davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05

ing features that are extreme novelties
even In these days OF ingenious stage
construction.
1t was wonderful how we'll all this mass
OF scenery was handled last evening, and
how swiftly the scenes followed one an
other without even such hhches and de-
laws as would be counted upon for an
opening night.
The chariot race the biggest piece or
stage machinery I'm the whole collection,
alone failed TO do its prettiest The
failure Is only mentioned so that such
OF the audience as thought the attempted
illusion was all there and must have felt
that IL did not come up to their expec-
tstions may understand that II didn't
work for all IT was worth by any means
III II had. IL would have surely fulfilled
expectations But with this exception
everything went with amazing smooth
ness and the handling of the supernu-
maries was as imr 'ssive in this respect
az the facility with which the big scenery
was hustled about
The costume effects are a notable rea-
ture OF the production because OF their
evident fidelity and the splendid sense
displayed In their color combinations.
With all the wealth and brilliancy OF dis
play. there is an entire absence OF the
garish and loud In the colorng OF the
masses OF costumes.
The closing scene where the people are
assembled on Mount Olivet, whore the
miracle OF healing the lepers is indicated,
! = especially remarkable for its color ef-
/ fects than which nothing In stage mass
! ing could he more beautiful Probably
! II is the scene that I'm years 10 come you
will remember most from ben Hur."
Through the play as through the book
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05

inent members OF ths cast. He played
with a snap and precision that mode him
q strong favortts from the opening OF
the play OF the fnal line and his evident
enjoyment of the fun enhanced the ef-
fectiveness OF his work Miss ingram
played the companion role a. Nellie Colt
Ia a delightfuiiy breezy manner.and wore
some very pretty gowns Mr.. Losee was
tho stern. unreientinS Christopher. Sr.,
and showed the same skill and inteli-
gence as heretofore, although the part
afforded him few opportunities
Miss Barney as Mrs. Colt showed a
auist sense of humor and the converea-
tons OF Mr. and Mrs. Colt, sr., through
whimper. their mutual servant were ex-
eeedingly funny Mr.. Marsh playeo
Whimper in such a manner as 10 win the
hearty commentator Of everyone and
his somewhat efree but amusing trans
lations OF his employers speeches aroused
no little laughter. That genial comedian,
Mr. Owen, added new lustre TO MS al
ready enviabie reputation. and as Major
Hedway, who 10 addicted 20 chess ano
maps. was very entertaining. Mr. Cal
dara was Mr. Simpson. the manager OF
the Bombay house. and emphasized MS
versatihty by playing with great success
a role quite different from those In wnich
he Is usually seen Mr. Webb was especi-
ally good as job. and made a great deal
OF fun OF a part which. In less compe-
tent hands, would have been unimport-
ant but which as played by this clever
Young man was one OF the best in the
play.
Two NJ the funniest characters In the
entire play and two OF the best depicted
were Mr. and Mrs. Gllbb. played by Mr..
Winter and Miss Reimer. Mr.. Glibo Is
The president OF an amateur theatrical
society, and has not single line 10 say
until almost the climax OF the entire
NAV. although he is on the stage great
leal. BY quietly humorous methods In
which facial expression played strong
part this able actor kept the audience
I'm an uproar every moment he was on
,he stage and was given a great deal OF
spontaneous applause. Miss Reimer play
"a Mrs Glibb the volu5le wife OF che
'chatteroox," as she terms him. In an
trresistlby funny manner. Without
single exception. the play was costumed
faultlessly Particular praise Is due
Stage Director Winter for stage settings
which we're especially handsome, and
which were generously applauded By the
appreciative audience.
Nothing more effective than the cheer
less attic chambers OF Christopher. Jr
can be conceived. nor anything mor4
sumptuous and complete In every detail
than the pretty apartments of Major
Hedway at Bombay II showed the care
fulness of the stage management and
was one OF the many pleasing features
Of the entire play.
clyde Fitch's well-known society
drama. The Moth and the Flame, one
OF the strongest. most intense plays e"cl
written, is announced for presentation
May H.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05

