The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-05-30
T,heaters
WILLIAM NOLTE SCORES
IN THE COUNTRY BOY

We honestly believe that II q per-
manent stock company should be
placed in Richmond and the person.
mel of this organization determined by
popular vote, that four -fifths Of the
selections would be made from tho
performance OF The Country Boy"
as given by them last nieht. for ak
ample. A more superbly acted or
notable performance in every par
ticular has not been given by any road
company at the Academy Of Music
within our recollection. We state this
advisedly and with a distinct recol-
lection of the original production
which we saw At the Liberty Theater
in New York some years ago.
The increasing popularity Of the
first night audience that has yet
greeted them, in spite Of the stenuous
opposition OF a violent electrical
storm. which broke Just before
o'clock.
Frequently during the run Of a
summer company some player besides
the stereotyped leading man or wo-
man is given big opportunity. This
week Mr.. Dix ret.res gracefully to q
minor part and Mr.. Nolte has the title
role. This young mans talent has
had Juvenile parts only. His perform
ance OF Tom Wilson IL a revelation
and distinct triumph for this clever
actor. He played with absolute sure
ness and ease and was always convinc-
ing. and In the serious side of the
character that is brought out In the
third act. he managed to strike the
exact note with fine effect. Mr.. Noite
has splendid future and will be
heard from before long Several other
members of the cast are entitled to
wonderfully good portrayal Of Fred
Merkle, the newspaper reporter. who
hefriends the luckless- discouraged
country boy and read the clever lines
Of the role with fine expression and
earnestness. It is easily the best
work he has done thus far.
Miss Helen Tracy. a character &C
trees of considerable merit. added to
her already fairly won honors new
distinction by her very amusing char
acterization of typical New York
boarding house mistress. Miss Leach
as Amy Leroy. the showgirl. with
whom Tom becomes fascinated played
the part with her accustomed skill.
Mr.. Haines. the best comedian we have
had in stock since Blakemore, kept
the house rocking with laughter In
his capital creation Of we.nstein. the
ticket Spectator. Miss Proctor has
a somewhat incidental role. but evil
denced her art by playing 1t with az
much care as II II were the most I'm
rortant character of the play. Mr.
Whitecar. Miss Kinsley and all the
rest of a long cast contribute mate
rally to the success OF the produc-
ton, which was perhaps the best Of
fering OF the season thus far
The play is charming and thor
oughiy human story. ideally adapted
for summer entertainment. OF q vii.
lage boy who has never considered
himself seriously Getting out to tbs
metropolis. like thousa nds of others
to win success How he fails. become.
discouraged. tries to end all via the
gas route" Is prevented by hts friend
| Merkie. and eventually finds himseli
| in his native town and wins the sweet
heart of his boyhood, is related In a
simple. coherent and delightful way
The second act In the boarding house
| 10 the big city, with its conglomerats
characters, all typical and WILDLY
drawn. is replete with genuine com.
edy. If you are among the few who
have not yet become acquainted with
the capital com pany, go to see thi.
play. 1t will we'll repay you for your
/ trouble and you will In all proba b!lit,
join the increasing number OF regu
lars who will insure a longer stay ir
our midst Of these talented producer.
of plays of tried and true merit.