The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-04-16

plants: and the character of the audience
itself was high compliment both TO
the management and TO the splendid
company provided by Mr.. Albee's enter
prise and liberality for the entertain
ment of playgoers.
The presentation of THE Charity Rall'
was seemingly as smooth a. II the com
pany had been together for months and
well displayed the nicely balanced char
acter OF the organization and it's eNcep-
tional strength. even the secondary and
minor parts being played with rare In
telligence and skill ana the whole per-
formance showing the capable and eN-
perienced hand OF Mr. Percy Winter, the
stage director. The settings were most
elaborate and pleasing to the eye: and
no insignificant detail had been neglected
that might contribute TO the general ef-
feet and the preservation Of harmony
and unity in the whole performance.
The story OF The Charity Bali Is
one that appeals strongly to the finer
sensbilities and the loftier ideals; and
IL is powerfully told, its sombre shades
being relieved by an undercurrent OF
rollickng humor. while it's atmosphere
is OF a wholesome domestic nature that
is refining i'm it's influence and gives char
acter to the lesson of the play. The first
act is chiefly Introductory and the last
the second and third acts contain several
very strong situations that would severe
ly TAX the powers of an ordinary COM
pany. but which I'm the present instance
display To fine advantage the great SUI
periority Of the Albee organization.
The character of the broad-mindcd and
noble hearted rector was played by NAL
colin Williams with dignihed repose and
grace that instantly won recognition;
a,,1 In, he vyfth
ward brother he displayed n reserve
power and dramatic strength that prom
Use much for his work i'm future pro-
ductions. Valerie Bergere made the part
OF Anne Cruger "A splendid type OF true
womanhood and utilized the rather linn
ited opportunities Of the role to great adj
vantage I'm the display Of her finished
art and her possession of rare gifts and
depth OF sentiment
Az the rector's brother, whose ambi-
ton 10 rule Wall street for the time over
came his better instincts. George +. Far
ren gave an especially strong and con-
sistent performance, ana one that enlist
ed interest even though the character
repealed. His restraint and the force of
his scene i'm the study with the rector
were particularly commendable. Lisle
Leigh could hardly have made her initial
appearance under better auspices than
role OF Phyllis Lee to which she gave
very powerful portrayal consistent SYM
pathetic and most intelligent I'm concep-
tion and artistic I'm presentation.
Helen RcimCr. as the Fascinating widow,
not only looked the part bat played IL
with great JUNCTION and animation. In
vesting IL with Il delicious humor As
Judge Knox. her legal adviser and suitnr.
Roy Fairchild won a distinct success.
playing with breezness and concop-
tion Of the comedy possibilities Of the
role that kept the big audience I'm roars
OF laughter Helaine Hadlcy gave
charmingly easy. natural and consistent
Interpretation of the role or the blind
mother. whom she made n must iovable
woman. typical of the highest ideals sug-
gested by the word mother
Walter Thomas. as the nephew of Mrs.
DePeyster. with penchant for practical
Joking. contributed much 10 the humor OF
the play by his remarkably clever as
sumption. and Sndle Handy won the
warm regard ~ the audience by her chic
and vlNacit, AMI sprightly ways w the
Iari ~ BcsS. go which she gHvc unexpett-
ed prominence. Jsy T. Lclend's Frank