The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-11-17

The Opera-house was we'll filed last
night in the lower sections and the
balcony was likewise well peopled.
Nearly all these represented advance
seat sales. Had it not been for the
heavy storm unQuestionably the the
alter would have been packed and a
great number Of people would have
been turned from the doors for lack of
even standing room. The play WIS
that sterling old gem 'sThe School For
Scandal" It was neatly staged, very
handsomely costumed and thoroug hly
well acted. Nance O'Neil both sur
prised and disappointed. We did not
expect her to make so good a Lady
Teazle; were surprised at the evidences
of versatility she gave us. She was
far and away better in the role than
Kathryn Kidder, the last who assumed
it here. She was equal to many of
the old school actresses who have been
notable in the part. She gave it charm
ingly, without effort to introduce orig
inaiity in it, content to pay tribute to
the standard that has been set for so
many years. She played it with an
ease, gentle abandon, refined spirit
and graceful dignity, more than charm
ing. In the comedy lines she was all
that could be desired. Others have
been more buoyant and flashing in
them, but the style and bearing char
acteristic of this young woman ccm-
ports with the desire for no lighter ac-
ton than she employed, or greater vi
vacity than she introduced. Mr.. Becks
was quite the ideal Sir Peter 1t was
all but matchless piece of work.
Compared with the long line of splendid
artists in that character, it is simple
justice to say that Mr.. Becks lost lit
tie if anything by the comparison
with the foremost who have essayed
the role. Barton Hills Sir Oliver as
matchless. 1t was one more example
of what the fine old school of acting
was; strong and delightful specimen
of finished work, by an accomplished
artist. Mr.. Vroom excited much COM
plimentary comment by the finish Of
his Charles Surface and the sparkling
comedy spirit with which he invested
it, albeit he modulates his tones too
little in his reading. Mr.. Canf1eld's
Joseph was good, though bit lacking
in cunning and rather stiff in bear
ing, but nevertheless he made it an ex-
cellent foil to the Charles of Mr.
Vroom. The other parts were in good
hands. Mr. Gleasons Crabtree espec-
tally being well drawn and effectively
acted. 1t was marred only by a dis
position manifest in most of his work
to keep his voice at a high key and to
suffer no meditation of the volume of
his voice. But his delivery has the
virtue of perfect clearness and chiseled
in enunciation. The audience was
thoroughly well pleased with the pro-
duction of the comedy and was not at
all reticent in manifesting it's salts
faction by applause.
Tonight Miss O'Neil will conclude
her engagement with the romantic and
pathetic play THE Jewess," originally
known as Leah, the Forsaken.'' 1t is
the most pathetic role in which the ac-
complished actress appears. Yet it is
one of the most passionate and strong.
There is not world of light in it, to be
sure, but there is tender tone in the
play that moves auditors to the soul,
though they may have heard it's lines
read a score of times. When Nance
~ &NCii dPPSdIcQ III IL mere d year ago,
she made a distinct success and a pro-
found impression. She has since madeS
much improvement in her art She is
stronger in her strength profounder
in her Interpretation of the cause of
emotion, tenderer in her sorrow, and
richer generally in her methods We
may, therefore, expect a powerful and
deeply moving performance Her sup
port is fully equal to all the calls that
can be made upon 1T by this play. There
has been so heavy pressure brought
to bear by those who wish to see Miss
ONeil once more in her famous inter-
probation of the part of Nancy Sykes
that Manager Mckee Rankin has yield
ed, and having one night to spare will
return here with his company Sunday
night, when OLIVER Twist" will be
played, with Rankin as Bill Sykes and
Miss O'Neil as the muscular, beaten. |
abused and defiant Nancy, a part
which, after having seen a score of
great artists in the role we are free
to say she personates better than any
OF them, and this is we'll considered
commentator.