The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-02-08

sto1t and written about drama. one that
has teen remarkably prosperous In this
country ana one which set the britishI rs
thinking about American drama. because
it met with immediate recognition by
the people of London. where IL Is now
being played.
Mr. Gillette Is Iine actor as well as
gifted pl.y wright. ''secret Ser, ice"
bears the stamp Of the accomplished
player. as IL IL technically oil right.
II has ihe atmosphere of the work
shop. tho trimmings which GOOD
writer and stage manager could
impart 1t has the trick. so 10 speak.
To tie experienced examiner IL IS paipable
TINT the piGy was nurtured in tho green
room, that it was developed from tbs
workman's point Of view Father than tne
students. 1t was not conceived in the
library and worked out in the setlusion
of the study. 1t is nos great play, but
IL is an intensely interesting one.
Its light ana shade is brought about
much after tho fashion of man ell
trusted with an impor,ant mission and
having little time 10 spare, stopping on
the way TO the railroad station TO have
lis boots blacked. Ii Is somewhat exas-
perating because OK inconsequsnoe TO tine
main purpose. This Was Illustrated IN
the cheap love making between some OF
the minor characters. 1T served on5 pur-
pCss however 10y distrattiDg the attsn-
tion and supplying the comedy ele-
ment."
1t nas been said. and no doubt with a
good deal of truth, That play will sue
ce.d II IL has sufficient love interest aId
one great central scene. Playmsktrs rec
oenize this and tDs modern product by
clever writers is on this plan. "secrat
Service has two preat scenes: great in
the sense of sll-ptrvsding Interest. The
meeting OF the two brothers, lniop spys
in the Cot federats ranks, aud tue self
destruction of one TO save exp osure of the
character of the sursivor, the ensrossing
sceue in the teieRraph oifce wnele the
spy attempts TO se5 d information tne
weakness of the Confedt rats forces he fore
Richmond TO the Union army, al d another
here the faithful darkey titas out the
ball in the cartridges of tae so,diers " no
are To sboOt the sly and tho Information
of the spy himself tnAt the guns have
been tampered with are all dramatic
nourlsnment with r.d pepper stcompsni-
ment.
1t is impossible to divert the nj ttsntion.
IL ia rlyend on tie suDjsct aud the
mimickeG scene commands tie emotion.
Everyone is swayed ty courage and devo-
tion ara the courage ana devotion of this
play is of ihe best sort The element of
danger is ever present, ard IL engresses
the mind OF tho spectator much after the
fashion of man walking at a dizzy
height with n slender foothold Inc
oGances are that he will foil and tie
crowd gathers TO see the disaster. IT he
succeeos they rejoice IL he fails they
have b en- witness of n stirring adysn.
tuie. Ine spy's lifo within the Inns of
the enemy l. pregnant WIN tuisbap and
climax, aad t3eeein lies much If tie tas
citation OF Mr.. GIL it's piAy. lIhssur-
Iriss and almost auGaCity OF tre vorainc
out Is soLething new aId 4, Is reIished
for its novelty.
MIR. Gillette fas demon stratsd that he
Is grand master az this scrt thing and
that from tire siage building uoiut of
view he tas fsw ifanv equals i'm interest.
ing play making As an astor he shines.
too, I'm this plav. His sincerity and au.
thority are never quest ioned and be pre-
sonts a proba0lB character Iu the most
artistic manner IL was a delightful uer-
fOrmancs.
Mis- Perry was n trife surerflc'a in the
opening sceCes, but ~ the serious rnrt
size vas more Interesting Her minoine
rea7ing was not so Prominent. Miss
Waterman gave a Sustained and digniiied
intrrpretatlon rf the Souttern mother.
aud misi kCss was cute as Cat0lius Mr.
hUllar rs LartcUlarly sincere and eneo-
tive o { - head Of thu Coufefstats secret
srrvits Ar. BrVnran Gase a virils rs,r.
torinadte tf a h.git sOgt ern general. and
hr Thomas tra igci the pssebt ia ole