The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-06-07

were II entirely different scenes. but only
three required more than few seconds
TO arrange the new scene, so that there
were but two waits Of any length, and
those only about 10 minutes. IL was
something OF novelty, too, 20 see most
OF the changes made in the dark. and
the audience seemed TO appreciate the
rapidity and ease with which the stage
hands. under Mr.. Winters guidance,
managed these quick changes.
THE Sporting Duchess as play, Is
too we'll known 10 need comment. IL is
n capital play with a powerful story and
some excellent character drawing and
some fine dramatic scenes. There are
so many strong parts that IL has proved
splendid vehicle for al-star productions
in the past, but II Is such stupendous
production from scenic standpoint that
Il is rarely attempted by stock com
pany. Few people in the audience could
have failed 20 realize what IL means TO
give a performance such as that given by
the Albee company last evening with the
few rehearsals which is possible for them,
and II must have further entrenched the
unequalled stock company I'm the estima-
ton of Providence playg6ers Both in
dividually and collectively the company
scored n pronounced hit Miss Law
renee. I'm the title role was seen in an en-
tirely different light than that which she
has previously appeared and her success
was equally great She played the
humorous, sporty, but good hearted
Duchess with a delightful sense OF tho
humour OF the part and completely won
her auditors.
Mr. Craig played the Earl OF Des-
borough I'm an earnest. sincere manner
that was highly 10 he commended. and
az no time was he lacking I'm force or
powpr-Mr- " tt1r-TrT1 -fAurUgr, UIF or
the biggest favorites OF the company,
made his first appearance this season and
was given a welcome that left no doubt
that his coming is genuine pleasure 10
everyone IL was several minutes before
he could speak so prolonged was the
vociferous greeting given him. As Joe
Aylmer. Mr.. Turner made marked
artistic success He brought out with
the finesse and intelligence iof the true
artist he undeniably is, all the loyalty,
tenderness and hurt pride OF the old horse
trainer, and his portrayal was marked
by a vital and compelling power that
made Il not only one OF the features OF
this production. but one OF the best pieces
OF acting seen on the local stage for many
a day. Alboe company patrons may well
rejoice that this sterling actor Is once
more here.
Another old favorite who was given a
greeting hardly less warm was Miss Lisle
Leigh. who was formerly member or
the Albee company. and who was es-
pecially engaged for one week for this
production Miss Leigh showed that
she had lost none OF the cleverness which
made her such a general favorite here
when she was connected with the Alhee
company. and gave a striking perform
ance as Nivieh Dnrville Her characteriza-
ton was finished 20 a great degree and
she scored every point with ease and
skill Miss Rivers won a large share
Of the evenings honors as Lady Des-
borough. probably the hest opportunity
she has vet had for strong emotional
work she showed commendablc dis
cretion. yet complete sympathy with the
role. and pictured the outraged wife and
the devoted mother fcellngly Her scene
In the court room. when separating from
her boy. was powerful bit of actlng and
moved everyone In the audience by It's
delicncy.
Mr.. Boscc was. as always. excellent
The role OF Major Mostyn gave him
capital opportunities To exercise -il.a-art
which he go completely controls and he
gave one of HIS very best portrayals.
which. 20 those who are familiar with
his abilities. means a great deal Mr.
Robert G. Turner gave highly creditable
depletion Of tho little Jockey. Dick Ham
mond. never once losing his grasp upon
the pathetic side OF the character. yet
never overacting n single bit. scoring by
the suppressed force and subtlety OF his
work. Physically and temperamentally