The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-10-23
j.. '.. y. theatres

The matinee girl OF former days-she
OF the mashpote and stage door habit
has vanished from the theatre only TO
resppear occasionally I'm the audiences
assembled 10 witness the performance or
some popular woman star. Sometimes /
read OF an orgy of enthusiasm IN which
they have participated. IL Is almost In
variably the outcome OF the nerve-thrill-
Ing performance OF a genius OF the violin
or piano. she has forsaken the actor
for the musician,
The sirnpering, giggling girl OF decade
ago has given place TO the serious
minded young woman whose apprecia-
ton or plays and players tempered with
sanity. To my mind this affords another
illustration Of feminine progression. II
Is the manifestation OF the same spirit
that has caused them 10 turn toward
athletics. Life spent in the open air on
the golf links or on horseback, instead OF
hours devoted TO the perusal OF trashy
Action has resulted In greater physical
strength and as consequence stronger
mental poise.
Matinee audiences have become a JOY,
not a source OF amusement. They are
now the objects OF the actors respect
not the outlet for his "suying propen-
stiles Their understanding or the au-
thor's intent is keen and they are quick
who correctly interprets It, Details OF
a characterization that might escape the
notice of spectators at an evening per-
Torrance are appreciatively observed.
They offer refutation Of the statement
that women have no sense CT humor for
each comedy point no matter how subtle
wins its reward OF laughter.
And the mashnote-how ridiculous the
idea that an actors mail is filed with
the sentimental outpourngs OF silly girls.
That custom is truly obsolete III the
actor does receive communications from
women unknown TO him they are as
rule either requests for autographs or
graceful lines Of commentator express
sive Of the pleasure the actors work has
given them.
The heroes OF the playwrights imagina-
tion are not the subjects OF awe TO the
modern matinee girl. She has the curl
osity to become acquainted with their
vitalizers. Since our little affair in Cuba
she has learned what IL rs 10 have real
heroes I'm her own family
OF course they have not lost their love
for heroes. but frankly, have any OF us?
The charmed life Hercules who fought
villains with one hand and clutched the
pink fingers OF his lady love with the
other no longer finds favor. 1t Is the
modern stage hero who exempifies the
American man of action that appeals
particularly TO our women today, for
LneN ilkt 10 ElN III ltOAlA anu hAPN 'iAhN
were the Him" In their lives called
upon 10 face similar conditions that he
would do as valiantly.
The curled darling or romance is taking
his leave OF the theatre. The straight
haired hero has come to stay and the new
matinee girl with him.
The success of Little Clara Kirwin. the
talented Providence child, who made her
professional debut at keiths this week,
justihes the expectations OF even her
most ardent admirers Little Miss Kir-
win infuses an enthusiasm and individu-
ality into her work that is as pleasing as
il is refreshing, and she heartily deserves
the applause given her at every perform
anse.
Keith bill would be incomplete with
out some strongly attractive and high
class musical act. This week the novel
performance of the Miles Stavordnla
quintet Is drawing a large number Of
! local musicians and lovers OF good mu-
sic TO Keiths and next wsek the act cf
lee FrasettIs ~ certain 20 give immense
! satisfaction TO everyone.
The costumes being worn by Miss Dola
| Dean Of Johnson and Dean, are said 10 be
marvels OF the Partisan modiste's art.
/ and make as big bit as when they were
| seen i'm this country two years ago This
| clever couple have always been conceded
10 be the best dressers In vaudeville. and
are unquesuonably the cleverest OF So
/ ciety coiored entertainers.
80
The engagement OF Charles j. Ross
| and Mabel Fenton al Koith's next week
| Is considered to be one OF the events OF
/ the local vaudeville season, no stronger
drawing card having been seen In the
| vaudeville market than these illustrious
] Weber Fieldian burlesquers. They have
not been seen In Providence IN eight
years when they appeared with Hallen
! a. Hart Since then they have gained
! Tho reputation OF being tremendous IA
! vorites with New Workers, and are two
/ of the Cleyercst travesty artists ever be
| longing TO the Weber Fields forces.
! -
Next week David Belasco's phenoml-
! nally md deservedly successful intcrnn
| tloual play, THE Heart of Maryland IN
which with all the excitement and hurry
| hurly of war and the soldiers life In bat
! tlefield and camp. woman's love and hero
/ isr, form the oversha adowing theme, VIII
/ be- the welcome attraction at the Imperial
! theatre next week II will be seen With
an unusually strong cast, including Miss
/ Alma Kruger as Maryland Calvert. The
/ very large advance sale OF seats already
insures an immense business for the
1 week