The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-10-23
ADJUSTMENTS.
The Richelieu of Keens

Keene at the Seattle opera-house last night
gave very finished presentation of the Richie
lieu, not as history revealed the great premier
and political church man, but such a character
as existed only in the dramatic fancy of Bulwer.
The real Richelieu was priest who cared little
for France, still less for the church, but whose
God was power. He was man who plotted
with deep and deadly purpose the overthrow of
his enemies, and he allowed nothing to stand
In the way of the accomplishment of his de-
signs. He was crafty and cruel, and he even
despised the holy cause which he prated of
honoring. Still he achieved much. The mon
archs OF France in those days were weak and
childish men, made so by over-indulgence in
vicious ways. Richelieu's strong arm did revive
france notwithstanding his glaring faults
BuIwer, however, turns the nearer away from
the cardinals evil deeds, gives the world a
glimpse OF him as q true friend, faithful
servant of the church, loving protector to the
King and patriot in whom the love of country
was the predominant quality. The story as
told by Bulwer Is a thrilling one. 1t carries the
audience quickly through moving, changing
scenes, passes to the hour when the great car
dinal loses his power, and the king despises the
hand that raised and protected him. All seems
lost but the cardinal, surrounded by deadly
foes who seek his like, outwits them all, dis
covers plots against the kings life, reveals them
at the proper moment, confounds his enemies,
regains the favor of mis- royal master, and throws
the mantle of his protection around those who
trusted him. keenes work as Richelieu was in
fine contrast to his portrayal of Louis on the
previous night. He had a nobler character
to assume and he exhibited his versa
tlity by fitting his own capabilities
to the latter role Mr. Keene's work
was exceedingly natural. As the cardinal he
seems to have reached that point in art wherein
he conceals art. He stands out, not az an actor,
not playing part but as Richelieu himself
He was equal to all the requirements, and rose
equal to every occasion. Mr.. Keene revealed
last night that he has not reached the full ripen-
ing OF his powers as an actor. He is best in rep
resenting that phase OF character that requires
intellectually rather than mere physical
strength. There is also a fine dash of humor
here and there running through the play which
keene did not fail to emphasize. Throughout,
the stars work was of the highest order, and the
audience gave their testimony of pleasure by
spontaneous applause. As De Mauprat Mr..
Walter Matthews made a hit almost equal to
that of the star. He was careful, honest in his
efforts, and was excellent foil TO the fine
work of Mr.. Keene. Mr.. Frank Henning made
fair Barados, and Mr.. Carl Ahrendt, as the
Priest, was in every point thoroughly satisfac-
tory. Miss Alberta Gallatin made a winsome
Julie, and every other part was done in a fine
and correct manner. The scenery was magnifi-
cent and the costumes were appropriate and in
perfect harmony with the best all-round per-
formanee OF "Richelieu' ever heard in this city.