The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-02-15
Kelth's Opera HOus:.


Philippe. Due D'Orleans Howard Hall
Jean Bertrand. SEQ. beverly W. Turner
Marquis he 81. Victor. =. Harry St Maur
Henri Dc St Victor Stuart Robertson
CASTOR Ds Varennes. Harry q. ksnan
John Law. ......... .... Albert lavernier
frarcls. ls...................M MllllnIu Mooney
Landlord Of inn. ........ Richard Gnfricx
Captain OF the guard. Arthur j. Whnley
Court messenger ........ Charles HUDSON
Gabrielle de st. Victor.
Miss Marie Booth Russell
Catherine Bertrand; ;,,.....';;;', ,,;,,,o
........ -. -. Miss Marion 4. Cliiton
Marguerite Bertrand :;.........;.
"A Secret Warrant, romantic drama
suggest sted by an episode in French his
tory, is the attraction at ksiths Opera
House the present week, and Robert Is.
Manteli and an interfs ing cast has
charge OF the interpI citation Of it,
Letters do cachet played an important
part in the government OF France prs-
yious to the French revolution, aud W.
A. 1remsyne has used them for tho weav-
ing OF a story that, as Interpreted Dy the
company at keith's, is Agreeable enough.
The ingenuity OF the playwright has
been used to change history. as generally
received, and there are some rather awk-
ward bitches in the plot, hut with NIL
this it IS an entertaining piece. and Mr..
Mantell has in IL several opportunities To
show his n Hrked ability.
The story has plenty OF romance In IL.
though some of the characters. as be-
stiir enough. Mr.. Mantell has part
we'll suited to him, ana though ths
changes from gnyety To SERIOUSNESS are
at times snarp, yet when The character OF
the nation portrayed Is taken into con-
slderasion and the time Oh the piece, l72l
A. .a..la A n
correct enough for romantic purposes
Mr. Mantell, as Louis DE Beaumont, the
captain ,f the Kings guard, has an ex-
oellent opportunity TO portray tender and
charming g scenes, 20 depict the disagree
ableness of aaversity and the light JOY OF
triumph. In all II these he is satisfying.
His lighter moods are so well given that
the sharp contrasts TO the more serious
ones are rather disagreeably marked.
And in all.is lis earnestness. attention
and fidelity tn tho requirements Of the
story constantly in evidences. The gener-
Gus applause that greeted his work was
evidence of the strong hold he has upon
tbeatrs eoers-
MIR. Hall as the Duo D'Orleans, reg, mt
of France, seemed TO have an excellent
idea and TO express II, OF thoss qualities
that have maue the house OF Orleans
notorious. MIR. Turner IN Jean Bertrand
was equal TO the vigorous work required
of the father who sought TO ally his
family through his daughter with Il fast
decayina nobility. Mr. Harry st. Maur
was the ideal noblemnn Of the old French
aristocracy, selfish, proud and poverty
stricken, and Mr.. Robertson expressed as
his son all the awkwardness and folly OF
tho old system of uniting beauty ana truth
with a aissipated manhood. AS the
court fayorite, selfish and heartl SIS,
Gatriells DE 81. Victor. Miss Russell,
left nothing TO be- desired, aad Miss
Clifton as the sister OF the farvenU, Jean,
contributed much by her droll move
ments to maSe the evening enjoyable.
Miss Radcliffe, rs tho young woman
flesh from the convent school, whose
only guiding stars we're her pure heart
anu trust in the right, was mt all times
fresh and interesting, and lacked Moth
ing in earnestness or grace in her ex-
pre ssions OF love and devotion 10 Captain
beaumont. There was no freer or pleas