The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-07-21
KEITH'S THEATRE.

The large crowd OF theatregoers who
went to Keith's theatre last evening 10
see the Albee Stock company in Alexan-
der Dumas famous. The ThreS Mus
keteers," felt amply repaid for so doing,
for more interesting or enjoyable eve
ning's entertainment could hardly be
found. The celebrated romantic play is
over flowing with strong dramatic
climaxes, and the sparkling dialogue is
clever and at times highly amusing The
applause last evening testified TO the
keen appreciation and enthusiasm OF the
au1tence and the curtain was raised sew
eral times at the end of nearly every act
This production is not only the most
pretent.ous. but will take it's place as one
OF the current stock seasons biggest sue
cesses. The stage settings were
pecislly beautiful and effective. notably
the cabin of the True Briton." and the
ball room at the palace. while the cos
tunes were magnificent and accurate
The cast was greatly augmented 10 meet
the requirements OF the play. and the Ell
semples were skilfully managed. show
ing careful stage management, credit for
which is due to Mr.. Williams. the pop
ular leading man. who staged the pro-
duction. The story OF love and intrigue
at the French court Is too-we1 known
10 need discussion. but suffice IL is 10 say
that no more powerful picture of this
phase OF court life has been drawn by
any other dramatist. and The Three
Musketeers IS certain TO live on for
centuries 10 come. always dellghting
playgoers and filing 10 the hrim the cot-
fers OF those managers who are brave
enough 10 undergo the tremendous eN-
pense OF this elaborate production.
Mr.. Williams portrayal OF the gallant.
impetuous. confident Gascon. D'Artag-
nan. may be considered one OF his most
effective and magnetic seen in this city.
He quite carried his audience with HIM
In his vigor, simplicity, assurance and
youthful agility. and his ciean brilliant
acting. quite deserved the hearty ap-
plause given IL Miss Evesson appeared
as Miladi. role which gave her a new
avenue for the display OF her emotional
power and enabled her TO do a powerful
eit of'act,ug. She was particularly force
iu IN the scene in the last act, where
the is q scovered in her true character by
DAi tagnan. and the tempest Of fury
" hich seikes her when she realizes her
exposure and her frantic attempts upon
his life constituted a most realistic ef-
fort.
Miss Phillips was most attractive ex-
ponent OF the role OF Constance. a part
in which she formerly won great success
with r. II. Sothern. and she added grace
and charm to her delightfully."- natural
acting. The touch Of coquetry with which
she receives D'Artagnan's love making
was one OF the truly delightful features
OF the performance. Mr.. Eosess -6ardt-
nal Richelieu was the strikingly artistic
piece OF acting one might confidently ex-
pect from this reliable artist. and he
combined in an unusual degree subtlety
and force. evidencing careful and stu
dious conception of this famous character.
In addition 10 these qualities. he showed
intelligence. excellent taste, fne discre-
tion and a complete mastery Of histri
onic technique. making the Cardinal
Richelieu an impressive and dominating
figure Miss Ida Adair. who was
pecially engaged for the role OF Queen
Anne. gave a very finished performance
as the hapless queen. and was favorite
with the audience from the start
Miss Adair Is strikingly beautiful
woman. with marvellously clear rich
and sympathetic voice Her charming
graciousness and womanlness contrasted
strongly with the outraged dignity with
which she met the accusations OF the
crafty. designing cardinal. and she was
at all times sincere and convincing Mr..
Turner. as Athos. the melancholy mus
keteer. made n pronounced success Civ
ing strong and impressive piece OF act
ing that elected one Of the heartiest
outbursts OF approval Of the evening. His
scene in D'Artagnan's lodgings was n
powerful piecc of dramatic acting and
quite worthy OF this capable actor. Mr..
Porthos and awoke many hearty laughs,
and Mr.. Nicander as Aramus. the third
musketeer acted with his usual skill and
discretion
Mr. Caldara in looks bearing. grace
and love making made an ideal Bucking-
ham and scored every point Of a rather
ungrateful role. Mr.. Winter gave an
intelligent and deft impersonatlon OF the
weak. jealous King Louis giving life and
color to the role. and Mr.. Webb with
exceptional skill doubled the roles OF the
Captain De Trevils and Count de Roche
fort Mr. Fisher. Mr.. eastman, Mr.. SUIT
ton and Mr.. Raymond played well the
minor roles entrusted to them. and the
other members Of the cast were ade
quate. In all the performance moved
with remarkable smoothness and ease.
showing none Of the halts 10 be expected
from SO stupendous a production on the
first night. On account Of the great
length Of the performance. the manage
ment announce that the curtain will rise
promptly at o'clock in the afternoon
and at $ o'clock in the evening, and as
Is the rule. no person will be seated after
the rise of tho curtain. on Saturday
evening OF this week patrons will be given
souvenir photographs by Sands & Brady
~ that clever young actor. Mr.. Austin
Webb