The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-02-19
Iheaters
4 MEMORABLE PERFORMANCES
or A WONDERFUL OLD PLAY

In one of the known comedies
Of the English theater. Goldsmith pays
his respects to old books. old customs
old wines old friends and so on and
In the category of things rendered in
creasinKiy attractive by reason of their
age. must inevitably belong old plays.
And In q resume Of the favorite old
dramas Of the English speaking stage
a prominent place must of necessity
be given to Bronson Towards charm
ing comedy. which had such an extern
sive vogue in the late eighties and
throughout the nineties, and. which Is
universally regarded as an important
milestone In the development OF the
American stage. In the original pre-
sentation of this rare old comedy were
associated TWO Of the most ceie
OF American actors. One of these for
tunately stiu lives and he. with the
assistance OF four other distinguished
summarizes OF our modern stage, gave
last night a memorable performance
of the old play touched up in places
and sufficiently mode rnized TO be de-
scribed the The New Henrietta" The
Academy was packed with the most
distinguished and representative audi
ence of the season and the attraction
was easily the most noteworthy of
his and many recent seasons, and the
best "all star" revival since we saw
She Stoops to Conquer" some years
sKo. The audience was kept In a con-
ttnuous state Of merriment; now quiet
and restrained and again bursting into
uncomfortable explosions of mirth that
reached a screaming, climax in the
memorable third act. All too fire.
quepUy an allstar cast Is disappofnr-
nag Just as "A stellar com bination is
n al ~ of the
striving for individual records. But
not So in this case, The result here is
a remarkably even. well-baianced and
brilliant achievement that will linger
forever in the memories of the many
who witnessed 1t.
out allotted space is all too insult
feient to give adequate appreciation
to those who deserve II. Mr. Crane s
Nick Alstyne is charming character
ization. ripened and mellowed by long
experience and familiarity with one
Of his favorite roles. He acts with all
the vigor and humor of twenty years
ago aud charmed all of his numerous
admirers.
Thomas w. Ross. one of the foremost
light comedians of the day gives a
performance of Stuart Robsons old
part BERTHE, the Lamb that is distin-
quished for its briiliance and sus-
tanned interest. 1t would be impossible
10 exagGerate In giving fair esti-
mate of this young mans splendid
work.
Amelia Bingham is Mrs. Opdyke and
as the celebrated widow invests the
role with her well-known personal
charm and skill and fairly shared
honors with her associates. The APP
pealing and Irresistible personal at
Effectiveness of Edith Taliaferro find
eloquent EXPIRE ssion in the ingenue role
of Agnes. Nicks daughter, and recall
pleasantly her "Lovey Mary" of bygone
days And the uncetuons humor of
Maclyn Arbuckle enables that worthy
to make the Rev. Murray Hilton. a
comedy characterization that makes
you at once remember and forget his
county chairman in his realization OF
the opportunities presented in the be-
nevolent clergyman of matrimonial as
pirations. The minor roles are in ex-
ceptionally talented hands.
The whole production was. in word.
fawless Mr.. Crane was forced to ac-
knowledge the thanks of the company
which he did in brief and graceful
speech. There will be matinee and
night performances today and 1t is the
duty of every man, woman and chila.
who ever has been, Is, as at any time
will be interested in witnessing an
incomparably artistic enactment Of
this clean and wholesome comedy to
purchase tickets before ii is too late.
for IL is not soon that similar OPP
portunity will be placed before you.
G