The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-11-25

who saw 1.-THE Journey into SWltzer-
land some years ago as to those who
witness 1t for. the. first time this Week.
Three friends of a good fellow, who had
been robbed of his sweetheart by an
adventurer in collision with the lat
ter's two servants. create the fun by FOL
lowing and annoying the groom on ms
wedding-trip. The sport occurs on the
train and at the Swiss hotel where they
all put up An lrishman. French
professor. beer-drinking German, Swiss
soldiery and .gendarmerie add TO the fun
and comic situations
BARBARA FRIETCHIE.
Miss Effie Ellsler will have the title
role in Barbara Frietchie" when Charles
Frohman presents that beautiful Amerl-
can play at the Academy of Music Fri
day and Saturday next
Clyde Fitch's drama is a charming
work, based upon yvhitt.er's famous
poem, and the flag incident which the
poem celebrates is at the dramatic apex
of the play With Effie Ellsler as the
heroine-who, by the way, is neither
Eray-headed nor bowed with three-Score
years and ten''-the production Will nave
q doubly interesting meaning for theatre.
EoerS. There is no name in the list OF
popular American p&syera that FsallS
back SO many pleasant memories as FL
fie Elslers. The wonderful tenderness
ness and power of her acting, and the
charming line of characters with winch
her successful career has been ldentlheu,
give promise of an attractive ana VIII
ming embodiment of the fair Southern
girl who is Mr.. Fitch'S heroine. A good
company will assist Miss Ellsler In bar
bara. Frietchie.'' Its membership IN
cludes Frank Weston, Charles Chapelie,
Charles Steadman, Carol Arden and Al
ice Leigh.
Mr.. Fitch's play ran for over 100 nights
at the Criterion Theatre. New York, to
crowded houses. 1t has also had trl-
umphant runs in Boston, Phlladeiphla
and Chicago. 1t has been liked every
where, and some of the critics nave
christened it the American Romeo ana
Juliet" The production offered mere IS
the same that was so successful In New
York city.
Tho action of the play begins after the
Confederate Army had crossed the Poto-
mac with the intention of attacking Bal
tirnore and Washington. A Union nag
said to have been given to the frietcnies
by no less parsonage than IhomaS Jel-
ferson and which is preserved as a sort
of family heirloom, is mentioned IN me
s opening scene, and plays very import
ant mart subsequently, The first stage
picture shows a F'redericktown street,
with the Frietchie and other mansions.
Bows and girls are on the door-steps,
and there is .lovemaking galore Ear!
the fact is disclosed that Barbara Fret
chic is in love with Captain Turnbuil,
Federal officer. She tries to convert MIN
to the Confederacy. but fails He later
ION makes an enthusiastic little Northern
! YER of her. The scene between the happy
counle on the FIR etchie doorstep gives a
delightful picture of southern life. Its
romance and love. and corrent idea OF
the time is given by the effect of the
old-fashioned costumes resurrected from
the old prints. The lovers pledge their
troll, while the sounds of hatred fol
tbs Federals are heard: mingled WIN
| Dixie songs. Barbara's father, however
orders the Union captain away, the frs
act ending with his departure.
barbara resolves to elope. and the sec
ond act finds her ut the minister's house
In Haserstown, where the wedding is t
take place, but the Confederates agair
sweep down through the Blue Ridge
gaps and into their town. and the sap
tain has to fly to his, post in the Gnior
| ran,,s barbara having placed the Star
and Stripes" over tho captain heaFt a
wedding gift. J,
Tn the third act he is brought In wound
| cd and diving to the Frietchie's home.
ss in this act that Miss Ellsler has ne
hest opportunities-in her agony over he
! Ioyer-in her attempts to screen MN 1ron
detection by her father. in her success
! fuls plea for reconciliation on her pa
| rents part. In preventing an unumel
search OF the house. and IL Turing ava;
erased former suitor, who seeks % ~ ~
the wounded lover. IS.
In the fourth and last act the capital
| dies. The scene shifts to the outside
the house, and In the crowded stag
picture OF the play Is revealed stone
| wat,. Jarksonsa reception ~ his soldier
/ 5enA 80 ,,on,,l 10. l3arfaSA pnSo16e q