The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-05-22
KEITH's THEATRE.

The Fatal Card" was given splen-
evening before particularly enthusiastic
audience. The performance demonstrated
the uniform strength OF the Albee COM
pany and forcibly proved that Provi-
dence has an organization which is sure
TO give them pleasant hours during the
summer.
"The Fatal Card" IL melodrama and
a good one. II contains FIVE times as
much real dramatic interest as is found
IN most plays and held the audience spell
bound from the moment that Gerald Aus
tin saved from hanging George Forester
and was given as a memento torn
playing card. until the final moment when
Forrester--then called Marrahle - re-
deemed the card at the very climax OF the
last act.
The play was excellently staged, every
detail being carried out carefully-even
10 the smoke OF the train in the first act
and the sparks from the explosion I'm the
last act; and the entire performance ran
smoothly.
Mr. Losee comman nded attention by his
artistic and thorough realization OF all
the demands and possibilities OF the role
OF Marrabe the man who Is determined
10 win riches I'm spite OF the brain that
makes him the superior OF his confed-
crates and tho fact that he despises his
companions. 1t was a splendid piece
OF acting. impressive even in the scenes
where he had nothing 10 ay.-Mr-H Hill
lard also scored conspicuous triumph
as the cowardly Dixon. There was re-
pressed force in action and speech. and
the hearty applause given him upon his
last exit was richly earned. Mr.. VII
liam H. Turner had one OF the best
opportunities a. the stern, unloving
father. and made the most of them. He
had a capital makeup and looked and
acted the grasping merchant. His death
struggle was natural and effective. and
he made one of the big hits of an excep-
tionally fine performance. Mr.. Ingersoll
as Gerald was clean-cut, natural and
manly. his love scenes with Miss Wheat
ley being played with especial feeling and
tenderness.
Miss wheatley was a pretty picture in
a series Of very beautiful gowns, which
she wore with girlish abandon and charm.
Her role was one OF few opportunities.
but she played Il with that fitness OF
effect that made her seem TO live the
role rather than act II. Her love for her
father was especially sincere and effect
i've, and the scene in which she realizes
her fathers guilt was one OF the most
intense Of the entire play. Mr.. Nicander
and Miss McCaull were vastly entertain
ing as a pair of young lovers. Mr.. Mean
der's proposal while In bathing being ex-
ceedingly funny Miss McCaull was
charmingiy piquant and vivacious and
won decided favor. Miss Reimer. was AT
her best in one OF those sentimental spin
sters she plays so capitally. and the scene
I'm which she returns from her canoe ride
after an impromptu bath In the lake oc-
casioned n hearty outpurst OF fun. Miss
Evans played Merceded with feeling and
sympathy. giving true value TO every line
she had 10 speak.
Miss Mabel Moore made her first ap-
pearahce OF the season. and. although ap-
pearing only In a minor role. gave evil
dence Of ceverness that promises good
work when the opportunity is given her.
As Kate. the pianist at Rising Star
saloon. in the first act she did an effect
i've bit Of acting In a little bit Of home
sickness that rang true. She evidently
has pretty voice. for her Home. Sweet
Home" was rendered with expression. Mr..
Wise as OFlynn was richly unctuous and
as artistic and finished as usual Mr..
Flemmings played with creditable dis
cretfon and intelligence.
a word OF especial commendation
should be given TO Robert G. Turner. 10
whom. although he docs not appear on
the stage, much OF the success OF very
difficult production Is due. II was a
splendid achievement and showed the
metal Of which the young stage director
IL made.