The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-03-13
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prise In stage realism In store for local
theatre patrons. On Monday night,
March Is. Charles Frohman will present
William Gillette In his latest and great
est success, sherlock Holmes" at the
Providence Opera House and IL is con-
fidently predicted that the play will make
one OF the greatest successes OF the cur
rent season.
Founded on a hitherto unpublished in
cident in the life of the great detective OF
modern fiction. made famous by Conan
Doyle. Mr.. Gillette has written drama
which has been declared 20 be an almost
perfect play. and one OF the greatest
masterpieces OF realism ever seen at any
theatre.
The drama last season created a sensa-
tion in New York for the actor-suthor
has taken the detective hero, who is so
familiar 70 readers OF contemporaneoue
fiction and incarnated him TO the physical
eye I'm a manner so realistic and amid
surroundings OF such thrilling nature,
as 20 cause his auditors to forget that
they were in a theatre. and 10 score the
biggest New York success OF .-e year.
IT Is no exaggerat!on to say that no
book hero has ever been so completely
and fascinatingly realized on the stage
as sherlock Holmes" has in Mr.. Gill
lette's impersonation OF him. He Is all
that Conan Doyle painted the detective TO
be and more too. for Mr. Gillette lends
to the character all the charm OF his own
personality. has introduced a touching
love interest and his well known method
OF naturaiistic acting adds immeasurably
TO the realism OF the performance. From
an interest absorbing standpoint, the
play is unique. Nothing can be compared
with II. Critics admit that no play like
IL has ever been written and as IL TO add
10 the realism all laat art which has been
attained by modern stagecraft In fulfill
ing the requirements for modern produc-
tions is brought 20 use and some start
ling innovation is introduced. This Is
particularly so I'm regard TO the electrical
effects which are put 10 a use In this
play such as was never dreamed of be
fore on the stage. OF all Mr.. Gillette's
successes, and he has some dozen TO his
credit, Sherlock Holmes" Is far and
away the cleverest thing he has done.
Jefferson De Angels appears to have
scored a big success i'm his new operatic
comedy. "a Royal Rogue" and the many
admirers Of this really clever comic opera
comedian in this city will be glad to know
that he will present his new piece at the
Providence Opera House next Monday,
Tuesday anu Wednesday. "A Royal
Rogue Is not a comic opera in the strict
sense OF the word, ana IL is a long ways
away from being what is commonly
known as "a musical comedy"
1t is said the critics are at a loss how
the piece should be classined. II matters
little. anyway. so long as IL is good and
clean and bright, and this IL Is said TO be.
1t was written by Charles Klein. the au-
thor of lei Captain" and the music by
that clever composer, w. T. Francis, Is
unquestionably OF very superior char
acter
The piece abounds with good songs and
dainty dances The supporting company
comprises a number OF clever comedians
and handsome women. There will be a
chorus OF pretty girls and "a Royal
Rogue" will be ella borately stage mounted
with complete new scenery throughout
and rich and picturesque costumes. The
seat sale opens tomorrow morning.
The Four Otis have one of the most
laugh-provoking farcical sketches seen
for long time at keiths IL is pattern
ed after those made familiar by the four
Cohans. and is equally full OF amusing
happenings. ridiculous situations and alb
surd dialogue. the quartet OF players
are full OF ginger" and there is no let
up from start TO finish.
In Legitimate" way the principal at
traction at l<eith's this week is "A Blue
Grass Widow" which Is presented by
those popular comedy stars. Milton and
Dolly Mobiles. The 20-minute comedy IL
a roar from start to finish, and Mr.. and
Mrs. Mobiles make every point OF the dia-
logue as we'll as the numerous funny
situations, count for laughs.
About as Slick" juggling as has been
seen here for long time is that shown
by Montrell at Keith's, while his Ethio-
plan comedy assistant helps out anna zing-
~ in the general effectiveness of really
remarkable act.
John W. Ransone at Keiths yesterday
afternoon and evening made one OF the
biggest hits scored there this season by
any mohologuist. His impersonation OF
Richard Croker Is wonderfully llfelike in
every detail; and his satire and witty
comment on politics in general. and his
goea-satured local hits. caught the big
audiences am. set them into roars OF
laughter. which compelled him frequent
Is 20 wait some time before he could pro-
ceed His SUCCESS was instantaneous:
and this one act alone Will he sufficient
To attract thousands 20 Keith's during
the remainder OF the week. for IL is bound