The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-21
Mr.. FULLER'S
PLAY IS
WINNER
"Fetters" Carries Off tho $3.50
Prize Offered by the Keith
Management.

Edward Fuller OF Providence Is an
nounced by Manager Lovenberg Of
Keith's TO be the successful contestant In
the prize play competition opened by the
Keith management few weeks ago. This
contest provided that the author Of the
best original play submitted to MaEager
Lovenberg of Keith's before May 20, yes
terday. should received a prize of $50,
and his play be given first class pro-
duction by the Albee Stock company
during the week OF June lst. The contest
was open only to Rhode Island aspirants'
and in thus encouraging local talent.
Manager Lovenberg won the commenda-
ton of everyone. and Rhode Islanders be-
came vastly interested in the laudaole
project
The contest closed last evening. and
this morning Manager Loyenberg an
nounces that the successful play Is ret
ters," a society comedy drama In four
acts by Edward Fuller. dramatic critic
OF the Providence Journal. whose recent
ly published book, John Malcolm mas
brought him prominently before the liter
ary public. When seen today by repre-
sentative of this paper, Manager LoVen-
berg said on the subject:
II must confess that / am vastly pleas
pectations at the result OF the contest,
which closed ,ast evening. OF the thirty
four plays submitted 10 me- l founo
many worthless ones. but i also round
few containing unmistakable signs OF
merit or these there was no doubt that
the best was 'Fetters, judged from ev-
cry standpoint Its plot is strong and ah
sorbing. and from technical standpoint
ts maryelously correct. | believe that
Providence theatregoers will he aston
ished at this play. for in many or the
foremost theatres of the country plays
are presented every week that are by no
means as good as this one, and although
Il In from the pen OF a hitherto un-
known dramatist. 1t is absolutely worthy
OF the Ablee company's efforts, else
would not have chosen IL for their use,
having reserved the right TO reject all
PLAYS II none suited me. / also reserved
the right TO be the sole judge OF the con-
test. as the responsibility OF choosing
good plays for the Albee company has
and does always rest with me.
Later, however. / determined TO verify
decision. II possible. and called upon Mr..
Howard G.. Ripley, who after reading the
thirty-four plays carefully, chose. as
did 'Fetters, giving the same reasons for
his choice as those which governed my
decision Mr. Ripley Is and has been for
many years Providence correspondent Tor
the New York Dramatic Mirror. the lead
ing dramatic paper OF the country, ana
his long experience In this position has
brought him a thorough knowledge or
dramatic matters. so that consider his
Judgment an expert one
"The Albee stock company will therefor
present Mr. Fuller's play at this theatre.
the week OF June LIST. Mr.. Losee, Miss
Evesson. Mr.. Caldara, Mr.. Turner. Mr..
owen. Miss Ingram and Mr. Nicander,
having especially strong roles, while the
other members of the company will be
congenially cast. Mr.. Fuller will receive
the $3.50 prize and we will have the use
of the play for one week. after which 1t
will revert TO the author. He may then
sell or lease IL 10 other managers. the
great strength and merit OF the play
making this very probable"