The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-02-14
ADJUSTMENTS.
Providence Opera House.

"Too Much Johnson" Is quite too much
for the facial repose Of a theater audience.
Comedian Gillette Is a very droll fellow
and this newest dramatic construction
has been deservedly successful since 1t
was first produced In this city. The natu-
raj offensiveness Of the 'slittle affair"
on which the comedy Is based to the
tastes OF a discreet audience IL perhaps
wholly lost In the mirth-provoking COM
plications that II gives rise to. AT all
events, its use for dramatic purpose may
be condoned since il fails to cut any
figure except to mix things up even IL
the bit OF heart sentiment In Act Ill that
goes for n redemption were omitted en-
tirely. "Too Nue. Johnson" being a
bowling farce, need not be taken seriously
at any point.
The large audience that assembled in
the Providence Opera House, for oil the
outrageous weather conditions, attested
the popularity of Gillette and the conf
dence that enjoyment would be assured.
In the representation of a dual natured
man, appallingly absent minded, and
prone thereby to get himself into
scrapes, but sharp witted enough ever to
get himself out again, though usually at
the expense OF other folks peace Of mind,
Mr.. Gillette repeats in a totally different
vein the success Of his "Private Secre-
tary." Nothing but consummate art in
the presentation Of such a character as
that of the sang froid young man of the
world, could save the piece from disaster
by reason of its thinness OF action despite
the constant surprise in situation beyond
what the most mirthful anticipation OF
an audience could reasonably expect. His
support IS entirely satisfactory, Mr.. Del
more carrying OF the honors in q part as
extravagantly ~farcical at the other ex-
treme from that of the star. Miss Maud
Haslam was SO plaintively charming that,
despite all the fun, the heart Of her u ID
ence almost goes out In sympathy to her
by reason of what it knows hat she never
finds out in the play.
The piece is handsomely staged.
'Too Much Jonhsonn will have three
more presentations and that will not be
too much for an amusement-loving pub
lie.
LILLIAN RUSSELL.
The swinging rhythm of Offenbach and
the tuneful tinkling arias of Charles Le-
cocq, with some new music by Julian Ed
wards, will alternate at Providence Opera
House next week, for, as everybody
knows, Lillian Russell that blond and
beauteous Lillian, who sings light opera
better han any other living prima donna,
is about to pay her annual visit as a star
TO Providence.
Miss Russell, as il usual with her, comes
with something new for the delectation
OF music : hungry theater : goers. The
novelties in this instance are an entirely
new English version with new orchestra
also) of Lecocq's rollicking old opera,
"The Little Dnke" Gle Petit DucJ and a
new opera by STANCE and Edwards. The
statuesque Lillian will OF curse appear In
the fancy costume of the dainty Duke de
Parthansy, which is somewhat remark
able considering her well-rememb ered le-
gal battle with Manager Duff upon the SUBJ
ject of tights. but then knicker bockers
are not tights when all is said and done.
''The Little Duke" it is promised, will
be given a sumptuous scenic production
as will also ''The Grand Duchess" and
'sThe Goddess of Truth" Miss Russell
will appear in Lecocq's opera Monday
evening, and will sing Ofenbach's tune
ful masterwork Tuesday. ''The Goddess
of Truth" which received its first produc-
tion in Baltimore last Friday evening
will be given on Wednesday. Seats are
now on sale and are going fast. Those
desiring good seats should procure them
at once.
"1492" NExn WEEK.
Nc more popular bill could be announc-
ed at the Providence Opera louise than
Rice's Surprise Party IN the sparkling his
torical extravaganza, "l492,' for the last
three nights of next week and Saturday
matinee. This amusing melange embraces
everything within the range OF comic
opera, b~urlesque and vaudeville, and has
proven a veritable loadstone in the hands
OF MIR. e. f.. Rice for the past three wears.
Nothing in the history Of the stage has
ever been more heartily welcomed by the
public in general than "1492." This time
Il comes newly apparelled and improved,
being really a mastodonic elysium Of up
to date features, and possessing a tout
ensemble better equipped than ever for
general edificaton. New specislties, dances
and satires have been introduced without
number, and the ever popular second act,
representing Fifth Avenue, New York,