The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-05-13

DE Mile. The popularity OF this charm
ing little play seems to have become
doubled since last season. and everyone
present last evening gave ample evidence
OF their appreciation Of Manager Loven-
beros careful attention TO the wants of
his patrons by repeating, I'm response To-
popular demand this big favorite OF last
seasons successes When the Albee com
pany last season presented this play there
were many who were turned away at ev-
cry performance. and judging from both
performances yesterday this will be the
case this week.
The theme OF '"rhe wife" Is a we'll
known one. rich In strong, dramatic In
cidents and intense climaxes. and abound
ing In really delicious comedy and II
suffices to say that IL is without a single
exception quite the best opportunity yet
afforded TO all OF the members OF the
company for strong, individual character
work, and judging from the hearty and
sincere applause that was frequently
awarded their efforts, everyone I'm this
capable company made the most OF hts
or her opportunities and the company In
creased It's grip upon popular favor.
Mr.. Williams again portrayed the
strong noble-minded husband. Senator
ana ~ UtloTt NstNe "a most
distinct hit. his performance being
stamped with his usual sincerity and his
own magnetic personality. which made a
deep impression upon his audience. Ey-
erything Miss EvessOn does seems 10
win her more favor with Providence au-
diences, her work last evening evokirg
loud and prolonged applause. In the light
er scenes she was charming. and In the
more emotional parts of the play she rose
TO the demands OF the situation with
praiseworthy sincerity. Her work in the
third act was glorious, and her pitiful
sobs were genuine enough 10 bring tears
TO a stole. One OF the most beautiful lit
tie spots in the play was her work I'm the
last act when she advises her little
friend Kitty.
In performance in which almost ev-
eryone wins "A triumph - IS something
10 stand out distinctly as having won
large share OF the honors OF the evening,
and that is what this delightful artistic
did last evening This may also be said
OF Mr. Humphrey Every week Mr.. Hum
phrey gives his many admirers. whom he
has won by faultless work "a surprise by
excellence Of his work. No two roles are
at all alike, and YET each seems to he
better portrayed than it's predecessor.
and TO evoke more enthusiasm His as
sumption OF the cool cynical trickster
showed very intelligent conception and
the finished and highly artistic execu-
tion which have stamped him as one OF
the foremost actors OF the day
Miss Leighs work as the scheming
southern girl Lucille Ferrant, repeats her
emphatic hit OF last season, and thor
oughly deserved the hearty appreciation
given her Efforts Her southern dialect
was particularly commendable, and her
performance as a whole was marked by
that same convincing and polished 1nish
that have won her so many sincere ad-
mirers IN this city. Mr. owen and Miss
Reimer tog -ther with Miss Ingram and
Mr.. Weldon handle the comedy element
splendldly.
What is unquestionably one OF the run
niest things Mr.. owen has ever done Is
his portrayal OF Major Homer Q. Put
nam, whose faint heart finally won fair
lady. His keen sense OF humor and his
naturalness makes his role simply irre-
sistable, and he kept the entire audi
ence I'm a state OF laughter every moment
he was upon the stage Miss Reimer.
whose excellent work as Mrs. Bellamy
Ives of last season, scored decidedly II
Is such excellent work as this that has
helped 10 make Miss Reimer the strong
favorite she unquestonably Is with local
audiences One oe the most genuine sur
prises of the evening as well as one of e.
strongest hits was the work OF Miss In.
gram and Mr.. Weldon.
This is quite the first good opportunity
these popular young people have had. and
after last evening there can be no dou
OF their clcverness. Mr.. Weldon played
the role of the Columbia student with a
hoyishness and lively humor that was de-
lightful, and Miss Ingram as Kitty Ives.
lust coming out" was as vivacious and
yet as dainty In her girllshness as can be
well imagined. The great charm about
the work of Mr.. Weldon and Miss Ingram
is it's extreme naturalneas, which so care
fully conceals any appearance Of acting.
II would be hard to pick out any one
part of their acting that stood ont from
the rest, so uniformly splendid through
out was It. Mr.. Orme Caldara was greet