Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-04-09
OLGA kETHSRSOLE
Given Tremendous Reception at Revival Of
'.Sapho' at New York.

New York, April S.-"Sapho" was re-
stored to her pedestal. last night, with
m outburst 50 clamoruus that Wal
lacks theatre rang with applause ana
cheers until il echoed from pit to dome
1t was a veritablc triumph, extended
spontaneously by an audience that
filled every seat and every available
inch of standing room in the theatre.
There was applause long and gener-
Gus when Fanny lie Grand made her
first appearance i'll the ball room scene
at Dachelette's. 1t sWcled into per
feet din of hand slappng. then into
cheering, while hundreds rose to their
feet, waving haudkerchicfs and pro-
grams. Miss NcthersOlc bowed and
bowed again ana then went on with
her part.
But a climax came at the end Of the
first act. when the darkened stage re
vealed the famous spiral stairway
scene. In GREATNESS silence the audi
ence watched Jean Gaussin as he
mounted the stairway with Sapho in
his arms. AS the curtain descended a
storm Of cheers and cries Of bravo
came from all parts Of the house. The
audience seemed especially anxious to
stamp with its approval the scene that
had been most severely criticized, per-
haps. Of all those in the play.
After the cheers had lasted more
than two minutes, the curtain rose
again. ana Mr.. Revclle led Miss
Nethersole down the spiral stairway to
the center of the stage. where she re
peatedly bowed gracefully and kissed
=
Then Toto ana Flamont We're brought
out II share the triumph, ana the cur
tain again descended. But the audi
cnCe was not satisfied. Three more
minutes of wild cheering. like nothing
else so much as Il Presidential conven-
ton stampede brought Miss Neither
sole and Mr.. Revrlc before the cur
tain. Then the actress was literally
bombardcd with large lunches Of vio-
lets. which came showering in upon
her from all parts of the house.
With perfect grace she stopped and
picked them up. then clasped them to
her bosom ana smiled rapturously as
though drinking in the full joyousncss
If her triumph. Mr.. Rcvellc retired as
the audience. exhausted by continued
cheering began to cry speech,
speech"
Miss Nethcrsole was very nervous.
She tried to compose herself. but her
voice tremblcd as She said slowly and
with much feeling:
Ladies and gentlemen: The verdict
that on Thursday was given in our
favor has done more than Vindicate us
of the accusations made against this
play. 1t has removed the Shackles
that are serious deterrent to any art.
Although ! am still suffering I'M
der the strain. and | am sure it will
require time and restored peace of
results of the recent ordeal. still. |
wish to say that in view of the verdict
given by that jury, and by his honor,
Judge Fursman. and considering what
that verdict has done for art. | am
glad that l have borne the brunt of
the battle.
only one more word for myself. I
want to say that up to now, and |
trust that shall be equally true of me
hereafter. on the banner that | have
carried in my hands have been writ
ten these words: For the right"
1t was all the actress could do to
struggle through her little speech, but
the audience was so wholly with her
that she broke into smiles again. and
waited kisses right and left and aloft
and allow. Mr.. Hummel. her counsel.
who occupied one of the boxes, came
in for his full share of the smiles.