The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-04-24
KElTH'S NEW THEATRE.

II there were any fault TO be found
with the entertainment at Keith's new
theatre this week, IL must be only be-
cause IL offers an embarrassment Of
riches. making II necessary for one who
wishes to see everything in the bill that
is out OF the ordinary to go very early.
either in the afternoon or in the eve
ming. There may have been bills in
which there were more well-known per-
formers and perhaps some better
known to local theatre e-goers; but none
has been offered i'm this house which
because OF genuine merit, from either
popular or an artistic standpoint. de-
served a greater measure OF success.
Robert billiards reputation as the
most successful OF all the Legitimate"
stars who have appeared in vaudeville
can easily be. understood after seeing
his artistic presentation of THE Lit
tlest Girl" In which every minute de-
tail of both the players and the stage
managers art is employed. with the
nicely and delicacy that makes art
seem artless and preserves throughout
that true balance essential to the sue
cess OF the whole. A prettier stage
picture has not been seen here; and
Mr.. Hilliard's dramatization OF the
familiar Van Bibber tale is too far
above the average vaudeville playIet
employed by Legitimate" stars TO be
spoken OF in the same breath. The pa
thetic story is charmingly told and
strong dramatic effect is secured with
out recourse 10 any extreme or to any
but the most artistlcally quiet methods.
Mr.. billiards magnetic personality.
s.,.A ~.
serve and remarkable powers OF vocal
expression, together with his true ar
tistic instincts, enable him to touch
the chords OF human sentiment as few
can do 1t; and yesterdays audiences
were alternately applauding and wip-
ing their eyes during the presentation
of the play. while at it's conclusion MIR.
Hilliard was compelled again and again
TO respond 10 enthusiastic curtain
calls, In which il is but fair TO say that
Mr.. Edwin Holland OF Mr.. Hilliard's
company deserved TO share.
Another dramatic Offering I'm strong
contrast with this is the lively and en-
tertaining comedietta, Even Stephen"
presented by Miss Isabelle Urquhart
and company, dealing with a too frlsky
husband and wife whose very fickle-
ness in this case is a blessing in dis
guise. The plot is in no sense novel;
but II is developed with much clever
ness and many bright lines and in
tensely amusing situationsI all OF which
are utilized 10 the fullest extent OF their
capabilities for entertaining and pro-
voking laughter by Miss Urquhart and
her excellent support. In addition 10
her charms OF person and manner. Miss
Urquhart's gowns will delight her sex:
and her breezy and well-balanced inter-
pretation OF role easily overdone or
ill-conceived. is n most delightful bit
OF comedy. which was rewarded with
generous recognition.
The Three Nevarros, two young men
and a young woman. who were seen
here a year ago, have added much to
their act and in many respects so i'm
proved IL that il Is entirely safe To say
that the equal of its kind probably does
not exist among acrobatic acts. The
personality OF the performers is greatly
in their favor, and the neatness. finish
and grace OF all their feats and all their
movements. the novelty and seeming
impossibilty OF many OF their perform
ances. and the apparent ease with
which all are accomplished. all con-
tribute to arouse great enthusiastic and
the three wonderful gymnasts were re-
warded with the knowledge that they
received share OF popular favor ac-