The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-06-02
HE THEATRE0

Last night was Smith Night" at
Keiths. and crowd which filed every
nook and corner OF the theatre went TO
see the fun why Smith Left Home"
is funny enough itself 10 convulse even
the most base theatregoer, but the little
extras" put In by the members or the
Albee company especially for the beneht
OF the many people named Smith present
were provocative of the widest merri-
ment. Even the members OF the company
themselves seemed to thoroughly enjoy
IT, and everyone threw him or herself
into the spirit OF the evening. The result
was so much spontaneous laughter that
the action OF the play was at times
brought 10 n standstill by the shouts OF
the audience. and everyone was tired
from laughing when the curtain fell.
90
One OF the biggest comedy hits made at
Keith's this season Is that made by Miss
Reimer as Lavinia DAILY, the secretary OF
the Cook Ladies' union and queen OF the
housemaids' order. in why Smith Left
Home" this week. The marvel of II is
the great proof shown OF Miss Reimers
undlsputable versatility. Last week she
played n frivolous. fashionable society
woman, and both looked and acted the
part with fidelity; this week she plays
an Irish character role OF richly humor-
Gus type and Is equally. successful Few.
IL any, other women on the American
stage can portray such a wide variety OF
roles with such remarkable lifelikenees.
She completely loses her own personality
in the role she assumes, and the many
little touches she gives TO each character
are evidences OF the f1nesse OF her art and
make each veritable triumph. Miss
Reimer Is not only a most valuable mem
ber OF the Albee company, but is one OF
the most foremost artistes on the Ameri-
can stage. Her place in the esteem OF
Providence theatregoers Is n strong one
and could not be easily filled by any
other. Her characterization OF 'Iavinia
DAILY" will add to her long list of sue
cesses here.
Some day a New York manager will
see Mr.. Nicander. the Albee Stock com
pany,s clever light comedian, n-a-Fele
such as he is playing In why Smith
Left Home" and discover that he has
few superiors in the portrayal OF German
comedy roles, and then the clever young
man will take big jump toward the top
most round OF fame and fortune. His
assumption OF the excitahle little German,
Count Won Guggenhcim. In one OF tho fun
niest bits OF character work ever seen on
the Providence stage. and Is even fun
nier than his laughable depletion Of the
little German. Won Bulow Schmidt. In
THE Man from Mexico" which is re-
membered by everyone who saw IL as one
OF the features OF last season at Keiths
His makeup is exceedingly funny. and
his dialect could not be improved upon.
Mr. Nicander II a true comedian. for he
has the quick wit that is equal TO maxi
ing the most OF every opportunity, the
keen appreciation of humor which en-
ables him 10 get at all the points in n
role. and above all. he plays comedy with
a seriousness that is doubly funny and
the only right way to play comedy. An
insignificant role In his competent hands
becomes one OF the most prominent I'm the
play. and IL IL this reliability that, has
been such an important factor In making
Mr.. Nicander the big favorite with local
playgoers that he undenably is.
Specialties are given between the acts
Of every production AT the Empire theatre
during the summer season and are
changed weekly. The moving pictures are
not repeated and the illustrated songs,
which have made a distinct hit, are
changed with each change OF bill The
whole seems to make a distinct hit