The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-05-29
ATTRACTIVE SHOWS THIS WEEK
PROVIDENCE OPERA HOUSE

The Providence opera house was well
Alled last evening in spite OF the inclem-
ENJOY OF tho weather. to witness the initial
production OF 1.-THE Isle OF Bing," given
under the auspices OF the First Light
Infantry.
The book Is by Mr.. ben" Cook and the
MUSIC by Mr.. Alfred q. Chaffee. and both
have cause 10 feel highly elated over it's
results, as one little word expresses 1t,
and that is. success.
II was indeed quite the best amateur
performance ever given in this city and
che audience last evening showed their
appreciation by frequent applause. sort
Of a warming up to the occasion. which
10 rather unusual in an audience In this
city.
From start TO finish-all through the
three acts there was snap and ginger dis
played The dialogue is clever and many
OF the situations are amusing, while the
music Is particularly good. There is real
ly a plot In THE Isle OF Bing," which
does not exist IN all musical comedies, OF
is forgotten soon after the first act. A
delightful little love story runs through
81 which stands out clearly and holds the
attention OF the audience quite the same
as does the musical numbers.
The first act shows the cabin OF the
geod ship Neverland, with the captain as
island. with the native king and his sa-
cred goat as Joint moving spirits. and the
third, the return of the passengers 10
as the centre OF attention. There were
numerous bright lines and situations, the
third act. one scene OF which was a street
nishing opportunity for number OF local
illusions that made hit with the audi
ence.
IL is In the main. a male performance:
that Is TO say. that men are in the major
fly. some OF the female characters being
taken by men. and with the exception
OF Miss Collier as Dorothy Vernon. Miss
Wallace as Ursula Lena Snipe and the
young society ladies I'm the street scene
all are men and consequently there is
lack OF feminine voices in the different
choruses.
Miss Collier was charming In her part
and conveyed the idea OF a piece of
Dresden china. Miss Wallace did some
very clever work. as did also Mr.. Watson
as Miss Take. an eccentric old maid.
The part OF Capt. Billows was played
by Mr.. McPhee and he did It well His
first mate was Mr. Darte. who lvened
things up with his Irish comedy and song.
Hr. Remington was inimitable as the
Rv. Archibald Snipe. and his peanut
btttle party" and annual "squit dinner an
n'uncement" In connection with his song
vas highly amusing. Mr.. Cook did ex-
c,ptionally well in his lines and his dance
made a hit. Mr. Mulholland as the prin-
nss sang quite the best. with Mr.. Fowler
81 a close second. Mr.. Pierce. as King
DOT. looked the part and gave his topical
songs cleYerly.-Mr. Pearsall as the goat.
Romeo" had a warm" part. and inter-
rreted II well. while Mr. Wheelwright,
Mr.. Ames and Mr.. Ingram did creditable
work.
In, fact 81 can be said that all connected
with the piece displayed unusual ability
for amateurs and almost individually are
deserving OF great credit.
The piece has been under he super
vision OF Mr. Elwood F. Bostwick Of the
Shubert theatre. assisted by Mr.. Henry
Barker and Mr.. Darte. and at the close
Of the last act Mr. Bostwick was pre-
sented with a beautiful loving cup by
those interested in the production and re-
sponded with a clever speech Mr.. Bostwick
Is indeed entitled TO great credit for the
manner In which he staged the piece
Calls for both Mr. Cook and Mr. Chaffee
were made at the close and both gave
neat little curtain talks.
Tired but happy the company dispersed
some going home, others 10 the Crown
hotel for bite 10 eat"
The performance will be repeated to-
night and Wednesday with also a mat
inee on that day.