The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-12-22
Providence Opera Hous:.

Xltuflus George FlOCQ
Attendant TO Nero. .............w W. J. Morgan
Poppea .................M Miss Barbara Huntley
Bcreuis. is.................Mls Miss Aida Cortelly on
Dacta. a.....................Mls Miss LOtth Linthicum
Ancaria.. Mis- orona hiccardo
Daones. s...................... Miss Edith Paullin
Julia. ia......................M Miss Marion Nugent
Cyrene. e.....................M Miss Grace Tempest
Mvteiene. Miss Pattie Blanchard
Zonia. a....,..............M Miss Marjorie Cavana
Catla.. a.........ss............ Miss ENciyn weeueh
faviuS. S.....s..s...............J CHter huWhrus
Iitus '.'''....'.'.'''''''''. =, pasii vii
hel9s. n. -; riarils
Stephanus. us...............Ml MISS cer,rude bnsWeu
Mercia, Miss Lillian Mccarthy
"1he Sign of the Cross" presented for
the first time in this city Of the Provi-
dence Opera House last evening and ap-
parently very much enjoyed by a large
audience, preached of religion and sexual
love. Perhaps the thester isn't just the
right place to preach religion in, but 1t
certainly attains the end OF attracting
serious attention to q serious subject by
people not given to bestowing much
limo on the greatest theme OF all time.
Nothing would be amiss il every man
and woman in the city saw this beautiful
representation of self sacrifice and devo-
ton. Its story has been told in the
churches for nearly ~ centuries. Its
real value consists OF reminding the peo-
pic that God reigns, that truth, and pur-
ity have an abiding place on earth. At
tention is called to the faith Of the early
followers of the Nszarins aud the terrible
suffering to which they were subjected
by ciusl Nero end his satellites.
Actor Wilson Barrett, the author Of
the play has treated the sub bjsct mattee>in
q melo-dramatio way and introduced q
few "sensations'', in the form of sounds
OF agony from boy who is supposed to
be bound on the rack In the torture
cham Der, and an assault upon a defense
less Christisn girl who is saved from his
iniismed love by q flash Of fire In re-
sponse to her upraised cross which pros
tratss the not really wicked, but over ar
dent lover. These sidelights to the CEN
traf idea of Grristian martyrdom betrsy
the authors love of melo dramatic effect,
and his bestowal of sumptuous surround
ings In the form of scenic effect still fur
ther illustrated the purpose of the author
actor. lie evidently was determi ned to
mix up his.gloomy religious matter with
glittering surroundings and cause his
interesting chief characters to move In
the haunts Of splendid Rome. This per-
mitted the gorgeous display of the
painters and stage mechani cs' skill
which converted the playing space last
evening, into the most pretentious end
thoroughly satisfying spectacle seen In
this city in years. Tne scenery was
magnificent.
s:rhe Sign OF the Cross" Is bold In its
treatment OF matter generally held sacred
and it must be said to the credit OF the
work that the idea of sacrilege never
intruded because of the majestic tone
of the opening act and the dignity OF the
play as whole. Its lapses from strict
rropriety I'm this respect were few and
far between. In several places II was
ennobling. The play has no new mes
sage, however, and II draRs occasionally
with inconsequentisl passages. No ad-
vsnced thought on religion nss been de-
veloped beyond that made more or less
familiar in household books from the
Interesting pens of Bulwer, Wallace and
other teloved popular writers and novel
lists. As one enthusiastic spectator re-
marked in the lobby, last evening. "It
reminds me so much of the Last Days
of Rome She WAS of course, q trile
astray In her choice OF cities but she
illustrated the idea of unoriginality in
the text even IL religious plays are scarce
upon the stage.
The plaY will be- -sucessfsl-heeaase IL
will appeal TO q great many people. The
development OF pagan's love for q
christian girl in the face OF the terrible
tyranny OF 1s centuries ago and the cir
cumstances of persecution leading up to
the realization of Whist was right and
what was wrong by the steadfast faith OF
the pure girl and the nnal acceptance OF
the new religion by Der lover and the
going TO msrtyrdom, together in the
.AmpnitheltFc where hundreds of Christ
ians are hutchered, Is an old story, but
always grand and inspiring. Besides, 1t
has the skillful dressing of the stage ana
the adroit touch OF the actor-suthor.
The actors came from England with the
play, consequently something out OF the
ordinary wSs expected. The company
was OF sufficient strength 80 make the
play Impressive and intcreting. Mr.. Dat
ton had tho proper dignity and necessary
physical authority for the hero and Miss
Mccarthy was capable as the unfortunate
heroine. MIR. Elicit, Miss Cortsllyou
Miss Liutnlcum and Miss Boswell played
with the assurance OF players of capacity.
The latter was especi lly successful In
her beautiful impersonotion.
"Jhe Sign OF the cross" will be played
ali the week with an extra mstinee on
Christmas.
KeilL'S Opera House.
The patrons OF K6ith's Opora HOUSE