The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-06
JOHN DREW in
CLEVER. COMEDY.
Delaney Entertains Brilliant aud
Overlooking Audience at
Academy.
SUPPORT WAS EXCELLENT
Misses Margaret Dale and Doris
Kcanc Do Excellent Work.
Bijou Play.
SUPPORT WAS EXCELLENT

John Drew, giving an exceedingly
clever play, charmed n brilliant and
overflowing audience Mt the Academy
OF Music last night.
Mr. Augustus Thomas in adding
Delaney" to his library, which already
contains Arizona. Alabama" "The
Earl of Pawtucket,' "Ons the Quiet and
other footlight successes fortified the
actor in but one manner to win popular
approval and incidently to separate
fun-loving-w public from It's
money. This Is an exceedingly clever
dialogue.
The scenery In "Delancey'i as presented
ut the Academy of Music last night was
nothing. 1t is said that the "greenhousc"
scene of the second act is modelled
after the greenhouses OF Mr.. j. Picrpolnt
Morgan's New York residence. While
this may be true and while the back
ground is attractive 1t canot be said to
be rarely beautiful.
Mr.. Thomas expected OF those who I'M
dertook to present his cleverly written play
acting that had really become fine art.
acting that was so clever. so genuine
that it ceased to be acting at all and the
whole became panoramic picture OF the
real doings and sayings of clever people
under rather trying, but entirely reason
able, If not, every day circumstances.
Not more wel-dressed men and women
have been crowded Into the Academy OF
Music this season. Every seat was taken
and the coming of the bright society play
was made n really beautiful and brilliant
social event.
The loges and every box, save one,
in the theatre was filled.
Story of the Play.
The scene Of the first act in James De-
lancey's bachelor apartments. New YORK.
AS the curtain rises M j. good natured
IN. ~ frail M. j." whose weakness runs
especially to champagne, enters NJ. j.
does not hold the center OF the stage
long: his small but important part. pre-
scented by Mr. Guy Nichols, was excel
lently done In the last act NJ. j. be-
comes matchmaker and hero.
Mr. Drew, as Mr.. Delaney, was most
cordially received upon his first entrance
TO the stage. In the play he Is close
friend of JacquolIne Marble, beautiful
girl, who is engaged to be married to his
hest friend. Dr. Elliot Morton. Jacqueline
loves Delaney. thing which Delaney
half knows, and this affection Is recipro-
Gated with interest, but lie conccals 1t
studlously and so successfully that when
in the last act he wishes Jacqueline to
| know his real feelings, he has difficulty
| in convincing her.
DR.. Morton. the part being eScellently
| taken by Mr.. Walter Hale, Is not sure
| of his love for Miss Marble. Six years
ago he met a youthful maid whom he
| loved at first aieht and from whom he
| stole a kiss. He has never forgotten her
| and when Jacqueline's image should be
| the first In his heart, this one of the pref
ty girls OF fifteen will intrude. Accident
| ally he meets her.
| She is friend OF his sweetheart and
I; instantly all doubt Is thrown to- the
| winds He Is now mndly In love, AMI
TO the infinite joy of Delaney he I'M
folds mis- dilemma OF being madly in
love with one girl and engaged to an
/! other.
Tying UP the Ends.
The play had thus told itself until only
explanations were needed to make every
| thing end happily.
The audience gave unmistakable evil
| dence of being thoroughly entertained.
pleased with Mr.. Drew and his talented
company and pleased with itself. At
the end of the second act persistent ef-
| fort was made TO get speech from the
star. but he would make no attempt to
| shine as an orator.
OF the Individual work of the members
OF the company little needs to be said.
Mr.. Drew is an artist, master in his
| real of dramatic art. His presentation
last night was fully up to the standard
and gave entire satisfaction. Miss Mar
| garet Dale as Jasqueline MARBLE was en-
| tirely capable and one of the most beau
tiful women ever seen on the Academy
\ stage.
Miss Davis Keane, as Irene Willard did
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