The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-23
ut the theatres

Mrs. Bruno, who is to appear here to-
night and tomorrow matinee and night
UBder the management of Wallace Munro
this season in F. Marion Crawfords new
play, "Unorna,'' has just returned from
a visit to the novelist, at his home, in
Sorrento, Italy, and makes THE rather
startling statement that Crawford does
not care to be known as a dramatist, but
as a 'romancer" In view of the great
success Of elm the Palace Of the King"
and, more lately, his version of Fran
cesca da Rimini," in which Bernhard
scored a triumph, this sounds like self
abnegation. ''Unorna" is drama tization
Q: Crawford'S story, The Witch of
Prague" made by the "romancer" in
collaboration with Espy Williams, and
viii be produced for the first time late
this month.
In her present starring tour in "a Colo
NAL Girl Miss Bertha Creighton is said
to give an representation Of Miss Grace
Livingston Furniss' heroine which is
nearer the ideal of that somewhat i'm
possible parsonage than any characterize
ton yet attempted. Heroines in romantic
melodrama are not expected to be en-
tirely consistent or conventional, but they
cannot be too vigorous in their methods
or ambitious in their desire for achieve
ment to suit modern audiences. Miss
Creighton possesses a physique admirably
suited to the part she portrays this sea-
son, and is said to be one of the hand
soonest and most versatile actresses be-
fore the public. Miss Creighton has sur
rounded herself with an admirable sup
porting company, and will be seen at the
Academy on Thursday.
An orchestra Of virtuosi is not met
with frequently. but every Instrumental
list in that of the Gordon-Shay Grand
Opera Company is an artist Of repute.
and they are under the leadership of one
OF the foremost conductors from Europe,
Guiseppi Tressi, late Of the Berif Royal
Opera House (krolls) and Of Va Lear's
Theatre, Amsterdam. Each musician. as
well as having complete mastery of his
instrument solus. is experienced at en-
senlble playing-an Indispensable essen
tial for a perfect orchestra
One of the Observation-Disclosures" In
fact, the particular one included in the list
OF good shows to be seen at the academy
this year, is The Liberty Bellies pre-
sented by Klaw & Changers Trouba-
dours, with Harry Gilfoil and a company
of fifty artists. It is a. widely known fact
that THE Liberty Bellies" in New York,
Philadelphia, Chicago. Boston, etc. was
hailed as the novelty surprise and ems
phauc hit of years.
Mr.. Harry B. Smith, the author, has
constructed his comedy on lines entirely
different from anything seen on the Amer
lean stage Veteran theatre-goers. search
ing for something to wake them up, may
be pleased to be told in advance that the
first act of Liberty Bellies" unveils the
sleeping apartment Of a seminary, dis
closing four upAto-date brass bedsteads,
containing the same number of equally
up-to-date feminine members of the
school. All of these girls are carefully
tucked away for the night. It is one of
those things that might easily be shock
ing, but it is not. The Pink Pajama
Girl now famous as any girl in re-
cent stage history, is seen. She may be
said to be the sensational hit of the piece.
Incidental to the story are interpolated
many catchy musical numbers.
If praise from a big city. where the best
of attractions are seen, counts for any,
think at ALL then the appearance Of Only
a Shop Girl" at the Bijou during the last
half of the present week, beginning with
matinee Thursday, should be one of
most successful enga gements Manager
JAKE w CHS mas eNei pay GU ot'e1Aiiit7 VI
the performance there, the Washington
Times says:
Patrons of the Academy witnessed a
new play last night in only a Shop
Girl" with Lottie Williams Salter as
the star The piece scored distinct sue
cess. Although it presents nothing new
in the way of plot, it affords many hearty
laughs through its succession of amusing
situations and witty dialogue.
In Josie. the waif. Lottie Williams
Salter has part peculiarly suited to her
capabilities. She plays with spirit and
spantaneity, and succeeds in winning the
,indisnuted admirat ton of her auflience,