The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-12-30
MAKES A DECIDED HIT
IN new 0NE-ACT PLAY

At Keith's last evening Robert Hill
Hard, the distinguished legitimate actor,
who is this week heading the bill at
Keith's. presented for the first time on
any stage a new one-act play land a
tableaux) by Campbell McCuloch. one
Of the most prominent New York dra-
matte critics "As a Man Sows" was
tho very interesting title OF the little
play which was intense-almost tragic
in theme and development The char
acters are society people, and tho cur
tain rises disclosing very pretty do
nestle scene after dinner in the home
OF James Grantley, New York business
man. and are found Mr.. Grantley his
wife, Kate Grantley. Elsie. their child,
and Mr.. Van Bibber." Elsies Cham
plon. which latter role was most intelli-
gently portrayed by Mr.. billiards. mag
nificent prize collie.
Perfect love and eontentment reigns
supreme In the Grantiey home although
Mrs Grantley has had an unhappy past
In which an unscrupulous wretch, Nit
chell Vance has figured, he having dnped
and deceived her before her marriage 20
Grantley. Grantley knows all the story.
but loves and cherishes his wife the
more, awaiting the time wnen he will
be brought face 10 face with Vance and
settle the score with him. Vance regrets
having cast Kate aside and comes TO
the Grantley home. trying 10 win her back
20 him,
He Is recognized by Grantley from an
old photograph, and after an intense
scene. Grantley is on the point OF killing
him, when Vance falls into a chair dead.
the ambulance surgeon. who is called In
declaring il 10 have been an attack of
apoplexy. This necessarily brief sketch OF
the plot cannot adequately picture the
force and intensely OF the little play,
which, IL may be said without exaggera-
tion, is the most powerfur and interesting
one-act play seen on the local stage for
long time and which is decidedly the best
OF Mr.. Hilliard's repertoire. and since
the sterling actor first appeared I'm yau-
devile his every vehicle has been better
than its predecessor Mr.. Hilliard was
again the "Handsome Bob with whom
theatregoers are familiar, but who has
been lost the past season or so in the ex-
convict OF mo. 9T3."
lie gave a finished and remarkably vir-
lie impersonation of James Grantley, and
II Is to be doubted II a more excellent
piece OF acting has been seen In vaude-
VILE. He il to he especially congratulated
upon his support Miss Lillian Thatcher,
young, pretty and attractive. gave
sympathetic and earnest depletion OF the
wire, ana Mf. lsdTl htuef pldytu mlACh'lI
Vance I'm manner that was clear-cut
and sincere and could not have been i'm
proved upon.
A generous share OF the honors fell To
! little June Pelton, one Of the cleverest
! child actresses before the public with
whom Mr. Hilliard has "A contract for five
| years), who was very sweet and charm
| ingly unaffected as Elsie. Her little
| scene with Van Bibber, the dog. and later
with Mr. Vance were delightfully."- played
! and was one OF the bright features OF the
play, making a sharp contrast TO the more
\ intense later scenes.
! There was large and critical audience
present and there was a fattering still
ness throughout the entire act. and at the
| finish the audience broke into a round
| OF applause which was veritable ova-
ton. They called Mr.. Hilliard and his
| company before the curtain and com
| PEELED him TO make a speech. He thanked
| the audience, I'm nervous flrst-night
manner, for their kind appreciation and
paid a warm tribute 10 the members OF
! his company and the management for
their cooperation I'm producing the beau
| tlful new play. SO successful was the
premiere production that Mr.. Hilllard
will continue to play II the remaining
performances OF his current engagement
| at Keiths.