Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-10-03
THE PLAY WAS WHOLESOME.
us Theme Was the Story of a Young
Womnn's Life. Whose PctuIanc,
Was Cured by Husbands Love.

It a triumphant night for all con.
ecrned at the Academy. First of all. for
Helen GRAVITY. who made her first bow
as theatrical star TO a Richmond audi
ence She was, indeed. revelation a
sweeter, more ingenious actress has
uevc- been seen in this city. The play
ers surrounding Miss GRAVITY also scored
z triumph, and last, but not least, that
clever playwright Martha Morton, add
ed fresh laurciS to her fame, as Her
Lord and Master" the vehicle selected
BY Miss GRAVITY in which to make her
stellar debut, is the product of that
gifted womans pen.
Not that the play was new. It had
already passed muster OF the metropolis
tan critics when it was presented by
Herbert Kelley and Efie Shannon ana
st came cut unscathed by a single ad-
verse opinion.
PLAY WAS WHOLESOME.
Her Lord and Master" while not
great play. is a wholesome and enter
,ainirg one. It is a simple story Of love
Gha; had It's beginning under the snow
dad peaks OF the Rockies and its
iappy denouement in a London drawing
room. II was a ta@ of n young wonans
ufe-a story of young woman's heart
Il gave scope for the displayal of the
raprices, whims. moods. and lenses Of a
pstulant, untutored, unframed girl who
was suddenly transported from her ma
tive America to become the wife of an
English Lord with ancestral environ
ments and straight-laced traditions.
Il pictured all the varying phases of
this young girls life. It gave scope for
diversity Of passions and impulses.
Ii led its auditors to the very brink Of
matrimonial disruption, only to had
them back again to domestic felicity
-,;li
woman with a past alas. too often found
in the modern society drama. No. 1t had
none Of these; but it was q pure. sweet.
love story. one that n man miyht de-
light 10 tal-e his sister or sweetheart to
witness and be glad that she was there.
This was the play in which Miss
Grantlv appeared: this was the produc-
tion that robbed the rose of its proven
Vial thorn. and sent ats auditors home
better. purer-minded and happier men
and woroe for having seen it.
STAR A REVELATION
Miss GRAVITY was pleasantly remem-
bered to Richmond by the very clever
work she did last season with Charles
u HanfoTd in the flaming of the
shrew." But last night she was reve-
lation TO even those who had seen her
past excellent work. She is undoubtedly
more than a clever actress. She read
her lines with distinctness and under
standing. She was painstaking, careful,
conscientious, and above all natural.
She poss esses many of the characteristics
OF Annie Russell. both in voice and
action. Indiana Saltwater in her
hands was almost a creation. She was
suited to the part, gave it a fine touch,
and employed all her art in the emo
tional which she did not overdo. Sho
was pretty. winsonlte captivating
COMPANY CAPABLE.
Is known for his clever work with Miss
Marlowe, was pleasing counterpart for
the star. While he has one or two man
nerisns that seemed to border on affec
tation. il cannot be denied that he Is
polished actor. William J. Shea. as Jen-
nings an old servant, whilellerllad only
a Bit conclusively demonstrated that
he was a character actor of no mean
ability. The other parts We're In capable
hands. The scenery was the same used
by the Kelcey-Shannon Company in the
Broadway production, and was entirely
adequate.
In conclusion. It is seldom that Rich
mond has the opportunity of witnessing
a better play than Her Lord and Mas
ter or seeing a more charming actress |
than Miss Helen GRAVITY.
Paul Gilmore will appear at the Acade- !
my tonight in Haddon Chambers's d. |!
iightful comedy. THE Tyranny of Tears.
MIR. Gilmore has trod the boards less |
than a decade but five years of that pc
riod have been devoted to starring tours |
in romantic and other plays. There is |
one scene in The Tyranny of Tears
where the hero's wife is about TO leave
him unless he discharges Miss Hyacinth
Woodward. his secretary who is inValu-
able to him, in obedience to her caprice.
The chivalry of the man forbids his
I,o III apl< tn I'm
and uncomfortable home, since she is
not at fault He knows the unreasoning
obstinacy OF his wife's character. feels
sure she Will execute her threat but
displays a winsome simplicity and whole
Bome courage through the entire scene
tasether with a sense of humor that IN
no way disturbs the earnestness OF pur-
pose OF. sense of duty, which are domi-
mating him.
The company chosen by Jules hurry 10
interpret this comedy is a notably pro-
ticent one and includes several actresses
whose talent is equaled by their beauty
TYRANNY OF TEARS" TONIGHT.
Charles b. janford will be at the Acad-
amy tomorrow, Saturday, matinee and
night, in superb Shakesperean revivals.
At the matinee he will present The |
Tanning OF the Shrew,'' his past years
success. in a new dress, and at night his
magnificent new scenic pageant, Much
Ado About Nothing" Mr.. Hanford is so
wei known here that he needs little or
no introduction. lie began his tour TINS
Season in Lynchburg few nights ago,
and has been remarkably successful. He
VIII play over the Leath Circuit as
starting point of a southern tour, from
which he ha, every reason to expect great
things
Ii has been stated reliable authority
that mir laanford has been more lavish
than ever in his preparation for the re- ]
1ival of this season. The stage settings
viii be found superb and the supporting
is by all odds the best that mas
ever been seen in his support