The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-01

Mother Vilon. .................F Fam l.. Burt
Huguette Du Hamel Margaret Ellington
Jehannetton.. n.............L .Lenoe Compensate
Blanche. e.........................Oli Olive Murray
Cuiilcmette............ ....hose huoparu
1sabeau.. ....................,...lvy lroutman
Denise. ise....................Marg Corcoian
Queen. ................. Norma Hobson
At the Providence Opera house for the
balance OF the week with the usual natl
nee tomorrow, Mr.. r. II. sothren in IF
! were King" a romantic drama by Jus
tin Huntley Mccarthy.
The play wears astonshlngly well. for
modern composition II is probably
registered among the things permanent
and the player grows In every admirable
quality with each recurring season.
The audience at the Providence Opera
hous last evening enjoyed again one of
the few works OF a contemporary author
that approach the loftier pinnacles I'm
respect to theme and workmanship. IL
enjoyed again. and undoubtedly more
than ever before. because II was more
enjoyable via. repetition the playing OF
an American actor who Is we'll on his
way 10 be classed with the handful you
call 10 mind when yor speak of great
American actors.
The audience enjoyed again a produc-
tion so satisfying in every scenic and
constructive detail that mere apprecia-
tion and recognition OF the workmanship
rhat s shown I'm the stage OF III Were
King is big enjoyment OF itself.
IL is clear that the instructive popu-
larity OF young and magnetic actor is
all but passed into a profound admira-
tion on the part OF theatregoers for
great artist. whose rank Is promptly
recognized even by a generation that is
familiar with -eYery-stage- -of-tha- de-
velopment.
how the mannerisms slip easily off as
tho art OF this fine actor steadies and
expands
Last evening there was another ovation
for Mr.. Sothern at the stirring climax of
the second act. The cast was much the
same as that with Mr. Sothern on his
previous visit. the more notable change
being In the part Of Katherine De Vau-
COLES. which is now played by Cecilia
LOTUS. who was. we believe. the original
Katherine. To the part Miss Lotus
brings her wide-eyed. childish beauty and
pretty hauteur that fulhlls captiva-
tingly ones ideal OF the charming Kath-
erinc. a stage creation that compares IA
vorably with the most distinguished OF
master playwrights.
Mr. Wilson. than whom no more fin
ished actor walks our stage. Is again seen
in the part of Louis XI. perfected 10 a
nicety In all the suggestions craft
and meanness and the ignoble OF heart
and mind. II was again a marvellous
performance.
The Abbess was played acceptably.
There Is nothing new TO be said OF this
fine romantic. picturesque drama. except
as above that IL wears as only the best
OF plays can wear An exceptional piece
Of work, 1t responds In effectiveness 10
devotion 10 IT'S playing. the highest con-
sideration of the details OF it's production.
the best work that the best acting talent
can bring to its Interpretation.
Full OF life and color. absorbingly inter
esting In its story. highly romantic en-
Eaeing In all It's features and crammed
with entertaining characterizations, n
captivateS and impresses and provides q
great deal that Is worth while 10 take
from the theatre with you and keep II
memory.
And az for Mr. Sothern. TO whose de
relopment as an artist OF the highest am
bitionSand OF splendid accomplishments
III We're King" has materially contri
buted. he provides In the sympathetiI
character study Of Francois Villon an ex
ample OF stage art that is exceptional
distinctive and individual Ai-
Comparisons are proverbially odorou
and odious. We have many fine actor
in these days. There were never $
many. for, all the. moonggs about tn
good old times and the halcyon days o
the stage. But without venturing com
parison. IL may be said that Mr. Sotherl
Is so we'll advanced toward the leader
ship I'm his art on the American stag
that nothing save an unthinkable relaxa
tion can now threaten his supremacy
He has arrived. And II is not aion
his positively beautiful work I'm the ex
traordlnary study OF Francis Villon tina
exemplnes his genius. but II is tn
equally strong sense that his acting fll
YOU with his reserve. the FIRE yet smoul
dering. 20 fame up in response TO
greater call that justifies such an opin
Ion.
To miss "rf Were King in Its per
fectly finished state ie to miss an extra
ordinary dramatic treat. To fail to Sc
Sothern every season he comes To tow
is 10 miss the spectacle OF an artist O
extraordinary talent and unsurpa ssa
ambitions taking his strides upward {
the very top OF his profession. towar
the heights where sit the great Of stag
history.