The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-04-22

an English version of NJ Sardou's Dora
by Clement Scott and B. c. Stephenson,
Is a strong. intense play opulent with
striking climaxes and abounding I'm
splendid opportuitits for the display of
the abilities OF several members OF the
company. Unquestionably Il is one of the
best plays ever presented in stock. The
performance last evening was a delight
ful one, very smooth and finished i'm de-
tail. not at all suggestive of IA first
night" but speaking rather of remarkable
stage management and the harmonious
working of a first class company. Con-
gratulations are due both management
aud the individual players for a perform
ance that would be a credit TO an all
star cast.
For more than a quarter of century
this play has been one of the most popu-
lar OF stock plays. although beyond the
capabilities of many companies who pre-
sent different play each week IL was
a great undertaking. but the Aibee COM
psny proved equal 20 the task. and regis
tered another triumphant success, while
several of the individual members made
such distinct and emphatic hits as will
live long i'm the memory of Providence
theatregoers.
The story of Diplomacy" revolves
around a number of interesting figures.
Russian, French. German and English
diplomats. and the story deals with love
and intrigue. Julian Beauclerc is young
English diplomat, who has just received
an appointment TO the English embassy
at Vienna. He is entrusted with an inn
portant secret document which he Is to
carry 10 Vienna Julian loves Dora de
Rio-Zares whose mother, the Marquis de
Rio-Iares. corresponds with Baron Stein.
a Russian spy. The Countess Iicka. a
Russian spy. secretly loves Julian. Baron
Sfafn ig a
patch possessed by Julian. and proposes
to the Countess Zicka that she steal IL
from his dispatch bag and manage to
throw the suspicion upon Dora
Upon the wedding day OF Julian and
Dora they are obliged to start for Vienna
and while they are preparing for the
journey. Zicka steals the paper. Suspi-
cions point toward Dora and her mother
the guilty ones. aud Julian and Dora
part in anger. Henry Beauclerc, however,
suspects the Countess Zicka because OF
"A certain, powerful sachot she uses. and
cleverly plans trap for her. into which
she falls. confessing her guilt. The story
Is a forcible one, and is told with strength
characteristic OF Sardou.
The chief honors of the evening might
well he awarded 10 Miss Lisle Leigh and
Mr.. William Humphrey. Never Before
has Providence audience had the pleas
ure OF seeing two such finished artistic
bits of acting as were given by these two
artists. Miss Leigh as the Countess Icka
gave an impersonation that for earnest
ness, truth, and impressiveness might not
well have been improved upon. Even the
most ardent of this favorite actress adj
mirers must acknowledge that her per-
formance last evening was one OF the fin
est she has ever given In Providence
The role afforded her splendid oppor-
tunities 10 display the emotional powers
of which she has proven herself the pos
SCISSOR. and the force OF convincing ele-
ment always so noticeable in all of her
work was well 10 the fore. Her scene In
the last act when she confcsses her
guilt, was one OF the best pieces OF work
ever seen on the Keith stage. and fully
deserved the hearty and genuine applause.
AS for Mr.. Humphreys acting, too much
cannot be said of A. Indeed 80 abso-
lutey flawless was Il In every detail so
polished. and artistic 60 such a great de-
gree. that superlatives only can begin TO
do 10 justice. His execution showed n
rare intelligence and clearness of concep-
tion that proves him 10 an actor OF ster-
ling merit. To see Mr. Humphreys inn
person alton alone. Is well wort ha visit
TO Keths this week
Miss Isabelle Evesson made very
charming picture as the Ingenious Dora.
and acted with a warmth and sympathy
that was delightful In the third act.
her indignation and scorn OF Julian's ac-
cusauons were auhlllabiN cNpffrseu, ana
the voclferous round of applause testi-
fed amply 20 the appreciation Of the au-
dience. Altogether she was natural. un-
affected. unassuming. and thoroughly
winsome.
Mr.. William gave a highly creditable
performance as Henry Beauclerc. the
keen-witted far-sighted English diplomat.
who entrsps the guilty ones. and brings
happiness Co his brother and his bride.
Mr. Williams quiet efeotive methods
were never more admirably demonstrated
than IN his present role
Mr.. Orme Caldara made his debut with
the company, and at once jumped into
local favor by a faithful and thoroughly
finished performance. Ills boyish impul-