The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-06

been introduced. A new book has been
written by Quincy Kilby the amusing
story of the lovers and their servant.
Pico, transported by cyclone to the
land of zamaliel. the demon. and their
adventures In this land of mystery and
romance Is bright with Incident and COM
edy.
In the telling OF this story fifty people
are employed. Fred Hanlon will play Pico,
the clown, and the other pantomime char
ncters will be assumed by George Hun
Ion, ST. George Jr., William III. and Al
fred Hanlon. james u. Rome, John H..
Hasam. j.. p. Walter. John r. Fernlock
and other pautornimsts Marguerite Fer
guson. one of the best known comedlen-
mes on the American stngc will play the
sprightly Kitty, Miss Jaennc Roberts will
be Lena Edna Farrell as Fantasma, and
many other equally well-known characters
VIII be seen In the cast. Notable among
tie features of "Fantasma" will be the
transformation scenes, which are said to
be more elaborate and beautiful than
ever before.
Shepherd King Coming.
Mr.. Wright Lorimer will soohabe seen
in an engagement in this city in his
beautiful production of the four-act ro-
mantle biblical drama. "1'he Shepherd
y.
Ben Hur,'' no attraction has been placed
before the theatre going public which Mt
nil compares with 1.-THE Shepherd King"
ms n spectacle. Irving, probably the great
est producer of his time, never accom-
plished within measurable distance what
Mr.. Lorimer has accomplished in both
scenic and electrical effects. The produc-
ton is big one In every sense OF the
word and as thoroughly artistic as 1t Is
great in size.
Mr.. Lorimer, by his acting of David.
rs we'll ~ by his Skill as producer, finds
himself in the ranks of the most conspic-
uous of male stars. His David Is por-
trayal of such artistic merit that to n
certain extent at least, 1t marks an epoch
in contemporary drama--makcs the young
shepherd lad the hero OF Gods chosen
people, living creation. and by 1t has
advanced the study of biblical history
more than any man OF his time. 1t Is
to be presumed that nearly every one is
familiar with the history Of David, the
son of Jesse, who was called from his
flocks on the hills of Judea to play the
harp and sing before mad King Saul. ana
who became king of Israel at the death
of Saul and his son Jonathan. There is
no more romantic tale of youthful volor
in all history than that of the shepherd
lad. who, armed only with sling and five
smooth stones from n brook, went down
into the valley. where no mailed captain
of Sauls hosts dared venture, and slew
Goliath the giant Phillst!nc, who dared
defy the armies of the living God
There is no such tale of friendship In
all history as that OF David and Jona-
than. son of the king, who sheltered the
shepherd from his fathers anger even
though he knew he was harboring the
man who would sit upon the throne of
his father in his stead, There is no more
knightly tale of daring than that of the
conquest of David. with his hundreds.
against the Phiistines. when sent by Saul
to what he fohtlIy hoped would be the
young hero's death. And as harmlessly
interpreted in this great Old Testament
romance, there is no more beautiful and
touching love story than that of the at
tachment of David for Michal. a
Filled with human love and hate, with