The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-02-14

old title "trasedienne. and whose claim
has much chance OF current recognition.
She was seen here in a number of her
favorite parts and plays last season and
surprised and delighted large audiences
all through the engagement
For the present engagement she offers
nothing new over the bills seen last sea a-
son save a new version OF the drama OF
Judith Of Bethula" But those who
witnessed the opening production last
evening and saw for a second time her
Judith" in the Thomas Bailey Aldrich
poetic drama instead OF In the Italian
version Of last season. recognized a de-
veloplng maturity a growth In cultiva-
tion OF her art and a general demonstra-
tion OF authority over and above the very
excellent performance OF last year that
indicated that Miss O'Neill is yet 10 reach
the height OF her powers and, In word.
by no means struck twelve when she
first burst upon her audiences with mag
nificent presence. beautiful voice and
large endowment OF personal magnetism
20 ma aterlally assist her in commanding
a hearing IN n field that for a goodly
number Of seasons has been abandoned
by our stage stars.
judith Of Bethuia,' based on tho
Apocrvphai book is not cheerful drama,
although in no version does IL meet the
requirements Of general slaughter OF all
concerned as becomes high and solemn
tragedy. And in the Aldrich rendering
the depths that are touched lie In the
sentiment OF the Boston poet rather than
In the recital OF the Apocryphal historian.
Mr.. Aldrich's fine and glowing verse
indicates the femininity OF the woman
according. at least. TO present day notions
OF what constitutes femininty. Judith,
prompted by dream, sets forth 10 the
camp Of Holofernes for just what reason
she knows not thouRh 81 appears TO her
certain that IN some way her mission Is
designed 10 save her people sorely be-
sieged by the Assyrans The way opens
up Holofernes courts her, trusts her
and she slays him. And. according 10 the
tender version OF the tale as written by
Mr. Aldrich Judith comes so nearly fall
ing In love with the handsome king and
is so oppressed nv the thought that she
is about TO slay him who is trusting her
ministrations that she nearly abandons
the execution Of her divine mission and
upon her return 10 her people, after its
accomplishment and the destruction Of
the Assyrian forces. instead OF accepting
the tributes of the rejoicing multitude.
according to the Apocryphal book. she
resumes her widows weeds and departs
alone.
go II is the test of this strain OF
wornan's sentiment that really makes the
} Aldrich drama OF Judith tragic rather
than the killing OF a king and the saving
OF people. And 10 is In the demonstra
tion Of Just such sentiment that an audi
ence familiar with her favorlte roles Is
likely TO feel that Miss O'Neill Is SUI
preme. The Aldrich play is declamatory
and poetic rather than strong in situs
tlon and effects and IN the rarely melo-
dous and resonant voice of our young
tragedicnne was heard 10 fine advantage
the many really beautiful lines.
Mr.. Charles Dalton. long eminent in
classic roles, II tho leading man OF the
ecceptably cast supporting company
Two Sudermann plays are on this
weeks blll. "Magda' Thursday night and
Saturday matinee. and Fires of 81. John
on Friday night For Saturday evening
The Jewess." more familiar as Leah
the Forsaken." the present version being
adapted by Mr. Mckee Rankin. will be
the bill Tonight. tomorrow night and to-
morrow afternoon judith will be re-
peated.