The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-05-27
"OTHELLO" IN REAL LIFE


every detail OF IL remains fresh In my
memory. I was an actor then. / am an
actor now; but with difference: now
have made name In my profession. then
was young and poor, but full OF health
and ambition. Young as l was, had
already made position on the stage, and
at the time / write OF was engaged In
playing leading Shakespearian parts In
one Of the minor theatres OF northern
city. We had most successful season.
and at the close OF IL were playing
Hamlet" and "Othello" on alternate
nights. I myself taking leading roles.
candidly admit, however, that 1t was
not my acting that attracted the public.
The magnet that drew the crowded houses
was a certain Miss Vernon, who had been
engaged as leading lady. and whop first
appearance had caused q sensation. She
was a beautiful woman. with a slender
graceful figure. and gifted with q fine
sympathetic voice.
Although not a great actress, 1t Is cer-
tain her abilities were above the average.
and justified her popularity. on the
stage her manner was cold and reserved.
She repelled all attempts at intimacy. AS
a matter OF course, being an actress and
| handsome woman. rumors were rife about
her past life. 1t was said she was mar
rled, and had deserted her husband after
running him. For my own part paid no
attention to these stories, knowing how
often rumor errs.
One afternoon / was eating my dinner
at q small. cosy inn that was a favorite OF
mine on account OF the excellence OF the
cookery, when a gentleman entered the
little dining room and seated himself OPP
posite to me, and ordered dinner.
paid no attention to him. as was con-
ming over my part for the evening, which
happened to be Othello. / knew 1t well.
but always liked to be letter perfect;
presently looked up and saw my VISA
Wis gazing rather hard at my book. He
caught my eyes, and smiled.
Excuse me. sir" he said. "but are you
reading Shakespeare"
Ireplied that was.
"Ah?" be said, "and SEQ It Is
'Othello,' and 'Othello' is down in the bills
for tonight at the Ph9nix. You, then.
are the leading gentleman, Mr.. Crofton?"
YES" / said, that Is my name"
- have witnessed two Of your perform
ances. SIR" he returned, "and must COM
pliment you on your ability"
Ibowed. and drew my book towards me
as an intimation that wished to resume
my reading, but he was not to be silenced.
Forgive me-" he said, "if disturb you
for q moment; but the fact Is / have a
great desire to introduce myself. ], too.
am an actor. Here, sir, Is my card; per-
haps my name Is not strange to you."
| Hooked at the card and read the name
! OF noted London tragedian. My wish
| for solitude was banished. was highly
hattered by such q shining light desiring
my acquaintance, and readily responded
to his advances, and after two hours
pleasant conversation parted with the
promise OF breakfastlng with him next
morning at his hotel.
I felt sure he was In the theatre that
night, although did not see him. We
| met next morning and discussed a
hearty breakfast, after which he took II
In his head to give me O series OF imita-
tions Of celebrated actors, some OF whom
had seen. / was delighted, and warmly
congratulated him on his mimetic powers
which, / believe. quite equalled Foote.
| "Ah," he said sitting down, mimicry
has its disadvantages; IL sometimes gets
one into trouble. for you are constantly
tempted to exercise IL In season and out
OF season. For instance, l made heavy
bet in this very town. which fear / shall
lose. 1t relates to yourself. Crofton, and
you will laugh at my audacity. You know
had seen you once or twice In 'Othello.
and speaking about you to a friend who
had not seen you, gave an imitation oi
your style"
"Ah." said my friend, "the best imita.
tion Is little better than a caricature."
| Come" said, Il will bet you two
hundred dollars that act the last scene
in 'Othello, at the Phoenix, so that neither
the audience nor the actors on the stage
will realize that It Is not Crofton who Ia
acting" quite forgot that should have
to obtain your consent before / made the
experiment.
| Done" said my friend.
! 80 We shook hands and the bet was
made"
81 would willingly help you to win your
bet" said ], "bu { really don't see how II
can be DONE" We talked for some time
and finally promised him all the assist
ance In my power. Ihad great confidence
in my companions ability as a mimic
and trusted that with his face darkened
and n costume the counterpart OF my
own, the difference between us would not
be noticed, especially as in height and
build we resembled each other.
"Othello" was given on the following
evening, and we arranged that the expert
ment should take place then; the per-
formance commenced at z o'clock. Al
half-past six / called at the hotel for my
soquaintance, and found hin ready.
When We got to the Ph9nix. managed 10
smuggle him into my dressing-room.
began at once to dress for my part. / dc
not think played particularly well. for
could not help thinking had been rash In
bringing a comparative stranger behind
the scenes. felt some sort OF foreboding
as OF approaching calamity. At the close
of the fourth act i found my substitute
prepared TO go on. His make up was
splendid. With his darkened face and
the similarity In our build we were very
much alike Presently my name was
called by the call boy. Now" said
He rose quickly. gave hasty glance al
himself. and rapidly descended the stairs
was curious 10 see how he would sue
eeed. Donning a soft felt hat, and cover
Ing my costume with n long ulster.
afola down 10 the MlnOa 10 watch him