The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-07-13
EMPIRE THEATRE

One OF the most successful dramas that
has ever appeared at the Empire The-
atre was that of ION the Suwanee River
four years ago when that well-known'
coincidence. Stella Mayhem, was seen In
the famous role OF Aunt Indy. | This
coming week will be a very interesting
one at the Empire Theatre. as the popular
stock company are to make presentation
OF this play which will give Mr.. Kennedy
a fine opportun-) to display his versa
tility in the impersonation OF the KIM
hearted rolicking negro, NANNY.
while the interest OF the piece will be
centered on the success that Mr.. Ken
nedv will no doubt obtain the story OF
the play itself is one that is sure TO APP
peal TO the masses for its very strong
heart interest.
The first act scene Is the old home on
the suwanee River where Col Clayton,
n Southern gentleman has mortgaged ms
home of Caleb Croc. a miscr and villain
Gus character The mortgage falls due
on the day on which the play opens anu
Croc calls for II. He insults the family
and Is thrown from the house by FRANK
CLAYTON. the son of Col. Clayton. Croc
seeks revenge on Frank and kills his faith
er. fastening the crime on Frank, who Is
found by neighbors with the knife In his
hands and all evidence pointed aehinst
him Not content with the damage that
he has already wrought on the Clayton
family, Croc also steals the money that
was to be used for the operation that
would bring back the sight to the blind
Girl. Dora Clayton, an orphan. The cur
tain descends leaving Caleb Croc in pos
session OF the house and the money for
the mortgage. the son maniac ana the
father dead.
The second act is the yard of Col. Clay
tons mansion, where Judge Hawk, an
ignorant Southerner who believes himself
| R.sI nf N n
holding forth He has married Mrs. Ju-
dith. who has taken possession OF the
house and is assisting her TO make
things interesting for the blind girl, Dora,
who only stands between them and the
remainder OF the Clayton fortune. The
girl wanders away into the swamp. where
she remains with Frank Clayton. and
with Terrence "a young planter In love
with Dora. They are sought out there
by Croc and Judge Hawk, who endeavor
To kill the blind girl by removing planks
I'm n bridge she must cross In order 70
get back 10 the hut I'm which they are
living In the swamp. This attempt makes
one of the exciting scenes OF the play. The
blind Girl walks faltcringly across the
bridge until. lust NJ the very edge OF the
hole left by the taking away of the loos.
encd boards she hears the singing OF
stephen g. Fosters famous song, The
ole Folks at Home" or. as IL is better
known. ''The Suwanec River" by the coll
ored quartet. AZ this sound she stops,
and finally turns back. drawn from the
edge OF the grave. The helpless boy ana
the blind sorl are helped by the faithful
old colorcd servant. Aunt Indy. and In
tho end everything is righted.
Mr.. Barker will be seen as Jack Tor
renee. I'm love with Dora. the blind girl
which will be portrayed by Miss PurneH
Joseph williams will have the strong roe
OF caleb Croc. the miser. while David
Walters ought TO do Justice IN the role
| OF Judge Hawk Maud Atkinson will be
the strong minded Mrs. Judith. which can
well be depended upon for proper de-
| liniatlon OF the part. while Mr. Chase is
| cast as Frank Clayton and Mr.. Rennie
as Col Clayton. Two of the most pleas
urable parts Of the piece are those of Mai.
IIalstead. a missionary and Ezra Kinks.
Croc's secretary, which will be In the