Los Angeles herald., 1905-08-29
RED LETTER NIGHT
At THE BELASCO
"RlCHELIEU" PUT ON FOR
FIRST ANNIVERSARY
BARNUM IN THE TITLE ROLE
Brilliant Performance Of Famous Play
Shows Strength Of Stock COM
pany--souvenlrs for
the Audience

The Beiasco theater stock company
iast evening opened the second year Of
It's existence with magnificent per-
formance of Lord Lytton's "Richelleu,"
George Barnum in the title role. The
production Of such a classic at a stock
house with only one weeks rehearsal
and the Interpretation Of role asso-
ciated with the greatest names Of the
English and American stage made this
opening an ordeal for Mr.. Barnum and
one through which he came with flying
colors.
1t was Mr.. Barnum's evening. He
carried the play on his shoulders as is
necessary for one in the role of Riche-
lieu and he made every point, which
the great cardinal wins in his political
game, strike into the hearts of the
audience with remarkable force. The
role stands highest in the brilliant rec
ord of the Los Angeles achievements
of this actor.
Adds to His Achievements
The first night nervousness increased
some of the Barnum mannerisms to
certain extent. He often failed to con-
vey an adequate sense of power by
shaking his finger or his hand too vio-
lently either at the cardinals enemies
on the stage or at the audience. He
exhausted his reserve force in several
instances. But these are minor faults
and the virtues of his performance
would give him high rank among the
actors of the country, If he were not
already possessed of such a position.
The points to be brought out in the
character of the cardinal are his cum
ming, his courage, his vanity and his
terrific power and these were conveyed
in a virile and illuminating fashion.
His appearance gave the famous char
acter verisimilitude.
Not only for the finished execution
of his own role but for most of the rest
of the play is the credit due to George
in which he shaped the company until
the members work together perfectly.
The scenic effects were brought to a
high standard and for this also is Mr.
Barnum responsible.
Support Is Strong
Among the supporting company there
stood out most prominently Thomas
Oberle, Joseph Galbraith and Richard
Vivian. Mr.. Oberle brought out the
role of Barradas with force and his
personality saved many a scene from
sinking to nothing for lack of contrast
with the leading character. Mr.. Gal
braith displayed his usual pulchritude
to excellent advantage in the costume
clothes. His acting was marred by too
much swashbuckling. Richard Vivian
did not allow his ambition to overreach
lis mark and his performance was clean
and effective.
The others of the cast fitted well into
the picture. Miss Lemmert, who played
the leading woman's role, was handi-
capped by bad news, in addition to
first night nervousness, but her role of
Julie was we'll sustained. She dis
tinguished the part with a gracefulness
and charming personality.
In commemoration of the first ami
versary week handsome souvenir pro-
grams were given to the women of the
audience. They gave besides a list of
plays which have been presented at this
theater during the year excellent half
tone cuts and the autographs of the
players Of the company.