themselves the audience laughed more
heartily. Certainly. in nothing that the
Albee company has yet appeared have
they appeared at better advantage. They
entered into the spirit OF the comedy In
a manner that proved contagious 70 the
audience.
The story tells Of Christopher Colt. Jr..
and Dora Hedway who have been sud
denly and secretly married neither hav-
ing met the other and parting immedi-
ately after the ceremony. Christopher,
Jr. has given Dora the card OF his chum,
Burt Bellaby Christopher. Sr.. wishes
to arrange a good match for his son,
and selects Dora as his choice for his
sons wife. Christopher. Jr., refuses 20
comply with his fathers wishes and de-
clines to give any reason-his real reason
being that he Is already married. though
unknown to anyone. He IL sent to Bonn
bay 10 his fathers business branch Of
fice. and there meets Dora and falls
madly In love with her Dora recipro-
Gates the feeling. but neither tells the
other. believing that they are already
married.
Christopher Jr., seeks aid OF his chum,
Bellaby. who is young lawyer, and
whose card he had given Dora. The
complications that then arise follow an
other with such rapIdity that the audi
ence are not given a chance TO recover
from one outburst OF laughter before they
are again overcome The company are
seen at their best, and gave a perform
ance worthy OF their high standard. Mr..
Williams played the title role with the
| graceful debonair manner that has won
him SO many admirers. He never lost a
chance 20 provoke a laugh, yet was force
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05

work OF most child artists who have ap-
peared on the local stage. The child artlst
has become somewhat OF a bore 10 tne
theatre going public and this has been
brought out nv the sickening VANITY
which usually accompanies the work oil
the much herslded prodegies and seems
To be their entire stock In trade.
The entire absence OF this repulsive
feature is particularly noticeable IN Mas
ter Santley's playing and the most prelu-
diced critic could not accuse. MIN OF over
piaving the part.
Iimmie makes his appearance In the
first act entitled "the struggle for bread,
and all OF his hard earned pennies are
grabbed by his drunken father. Matt FRA
zier not satisfied with the few pennies
takes the last washing completed by MS
wife and delivers IL himself 80 thar ne
will he sure OF the sixty cents for rum.
In this setting. Tessie Frazer Is seen
working at the wash tub with her foster
mother and DR. Rogers makes his ap-
pearance % a friend OF the poor and ad-
mirer o; Tesse
Michael Nolan. good hearted landlord,
attempts 10 aid the family financially and
shows more than admiration for Mrs.
Frazier.
jeremiah Milton. a black-hearted lawyer
comes into the house just n Matthew IL
about 10 leave for more liGuor and brihes
the drunken wreck to assist him In the
-
heir to considerable property. the titles
OF which are In the hands OF the lawyer.
The second act shows Jimmie az an
inmate of a reformatory school and under
the guardian eve OF a red-headed school
mistress with cork screw curls and the
master. a cowardly Jew. who is taking
his position for what there Is In H.
Jimmie Is kept in dark room without
warmth OF food 10 break his spirit and
then turned loose upon the class In this
act Master stanley proves himself a
sparkling fun-makcr and keeps his audi
ence ln continual laughter at his odd an
tics
While in the reformatory. Jimmie IL told
that his mother is dead by The wicked
Jew, and the poor bewildered boy hardly
knows whether TO believe II or not. but
consoles himself with the belief that II II
were true his good friend. Michael Nolan.
who has visited the school and promised
10 Aid him. would have told him of hts
mothers death Jimmie anuses his audi
ence with numerous csca pades at the ex-
peuss of the schoolteacher and finally es-
canes from the dennoralixed institution.
Sullivan's alley r. the scene or the third
act which introduces Jimmie In a thrill
ins slide for iife on a ciothesline strung
between the upper stories of rookeries on
opposite sides OF the lane
In this act an oid bag acts with the Wiz
famous lawyer IN an attempt 10 locate the
missing VIII and Jimmie successfully es-
canes their traps
The story ~ the play is long and inter-
estinT. -Nice 20 say that The last act
clears M the ruddle and Jimmy enters
into hls lawful hsirship. DR. Rogers gets
his Tessie. and the drunken husband
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05
KElTH'S THEATRE.

