The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-07-02
KEITH'S THEATRE.


lat Keith's next week Bronson Howard's
|strong comedy drama, "Aristocracy.'
which created such a favorable impress
sion when IL was originally produced
about twelve years ago at Palmer's thea
tire with Viola Allen. Wilton Lackaye,
Blanche Walsh. w. II. Thompson, Helen
Tracey, Josephine Hall, Miller Kent, VIM.
Faversham, Frederick Bond. and other
well known artists In the leading roles.
The play is a clever picture of social life
lin New York and London, the foibles and
|ambitions OF the social leaders OF both
cities being shown with merciless hands
by the author, and IL should not only
| prove an interesting and thoroughly en-
Joyable play 10 local theatregoers. but
will emphasize forcibly the astonishing
versatility OF this superior organization.
| This play is considered by competent
critics the best play ever written by
Howard. and IL is expected 10 prove
even more successful than did the excel
| lent production OF the same authors
other play, Shenandoah. which was
given by the Albee company a few
weeks ago. The story tells OF the Ambi-
ton OF Diana Stockton 20 become a lead
er in the smart set OF New York. Her
husband, several years her senior, Is
western millionaire, but even his money
cannot gain for them place among the
old and honored families jefferson Stock
ton is anxious 10 crafty every whim and
desire OF his young wife, and sets about
10 find a way whereby he may conquer
the position in the social world she de-
sires.
His daughter, Virginia, who is about
Diana's age is engaged to Stuyvesant
Lawrence. but the match is not approved
~ la IN mi
not as old and honored an one as his own
Stuyvesant declares his intention TO
marry Virginia even without his fathers
approval. but Virginia demurs. deferring
the marriage for a few months In the
hope that they can eventually win the ap-
proval OF Stuyvesant's parents. Jefferson
stockton thinks that the best way TO
conquer New York society is TO first gain
an access 10 the European smart set and
then return 10 America He takes his
young wife and daughter 10 London,
where he rents the handsome house OF
the Marquis OF Normandale. titled Eng
lishman with an honored pedigree and far
more ancestors than money.
Stockton also pays the Marquis large
sum to introduce his wife and daughter
10 the nobility OF England. This is done.
and Diana and Virginia Secome the rage
OF the smart set. Prince Emil Won Hal
dAnwald. a profiigate of rather shady
reputation, but polish and handsome ap-
pearance. falls madly In love with Diana
but is repulsed by her. His estates are
heavily involved and he desires 10 SCI
some of the Stockton money. and at the
same time be I'm a position wherein Df-
ana will have to tolerate him. so he be-
gins 10 pay court 10 Virginia. Virginia
refuses his proposals again ano again
Her letters 10 Stuyvesant. and his TO her.
are intercepted and there comes the inev-
table estrangement. When, however.
rumor reaches Virginia that Stuyvesant
is 70 be married in New York. 10 a mem
her OF an old Knickerbocker family. Vir-
oinia accepts and IL married TO the Prince
even against her fathers wishes. This
gains for the Prince the access TO the
stockton house. where he resumes his at
tentions to Diana.
She at first does not tell her huspand
OF the annoyance given her by the
prince. but at last Stockton learns OF II,
and n stormy scene follows. Stockton de-
cides 10 return to New York with his
family hut the Prince goes back TO Paris
TO take up his life of debauchery. Virginia
finds, upon her return to America, that
the rumor OF Stuyvesants marriage was
false A few months later she learns OF
the death Of the Prince I'm duel IN
France. This enables everyone to be hap.
DIV once again. The play is skilfully told,
with a deft combination OF the serious
and amusing. A sprightly young Ameri-
can girl, Catherine Ten Brock Laurence,
and a young American chap being edu-
Gated at an English college. furnish much
OF the fun, as does a stolid English valet.
Miss Laurence will play Diana Stock
ton, and Mr.. Craig will play Jefferson
Stockton Miss Young will have strong
emotional role ms Virginia, and Mr.. Losee
will have some excellent acting opportu-
mites which IL Is hardly necessary to
saw he will make the most OF, as tho
Prince Emil Won Haldsnwald.- Miss In
gram. recovered from her recent Illness,
Will play Catherine Ten Brock Laurence,
and Mr.. Robert G. Turner will play Sher-
dan stockton. Mr. Nicander will be the
manly Stuyvesent. Laurence. Mr.. Byrne
will have a strong role as the loyal
friend, the Due de Vigny -Volante, or the
Prince Mr.. VIM. II. Turner Will play the
Marquis OF Normandale, Mr.. Winter will
be Grimthorpe. Mr.. Fisher will imperson-
ate the Earl OF Caryston Leigh. Mr.. Hill
will portray Mr Hamilton Stuart Iau-
renee, and Miss Love will be Martin. The
play will be adequately staged, and the
ladies OF the company will have some ex-
cellent opportunities to wear some beauti-
fuI gowns.