Kansas City daily journal., 1896-12-08
( MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
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The return TO Kansas City of Madame
Rhea, after an absence of TWO seasons.
was made the occasion of a hearty welcome
to that gifted actress at the Auditorium
last night. 1t was a welcome that indI-
Gated the affsctionate regard of sincere
friends and seemed to inspire the actress
to give an especially spirited and delight
ful performance.
1t has been the hope Of Rhea and her
friends for several seasons that she might
be supplied with bright new comedy of
picturesque design and lively action On
the part Of many of her most sincere ayi-
nlirers Rhea is at her best in light come
dy. 1t would seem that she could hardly
have been better suited in this line than she
is in her new play, Nell Gwynne." written
by Paul kester, a young American, who
mas had one play successfully produced and
retained by Mime. Alodjeska, and anoth-
er by Alexander Salvini, that of the latter
being 'Zamar." the only previous work of
this playwright seen in this city. Young
kester-for ne is not yet 25-has positive
genius in his chosen profession. He has not
yet developed any remarkable strength,
but he has shown surprising versatility and
general competence that indicate exceed
lnS!y fruitful resources. In the present in
stance he has taken Charles IL, Nell
G'wynne and several other characters of
actual history, and around few histor-
1cEal relations has woven a story of dra-
matte interest and amusing episodes. 1t is
therefore not a historical play, but merely
Il comedy suggested by historical incident.
IN subject its greatest value lies III the
character of Nell Gwynne. the reignins idol
OF the LonLcr stage during a good part of
the latter half of the seventeenth cerJtu-
~, anu the favorite of Charles H. who
heiped to raise her from obscurity, in ac-
corqance with kings privileges of that
age. The relations of the king and his
beautiful subject are most delicatelv treat
ed, and yet they are not robbed of the es-
sential spirit of the time. Indeed the
whole play is written with almost unvarv-
ing hee!ity to the period. even while the
plot is fictitious one. Nell Gwynue is
HrSt seen as the orange girl then as the
courted and respected actress, then as the
kings favorite and the friend of her own
r1sa4 for the love of Sir Roger Fairfax.
against whom a false Charge OF cors,rpi ra,.v
mas peen preferred, resulting in his bdnish-
ment The play is Frequently reminiscent
OF Peg Wellington" and in few touches
recalls situations in ''Richeleu." but it is a
hlShIy creditable work for a youn., writer
Rhea seems to revel ir he merry BAN
tellhs OF the orange ie biting re-
Sponses 10 less worthy n,~mbers OF the
KING court, and in the sacrifice of a cher
ished love. The role gives her excellent
scope for the charming comedy vein in
which this actress excells. In her art one
iInds an epitome of the spirit and the
fresse of the French school: grace of
technique that we are privileged to see
Only once in long time
Edmund l.. Bresee, the impersonator of
klnS Charles, who went on the stage from
Kansas City, is possessed of a superb
voice. fine repose and reads effectively
He falls short of royal authority. however.
save IN the impassioned scenes. He should
study the makeup of the character so as
to Sive more life and distinction to the ex-
ternals. Mr.. Francoeur, who played Lord
Jenries for the first time last night, is a
clever and painstaking actor who will
make more of this role with a few per-
formances. The other leading characters
were played by Joseph O'Meara, Vernon
Ramsdell and Miss Nancy Gibson. 1t IS
only fair to both Rhea and to the author of
the play to say that the full intent and
possibilities of the delightful new comedy
are not yet realized as they will be when
it is given stronger staging,
Nell Gwynne" will be repeated Wednes-
day night This evening and tomorrow aft
ernoon Josephine, Empress of the
French will be the bill.