The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-04-19
KElrn's THEATRE.

The brflliancy on the AlDee StoSh Coin-
pany openings at Ksitih's theatre each
season is famous Last evening outshone
even tho remarkably successful nrst
nights OF the previous Afbee companies
and when tho vast throng OF theatre
goers, which II is hardly necessary 10 say
illed every square inch OF room In the
beautiful theatre. left the playhouse the
most enthusiastic words OF commenda-
tlon were heard and the unanimous YER
oict seemed 20 be that the fourth Albee
Stock company Is by far the best that
has ever borne Mr.. Aibee's name. The
popular theatre. always the prettiest In
this section OF thu country, wAs even
moro beautiful last evening In its gala at
tire. profusely and handsomely decorated
with potted plants. cut flowers and other
decorations. it's pretty summer draperies
and carpet which replaced those used In
the vaudeville season. and the innumer-
able other little touches which went far
10 make the theatre a sight well worth
seeing. The handsomely gownsd audi
ence. which was ono OF the most fash
ionable seen I'm a Providence theatre for
many a day. added 10 the pretty picture,
and the ushers and attaches In new and
smart summer uniforms contributed to
its effectiveness.
Enthusiasm and friendIiness complete
plause were frequent and prolonged and
OF a spontaneous quality which left no
room for doubt 20 it's genuineness-
When at the end OF the second act. the
applause brought tho entire company.
with the exception OF Mr. Francis Byrne
VINO Joins the company next week ana
Mr. William III. Turner who comes 1T
tie later to the stage, a vast number OF
beautiful and unique floral tributes were
handed over the footlights 10 the various
members OF the company making the
stage look nko one huge flower garden.
the enthusiasm bubbled over and II
seemed ss II the applause would never
end.
II was certainly a very pretty picture
and one that will not soon he edJislled
upon n local stage In spite OF the fact
that the audience was a most friendly
one az the ovations rendered TO all the
old favorites and the warm welcomes ex-
tended 10 the newcomers attested. IL was
also a MOST critical one, Judging from the
demonstrations OF approval the perform
ancc in every detail gave complete salts
fatfon. individually and collectively. the
new company Is the strongest stock or
sanlzation this city has ever had. and
Providence people are 10 be congratulated
for being given the opportunity 10 see
such n sterling aggregation or aruSs. At
last evenings enjoyable entertsinment ~
any CRITERION Some Ulk At'oSS o'N ~ NNN'~
for local playgoers.
The opening play. The Charity Ball"
was a very happy choice. IL Is pretty,
wholesome play, containing number OF
strong parts which makes IL aornirapiF
adopted to stock company work ana tne
audience seemed to enjoy every minute OF
H. Miss Lillian Lawrence, the new lead-
ing woman Of the company, appeared IN
the role OF Anne Cruger and her renned
and sweet personality. her Intelligent In
terpretation OF the womanly character.
made her an immediate favorite' Aiss
Lawrence has a very pleasing stage pres
ence. wilowy and graceful, ann weaun
OF golden hair. A pleasing feature wmcn
captivated everyone was her very pretty
,.o,ra There was a delightful naturainess
ana esrneStness about her work. which
veil deserved the hearty applause given
her and her initial performance here may
20 credited with being pronounced 'r'-
umph.
Mr.. John Craig, the new leading man
of the company, gave perrvi mSn
worthy OF his splendid artistic ability ana
tustieed The nredlction that he Is TO be-
come very popular with discriminating
tboatregoers here He is fine looking
manly actor, with a peculiarly masneuc
personalitv and a clear. well-moouisted
voice which rings true in everything ho
says. He played with fine understanding
posing about Mr.. Craiss work, ana It's
very simplicity bespeaks the true artnt
In tho scenes with his mother and htte
sister he was tender and simple. ana IN
tho scene in the rcctory with his brother
Dick. he was most impressive
THAT finished actor Mr.. Frank Losee'
was given such an ovation upon MS en-
trance that he was for several moments
unable 10 speak. Truly more heartfelt
welcome has never been given an actor IN
this city and Il proved beyond doubt the
depth OF OF the favor and esteem In which
he is held. As might be expected, ne
gave n very finished portrayal, and made
the weakness and vice OF Dick Van Buren,
"a attractive and polished as can be I'M
agined. 1t was powerful piece OF acting
stamped with vitality and intellectuaity.
Mr. VIM II. owen was given greeting
teeming with affection and It's warmth
and yigor quite overcame him. lie ap-
reared I'm the rolo of Judge Peter Gurney
Knox which admirably fitted his incom-
parable powers and he gave a splendid de-
piction OF the genial. amusing attorney.
Perhaps no actor on the American stage
is gifted with such an unctuous personal
'ty which makes him rank alone as an ex-
ponent of humour. In the scenes with
Mrs. De Peyster he was especially happy
and won much laughter and applause
Miss Helen Reimer. as breezy and richly
humorous ss OF old. seemed even more
popular than ever. and played MIS- "a
milla De Peyster. the fascinating widow,
who dabbles I'm stocks with all the clever
ness which ehe undenisbiy hiss. she gave
20 the role n hundred little ~ibtle touches
which made II nm admirable depletion and
one OF the most entertaining pieces OF
acting OF the entire evening
Miss ingram played the role OF Bess
Van Buren, with the dash ana sparkle, ss
we'll as the simplicity which has charso-
terized her work In the past and which
has. made her such n general favorite. No
greeting OF tho evening was more cordial
Than hers Miss Mary Young. new
conner, made one OF the renuine Successes
OF the evening IN the role OF Phyllis Lee,
he charming southern girl. Miss Young
IL n most attractive young woman, with
a very musical voice and convincing
method which IL is n pleasure TO watch.
She completely lost herself In the role,
and In the strong dramatic scenes given
her she completely swept everything be-
fore her and brought forth vcritsble
storm Of applause. Had the part been
written especially for her, she could
hardly have played n hetter