The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-08-13
KEITH'S NEW THEATRE.

IL is a safe assertion that Charles III.
Hoyt's masterpiece OF comedy-satire has
never in Providence been given a better
or more enjoyable presentation than by
the Albee company. with Eugene Can
field George ober and L. r. Stockwell Of
the original cast as stars. at Ke;th's this
week. Yesterdays audiences were nota-
bly, large and demonstrative. and by their
enthusiastic applause and hearty laugh
ter left no room for doubt OF the unmis-
taxable hit scored by the performance.
The piece was most effectively staged In
reproduction of the original production;
and the entire performance moved with
spirit and smoothness that contributed
no little 10 it's popular success.
In many respects, the dramatist never
wrote the equal of "A Temperance
Town" II is uproariously funny without
so far transcendng the limits of reason
as most of his other plays, its story is
more original i'm conception and is more
dramatically developed, and with all the
funmaking is interviewer a romance In
which delicate touches of pathos and sem
timent serve 10 heighten the generally
pleasing effect and all the more efrec-
lively TO set out the predominating
comedy element
The exposition OF the rottenness OF the
operation OF the prohibition law in Ver-
mont may to some seem slightly over
drawn: but to those familiar with the
true facts It is but a mild satire, i'm which
the dramatists only shortcoming is his
failure TO paint the picture I'm colors as
sensational and absurd as the circum-
stances would fully Justify and which
might easily have been utilized TO add
much 90 the ludlcrousness Of the play.
The rural atmosphere OF the comedy is
refreshing in It's accuracy and in the
drawing OF The various character types
the author has with striking fidelity re-
produced such a. are Immediately recog-
nizcd hy any one who has visited the
Green Mountain state.
Those who have previously seen Messrs.
Canfeld. Ober and Stockweu as BingO.
Uncle Joe and Mink. respectively found
their efforts i'm every detail as enjoyable
and as productive OF hilarious laughter as
ever. Each assumption is a distinct char
acter study cledn-cut and finished In the
most minute details; and 20 them must q
very large share OF the excellence OF the
performance be credited
Mr. Caufcid's effective blending Of hu-
NOR and sentiment Mr.. Ober's remark
able makeup and mannerisms and Mr.
Stockwell's hearty style ne finely togeth-
er and combine 90 form a most attractive
and entertaining picture.
MIR Farren gives one OF his most de-
lightful impersonatiOns az Jack Worth.
investing the part with "A peculiar charm
that wins the interest aud admiration OF
the auditor throughout Miss Bergere, as
Ruth. makes that character especially
lovable and pleasing and the little scene
i'm witch she decoTatcs the chair with her
brothers sword entwined with ribbons Is
made exceedingly charming and effective
Miss Reimer does splendid bit OF char
acter work as the eNcitable. long suffer
rg and yet loyal wife of Mink and in
fuses II with a deal OF rich humor that
never fails TO score ia point Mr. Winter
brings out the contemplate meanness
and hypocrisy OF kneoland Pray. the
druggist who sells rum and poses as n
prohibition reformer. with striking force .
and Messrs Dodge, Thomas and Arthur
o the "ramrod' contingent effectively
second his efforts
Mr. Fairchilds Rev. Earnest Hardman
is a well-considered Characterization. and
IL presented with easy dignity and quiet
force worthy of praise Miss Hadley
makes OF Patience Hardman. the clergy
mans wife a character 10 which just It's
proper relation to the others Is given and
plays with natutalness and ease. and
Miss Handy. as Roxana. gives ono OF her
sprightliest and most entertaining as
sumptions. out OF which she extracts it's
full possibilities of vivacious humor.
Mr. q. Bostwick. as Fred Oakhurst. de-
serves cordial praise for thoroughly