The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-12-21

sing one of the most popular stars that
yer visits Richmond. is coming this time
~ a new play, or rather in q play that
has set the whole Eaglish-speak'ng
world talking. and still has never been
seen in this city. The production of the
Manxman is one Of the seasons novel
ties. and it viii! be cordially welcomed
there can be no doubt.
CHRISTMAS-DAY AT ACADEMY,
WAY Down East a play by Lotte
Blair Parker, elaborated by Mr.. Joseph
4. Grismer. is to be produced at the
Academy twice on Christmas.
Scenically. the play will be produced
in the same elaborate manner 1t was last
wear The majority of theatre-goers are
familiar with The story of Lottie Blair
l'arl,er's play. As Its title indicates her
Characters are residents of New England.
Tho locale is typicaily rural. The house
aa6 farm of esquire Bartlett furnish
the scenes Of the action. The first SET
ting shows the rear of the home OF the
'seuire's barn with the pastures in the
distance Here the sources family are
assembled when a iiapless MadaleGe in
the person Of Anna Moore" comes among
them She seeks work and after consid-
cradle hesitation on the part OF the squire
is taken into the family to help about
the house work. The farmers sturdy
son David Immediately proceeds to fall
ir love with the girl, though the father
has intended that hc should marry his
cousin, Kate.
The second scene shows the sitting room
OF the "'sauire's" neishbors Martha
Perkins, the village gossip. then appears
1,pen the scene. She has heard q story
of ANNA Moore's'' past and her bound
Ing duty is to relate it with great de-
tail to the :: squire and his wife. Anna
Moore has been q mother and her child
lays buried in Belden Church yard. Con-
ilauing. the gossip lays much stress on
the fact that there is no wedding ring
On the girls finger. The squire" who
believes in LIVING according to the scrip
lures, prepares TO turn the girl from the
house, hut refrains until he makes an
Investigation 20 ascertain the truth OF
the story.
The third act shows the kitchen OF the
!" 'souire's,' home. A terrific snow storm
RACES outside. 4'he family and the neigh
bors are gathered about the supper ia
BILE. The squire has gone to Belden and
his return is awaited with much anxiety
None l=new the nature of his GRAND, but
his wife and the village busy body.
The squire returns as the supper IS
r,aced ,,pon the table. He grects every
body but Anna Moore, in has big-hearted
way Then he turns his wrath upon her.
Geneunces her and drives her forth into
the raging storm. Before going, how
ever, inc girl !cfSdiS e'lN 's1N1 'AitNN 80
has been the victim of mock marriage.
ana tlas her betrayal was even then a
guest at the farmers table. This episoae
furnishes the most stirring climax OF the
play.
The fourth act shows maple sugar
camp in Sew England forest. the
search for Anna is in progress she is
found in snow drift more dead thai'
alive. The 'squiress forg!ving nature as
serts itself and the subsequent ana pros
pective happiness of David and Anna Is
the natural sequence of the story.
While the theme of the story is serious.
there is variety OF humorous lncIaents
nnG comic characterization, These char.
scters are found in the personalities OF
III: iacler.s the chore boy; .Rube WHIP. y
rle..'. the town constable. and Seth Hoi'
eousb,'.. a village good sor-notning with
penchant scr ..life long hitters," and
Professor Sterling butterfly chas.
Ing summer boarder. .
II is promised that the production will
be staged In the usual lavish Brady man
.Aer. The Ike stock accessories that add