At Keith's last evening large and
enthusiastic audience saw a capital pro-
duction OF Madeleine Lucette Ryley's up
roariously funny comedy christopher.
Jr," in which John Drew and Maude
Adams formerly appeared with great
success. The play Is a comedy OF the
most wholesome, entertaining kind. and
Judging from the frequent outbursts OF
spontaneous laughter and applause which
interrupted last evenings performance,
the audience heartily enjoyed II. II Is
one OF Mrs Ryleys very best efforts,
and at each succeeding entanglement
I'm which the characters OF the play found
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05
EMPIRE THEATR RE-.

II was when We Were Twenty-one'
at the Empire last evening with MI Will
liam Morris an the lead, assisted by ca
pable and well balanced company In al
most every particular. The piece has oeen
presented In Providence before. severa!
years ago, by Mr. Nat G. Goodwin ano
Miss Maxine Elliott and II was iater
taken up by Mr.. Norris who has met with
great success in the part played py NAT.
Goodwin that of Dick Carew. MT. motifs
Is indeed we'll qualified to interpret tnis
charactei~-that of a middle-aged oaehoios
who thinks much more or others aho y.
their happiness than he does OF himseii
ar of his own pleasures Perhaps what
strikes one more forcibly than anythine
else r. his voice, which II well modulateo
clear and rich and always sympatneuc-
his stage presence is excellent and entire-
Is free from affectation. Miss May heh.
nesey as Phyllis Ericsson Is well piaceo
and captivated the audience by her grace
and artistic Interpretation OF her part
that OF a whimsical girl OF today ana al
though whimsical has with IL al! lot OF
good common sense Miss Hennesey ana
Mr. Morris make a strong comoinauon
and seem 10 work out the dinicut scenes
between them quite as well as lheS coui'
possibly he done.
The niece In itself is not what could be
called especially strong but II certainly
appeals and leaves a most pleasant Ell
feet II abounds with love. kindness ana
charity mingled with true humor IL tels
the story OF a bachelor who being lei'
with the bringing up OF the son OF dear
and close friend. endeavors to save tne
hot-headed youngster who Is or the
Fools -Hill-Age, from the wiles or
courtesan. The bachelor has done every
thing possible for the boy even TO smotn-
ering the love ne bore for the girl 10
whom the youngster was engaged but did
not love and who broke on the engage
ment under the influence OF the adven-
turess The bachelor adopts rather
/ unia,ie plan to cure the youngsters raise
love for the courtesan and succeeds hnal-
Iv in showing him the error or his ways
! or course the bachelor comes TO under
stand. later that his love for the youns
woman IL reciprocated by her and THIS
/ adds to his happiness Of having saved MS
ward.
There are some very strong scenes
which are ably done and on the whole u
! is a most pleasing performance from oe
I ginning 10 end. .
/ As Richard Terrsnce THE INN
/ Franklin Jones make very good impres
( sion. He IL well adapted to the part OF
] hot-headed. impetuous young man. wn'
at the same time has loving natur'
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05
PARK THEATRE.

"Peck's Bad Boy" a bright and very
amusing entertainment IL the attraction
which opened at the Park theatre. yester-
day, for the current week The play Is an
old-time comedy. but has lost none OF It's
FUN ma king elements, and the large audi
ence which greeted II last night greatly
enjoyed the pranks OF the bad boy and
his chum.
The opening scene is that OF the grocery
store OF Max schultz. which Henry Peck.
the bad boy. and his chum Jimmie Duffy.
use as hesdquorters for their pranks. Mr..
schultz who has a friendly feeling for the
lads is made to bear all sorts OF jokes
until his store is almost ruined by the
boys.
The next scene II that Of the dining
room in Major Peck's home with the table
prepared for dinner for guests who have
been invited TO dine BY the major. The
lads, still bent on mischief, fasten roller
skates on the host and one OF his guests,
Mr. Duffy. who think they can skate.
Here the FUN WAKES warm and after many
vain attempts they are both glad TO have
the skates taken on In this act there Is
some very acceptable work done by
quartet. who have to respond to repeated
encorcs.
The last act. a scene at the picnic
grounds, opens with musical number
by Mr. r. Coppnger. as Patrick Duffy.
and shows Mr. Coppinger TO be a very
clever COfneuihu. ne mas soou NViSt ohu
rendered his different specialties very ac-
cepably In this act there were several
specialties offered. all OF which were
warmly spplauded. one particularly good
team was the one which. among Its many
turns. rendered tho harp song and dance.
The sketch between Miss Annie White
and Mr.. Coppingcr was also above the
average Mr. wsllie Clark. as Max
Schultz the grocer. was excellent and
each time his appearance was signal for
laughter and applause.
The inaie was boxing bout between
the Madison brothers. Joseph, who IL re-
ported 90 hold n high standing In the
bantam-weight class. ana Charles. who
also has quite a reputation. In this spe-
ciaity they held the entire attention ~
their audience. many of whom lcngs for
more az the fnai curtain was rung down.
The comranv is one greatly above the
average and each have snecislties which
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05
AT THE EMPIRE.

