The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-03-30
wallack's Theatre" Prison and Palace

drama, in three acts, called "Prson and Palace y
being adaptation from piece, in two acts of the
name, which translated by Palgrave Simpson
ESQ., of London from H. Bayards piece, 1.-THE Unchange
ment de Main - which is founded upon old drama
The Lioness of the North presented at Waacks
theatre last evening In its present shape believe
that this play has before been acted by regular
company The plot is founded upon episode in the
life of Elizabeth Empress of Russia mother of Peter the
Great and it runs follows
Alexis Romanof Qester) lieutenant in the army,
falls in love with the Countess Schurao wife of the
Minister Of Police. The indignant husband consgns him
to the of Maj DraLen III B. Philps) Governor Of
a prison Alexis who is dashing young fellow, drinks
wine with the Governor and makes love to his daugh-
ter Ferdora, (Mrs. Stephens) They contrive plan
for his escape, but he it to free unknown
prisoner who has communicated with him, and
who seems much more miserable than himself. The
whole party however is thrown into violent state Of
agitation by the arrival Of the Minister of Police who
brings orders that the unknown prisoner shall be locked
mp in alone, thcre to meet Lady, who will enter
by secret door. Tho lady turns the Empress
Elizabeth (Afrs. Conway, and the unknown Prince
who suspected Of treason In this dilemma not know
ing who the lady gentleman really is Alexis fills the
gcntleman's place, and has interview with the EN-
press. He enuncates the noblest sentiments and she
ORDERS him to ST. Petersburg He then asccrtans that
she is the EMPRESS but she still imagines that he is the
Prince He is very anxious to be relieved from his posi-
ton and writes letter to the Prince and condes it to
Fedora In the meantime he makes love to the Empress
hoping that she will get indignant and send him
prison She however, rather likes it. his position is
still embarrassing when the Empress discovers the
truth by nterceptng the answer to the letter which
Alexis sent to the Prince. Romanof, knowing nothing
Of the expose, is informed that he must die and he
prepares for the scaiold rather than betray his
friends the Major and his daughter The Empress
touched by the magnanimty of Alexis relents and
expresses usually do in such cases she names him Count
Alexis Romano and Colonel in the Imperial Guard She
ought TO have made him prince and field marshal at
once
The piece was well mounted and well dressed at Wal
lacks Mr. Testers performance Of Alexis spirited
and effective. He should however, remember that pr
soners do not swords, and that Alexis much
a prisoner at st. Petersburg at the fortress. Mr.
Thompson made mistake in his conception of Count
schuraloG and acted the part altogether Mr. Rey
nolds should not his hat his boots in the drawing
of a palace otherwise he played his small part
credtably Mr.. Phillips solder-li like and correct
the major. Mrs. Conway not much like
q empress. She mistook bombast for empresscment
and she should remember that dignity and repose
twin brothers She "made up" and dressed well:
and with in the delivery of the lines the per-
sonaton would be creditable Fedora Is not in Mrs
stephens way She does well in pquant, brisk, busng
sou1raes but there is sentiment about her style
Mr. Lester, Mr. Phillips and Mr. Reynolds were perfect in
their parts the others not easy in the words
two readings will be beneficial The drama occu-
pics two hours and quarter and it went off heavily
As it given last night it is after the opiatc style;
but there good points in it, and when the ladies and
gentlemen of Mr.. Walacks company give them the full
effect Prison and Palace " may be favorite play.
Naval Intelligence.