The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-12-05
KElTR'S PAWTUCKET THEATRE

A large and very appreciative audience
at Keith's Pawtucket theatre last even
ing saw n performance OF the beautiful
religious play. THE Holy City" that
was decidedly worth seeing. The play
itself is one Of the best religious plays
ever given here. for besides having true
dramatic interest IL depicts In truly rev
erential manner some OF the most I'M
portant incidents Of the New Testament.
II has no cheap. clap-trap methods, but
| is dignhed and sincere throughout ana
the man. woman or child who sees the
beautiful poetic drama Will feel the bet
ter for It, II is written in excellent blank
verse, and tells the conversion Of Mary
Of Magdala, beginning with Mary as the
raising from the dead OF Lazarus by the
Saviour, the Saviour's betrayal by Judas.
Mary's appeal to Plate In her following
of the Saviour even TO the Cross.
The Pawtucket Albee company s per
formance. both collectively and individ-
ually. was one of which the management
smoothness that was remarkable for
stock company performance. aud there
was pleasing evidence OF the value of ev-
cry line or bit of action I'm the play coup
led with a dignity and reverence OF treat
ment OF the various roles that was very
commendable Robert c. Turner, the
stage director OF the company whose abil-
ity is almost too well-known 10 need com
ment, deserved n generous share OF the
evenings honOrs for the excellence or the
production in it's entirety, and the evil
which gave so much atmosphere 10 the
performance. The special scenery ana
costumes of the production lent effect
ivenees.
Miss Timmons, the clever little leading
woman OF the organiZa tion was remark
ably successful in her delineation Of Mary
the Magdalene, who is the central visible
figure in the play. Her work was thought
full and sincere and she handled diff
cult role with reverence and skill. Her
appeal 10 PLATE was a powerful piece
OF acting Mr. Churchill scored one OF
the biggest individual triumphs OF the
evening by a mastery portrayal OF Judas.
Mr.. Churchill Is an uncommonly clever
actor and in this role, which would be
sure test OF any actors ability. he gave
a forceful finished characterization that
showed intelligence and power and could
hardly have beeu improved upon. IL was
an impressive piece OF acting, especially
when, after betraying the Master Judas
Is overwhelmed with remorse.
Mr. Thornton put fire and intensity into
the role OF Barrabas. zealot, seeming to
catch the atmosphere and spirit OF the
play capitally one OF the striking pieces
OF acting OF the evening was given by
that clever actress Miss Jane Rivers, as
Martha. the sister OF Mary and Lazarus,
who put real feeling and sincerity into
the character. Mr.. Heffern was excellent
as Slenus and Mr. Daley. Mr.. Hoffman.
Miss Allison and Mr.. George Turner
played important parts In making the
performance the emphatic success IL was.
Because OF the religious spirit OF the play,
the management asks patrons this week
not TO applaud. but the individual sue
cosses and the whole performance is SO
fine that more than once desire was
felt 10 give tho clever company merited
demonstrations OF approval A word Of
congratulation Is due the players for the
strictly reverential manner. even on the
part OF the smallest supernumcrary. I'm
which the entire performance was handled
and for the many excellent readings OF
the blank verse OF the play.
The Holy city will be repeated every
afternoon and evening during the week
and is sure to attract big crowds from
this city and Pawtucket.