that one cannot help but like. William
Strong. w. ]. Butler and Herbert Colby,
as The Trinity the three close friends
of Dick and foster fathers OF THE Imp;
Mr. Butler OF the trio is most excellent
and created much laughter by his inter
probation OF Sir Plumley. commonly call
ed "Waddles" Miss Jane Wheatley as
"Trhe F'irefy" with whom The Imp" IL
enamored makes very creditable show
ing considering the rather difficult and
not particularly pleasing part she has to
play. while the other members OF the
company do very well. The piece will be
here al week With matinees THIS AFTER
noon, Thursday and Saturday.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05

he is TO be king OF the Jews Is filied with
reverence for him.
The part OF Ben Hur as portrayed oy
Mr. Farnum is impressive, both because
OF the actors superb physical equipment
and by a finely Intelligent reading In his
narrative TO Simonside about how he saw
the Messiah and saw him perform mira
cles with HIS own eyes. Is recited splen-
didly and with a quality OF reverence
that is admirable Most OF the drama is
made up OF scenery and action The
dialogue as n rule is unimportant. But
this one speech as delivered by Mr.. Far
mum is really fine thing in the way
OF stage defamation.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05

|.'.yke gkeatre5.'. :


footlightS many "A shriner In the audi
ence must have been moved 20 waft
brotherly salutation To the camel. IL Is
a fine camel and we should think in all
that big company of picturesquely cos
TUNED people. I'M all the clatter and hum.
with all the big scenes many OF which
he Is an active part OF the curios, weird,
he il In active part OF the curious, weird,
wholly extraordinary music that reaches
his placid ears from the orchestra, 10
say nothing Of his iogs around the coun-
try between stands. that camel ought
to recognize that he is having the time
OF his life.
The play which follows commercially
specific incidents in the book on which
the story runs. II divided into six acts
and a grand total OF some 10 or l5 scenes
all OF them more than ordinarily elabo-
rate. some of them Of a bigDess that has
never been surpassed and some contain
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05

having gracefully died In the preceding
act, the benevolent landlord secures Mrs.
Frazier as his prize
The cast OF children supporting Master
Santley were particularly good and rem
dSred several original specialties during
the performance
The buriesaue on the Rogers brothers
famous song, THE Reuben ana the
Maid" offered by Joseph Santiey, miss
Ida Iawrence and Frank Myers. made a
pronounced hit and was admirably Wen
done.
The work OF little Ida Lawrence was
one OF the bright features OF the snow
the little actress showing marked versa
tility IN the assumption OF a variety OF
parts and costumes.
The show from the rise OF the curtain
to the drop on the last act, held the clos
est attention OF the audience ana uh-
6ouhtediv will rank as one Of the very
best productions OF its kind ever given In
Providence.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05
lEPt R AL THEATRE.

Dmunitive Joseph Santley In the four
act meiodrama "A Boy of the Streets,
created very favorable impression at the
Imperial theatre last evening carrying
out the title role of the piece In an ire
sistabe style which won the deepest ad-
miration of his audience and compelled
the talented boy artist TO respond to re-
peated curtain calls after every act
Master SantIey's equisitely delicate In
terpretation OF Jimmie the adopted
child OF a drunken father far excelis the
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05
WESTMINSTER THEATRE.

