The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-04-26
AT THE THEATRES.

A glance az the house would have made
one think that everyone was there, but,
Of course. that wasn't strictly true. for
there were hundreds. and even thous-
ands who were unable TO get seats. At
any rate, there was no room for doubt
but that the theatre was packed as
tight as Il possibly could be. "A typical
Keith audience" declared a man who
sat next TO me. And this did seem true,
for nowhere Is such an attractive au-
dience TO be found as upon a gala night
at Keith's, when everyone is dressed up
IN his or her best bib and tucker. And
Monday night certainly was a gala night
for Afbee company devotees. / wouldn't
have missed It for worlds. and / men
tally vowed an apology TO Providence
audiences. Never again will I-eeeese
them OF being lacking in enthusiasm. or,
is II passible that my indignant accuss-
ton and appeal is beginning TO have
effect?
A few days after the appearance in
print OF my article about the lack of
enthusiasm of Providence audiences, ]
reoeived n number Of letters most OF
them signed in full. in Which the writer's
declared that they agreed heartily with
me. and partially admitted that they
themselves were guilty, one man de-
claring "the article hit me hard on the
head and I mean TO reform I'm the fu-
ture." Evidently the reform has set In
for never have I heard such a rousing
welcome extended 10 any theatrical or
ganization. Mere words cannot describe
the brilliancy OF the occasion. and only
those who have attended an opening of
the popular Albee company have any
idea of the wealth OF enthusiasm, the
beautiful flowers. the merry little
speeches and. above all, the hearty good
will, which go TO make up the open
ing" But In spite OF the fact that
theatregoers on that night go 10 the
theatre for the avowed purpose of greet
ing the cid =faEeFites- and welcoming the
new ones. there is an abundance OF that
show me" spirit I'm the air. that sus-
pended judgement, that is mingled with
the frfendliness so that all the applause
Of the evening was not given IN an in
discriminate manner.
But he who could find a weak spot
in the makeup OF the Albee company
this year, or In their performance on
Monday evening. must indeed be a
crank. I'll cheertully give him some
Of my indigestion tables II he or she
will apply. Ny talkatlve neighbor (who.
by the by, IL a prominent newspapers
mani remarked: 'Tt will be mighty hard
TO do Justice In words 10 every member
Of such an all-round excellent company"
And heartily agreed with him, so DO
not think that l forget those OF whom
I am not writing in this lssue-my only
reason for omitting special commenda-
ton for them being because OF woe
full lack ~ space
I was greatly surprised. and pleas
antly surprised. at Miss Herne. Her
photographs do not half do Justice to
her. She Ia exceedingly attractv with
her willowy grace and hower-like face.
and above all her winsome wistful per-
sonality which had n potent magnetism
for me. and she has a particularly beau
tiful voice. A worthy daughter of that
sterling old actor. James A. Hsrne IL
she. II there is any word which FITS
Miss Herne's acting Il is sincerity"
She seemed 10 De living the role, and
throwing her very heart and soul into
IL. and II was probably this attribute
which made her work so impressive
Truly, the Albce company's new lead
ing woman has made an excellent first
impression.
Unless I'm nightly mistaken. Little
Myrtle May is going 20 be n tremendous
favorite ere long. Anyone who can make
stand ont with prominence role as
obscure as Sue Royce Is clever indeed-y.
Her pert. saucy manner. and her tinkly
little laugh quite won me from the start
and she was delightful oil through tho
play. but particularly amusing I'm the
third act when she visits Barbara and
has such dreadful cold in her head. How
could she initiate the little sneeze and
nasal trick (everyone who has had hay
fever knows 80. 80 naturally
was especially glad 20 see Foster
Lardner get such royal ovation. II