The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-06-07
Caste

Whether ii was the happy return
OF Miss Charles Carroll McComas as
the leading woman, or the fact that
manager benjamin had put on the
best piece of the season that was re-
sponsfble. certain 1t is that the Ben
tamin Players never acted with more
success than in Caste" Monday night.
From the time the curtain rose
until the end OF the play Miss Nc
Comas, Miks Catherine Carter and
Stage Manager Bunkall we're given
ovation after ovation. Although their
acting was far superior to any preri-
Gus performances, 1t was evident that
the two young women appearing as
co-stars were In q popularity contest.
The tremendous applause fer Miss
McComas was In turn surpassed by
demonstrations in favor of Miss Car
ter. and vice versa throughout the
entire evening. Mr.. Bunkail re-
ceiveo his generous welcome for his
inimitable portrayal of comedy
character. which he worked not only
for all that was In ii, but added con-
siderable original humor and bright
ness to the
Miss McComas. although fresh from
q New York company. in which she
played the role Of Polly" in Caste"
for several months. was perfectly at
homo with the BENJAMIN Players and
fitted into her role here perfectly.
She has developed many personalisrns
in the role and was most captivating.
gracious and winsome In II. AL
though the part of Polly" afforded
little or no Opportunity for emo
tional work. enough was seen to war
rant the assertion that Miss Nc
Comas 10 exceedingly good in that line
OF art. She also appears 10 be- nim-
Bile and graceful dancer
The audience applauded her at
every turn, and on several occasions
halted the progress of the play. At
the conclusion Of the first act she re-
ceived three large clusters of flowers
and about dozen curtain calls Fin
ally she came to the footiights and
said: Dear old Richmond. I'm so
glad to get back to you. and thank
you ALI" When the curtain rose tor
the second act pretty Miss Carter and
Franklin Ritchis sat At table max
ing . picture Of rare beauty. Mica
Carter was applAuded until she and
Mr.. Richie were embarrassed and
almost frightened out OF their lines.
AZ the conclusion OF the second act
Mia Carter. who seemed never TO
have been 20 emotional, strong, satis-
tying and ct east % on this night, re-
ceived several large punches OF roses.
Aside from the ovattons for popu-
larity. the players were good. 1t was
by long oddS the best first nights
performance since the season began.
and the production was strong In
every line. Mr.. Storm. as cockney.
handled his lines exceptionally well
and showed plainly and admirably
that he had created much In the
role. Too much cannot be said OF
Mr., Bunkail's work a. the tipping
father. protesting for the rights OF
labor, but never working, while his
two daughters struggled for existence.
he was genuinely funny In his every
word and gesture and with Mr.. Storm
held up the humorous end OF the
Play In great style.
Miss Knott was good a. the mar
nuis, mother Of Captain D'Alroy. and
FRANKLIN Richie played his part with
Z manliness. force. conviction and
aympathy which won him great u.
voe. Mr.. Russell was exceptionally
rood - snubby Engiishmsn and
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