The Evening critic., 1882-03-24


The light OF love, the purity Of grace,
The mind, the music breathing FRI IN her fars;
The heart whose softncss harmonlzed the
And, obi that eye was Itself a soul"
No one of the great actresses -Modleska, Jan.
auschek, or Bernhardt-has created more sen
satlon among and won for herself more admit
ration from the play-going people OF this
country than Mile. Rhaa. Although she has
been in the United States but little more than
three months, her fame is already as widc as
the continent, and her progress westward is
but a series OF artistic triumphs. She is as
popular In society as on the stage. Her native
modesty, her charming inborn simplicity, her
graceful wit, her wonderful beauty, and, above
all, her admirable character and sweet,
womanly virtues, have won for her the hon.
age of the best people of the country. Al
though travel-worn and weary last evening, 1t
was not difIlcult to sec why she has obtained
such firm hold on the hearts of those who
have been fortunate enough to become ac.
quaintcd with her.
Mile. Rhea's Appearance.
1t might be well to premise this brief de-
scriptlon with the statement that Mile. Rhea's
beauty is queenly, She Is taller than the Eur
opeun stars referred TO above. Her head ia
exquisitely shaped, and crowned with heavy
suit of dark, almost black hair her face is
delicateiy but clearly cut; her dark eyes bril-
liant as her diamonds; and her mouth might
have served as an original model for the bow
of Cupid. Her countenance moves with every
emotion, and is refined, intelligent, and OK
pressive to a high degree. Her form is 1.-the,
graceful and charmingly nodded, all ofwhich
personal attributes combine to call forth the
homage received by her.
A Brief biography.
She was born in Brussels, September Ii,
1855. Her parents were In afliuent circum-
stances, and removed to Paris when the artistic
was very young. AS the result of her early
education and surroundings she is bright,
vivacious and piquant-a Parlsienne to her
glove tips. Five years OF her life were spont
In a convent, whero she displayed great taste
in literature and remarkable proficiency in
music. She evlnced strong taste for the
drama, and occasionally appeared In amateur
recitals at the request of friends among the
nobility. Ten years ago Charles Fechter heard
her recite and urged her TO adopt the stage as
profession. Acting upon his advice and
recommen endation Rhea placed herself under
| Beauvallet, In the Paris Conservatoire. She
| made her debut at Brussels In the
| comedy of "Fairy Fingers" and remained
| in that city a year. She then went to
| Rouen, and from thence to Paris, being re-
| ceived in both places with great eclat. After
ward, when starring France, she received
| letters from Paris calling her to the Imperial
Theatre. Afterward, upon the request OF the
| Gear, she went to st. Petersburg and remained
five years as leading lady at the Imperial
| Theatre. After the assassination OF her patron
she left Russia account of NihiliStic
threats and went TO England. She studied the
| English language but one month before a p
| pearing in "Much Ado About Nothing" Other
| parts were added to her repertoire, and she at
| once became the attraction of the island
| October 13, 1851, she reached America .oy
| steamer City Of Rome.
I'm America.
With each appearance here Mile. Rhea's
| popularity has grown, taking the Eastern
| cities by storm. AT New Haven she accom-
panied Governor Ingersoil's daughters to Yale
| College, and recess was taken in order thai
| the professors and students might be pre-
sented. By request, she called on Henry w
Longfellow, and recited to him one Of his
poems, completely winning the poets heart.
For the Ladies'
The wardrobe Of the great actress is til,
finest and most complete feminine outfit ever
brought TO this country, and fills twenty-on
trunks. She wears different costume In eacl
| act, and one Of the dresses worn In I'Camile
represents a value OF 6o00O francs, or abou
$4,000, which was the amount OF the last bill
paid to the Maison Alexander, 20 Rue Neuv
des Petits Champs, previous to starting 70
| America.
invoiced at 500, ,OOO-one necklace, presente
by Alexander ii. OF Russia, being valued a
100000.
foreigner, and at the recent Vanderbilt wed
ding several "Rhea" paniers were noticed.
Mile. Rheas English has Just enough of tn
French accent to render 1t charming and max
conversation with her a delight.
ga loyelier nymph the pencil never drew,
For the fond graces formed her easy mien,
And Heavens soft azure In her eyes was seen.
Mile. Rhea, with her great dramatic compan.
is engaged by Manager Ford, and will appea
at the Opera House OF MONDAY as "Adrienn,
| the Actress" TUESDAY, as Beatrice,
Shakspeare's comedy of "Much Ado Abol
Nothing" and WEDNESDAY,, as " Camille; o
the Fate of a Coquette."