The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-06-08

In the interpretation Of negro character,
and in this instance the author has sup
piled him with very brilliant opportuni-
ties.
Mr.. Chagnon as Lieutenant Hague, the
condemned spy OF the Confederates. is
the envy. Of all the nale mebers OF the
company, for tho part Is full OF good
things and intensely sympathetic.
Mr.. King will play tho Brigadicd- Cen
cral, and Miss La Verne will be seen as
aunt and chapcrone Of the two Southern
girls.
There are number Of minor charac-
tiers which serve to fill In the picture. but
the principal interest revolves around
those mentioned !. A host OF supernum-
eraries is needed In the staging or the
play, and these will be supplied. me
pictures ore constantly attfacoso' ahe
the play should enjoy a remarkable run OF
prosperity.
Wells DRAMATIC COMPANY.
To Jake Wells is largely due the credit
for the advancement in things IN tne
public amusement field during us 'soe
three or four years In this city.
When he entered the theatrical busl-
ness. some OF his friends Joined with the
great majority Of people VINO declared
that Richmond could not support q sho"
for q week, but Wells stuck TO ms pro-
ject, and the result has been eVloenceo
by the great organization OF winch no IS
the head. The best that vaudeville at
forded was given during the early life OF
the Bitou. and then as the pubic TASTE
grew for something else, force ana Inu-
steal comedy and even opera was ol.eTeo,
and last dramatic companies have come
to the business house OF this enterpris-
ing manager, and commencing TINS Week
at his modern summer theatre, the VEINS
Dramatic Company VIII be lntroduceo W
the theatre-goers. 1t Is SAID 10 ne oo.n
pany of players of sterling qualities. peo-
ple Of real ability, who will from time 10
time present plays of the highest Glass;
properly equipped for good presentation.
MNIvEN AS MANAGER.
The company was organized by Philip
McNfven for Mr.. Wells. Mr.. McNiven Is
well known young Richmonder. who
has been identified with theatricals Tor
some years. and lately associated with art
lists of ability il: the capacity of business
manager. Mr.. Wells will see to 1t that
there is nothing lacking to make the pro-
duction one that will establish the class
in which the company can be placed. II
will alternate with the Bijou musical
Comedy Company during the season, and
will probably be sent to other cites De
fore winter comes again.
The opening production will be the
powerful drama, Paradise Lost, oy
Ludwig Fulda, and was adapted Tor the
American theatres by Henry DeMllle.
The plot is one of intense interest, and
the scenic artist Of the organization has
been afforded good chance for good
work. The location of the play IS near
Boston, and everything is American and
I'D to the moment in effectiveness. Inc
story centers attention, and the realism
on more than one point promises some
excitement.
The piece gives to the principals the
best chances possible to become thorough
~ acquainted and the chances will be
accepted. hlr. McNiven has made excel
lent assignments. and tomorrow night
will best demonstrate what there IS TO
the play and to the company.
THE PERSONNEL OF COMPANY.
AS to the personnel of the organiza-
ton, the players are weI-known in the
larger cities, and promise to become
home folk here. The leading man is
George Heath. of the Augustn DAILY
School. He is an actor of considerable
stock experience and at the head Of sew
eral successful road organization One
Of his best successes was in "Old Ken
lucky" as the hero. He is OF COM
manding stage appearance and a most
delightful entertainer. Miss Alberta Con-
verse will be the leading lady, posi-
ton she successfully handled with the
Alcazar Stock Company. of Frisco,
where she was popular favorte. Miss
Converse has a charming personality
and is most attractive young woman
Her wardrobe is elegant. In Pittsburg
Kansas City, Newark and Philadelphia
where she has had stock experiences dur
ing recent summer seasons, she has won
the admiration Of the critics and best of
all the people.
The principal comedian will be Harry
D. Blakelnore, one ,of the most popular
players Richmond has ever applauded
Mr.. Blakemore has just finished a sea-
son with the Proctor management in New
Yory city, and was earlier with a stock
company in the West. Mr.. Blakemore
has many friends here who will be glad
10 welcome his return. William A.
Whitecar will play the heavy parts, and
makes capital vallain. He may eH-
pect .'hisses" from the fair ones. for
his work is said to be wonderfully clever.
Thomas Doyle another actor of more
than ordinary ability, began his stage
career with Mccullough and Barrett in
California, and has played with Booth
and other noted actors He was of the
original cast of ION the Quiet and other
great successes
AN OLD TIMER.
The stage director is William Culling-
ton, who started in the profession with
the Ford mana - ment in Baltimore, and
while the understudy of John T.. Ray
mond played his roles with much sue
cess He was stage manager for Hoyt.
Sol Smith Russell and others. Gray
fowler. a handsome young actor, who
has played with Henrietta Grossman
and others of her standing. will have
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