The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-03-27

STOCK Company Makes Good.
The Giffcn Company, at the Academy
last night. repeated the success 1t made
In Norfolk, a large, fashionable and en-
thusiastic audience giving a reception
to both play and players that must
have been gratifying to each one who
in any capacity has had a hand in
making possible this production, in
Guiding Messrs. Wells and Giffen, who
are the prime movers In the enterprise.
Leah kleschna," the bill selected for
the opening. is play of strong dra-
matte possibilities, affordlng ample
scope to demonstrate the worth of
the leading members of a company,
though perhaps not giving the fullest
Opportunity to the entire personnel of
a stock organization. 1t would be we'll
nigh impossible, however, to give every
one his chance" in a single produce
ton.
What by many will be considered the
most significant feature in connection
with this production is the lavish man
MI; Giffen has reputation here for
ella borating every detail in a perform
ance, and providing every adjunct that
may enhance the beauty of the stage
He is an idealist. rather than realist,
however, and his efforts are not so
much In the direction Of appealing to
the love Of the material, as to the
aesthetic. True 1t is that he sometimes
chooses the real works OF nature in
preference to their limitations, and when
possible he has had transplanted to his
stage stag, the ne budding fruit tree. uprooted
work Of the scenic artist.
me company which Mr.. Giffen has
organized seems to be an admirable
one. and indicates that the one 70
Of the same calibre. Miss Frances
Nordstrom as Leah Kleschna, impresses
one with her sincerity no less than
with her, charm of personality. She
which make for, success in no small
measure. and she also has a keen
appreciation OF her art. Miss Nord-
str9 ON, plays some Of the scenes with
adds much to the apneal of Leah to
her audience. Mr.. Edward Corrigan ;s
ciean and clear cut In his methods, and
possesses all Of those qualities which
lends itself well to clear and dis .
tinct reading. which is impressive in
IT'S earnestness. the latter being a
r rnid ct especially adapted to the
Mr. w. E. Bonney had a most ex-
acting role In Kleschna. character
mat would tax the capabilities of any
a ata9r :. IT Is q part not to be lightly
opportunities for the show OF varying
| moods and Feelings that an actor, un,
less he Is fortunate enough to exactly
| mt this role, must for many days dis
cover new phases In Its development.
Mr. Bonney gives a strong characteri-
cation, and. no doubt. as evidenced
since his appearing In Norfolk Monday.
Is gaining flrmer hold upon the
role at every performance.
| Mr.. Ralph Locke, as Schram, does
not quite roach the sympathes OF the
audience on account of his failure 10
| give a sufficient insight OF his hone
| less love for the daughter OF his part :
ner In crime Miss Milicent Evans, as
| Sophie, Is very pleasing. and Mr.. Wi
nant, as Valentine. is rather good in
his light comedy. Mr.. Herman I.ieb, as
Raoul Berton. the young rolsterer,
gave an impersonation of a certain
! type with fidelity that made 1t quite
study, though perhaps he overdraws
1t Just shade. Mr.. Galloway, char
acter actor of wide experience, makes
| the most Of the two roles that fall
to his lot, and Miss Nelly Angel. the
character woman, is entirely satisfac-
tory In the roles In which she Is cast
| Much may be expected OF them when
more opportunity Is offered: The other
/, roles were acceptably filled by Messrs
La Duke and Hurley, and MISS Gladys
| Granger.
Manager Jill Here.
Manager Frank D. Hill, the manager
| of the Colonia1 Thaa tire, for wells, WI