There is a barrel Of fun nj the West
minister theatre this week. for there has
not been a more lively company here this
season than this one. Bob Manchester's 3
Vanity Fair and Tammany Tiger.
The corps OF girls are leading feature,
for they are pretty. can sing. dance. and
the many evolutions made by them, and
that TO the fastest of music. are such as
to call for a hearty encore. something
seldeHa-dene TlAe-eeetvmee, ,-eeeaery
and stage settings are far better than the
ordinary. and IN fact there II nothing
lacking 20 entertain. and that OF the
proper sort.
"Ophella and Fedora" a musical exit.
II the frst number on the bill. and starts
OF with a rush and sets the audience
in the best Of humor.
Mis-. Lillian Held. assisted by four other
pretty girls. open the olio with songs and
dances. thst take well They are fol-
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05

The board Of aldermen met yesterday
afternoon with Mayor Miller in the chair
and all the members excepting Davis and
Perkins present
The principal business OF the session
was the election of city solicitor, park
commissioner and an OFFICER 10 take
charge of the health department IN the
absence of Superintendent Chaplin, now
in Europe for his health
Eight grand and the same number OF
petit Jurors were drawn Tor the oniteo
States court for this district.
Sunday nuisance orders were issued.
The netirone Of Henry C. Arnold TO
build a barn on the east side OF Buckhn
street, William 7. watkins rear B HE'D
lev street and Harry Pierce rear 10 Ken
Won street, were taken from the taoie
and granted
The reports OF the Dexter asylum for
the weeks ending April Ii ana % aDo
May were received.
The petition of Edward Parkinson 10
locate a steam boiler at 81 sprague street
was granted.
Also the petition Of Horton and Hem
ingway to use a building as a barn on tne
south side OF Manchester street.
The petitions Of Rosetta 8. Jillson for
abatement of tax. and the petition for
sewer on Robin street were referred TO
| the proper committees
The schedule Of bills Of the sealer or
| weights and measures amounting 10 $S3'IO,
| OF the superntendent OF health $<o6S.s5
| the inspector OF milk OF SASS and the
! overseer of the poor. Of SSso36 were re-
| ceived.
A Joint resolution permitting Henry
Whelan to move a building was passed
REPORTS RECEIVED.
The report OF the overseer OF the poor
and of the city treasurer on the sale OIL
registered bonds during the months OF
March and April, were received
A resolution REMEMBERING Roanoke
street was passed.
Also a resolution changing the name on
Tyndall place to Gould place.
Alderman Cooke nominated Francis
Colwell for city solicitor for the nex'
three years, the nomination being sec
onded by Alderman Reynolds. MI Col
we'll was unanimously elected.
Alderman Cooke also nominated r. III
I Goddard for park commissioner for the
next three years, and he was unanimous
ly elected.
The application OF NJ. r. Spencer e
build a barn on Laura street, was laid
on the table for two weeks
The application OF Bernard J. Murray
10 build barn rear ~ Appleton street
was granted under suspension -th'
I rules
Also a petition Of the American Trus
company to build q barn on Bath street
on the recommendation OF the sup
erintendent OF health James II. Giller
was granted permission to remove th'
contents OF vaults.
The reports OF the city messenger fo
March and April were received.
Malichi A. Kelly was appointed III
undertaken upon recommendation OF th'
city registrar.
Eugene b. King was appointed deput,
superintendent OF health and deputy cit.
registrar during the absence OF the su
perintendent and registrar in Europe.
PETITIONS RECEIVED.
The petition Of j. r. Freeman and 9th
ers for grade OF Moons avenue, nesl
Oney street was referred 10 the com
mittee on streets.
The petition OF Thomas r Toomey snt
others to change the name ~ Globe stree
was referred TO the committee on stree
signs and numbers.
Petition OF the Boston Store Land com
pany asking for asphalt pavement or
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05

fll and convincing in the few brief mo-
ments of seriousness.
Mss Phillips played Dora Hedway with
that charm and Rirlishness which has
been noticeable In her previous work
here. and made pronounced and un-
qualified shccsss Mr. Nicander AID an
excellent piece ~ acting. and as Burt
Beliaoy was easily one Of the most prom
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-05

runs the story 81 Christ The wise men
20 follow the Star and the story OF their
experience IS later recalled by one -
them who figures in the action - the play
thirty years after From time 10 time
there 1s news and gossp about the Ma
zarene and What he l. doing Ben Hur
secs him. az last with bis own eyes and
though unconvinced az TO the idea that