The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-07-02
PROVIDENCE OPERA HOUSE


II was a new version OF the famous
Du Barry play with that old Providence
favorite, Malcolm Williams, as Louis XIV,
and Miss Florence Sommer Reed also
great faVorite here. In the title role
Quite as the program stated. II was a
new version, and whoever Is responsible
for il cannot be said TO nave improved
upon the original. although from pure
ly production point OF view, Mr.. VIII
liams and Miss Reed got out everything
there was In II. assisted by fair COM
pany
There are several OF the situations that
differ materially from the play as given
by Mrs. Carter. In the new version Du
Barry Is not made the absolutely harum-
scarum millner and after the nrst ACT
she tones down TO be quite an average
lady OF the court, and loses much or
her eccentricity. In the third act
where Du Barry holds court In her
boudoir. the new version is rather
a tame affair. and the contrast Is great
from that OF Du Barry receiving the Ia
dies and gentlemen In waiting from her
bed Then. too, she dies in "A different
way-poisons herself in fact. when she
learns OF the death of the king while the
real Du Barry met death by the guilio-
tine.
In truth. on the whole. this new version
is a softer presentation. and does not
make the character OF Du Barry harsh
one. but more of a good woman VINO
loves the man for his own sake ana NOT
merely pecduSe VI INC i"N' '''"e ~ -
king
The author apparently has taken 1t
upon himself 10 interpellate several tWen,
tieth century sayings into the Louis Nv
atmosphere. or rather dialogue. For eX-
ample, II is difficult to Imagine one OF
that period 10 spring the expression;
BAH and couple OF "Poo-poos'
when disoleased.
ciative one and Mr. Williams Miss
Reed and Mr.. Graham received we'll
deserved ovation as each mace tnelt ap-
pearance. showing unquestonapiy th,,is .hSn
popularity here At the end OF the third
act. Mr.. Williams. in response TO several
curtain calls, made a neat little speech'
in which he thanked the audience In De-
half of both himself and the company,
and said he was glad 10 be 'pack nome
again." as he termed IL. ,,,,
In absolute fairness 10 Mr.. Wllilams
and Miss Reed. they make the piece
without them IL would be rather nat al
fair Miss Reed especially gave most
serious and decidedly clever interprsta-
ton of Du Barry-not oyerdrawn put
portrayed that individual as woman
who was true. in certain sense OF the
word 10 the man she loved. She has
shown great Improvement in her actlhg
since last seen herein fact. this Is very
and decidedly marked ana she attacks
her situations and lines as II sne knew
lust exactly what to do Mr.. Williams
has the same attractive personality as OF
yore and made a most consistent dho
comprehensive Louis XIV, serious III NE
lines and effective in rendering them
Mr.. Ben Graham was excellent as Duke
de Richelieu. while Miss Mignon oxer
was very acceptable as the Duchess oe
Chateauroux. Mr. George Pearce as the
Count de St German was well placed,
and gave a clever character impersona-
tion.
To sum IL all up. the theatre-going pub
uc are certainly glad TO see these Ia
yorites again, and will. at the same
time. see a production that will please.
The play will be given for the enure
week. with matinees Tuesday Weohes-
day. Thursday and Saturday.