The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-10-19
Providence Opera House.

Joseph Jefferson never gave a better
impersopation of Rip Van Wrinkle in
this city than no did last evening. and the
Providence Opera House never held a
finer or larger audience. Every seat was
sold before the rise of the curtain and the
box ofiicc was practically deserted after
the doors were opened. The coupon dis
penser in the Office had little to 90, as he
had done all his work beforehand. The
ushers, under the direction OF Chief Col
lin. had the vast audience in place with
out ruffiing a feather. and the theatre
filled from stage front to gallery ceiling,
with all the boxes occupied, the orchestra
forced from Its accustomed place and the
space filled with camp chairs, all holding
admirers OF che great comedian, made
an inspiring and gratifying scene
1t betokened that the delightful per-
sonal character OF the venerable player
and his consummate art had their full
measure Of appreciation in this city and
vicinity. 1t also mutely said: "We may
not have this foremost dramatic figure
before us long and We will pay him
homage for what he is and what he has
done to elevate human character under
the dome of the world dramatic temple. "
IL was an audience Of warm hearts and
clear minds understanding the siRpii-
canoe of the time and thoroughly receptive
to Mr.. jefferson characterization OF
Irving's famous vaGabond of the Village
Of Falling Water. which for years has
been recognized as the highest type OF
dramatic art.
The veteran player appeared to be in
good health and spirits and he imperson-
ated "Rip" delightfully."-. The atmos-
phere OF the mountains was on the stage
and the people who lived on the banks
OF the noble Hudson more than a hun
drsd years ago seemed to be living again.
so potent was the spell upon the imaRi-
nation.
The little Catskill village was copjured
and Nick Vedders dram shop and its
victim formed an illusion obliterating
the thought that 1t was all mimicry.
Tnis great artist took no heed of the au-
disnce, for no was the man he was i'm
personating as perfectly as IL Is possible
for one man to he another, and the magic
OF the Characterization placed charming
spoil upon every person.
Mr. JcfIerson's playing in RIP Van
Wiukle" Is not to be reviewed. 1t passed
that position long ago. 1t can only be
ad dmired as a work OF almost fiawless art.
Whoever saw his bcwilderment before
the old men of the mountain the elo-
ausuce of his anxiety for personal welfare
before the weird mutes, the waking from
the 20 years slumber after the magic
potion administered by Hendrick Hudson.
the pathetic return to his native village.
and the heart yearping for his daughter
Meenie will never forget it. The scenes
were transcripts from life, coniured with
q master hand.
Alas, such art must pass away until
another gifted Thespian Is born to keep
before the public eye, human heart work
ings among the rich and poor. high and
low. MIR. Jefferson does something that
makes drama nt to be classed among the
great gifts to human kind.
The venerable actor was surrounded by
a group OF Intelligent and well-trained
associates who lent sufficient aid TO the
great central picture to make it stand out
like thing Of reality, and the portrait
of the vagabond OF the world-famous
legend had stage trimmings superior to
those shown in previous presentations of
"Trip Van Winkle."
MIR. Jefferson will conclude his all too
brief engagement this evening when he
will appear as Caleb Plummer in Dickens
story ofs'Tbs Cricket on the Hearth"
and Golishtly in Lend Me Five Shill.
iugs." h
Tomorrow evening the favorite come
dian and singer. Chauncey Olcott, will be
seen in "Swset Inniscarra.