Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 January 1899 — The Season’s Theatrical Event. [ARTICLE]

The Season’s Theatrical Event.

As “Cyrano De Bergerac” is to be seen in onr city on Monday evening next, a few words regarding the people in the cast will be of interest to our readers. The eminent character actor, Mr. Willard Newell, will be seen here as “Cyrano.” Mr. Newell has had a wide experience and is an actor of note, having been associated with Edwin Booth and Lawrence Barrett as leading man, and for years wa3 Mr. Thos. W. Keene’s stage director and leading male support. He made a decided hit in the leading role in the mammoth production of “Nero” in New York City a few years ago, his playing of the part making him a favorite with the people of the metropolis at its first production. Since then he has been seen in a wide range of parts, some of which are “Pierre” in the “Clemencean Case”, “Bertucio” in the “Fool’s Revenge”, “Armand” in “Camille” and “Mathias” in the play made famous by Sir Henry Irving, “The Bells.” Miss Vail De Vernan, who is “Roxane” loMr. Newell’s “Cyrano” is a handsome young leading lady blessed with a rare amount of talent. Jk The part of “RaquMjeap/’ the jolly poetical baker, iath excellent hands, being assumed by Chas. * Pierson, who for twenty years wttitf a member ofcihe best stock com-*' pany in America, that of the Boston Museum, therefore there is no doubt that the excellent comedy in the play will receive the attention that it deserves. Another member of the cast is Mr. Mitchel, a former member of the Booth and Barrett organization, “Christian” is also excellently played by Mr. William Marble, a young man who is winning friends wherever he is seen in the role. The enormous amount of scenery, furniture and properties required for a complete production of the play is carried by Mr. Marks, who is directing Mr. Newell’s tour. Such a production of “Cyrano De Bergerac” as will be seen here on Monday evening next deserves a gracious and profitable reception from theater goers of this city and Manager Ellis is to be congratulated for securing this organization for his patrons.