the second act The soft music OF
church organ sound out as the consresa-
ti0u gather within the holy place TO Wit
ness the marriage Of Il sweet Young soul
t0 man with a hOrrid past. The gossip
of the professional attendants upon mar
rlages defracts from the solemn sur
round ugs and n yelled figure. half hesi-
tHtingly enters and takes a seat near the
door. The music of the organ peals fortn.
aud fhe marriage party slowly passes up
fhe aisle. and the minister energies from
D.
within tNe chaucel The gOsslps cease
their clatter for a moment and the mini
lister proceeds with the ceremony.
"Let him speak or forever hold MS
peace AS these words fall from the
preachers lips the yelled figure near the
do0r PUSHES to the Chancel, and a scene
eueucs that taxes all the art of those
who take part in n ana brings forth the
spontaneous applause Of the audience.
In the last act denouements, retribu-
tiOns and reunions and a general SIM
mer.ng down of the storm clouds take
place. and happiness comes 90 the relief
of those who have been wronged and
The audience leaves the theatre with
feeling oil having witnessed one of the
best plays seen mere for long time.
some unique features and stage settings
are introduced in the play. The first act
is i1ll iu the draWing-rOOm Of an aristO-
cratic New York residence, where a chill
dren party is iu progress. and the second
act is laid in church, where a marriage
an ordinary recepuon-roDm interior.
The entire company is deserving special
notice but the cast Is a long one. and
on.y fho prominent ones can be re-
ferrei to.
A. marion Wolton." Miss Enle Shan
non r0rtrays most accurately the many
emotions of O. woman who loves a man
about whom every one else has doubts,
and when De proves himself the scoundrel
her love dies In q most artistic manner
..1irs I1r.mer" a typical twice-divOrced
woman. by Miss Marion Abbott, is de-
liChtful
Alr. Herbert Kelley as Edward Fetch
orr" tbe society rake about whom every
one is talking. and who loves Marion
Motion 90 distraction, presents a piece
~ work seldom seen In Richmond, and
AIR. j. H.. Whitney as Mr. Dalsson' Is
an that Is required OF him.
A matinee this afternoon and the en-
aagement viii conclude with the perform
ance tonight.