The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1908-01-07
PROVIDENCE OPERA HOUSE

Last night there gathered at the
| Providence Opera House one OF the
largest and most interesting audiences
| of the present season TO witness Il. III.
Sothern revive the character of Lord
Dundreary In Our American Cousin.
How the years rolled by for some.
| What did all the troubles In between
amount TO, for once again the old
times had returned and a play that had
delighted those now middle-aged in
their youth was again being given.
the days when those old stiff and
quaint costumes that caused so much
laughter last night were as much de
riguer as the hpless Of today
What a delightful night II was for
ALL however, whether young or old?
Those who had never seen the play
quickly fell under its spell They had a
new reverence, too. perhaps for time
that was not quite as smart as their
own. 1t was about as interesting a per-
formance as one could ask for Mr..
Sothern. always perfect I'm any part that
he essays. won thoroughly his audience
in his part Of the peculiar and apparent
ly stupid Lord Dundreary.
Perhaps Ii was not funny nor worth
while in the view of the problem play
lover. but II you were Just a natural
man or woman. not too learned or re-
fined to laugh right out. how YOU did en-
Joy the humor OF IL. The piece may be
melodrama, but II s so finely done that
you come very near TO believing II nearer
to the true comedy.
The character of Lord Dundreary, so
long the delight of the playgoer in the
time Of Mr.. Sothern's father. is one that
seems involved. Yet perhaps 1t is
true that only In the so-called higher
walks Of life and the lowest can one af-
ford to be natural OF course, the rose
IL always lovely and there are on many
pathways natures fresh full and simple.
because all goodness and perfume. Most
folks though, cannot afford TO be Just
themselves Perhaps IL was not intended
that Lord Dundreary should be simply a
fool There are suspicious aroused by
Mr.. sothern's portrayal that back OF an
apparent devious mentality the noble
lord knew the strength OF his social po-
sition and made the most OF 1t. Still
whatever may be the fact. no one not
dried and withered I'm imagination and
heart will fail to enjoy seeing this de-
llcious reminder Of the past.
There can be nothing further said
about Mr. Sothern's work as Lord Dun
dreary than that he has kept well the
tradition OF his fathers performance OF
the part. Always careful of details and
ever conscientious in his own work, Mr..
sothern inspires those around him. not
ideals OF their profession. Mr. sothern
received a most gracious reception last
evening. The curtain calls were many.
Adolph Lestina as Asa Trenchard,
"Our American Cousin" gives US a sc sd
presentation OF Tom Taylor's idea OF
an American that was deemed best 10
silt London theatregoers Of SO years
ago. 1t is not the American character
of today, but in some ways II brings out
the strength and go Of the American In
the developing Yet as one looks at the
part taken in connection with the Eng
iish society In which II Is set. there Is
nothing so very peculiar about II. MIR.
Lestina does his work well.
Miss Helena Head made the character
OF Florence Trencharo as lovabe and a.
sweet as that Of any English rose that
has been sung Of by any Of the many
singers who have praised the flower.
, The remainder OF the cast was fully
equal TO all demands, a very neat biz Of
work being that OF Mary Meredith as the
poor cousin OF the rich Trenchards.
Those taking the other characters were:
Sir Edward Trenchard, Mr.. William
Harris: lieut.. Vernon. Mr. L. j Kelly,
Cant. he Boots. Mr.. Paul scardon. Mr..
Richard Coyle. Mr. Frank Reicher Abel
Murcott. Mr. Malcolm Bradley; Binney,
Mr. John Taylor; Buddicombe. Mr.. AL
bert s. Howson. Mrs. Monntchess ing ton.
Miss Ina Goldsmith. Georgina. Miss
Gladys Hanson; Augusta. Miss Loretta
Healy. Sharpe, Miss Katherine Wilson
Skillet. Miss Ethel Cray.