The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-06-19
KEITH'S THEATRE.

Theer was not an empty seat at Keith's
last evening and not for a long time has
there been such enthusiasm as that which
greeted the Albee company's first-nght
presentation OF "A Texas Steer" Laugh
ter began with the rise OF the curtain and
was continued throughout the four acts;
and the bright lines and laughable situa-
tions were applauded so vigorously that
the action OF the play was at several
points delayed, The enthusiasm OF the au-
dience was so inspiriting that the players
put plenty OF snap and ginger into their
roles. and the result was decidedly pleas
ing.
"A Texas Steer" is the best OF the
many successful Hoyt farces II teens
with clever dialogue and skilful character
drawing: and the genially satirical man
ner in which political and social life at
Washington are treated finds ready ap-
probation. There are so many excellent
characters in "A Texas Steer" aud they
were all so excellently played. that II Is
difficult to say to whom belonged the
greatest honors
Jolly Tom Wise as Maverick Brander.
the Texas Cattle King who was sent 20
congress against his will was delightful.
He brought out the droll humor and rug
ged sincerity OF the man capitally; and
every point was scored effectively One
OF the pleasing surprises OF the evening
was that given by Miss McCaull who. as
Bossy, the congressmans breezy daugh-
ter. had her first real opportunity OF the
season. Her work was marked by vivacity
and spontaneity that were particularly
contagious; and she seemed to be having
such a good time herself that she made
-, l.
performance should win Miss McCaul
many admirers. One of the most artistic
performances OF the evening was given
by VIM. II. Turner who gave n very fin
ished portrait OF the quantity humorous.
office-seeking darky. His makeup, dia-
lect and mannerisms could hardly have
been improved, and the easy transitions
from light TO shade were skilfully man
aged His "office seeking Is mighty poor
business" speech was a gem, and was
given hearty round OF applause. Miss
Wheatley made the role OF Dixie the de-
mure little lobbyist, stand out conspicu-
ously She showed a pleasing apprecia-
tion OF the value OF every point, and the
entire scene I'm which she figured went
with one continuous scream OF laughter.
Mr. I.osee as Major Yell played with tho
polish and intelligence that he invariably
displays and Mr.. Churchill made Col.
Brassy Gall n most amusing character
One OF the genuine hits OF the evening
was that made by Mr.. Nicander as Knott
Innitt, private secretary OF the Congress-
man His song In the third act was heart.
lily applauded. and he had to respond TO
several hearty encores. while many came
out OF the theatre whistling and hum
ming Everything Comes 20 Him Who
Waits" Miss Reimer as Mrs. Brander
was at her best I'm n role I'm which she
cleverly depicted motherly love and pride.
warm southern hospitality and loyalty
and an ambition TO shine in society. Her
dress in the second act and that OF Miss
McCaull. were works OF art Mr.. Hlliard
was a manly Capt. Bright. The role had
few opportunities. but his cleverness
made the scene In the last act. where he
''makes up" with Bossy one Of the most
amusing OF the evening. Robert Turner
played the comparatively small role OF
Othello with characteristic care; and Miss
Evans, Mr.. Hull, Mr.. F1emmings Mr..
Heffern and Mr. LeDuc completed the
cast satisfactorily.
"A Texas Steer" bids fair TO be one OF
the most popular offerings OF the stock
season at Keith's. IL will be continued
every afternoon and evening throughout
the remainder OF the week and on Friday
evening the 1SI3th performance Of the
company will be celebrated as "Hoodoo
Night" Unique "Iioodoo" Albee COM