The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-02-03

emended, but despite that, by the constant
changing of scene, even in these days Of
improved appliances, properties and'facili-
tics for rapid work, the action is consider
ably marred.
or Miss Mather's work little can be said
that ia rot complimentary. Her absence
from tho stagc has evidently been beneh-
cinl Her old time cccentricities Of pro-
nunciGtion have almost entirely disap-
pearcd, and her gestures arc much more
easy and natural. Her voice was always
sweet, but it appears TO bo more musical
now than ever before, and she has un-
qucstionably not lost anything of her old
time strength, while there cannot be n
doubt that she has gained wonderfully In
repose. Miss Mather's work, when she
awakes near the cave and discovers what
she believes 10 he the body of her husband,
is of itself sufficient TO stamp her with the
seal of greatness No actress who Is mere
ly good" could carry out that scene as
she does. Miss Mather was always noted
for her magnetic methods, and this partic.
ular bit of acting demonstrates that she is
stronger stll i'm that respect than when
she was first hailed as the successor of
Mary Anderson.
While disguised as page Miss Mathor
was fcminincly charming and seemed 70
exactly catch the light and shade Of part
which IL little understood by most persons.
With the magnificent supporting company
the cities which are on Miss Mathcr's route
this season are 10 be congratulated The
little that can be said in criticism of Miss
Mathcr's acting occurs in the very last
scene of the play When lachimo confesses
his villalny and Posthumus would rend
him limb from limb. there occurs IA won
dcrful opportunity for the Imogcn, but
Miss Mathcr did not appear to grasp IL at
all. She should be shocked at the idea that
her husband would insult her hy making
n wager Of so disRraceful n nature, and IL
should only be after the complete rascality
of Iachimo has been exposed, and as n re-
suit of the excitement thereby cngendered,
that she instinctivcly and almost mechan-
ically throws herself into her husbands
arms. This is n detail, albeit most i'm
portant one, which will doubtless occur TO
the talented star as soon as the hustle
inevitable after large production shall
have worn off.
There was not really weak spot In the
cast, and there were several exceptionally
strong ones. Mr.. Henley as lachmo gave
us picture of u villain whom we admired
for his dash and courage, while we execrat-
ed him for his duplicity and unscruSulous-
ness. A better drawn stage character has
not been seen in this city in many year
Mr.. Henlcy's voice Is still weak rs a result
OF the operation which was performed
some time ago ON his throat, but In spite
of that fact It Is tolcrably safe to assert
that there is not ia this country another
actor who could have Cqualed his perform.
ancc of lachimO. Discrimination subtlcty,
naturalncss, were manifest in every word
and action. III Hcnlcy's voice should be
fully restored to him, nc is the one man
who In my opinion, among all those on the
American stage, may reasonably be ex.
pected to attain Every great greatness"
At the Metropolitan Opera House this
season change which cannot bc other