The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-06-25
KEITH's THEATRE.

kcIIhS inca nc.
One is at a loss to find words In which
to adequately praise the Albee stock COM
pany's production OF "The Darling OF the
Gods" given at Keith's this week. II
should suffice to say that nothing in the
dramatic line that has been offered In
Providence in years can compare with
in its very ambitious attempt. it would
still have meen a commendable one: but II
did not fail On the contrary It covered
itself with glory and not even the stock
companies OF the old Augustin DAILY or
Lyceum stock companies could have
scored a bigger artistic success under the
same conditions. II is said that David
Belasco takes full year preparing every
production he makes. The Albee stock
company had just one weeks preparation,
and only the mornings OF that one week.
Last evenings performance was late
one. but not a person left his seat be-
fore the very final tableaux OF the play.
The enthusiasm OF the evening was pro-
nounced and evidently sincere, and the
applause should be divided among play.
ers,, stage hands, electricians and scenic
artists, with the lions share going 10
Stage Director Webster This young man
Is a treasure His task was one that
many stage directors would have hesita-
ted 10 attempt. He not only attempted IL,
but did IL and did II exceedingly well.
Every detail OF scenery, costumes, prop
critics and lighting effects-scenery and
electrical effects being far more beautiful
than anything ever before seen at Keiths
being attended TO in a mastery man.
ner Everyone in the audience last even
ing made figuratively speaking. "dou-
bile bowling" before the young stage d.
rector.
II was the first Providence production OF
1.-The Darling of the Gods" Many people
went TO New York TO see the play during
It's notable two years run, but there are
many who have never seen IL. 1t Is strict
ly Japanese, "a tragedy OF cid Japan"
David Belasco and John Luther Long, its
authors call it, It's story. based upon the
Edict OF the emperor taking away the
swords of the Samurai. is an absorbing
one. and it's characters are drawn with
the skill for which Belasco is noted.
Miss Block has thus far given some ex-
ceptionally fine performances here, but
nothing that will win her more sincere
commentator that her portrayal of the
innocent little Japanese maiden. Yo San.
IL is an exacting role. but Miss Block
met its every requirement She was pi-
auant. naive lmperious, subservient, IN
tense in her love or hate, melting In her
despair.
The scene in which she tries 10 keep
Kara with her until tomorrow was de-
lightfully played. with wistful pathos
that was very effective, and the scene IN
the fourth act, when she pleads with
Zakkuri for Kara's life was another won
derfully impressive scene. II Is undenia-
bly, the biggest triumph Miss Block has
vet scored here and should clinch her
hold upon the favor Of local playgoers.
Mr.. Ingersoll carried himself with proud
dignity, as behtted the role OF Kara. the
leader OF the Samurai. with strong manli-
ness, bravery. reserve and courage He
looked every inch the unconquered race
he represented and rose 10 heroic heignts
that were indeed striking. OF many hne
pieces of character given at Keith's, the
sunerb nortrayal OF Robert Cummings as
Zakkuri will rank among the best, II not
the best. He made the minister OF war
crafty, cruel cunning character. dominat-
ing every scene in which he appeared,
every leer and sound repellant. yet fas-
cinating A wonderful piece OF acting II
was.
Another excellent characterization was
that OF Leah winslow as Rosy SKY. THIS
uncommonly clever actress made Rosy
ability to make every point tell and one
got the impression OF finish and polsh 10
her delineation. She was particularly
good in the scene in the fourth act
Standing out conspicuously, although they
were minor roles were the two roles play
ed by Dennis Harris. As the fisherman
Kato. he did an excellent bit. his strug-
gle between duty and loyalty 10 the sam
urai and his love for his wire and little
ones being forcibly depicted and later IN
the last act, when his little son Is Killed.
the cry OF anguish with which he picks up
the dead child went home to every breast
In the audience. Mr.. Churchill played
Inu. the mute, very intelligently, and Mr..
Christie played the foppish fonda Tanji In
exactly the right key, showing the vanity
and self-love, yet tine cowardice or the
man. Miss Reimer played fonda TanJl Is
catty. gossipy aunt excellently. and Mr..
Cooper played Yo Sans father with dig
nity. All the other members OF the aug
mented cast, without single exception
were excellent If you haven't intended TO
see "The Darling of the Gods by all
means make up your minds now 10 DO so,
~ only TO see OF what big things the Albee
company Is capable and to appreciate
what clever players are in our midst.