The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-11-10
:'::..1heatres -.

1t is n singular fact that pontin of
Rome has never up to the present sea-
SON. been presented on the stage. II was
on this account that when Hall Gaines
novel, THE Eternal City" was published
there was considerable discussion. I'm
England, especially. as 10 whether the
novelist would retain the character in
the dramatic version OF the story. All
speculation under this head was soon set
at rest by Mr.. Caine, who announced that
the character OF the Pope was necessary
10 the story, and that he had been assur-
ed by the higher powers at Rome that
there was no objection to his doing so.
The reason. possibly. that the Pope has
not heretofore been used. as have all the
other great dignitariss of the church is
that Rome has not often been the scene
of refined drama and for the further
reason that there has been a deep-set
fear lest the church itself would be Of
Tended. The pope OF The Eternal City
fs pope OF the future depicting
no life scenes OF the past or re-
semblance to any event in papal history.
The pope OF the play being a wise and
noble character, sweeps away any possi-
thorities OF the church.
This condition is-fHeFe fully -safeeHard--
ed by choosing so fine an actor and no.
BILE character as Il. NJ. Holland to Inn
personate the pontiff. IL was. too, with
the reigning popes knowledge and con-
sent that Mr.. Caine was furnished with
material for his book and play. Mr.. Hol-
lands assumption OF the role OF Plus X
In, OF course, free from offence; II In said
to be dignihed and truly impressive.
Mr.. Beerbohm Tree, who presents THE
Eternal City at his theatre in London.
His MaJesty's, has been equally as care
full as Miss Allen IN the selection OF q
performer to impersonate this most i'm
portant role.
Mr.. Brandon Thomas. the well known
actor and playwright. has been chosen by
Mr.. Tree to impersonate the Pontiff at
His MaJesty's. II will be observed. then.
that great care has been exercised both
by Miss Allen and her managers. and by
Mr.. Tree In London. to avoid giving the
slightest ground for offence. Miss Viola
Allen Is TO present The Eternal City"
at the Providence opera house this week.
Matinees Wednesday and Saturday.
sss
Mr.. James O'NeilI one Of the most
popular and accomplished actors on the
American stage. Is TO present his new
play. 1.-The Honor OF the Humble" at the
O'Neill has, according to all accounts. Sc
cured a drama which is a worthy sub
stitute for his great old success. Monte
Cristo." THE Honor OF the Humble" is
said to be a melodrama OF tremendous
force and power The story is laid In
Russia. the time being 1900. and deals
with the love OF young Muscovite noble
man for Rhoda, n serf. his chattle. Mr..
O'Neil will impersonate Rurik. a. role
suited alike to his talents and personality-
The supporting company supplied by his
managers. Liebler & Co, IL one OF great
names and fine abilities and fine talents
The production. too. like all those made
by Liebler q Co. is said to be one OF ex-
traordinary gorgeousness.
sss
Quincy Adams Sawyer" the dramatic
alton of Charles FELTON, Pidgins famous
New England novel OF the same name.
to be seen this week at the Imperial, is
one OF the very few notable instances
where book plays have been successful.
The temptation TO put on the stage the
drama tlzation OF a successful and widely
read novel Is great. There is always the
advantage that the name Of the play
has already had so much publicity
through the sales OF the novel, but in
about nine OF ten cases the book play is
failure. In this instance the majority
OF people declare that they like Quincy
Adams Sawyer" as play even better
thar they did the book