The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-01-30
DOWN THE PIKE
EXCELLENT | I. | SHOW
BLOT Filled Witllga Crowd That
Was Greatly Pleased With
the Rays
EZRA KENDALL is CLEVER
Tho Vinegar Buyer at the
>. Academy Scores Distinct
Success.

johnny and Emma Rny--The Rnys-if
Down the Pike made hi, at the Bijol
last night. y
There was but one expression of opiri'
ion and that was that the principals ana
chorus were us good as any that have
been seen ut the coy play house foi
many long dny-possibly not since
the halcyon days of tho old and ever re-
membered "Bijou Comedy Company.
This is the first appearance of The
Rays" In Richmond and they We're given
a warm aud noisy welcome Johnny Ray
said he had neScr played before q more
appreciatlve audience and that he ana
his company We're mere than pleased ut
the reception that had been accorded
them.
The play is fun maker" and is not
bound by any cut and dried rules of
historic literature. 1t is musical conf
edy, with plenty VI music. plenty of
comedy and with the best chorus that
has yet been seen on the Bijcu stage.
Sixteen girls, pretty and clever. are
the background for Johnny and Emma
Ray, and they sang--which is different
from making loud noises.
Johnny Ray was full of funny stunts
singing we'll and CARRYING with his
humorous business, while Emma Ray,
wearing diamonds SO large and numerous
tnat they almost broke her back. dressed
her part ITO kill'' and played into popular
favor. Others worthy of notice In
the cast We're III. Lester Mason. who
played IA detective; John H. TGawley, an
artist. and Miss Julia Sweeney the
songstress of tile aggregation
The songs that especially caught the
fancy OF the gallery were The Janitor..
Sioux" and ''Das Scloenus Garten
hans" although all We're good.
There viii be matinees to-day. Thurs
day and Saturday, rs well as the regular
night performances.
Kendall is Clever.
Ezra Kendall and an exceptional com
pany opened an engagement of two
nights ut the Academy OF Music last night
before an audience that comfortably filled
the playhouse. Mr.. Kendall's annual visits
are a welcomed comedy treat in the
dramatic season. and his return this
Year to THE Vinegar Buyer" his former.
success, makes the engagement more fu-
spicious.
Kendall is man of wit. and as such
he has made the world laugh His ar
is droll, really pleasantly quaint, and in
the character of Joe Miller the vine
gar buyer, he has the role with the fit
OF glove. His comedy is always in
evidence. yet there is the room for Il
character portrayal. and pathos is prime
companion of the man who one moment
has n laugh upon every lip and his next
a tear for the eye. THE Vinegar Buyer"
is by far Mr.. kendall's best effort and.
in 1t he has play that will go down
to posterity linked with his name
With the comedian is company in no
wise unworthy of the highest praise.
OF all, even those entrusted with the
bits" can it be said that pure art was
in their portrayals, and the company
rightfuly shares with Mr.. Kendall in
in pleasant remembrance be succeeded
by any this season.
The engagement continues with per-
formarcc tonight.
Olcott's New Play.
Edmund Burke" is the title of Chaun-
sey Olcotts new play, which comes to
he Academy Tomorrow matinee and
night, and in which he has made a
most substantial hit this season. 1t is
said to be unauestionably one of the pref
lest and most delightful of irish comedy
iranras In which this talented comedian
md singer has yet appeared. Theodore
Burt Sayre is the author, and 1t has
seneuine heart interest plenty of ro-
nance and comedy, and just enough
oathos to satisfy the average audience.
Mr.. Olcott has composed several new
schgs, and in the cities he has played
hey have been pronounced musical gems.
The production is staged in the same
effective and correct manor as has
marked all OF Mr.. olcott's previous pro-
auctions.
Little Johnny Jones.
Among the LIST OF notable attractions