The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-02-03


she stages the piece, "Cymbeline" contains
18 scenes. As Shakespeare wrote it, it had
many more. The play has been wisely
changing Of scene, even in these days Of
improved appliances, properties and facili-
ties for rapid work, the action Is consider
ably marred.
OF Miss Mather's work little can be said
that Is not complimentary. Her absence
from the stage has evidently been benefi-
cial. Her old time eccentricities Of pro-
nunciation have almost entirely disap-
peared, and her gestures are much more
easy and natural. Her voice was always
sweet, but it appears to be more musical
now than ever before, and she has un-
questionably not lost anything of her old
time strength, while there cannot be a
doubt that she has gained wonderfully in
repose. Miss Mather's work, when she
awakes near the cave and discovers what
she believes to be 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 still in that respect than when
she was first hailed as the successor of
Mary Anderson.
While disguised as page Miss Mather
was femininely charming and seemed to
exactly catch the light and shade of part
which is little understood by most persons
With the magnificent supporting company
the cities which are on Miss Mathers route
Sons fn np f,,1o
little that can be said in criticism of Miss
Mathers acting occurs in the very last
scene of the play. When Iachimo confesses
his villainy and Posthumus would rend
him limb from limb, there occurs a won
derful opportunity for the Imogen, but
Miss Mather did not appear to grasp it at
all. She should be shocked at the idea that
her husband would insult her by making
a wager Of so disgraceful nature, and ii
should only be after the complete rascality
Of Iachimo has been exposed, and as a re-
suit of the excitement thereby engendered,
that she instinctively and almost mechan-
ically throws herself into her husbands
arms. This Is n detail, albeit n most inn
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 Iachimo gave
us picture Of a villain whom we admired
for his dash and courage, while we execrat-
ed him for his duplicity and INSCRIPTIONS
ness. A better drawn stage character has
not been seen In this city in many a year.
Mr.. Henley's voice Is still weak as a result
of the operation which was performed
some time ago on his throat, but i'm spite
Of that fact IL is tolerably safe to assert
that there II not in this country another
actor who could have cqualed his perform
ance of Iachimo. Discrimination, subtlety,
naturalness, were manifest i'm every word
end action. II Henley's voice should be
fully restored to him, he Is the one man
who, in my opinion, among all those on the
American stage, may reasonably be ex.
pected to attain very great greatness"
At the Metropolitan Opera House this
season change which cannot be other
than gratifying 10 Americans seems TO
have come over the aristocratic patrons.
Hitherto these people, who take pleasure
I'm paying an enormous sum each year for
the privilege Of having n grand opera &C.
compartment to their chattcring, TO say
nothing of the opportunity to see and be
sscn, have affected the Melba and Calyc
nights, appearing TO care very little for
Eamcs, probably because she has the mis-
fortune 10 be an American. This season.
however, Eamcs has been one of the best
lrwing cards In the large operatic pack,
and the beautiful and talented singer has
had the satisfaction of feeling that at last
her fellow countrymcn have come In n
proper realization and appreciation Of her
remarkable voice, the effect OF which is 20
greatly enhanced by her wonderful grace
and transcendent beauty.
OcTAvus COHEN.