The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-31
WORCESTER THEATRE.
The Waite Comedy Company Opens a
Weeks Engagement

The Waite Comedy Company. which
already numbers many friends in this
city, through the medium of two form
er engagements, is now in town for a
third stay, ana opened last night al
the Worcester Theatre. with a perform
ance Of Roland Reeds old success,
Cheek"
The Waite company Is admirably ad-
opted to please its patrons. X is diff
cult to see how SO much can be given
Tor such small rates or admission. The
scenery last night was for the most
part especially painted for the piece,
and its brilliancy called out bursts Of
applause from the spectators, while
the costumes and accessories were on a
similar liberal scale. The management
announces that each play during the
week will be likewise mounted with
distinctive scenery painted especially
for IL alone, and unlike other repertoire
troupes, the same gaudy interior that
does duty for a millionaire's drawing
room in one play, viii not be used in
another to represent the ball room of
a Russian duchess. Such things as
waits between the acts are entirely
abolished. No sooner does the curtain
fall on an act than it is raised again
Tor song, or a quartet or a musical
sketch; then, when the specially Is
over, the stage is in readiness to con
tinue the play.
The entertainment began with Il
minutes Of Grays royal marionettes
which proved q capital introduction
for the heavier work TO follow The
manikins' movements were astonish-
fnsly lifelike, and as fun-makers they
compared fayorably with their flesh
and blood prototypes. Between acts
Marie Warren sang two familiar
songs, the Tally-ho Quartet extracted
harmony from camp meeting ditties
the Williams troupe rendered several
musical novelties and sand fig was
executed by blonde youth with agile
but peculiarly slender legs.
The drama, Check" fits the talents
OF the company very nicely. Manager
Waite, in making this seasons roper
toire one Of broad comedy entirely has
adopted a judicious policy which will
crowd the house all the week II the
applause and expressions OF enjoyment
heard last night be a criterion Stuart
Anderson as an absent-minded book.
worm and Belle Gilbert in the role Of
his somewhat shreWish wife deserve
perhaps first mention for the even.
ness and good taste Of their rendering
Mr.. FenWick makes an excellent vii.
lain throughout, and Mr. Armstrong
for the most part, a satisfactory juve
nile, though lacking ease at times
Lee Sterrett the stage manager, die
Col. Sanford so well that one regret.
ted he had to die at the end Of act l
but scored another triumph later il
the totally different character of Z
-fsSi pSAeId sq q3!qM duran usYunLJ
drunken tramp, which he played 81
realistically that it was difficult L
realize IL was only acting.
Marie Warren was warmly welcomed
by her many local friends. She had tn,
always fascinating role OF the adven
turess, and the debonaire nonchalanc,
with which she invested II showed Il
advantage from the framework OF {
brace of ravishing gowns. Lille La.
Rose was piquant as the vixenish lit
tie heroine.
Roland Reeds part was played by
Alfred Kelley whom the management
features as the head of the company
Mr.. Kelcy's impersonation was re-
markedly different from Mr.. Reeds.
The company gives its first matinee
today, with Ullie Akerstrom's play
The Sultans Daughter" as the bill
Tonight viii be produced "Uncl,
SANS Visit TO Cuba" a patriotic
comedy, by Comedian Kelley and Stag
Manager Sterrett.