The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-03-13
~. tn. Iheafres

80 ~ "ON u 0S
The manner in which the big Klaw q
Erlanger production OF ben Hur" tours
tho country is n marvel OF present day
stage achievement IL is an example OF
what splendid organization can accom-
plish in the matter of transportating a
massive production. All the mechanism
and equipment for the larger spectacles Is
carried I'm duplicate and a large staa or
mechanics travel two weeks ahead OF the
show fitting one OUTFIT 10 the stage In the
coming city while the big production Is
being shown in another The advance
stan numbers Is men and the working
stan with the production 36 carpenters
mechanics and electricians.
Charles B. Dillinghams production OF
Mrs Hodgson's Burnetts THE Little
Princess" that has been the most pro-
nounced success Of the season during
its run I'm New York. comes 90 the Prov-
dence Opera House for three nights, be-
ginning Monday, March 30, with Wednes-
day matinee. IT is a most delightful and
surprising combination of play and play
ers. Mrs. Burnett has mingled the hu-
morous and pathetic. the former predomi-
mating, and IL gives JOY 10 every one who
appreciates simple homely sentiment.
She tells an interesting story which close
ly holds the attention. Miss Millie James.
who is Sara the heroine gives really
remarkable performance. and Il Is diff
cult 10 befteve rhHt Hhe Is, in fact,
young woman instead of the charming
child she so artlstically portrsys
sss
Unless there is invented synonym for
success" the English vocabulary will
hardly supply material for a truthful de-
scription of the phenominal reign OF the
jolliest old potentate OF comic opera en-
countered In many year, delicious
king Dodo," who comes to the Prov-
dence Opera House next Monday evening
for three nights and Wednesday matinee.
From the moment one crosses the thres-
hold OF the lobby OF tho theatre he Is
imbued with the spirit OF the occasion.
The prosperity attending the run OF
king Dodo' at Days theatre, New
York; the Studebaker, Chicago. and in
other cities, is easily accounted for, how
ever. for from beginning TO end. from the
chief player 10 the most obscure member
OF the chorus; from the first tap OF the
conductors baton TO the final note OF the
orchestra, and, In fact, from every view
point the entertainment provided, by
king Dodo" is by all odds the most
diverting and enjoyable Of the present
decade.
Raymond Hitchcock. the irresistibly
funny comedian, who heads the organiza-
tion which Mr.. Henry w. Savage will
present here. apparently devotes all Of
his spare time to digging up" new ma
terial His unctuous Interpretation OF
the title role is one Of the most pro-
nounced character hits OF modern stage
history. Cheridah simpson. the Ju-
noesque prima donna, is fittingly cast as
Piola, che Lad Who Leads" Miss
Simpson has not been seen or heard 10
better advantage since her advent into
lyric work.
Flora Zabelle, the sprightly and ami
mated little Annette, has made an equally
pronounced success of her work and cap
tivating Margaret Mckinney, blooms
forth fetchingly as Angela. Greta Ris-
ley, the imposing contralto, sings the role
OF Queen Lii in a regal manner. Arthur
Deagons Pedro, VIM. Corliss Profess
sor Nudge and Arthur Wooley's Or. FiZZ
are all clever character delneations.
The organization, which numbers a.
people includes a sprightly and winsome
chorus of stunning show girls which is
one of the real joys OF the performance,
and such a collection OF feminine beauty
has not been encountered In a comic
opera in a long time.
Robert Hiliard. the well-known dra-
matte actor. comes to Keith's this week
in the episode. THE Littlest Girl.
drama tization by Mr.. Hiliard OF Richard
Harding Davis beautiful story. Her first
Appearance. Mr.. Hilliard ranks as one OF
the best actors on the American stage to-
day. and his remarkably long and success
full. financially and artistcally. New York
faHs Ia tigeagaf
of his great popularity with New Yorh
thea tregoers. Nothing since mis- creation OF
eames Bhgden in Wheels Within
Wheels" has brought Mr.. Hilliard more
lie than his portrayal OF the New York
clubman. Van Bibber. In THE Littlest
Girl" His local engagements always
bring out the creme de la creme. and even
I'm the I.enten season he is likely to be
entertained extensively by the local
smart set
The bin nj Keith's March % will include
Mary Hampton Co. Merian's Dogs, Lot
tie Gladstone. Josephine Sabel, The Three
Nevarros, Mr. and Mrs Harry Thorne.
Adair & Dahn. Jones & sutton, lnhoff
& Conn and others.
Josephine Sabel. the celebrated Partisan
chanteuse. Is booked for the local Keith
theatre at the early future and is expect
cd 70 create something of stir by her
original work.
Boston paper describes tho act OF
Merian's Dogs. which Is this week one OF
the especial features Of the strong bill
at Keiths Boston theatre and 81 10 be
held over until next week. as "the great
est OF all animal acts" and recommends
every mother 90 see the act herself and
see that her little ones sec e. The act
is unduestionably Of the most unique or
der, and the animals show almost human
sagacity.
"The Burgomaster Is making big hit
this week al the Imperial. There Is not
"A doubt that this effervescent and up-tO-
date musical travesty Is the cleverest and
most succe ssfll of its kind The book