The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-15

Mr.. Wright Lorimer's magnificent pro-
duction OF THE shepherd King" was at
the Academy last night. and the splendid
acting of the star and a talented COM
pany awakened the greatest enthusiasm
on the part of "a good sized audience. The
production is one OF the most stupepdous
ever seen here. The story Of the life Of
David lends itself readily 20 dramatiza-
ton. and the only liberty taken with the
Biblical version is the creation of a love
affair between David and the Princess
Michael, which only adds charm.
Mr. Loyimer IS an ectc- Of scholarly
ettainments and has player the title-roie
for four years. during which time he
has made diligent study OF the character.
His portrayal Of the shepherd hoy is
masterpiece OF histrionic skill. culminat-
ing in the denunciation of King Saul at
the end OF tse third act He has a
heroic figure, a most musical voice. and
pleasing stage presence. and was
forced 10 how his acknowledgements asain
and again Next 20 the work OF the
star. Miss May Buckioy's Interpretation
of Princess Michael was the feature OF
the evening. Her Princes was charmingly
conceived and winsomoly :aSeauous and
she richly deserved the outburst OF ap-
p!ause that she received throughout tho
play
Margaret Hayward was motherlv aud
sweet rs the mother OF David. and Mel
t'itt tlroN. a CAlAnle iFANcca MeIan.
Tho Jonathan Of Carl EckstrOm was n
polished we'll sustained piece OF acting.
and Ethelbert Hales did fine work rs
King Saul, being az times painfully real
istic. He showed a siight tendency 70
overaCting that detracts from his work
considerably. Walter Edwards an old
Richmond favorite made good IN tho
part OF Captain poeg. and Nfessrs.
Thomas Tracey. William G. Mason and
Edward Racey. az the brothers OF David.
made the most OF small parts.
The part OF Prince Phaiu was VOL
handled by Mr.. Frank Lauder. The
supers. about fifty in number. we're care
fully drilled.
scenically The Shepherd King Is ono
or the most elaborate productions ever
seen here. there being four acts. with
five scenes. Taken "a It's entirety. 81 IL
stately. impressive. thoroughly reverent,
and splendidly acted.
There are three performances left-to-
night and tomorrow matinee and night.
THE Ninety and Nine" IS tho Offering
for this week at the Biiou. and the melo-
drama, which is one OF the best Of its
kind on the stage. Was. as well receive
as 1t was last year. and Judging from last
nights reception. IL Will play % capacity
an the week very capable company
IS presenting the piece ana complet"
scenic equipment Is carried. The prairie
liiF scene ana mo rescue are worth lht
price OF admission alone.
There will DO no advance IN prices for
tho production here Of The lion and the
Mouse" Charles Klein's greatest play.
which Henry h. Harris viii produce ~
the Academy on Thursday. Friday and
Saturday. The theme which MI Klein
has taken FOR this drama IS most peril
ncnt 10 the present day. when every one
Is keenly alive 20 the machination ~
trusts and kings Of finance. Indeed 80
may he said that "The Lion ana the
Mouse" displays the excellent Judgment
shown by Mr. Klein IN presenting phase
of American Afe with which the public
has become familiar through the news
papers and maCazines Of the country 10
depicts the king or finance as he u.s.
robbed or an meipdramatic attributes. In
opposition 20 him he places an equally
true figure or American wOmanhOod. u
IS their struggle. with the fnai victory
for the girl which constitutes the basis
upon which this powerful drama OF emo
ton IS built. The extraordinary success
~ the play is well known.