The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-05-16

Fine Performance OF ..Moths. :"

Theater-goer turned out in full force to the
reopening OF Cordray's theater last night The
auditorium was packed 10 the doors ana
the theater was hlei by . fashionable audi
cuce. The new company appeared in Moths.
and that powerful. romantic drama was artis-
t;caiiy and merito.iously presented. The char
acters arc individually invested with an i'm
portaucc and strength that requires fine acting
from every one in the sast, and the felicitous
ensemble presented stamped the new company
q a well selected. talented and strong combina-
ton. The stage settings were superb, aud somo
OF the SETS notably that showing the drawing
room In Prince Zoaroff's chateau in the second
act, were remarkably chase aud elegant Every
thing ran with the precision OF ciockwork, ana
there was not even . vcstige OF friction in hand
ling the heavy and varied pieces required In
tho elaborate scenic effects and properties. The
performance Was finished. absorbing and
uniformly exce!locte Chief interest, OF
course. censcred Ia Tho irapersonatcrs
OF Vera, Lady Dolly. Prince Zour-
off ana Correxs. Miss Victory Bateman's
Vera was more than a well-drawn picture of a
pure and noble girl; It was the revealing OF the
soul OF that great creation o! Opida by flashes
from talented intelligence. The development
o! the sweet yir,sh nature into that OF the tried
and tortured woman. for whom the illecebrous
world Of moths into which she was launched
never had charm, was as delicate as the
dropping OF white rose which pines for dew
drops that have ceased. The great climax in
the third act evoked storm of applause, in
which Miss Bateman, Mr.. Craig, Miss f.ytell aad
Mr.. Melville participated Prince Zouroff, the
brutal titled rufiiar. very forcibiy presented
by Mr.. Craig. Indeed, his characterization was
the finest heavy character work yet done on the
Cortray stage. And who present was not dis
gusted ana amused In turn by that chameleon
charnctered creature, Lady Dolly. As portrayed
by Miss Lillian Andrews 1t was a magnificent
bit OF actiny and has already gained hos.s OF
friends for this ab,e actress. Correze was agree
whose stage presence and fine rendition
of his liues made him quite favorite. Miss
Kara kenwyu played the Duchess de Sonar
with her accustomed felicity, aud Miss Florence
Lytell created much amusement by her por-
traiturc of the harun,- scarurn Fuschia Leach.
The comedy OF the part. and there 10 little in the
piece, fell 10 the lot of Wash T. Melville. who
made a very favorable impression, but he 10 al
visec TO curb his tendency TO buresquc . Well
bred gentleman, ~ the Duke OF Null aud Can
tyre undou btediy was. Carl Smith made an
excellent showing Lord Jura. and his work
was generally appreciated. Too much caa
scarcely be said OF the entertainment offered in
the auditorium. II II sufficient to say that 10 Is
we'll worth the price OF admission to both the
ater and auditorium. Ladies reminded that
q grand matinee will be given for their especial
benefit Wednesday, when n perfume souvenir
will ee given every lacy visitor. Manager Cor
dray deserves hearty eongratuisiion on the sue
cess OF his opening, and merits the patronage
this week OF every amusement lover in the city.