The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-06-09
ADJUSTMENTS
Acndc my-"Divorcons.'
Biiou-PrOf. Lee. Hypnotlst.
ColOnlal-Camcrnphonc.
Mnjcstic-Vnudcvillc.
Idlcvood-yau
Gincn'. Hest production.

GiHcn's Hest Production.
DelicatelY wrought and crisp is DE-
vorcons,'' the initial performance Of
which was given last night at the
Academy by the Giffen Company. Into
this clever little play, which Is Moth
ing IL not disttnctively French, Sardon
has Infused comedy that is sponta-
neous and refreshing, and in 1t. he
creates character SO enchanting
that she is irresistible. 1t would be
impossible to cast Miss Grayce Scott
lin a role which better suited her tenn
permanent and her art than does Cy-
prenne. The character offers her
greater scope for the exploitation oil
her talents than any in which she has
ever been seen by Richmond audi
ence, and in her Interpretation last
night she effectively grasped every
opportunity and measured so iuliS up
to the most trying exactions that she
proved herself to be an artist with a
light and sympathetic touch, capable
of the most rapid transitions, portray.
ing happiness, coquetry, jealousy,
petulance, doubt, pensiveness and eX-
ul,cracLe in quick succession, and
swaying her audience with wonder
full subtletS.
Miss Scott has been bewitching In
many parts before. but never quite so
dainty as she is as Cyprienne. the
snoiled wife OF Henri de Prunclles, VINO
is like a piece Of Dresden china to
look upon, but who is so delicately
poised that the gentlest breeze sways
her opinions and desires.
Miss Scott was convincing and de-
liehtful, and the eruption OF her Jeal-
ousy Of the fictitious Estelle In the sec
ond act gas done with SO much spirit
and so much delicacy that II was IKE
a touch Of realism.
Her delineation was at all times
well-nigh perfect. The Frenchy frocks
and hat worn by her were marvels or
beauty. ;,
While no actor can do himself full
Justice in character so minutely eX-
acting as Henri de Prunelles after
only one weeks rehearsals. Mr.. Ben
netts Interpretation last night was
excellent. In Miss Grace Georges COM
pany in London Mr.. Bennett played
Adhemar. and the change to harac-
ter SO widely at variance AS Henri de
Prunelles is only another indication
| OF his versatility.
AS Adhemar, the flippant mercen-
airy and self-conceited lover, Mr.. Frank
! Patton surpassed the Adhemar OF the
original company. Mr.. Patton's por-
travail was easily the most deserving
of the many capable ones he has given
| since his connection with the Giffen
Company.
| And George Howell In a part though
small in itself. yet one demanding the
utmost dellcacy. and highest touch OF
any In tho comedy. gave a clever de-
| lineation The role of Francois, the
waiter, is in many respects the most
difficult In the play. and one which de-
mands the closest study. yet Mr.. How
ell handled the part with such dexter
|ity and so completely obliterated
In the adept and obsequious French
waiter that he won for himself a dis
! tinct ovation.
| Other members Of the company,
though In lesser parts, were highly
satisfactory, especially Miss La Verne
and Mr.. Ralph Morgan. The play was
sumptuously mounted, was played in
has ever produced In Richmond this
or any other season.
Hypnotikt Mt BIjou.
Professor Sylvan a. Lee used his
| hypnotic eye with effect at the Bijou
last night, and kept his audience con.
stantly amused for two hours.
AS usual, q request was made for
subjects to volunteer and come upon
| the stage, and some of the local talent
proved to be highly responsive to the
unavoidable suggestions OF the mental
dictator. They did all kinds Of stunts
and imagined themselves to be every
thing, from a crying infant to gate
post.
| The real power OF every hypnotlst
oyer the subjects that go 4 upon the
stage is always open to question, but
Professor Lee gave several demonstra-
tons that made the most skeptical
doubt their skepticism. He has learned
many OF the finer points Of his art
from the Hlndoos. past masters OF
hypnotism. and he accomplished one
OF their hest tricks, when, by a mere
matter OF suggestion, and with the
aid Of music. he set half the audience
drowsy and put many persons to sleep.
Fine Dill Mt lakewood.
one of the largest audiences OF the
season greeted this weeks bill at the
r ! l,,~l fIn.Fa .1S~r. y