The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-05-24
from the book-and when Mary Ann
=. l.,

from the book-and when Mary Ann
came out on the landing in her white
cap and apron. with her snlutty little
face. and spoke her first line in per-
feet dialect, there was almost gasp
of surprise. AS the act went on and
Margaret Field. stun blingly at times
and hesitatingly, but always with a
firm grip on the inner meaning of
her part, played the humble. pathetic
little slavey, the whole heart of the
house went out to her. OF course, she
had to be prompted again and again,
and very little help did she get from
the others on the stage. but she looked
the part, and played 1T with a dignity,
q sweet seriousness, and an appealing
softness that made the figure of the
sad little drudge live and breathe in
Very truth. The humility. the innate
goodness. and the loving heart Of the
over-worked child. who, like Topsy.
Just srowed." were all brought out.
all sent over the footlights by this
girl who has heretofore played only
the smallest parts in the company.
And all this on little over an hours
notice.
Franklin uitchie naturally was up
in the air." playing opposite Miss Field.
as she was with her lines
and business, so he may be forgiven
for rather poor performance. Philip
Perry kept the stage waiting twice.
and Miss Cassel stumbled several
times in half dozen lines. but 1t
must be remembered that they were
all uneasy and more or less upset.
Miss Knott more than made amends
for her performance last week by
her clever work as the landlady, and
E. ]. Blunkall and Fulton Russell, as
the music publisher and the vicar.
made good In small bits.
But 1t was Miss Field who saved the
performance, and to her all credit is
due. Mr.. Blunkall announced that Miss
Carter would be able to appear to-
night. but Miss Field had her chance.
she took 1t, made good, and went
through nerve-racking experience,
and without questioning the leading
womans ability, it would seem only
fair t2 let this young girl wear 40,
laurel for the rest Of the week She
has earned the right. w. D. G.
AT the Bliou.
Notwithstanding the extreme heat of
yesterday, the Bijou Theatre played to
the largest Monday business it has en-
1oyed under the new policy, which
means tremendous run of patronage
for Monday usually Is one of the ban
ner days of the week. Beginning to-
day. the Bijou will cool its patrons with
a battery Of thirtytwo new fans, spe-
cially designed ceiling fans being used
all over the auditorium, Special in
ducements in the direction of a cool
evening will be made to patrons who
sit in the balcony.
The new show at the Bijou lives up
10 all promises. One of the most re-
markable hits scored here BY any ar
fist is that made by Miss Pearl Young,
a singer OF considerable ability and
a pianolosist in a class by herself.
Pearl Young and Paul Olde left New
York together for Norfolk In Phila-
ner, and he has not been seen since.
Young explained that her partner had
disappeared, and asked the Indulgence
OF the audience while she did Mr.,
Olde's work at the piano and accom-
panied herself with her own songs,
the result baing a. hit that carried all
Of the audiences by storm. Miss Young
is going to be big factor In drawing
crowds TO the Bijou this week,
Harry Davis and his human targets
have the most sensational act that Rich
mond has seen in vaudeville. All OF
his sharpshooting is done In the air on
aaying trapeze. swinging wire. in al
most every conceivable position. and
his Workmanship is wonderful.
Sidney Tolde. the human lizard. Is an
excellent contortiontst and sensational
gymnas, his novelty act scoring big
hit at avery show, Sehuster & Cole.
start the show nicely with lot Of pat
ter and several songs and parodies.
Owing 10 the fact that all OF the acts
are short and snappy the Bi1ou Is play
ing four acts this week. This new pics
lures are excellent.