The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-11-04

whose character comedy songs have been
highly praised
RUPERT OF HENTZAU.
Upon the appearance OF AnthohS
Hopes second Zenda story. Rupert OF
Hentzau.' there was an immediate de-
rcand for its drama tiZation. due 10 the
tremendous success of The Prisoner o.
Zenda'' The latter had proven one
OF the most charming romanccs and
thrilling dramas ever put upon the stage,
and had achieved success commensu-
rate with these characteristics indeed,
il is said TO be responsible for the de-
luge of demonstrations of popular nov
ofi,nv iie country.
lis success led 10 the putting into stage
form of the sequel. Rupert of Hent-
Eau and the latter proved to be even
better adapted to dramatic requirements
than the first Zenda% story. 1t was SO
full Of virile action and dramatic :ncl-
dent that the effort was rather to con-
dense than to elaborate.
The result has becn one OF the live
Hest and most Attractive of the recent
romantic dramatizations, and local the
atre-goers ara looking forward with great
pleasure 10 tho presentation at the
Academy on Wednesday. matinee and
night. of Rupert of HentZau.' and with
the entire New York Lyceum Theatre
production. The scenic effects are said
than those of the first Zenda drama,
while the locale of the story gives OPP
rortunity for rcturesqueness of cos
tune and setting which has not been
neglected. The cast is headed by that
clever young romantic star, Mr.. Howard
Could, who achieved additional fame
in the same role IN The Prisoner OF
Zenda.'' and whose portrayal of the he
roic Rassendyll on the one hand and
the dissipated King on the other, is said
10 be the best work he has ever done.
JAMES AND KIDDER.
Following on the heels of Rupert Of
Hentzau will come one of the notable at
fractions Of the season. The Lonis
James and Kathryn Kidder combination
viii appear at the Academy on Thurs
day, matinee and night. III Wagenhals
and Kempers stupendous scenic pro
duction OF "a Midsummer Nights
Dream The organization numbers for
ty-seven players and includes O. ballet
and chorus. The after will render much
of the famous Mondelssohn music and
special numbers written and interpolated
by the eminent musician, Maxim De
Grcsz.
The scenery Is exceeding elaborate, rep
resec,ting two scenes in the palace o. the
Duke Of Athens, the carpenter shop OF
Peter Ounce and the wood where The
fairies and mortals meet. Tie last named
ac; is the great scenic feature of the
play. Il is described as a scene of Won
der?ui beauty and picturesque elaboration.
Il is rich in foliage and flowers, has the
atmosphere of mystery and supernatural
ness and Is in short fit place for The
confusion OF fnor.als ny the spell of the
little fairy population with which Shakes
, peare peoplsd the scene.
| Ore of the most wonderful effects. which
is accomplished by the use Of inaumera BILE
electric lights and calcium brill!ants is a
representation of the break Of day. From
| deep night, III which the only light is
from the fitting firehuss and electric flow
o-s the scene grows gradually into dawn
| and then to brilliant day. The close of
this act witnesses the barge of Theseus, a
set piece in a frame behind which a pan
Drama nearly 400 feet hl length is passed.
!, sivrr- the effect OF a voyage of sensuous
! beauty. accompanied by enhancing music.
The COMPANY is a powerful one and In
| t,,udes such players as Norman Hackett
Thomas Cooke, james J. Ryan. Ashley
Miller. Jaae Oaktr. Ethel Browning, Ina
Brooks, Jessie Merritt Aphie James and
the four little Bryan Sisters.
A BACHELORS ROMANCE.
| The final Offering Of the week at the
! Academy will be Mr.. T.. AZ. Murphy, who
appears FIiaay and Saturday nights and
SATURDAY. matinee. il. Sol Smith Russeil's
.. great piay. Bachelors Ronlance.'
air. Murphy's tour is directed by AR.
Fred Berger. who was for many years.