The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-11-11
PROVIDENCE OPERA HOUSE.
Mr.. Sol Smith Russell Gives Delightful Per,
formance Of Uncle Dick"

Mr.. Sol Smith Russell is so general
a favorite I'm this city that IL was not
strange to see SO large an audience
present on one OF the most inclement
evenings of the season as gathered i'm
the Providence opera house last night
TO extend To the admirable comedian
and his new comedy most gracious
welcome. Mr.. Russell has many ad-
mirers, and his work has so strong a
flavor of individuality that IL is always
attractive and engaging. He Is one OF
the most popular comedians who visit
this city. and his genial, clever and
artistic work is well appreciated by
discriminating theatregoers and lovers
OF comedy
Uncle Dick" in which Mr.. Russell
appears during his present engagement.
is comedy i'm which due attention is
paid TO keeping the central character
ever conspicuous. Uncle Dick is one Of
the main props OF the piece, but ii is
not the only one, and for that reason,
though many could enjoy IL II IL were
only To give Mr.. Russell an opportunity
to display those effectual qualities that
he possesses as a comedian, the work
as a whole is satisfying and highly
amusing.
The comedy hits off certain foibles OF
times brilliant and always clever. and
IL IL is not amazingly novel the story
Is worked out in rather unconVen-
tional way. There is many time the
charming midway Of tender feeling
that leads alternately to- tear and
a smile. The virtues OF contentment
and the richness OF that treasure are
pleasantly delineated by comparison
with it's admirable foil. ambition
Though at times the main point may
be rather more heightened than is nee
essary, there are surprises neatly in
troduced that relieve the dialogue and
too prolonged dissertations.
Certain ideas deemed OF importance
are gently but firmly treated upon. and
the audience last evening entered into
the charm OF the occasion perhaps
little too earnestly. for there was on
more than one occasion tendency TO
applaud when the only approval worthy
was generous silence. However, the
comedy is one that is bound TO prove
pleasing to nearly every one who en-
joys this important part OF the drama,
and one who appreciates good humor
that is never boisterous should see IT.
There is true tenderness beneath IL all.
and the merriment is OF the worthiest
kind. for nothing is sacrificed in giving
TO IL a charming latitude.
"JJncle Dick" or. as he is fully de-
a happy time dealing with the ambi-
tions Of relatives and of friends. He
has also quite quantity of work to
do, and Mr.. Russell as every one
knows. just enjoys such part. He
was, as usual. called before the cur
tain, and made brief address. which
detracted nothing from the pleasure OF
the evening. Mr.. Russell has associat-
ed with him a very worthy cast.
William Bernard as Mr.. Halsey. the
promoter very acceptably carries out
a part that is meant 10 be particularly
a bit OF sarcasm. as IL Is foiled by the
naturalness OF Uncle Dick. Mr.. Mar
tin as Jerry makes an admirable old
men, and the clever point that
this character is intended to bring out
is one OF the neatest in the sermon or
rather protest against something that
needs attention. Fanny Addison Pitt Is
always equal TO the very acceptable III
not novel character Of woman whose
money has made her believe she can
fly without wings. Ethel Winthrop as
the honely but very attractive char
acter who fights ambition longer than
the rest. does her work very earnestly.
while Lila Convere as Faith Wells and
Miss Rockwell as Gloria Sherman are
interesting representatives OF certain
not unfamiliar, phases of latter day
young womanhood.