The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-05-29

COMIC OPERA PLAYERS OPEN
AUSPICTOUSLY AT ACADEMY

If the big New York producers had
always sent Richmond as good COM
pany of players as were seen at the
Academy last night in Rudolph
Frimrs tuneful opereta The Fire
ny" the theatergoing public would
have had no cause for complaint dur
ing the regular season.
To say that the company headed by
Roger Gray made a great hit last
night would be hardly. expressive
enough. for they made palpabie nit,
and the large audience which thor
oughly enjoyed every moment OF the
performance, placed the stamp OF
their approval on the splendid cast
and chorus by generous and spontane-
Gus applause.
Richmond theatergoers need have
no fear about literally patroniz!ng fhis
summer musical stock company / for
II it's efforts last night are to be taken
as criterion our people have many
delightful nights in store during the
sum mer run.
No prettier selection could have
heen made by the management for the
opening performance than The Fire
NY for ii abounds in catchy and
meiodfotts solos, duets and choruses.
and the entire company showed eff
ficiency Iii drilling that would do
u
York celebrities in the star parts.
Roger Gray, principal comedian,
easily took frst honors. Unctuous in
: his methods. a thorough artist. a fine
dancer. and finished actor. he left
nothing to be desired in his work. and
is destined TO be a great favorite with
ali those who are fortunate enough
10 paironize the company. He is a
composite of Richard Carrie and De
/ Wolf Hopper in his methods which
ought to be commentator enough for
any one.
After his singing OF Some Day a
Little Bug Will Get You" every one
in the audience last night seemed de-
termined 10 have him spend the bal
ance OF the night entertaining them
But Mr.. Gray is ne, the whole show
by any means. Miss Myrtle Jersey.
the prima donna, is endowed with a
very attractive stage presence and has
a delightful soprano voice. which she
displayed 10 splendid advantage In the
many numbers allotted TO her.
Miss Alice Hills, contralto, proved
l-tnt sss a character actress and singer
! of no mean ability, giving salts
factory account OF herself both in her
singing and acting role
Our old friend. Dan Marble. OF
! Bijou Musical Comedy company, fame.
. comes hack to us i much more mature
and improved actor and comedian
and while his part In The FREELY
is not long one he fully measured
up to every requirement. and If any,
thing might be said 10 have put in
overtime. especially in his dancing
numbers
Miss Billie Bush. the souhrette OF
the company. is dainty little miss
full OF vivacity and pep" dances
with. yiEor and grace. and will surely
become great favorite.
Detmar Poppen, in the part of the
old German music master. is finish
ed bass singer and dignified actor.
and was generously appiauded for his
fine rendition of The Beautiful Ship
From Toyland"
George Bogues. the tenor. can sing
well. and added his good work to the
tout ensemble. while Miss Annette
j Ford. the mezzo. delighted with a
splendid voice OF beauty and richness.
and Is charming actress besides.
Not to mention the chorus would be
. feresy, for no better one has ever been
heard here, all OF its members work
! Ing with vim and precision, and being
at all times In the forefront Ono
/ fine voice. and it seemed pity to see
J him only i'm the chorus, but perhaps
he will secure his chance before the
season lis over.
The orchestra of eleven pieces was
under the capable ,ea6sYssi:, of Mr.
/ G. Nen, who welded the baton with
skill and had ',nth company and or
chestra under perfect control at all
. times. Richmonders need - be bit
timid about patronizing the comic
| elera PLAYERS at-the-A Academy for
based on their efforts of last night,
: we certainly have the best musical
stock company in our midst Richmond
has ever had. and 1t Is worthy OF our
! most generous support The prices
are within ths I,ch OF all, and there
can be no exct,s for staying away