New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-03-13
LAURA EENE' s THEATER.

Last evening was played, for the first time in Ams-
lea, romantic drama, in three acts, esti,lei Tee
Back Boo IL is from the pen Of Mr.. J. Psxravs
Snpeop, the author Of Second Love" which wG
recently produced here and Il is now playing 10 Loo
don. As is the with all this gentemsns pcoduc
tiers, this play depends for its interest and success
rather upon the skfu manage ment Of the plot, anl
the constant succession of possible incidents THAI upoa
the etvclcpu ent of strong individual character. The
plot of "The Black Book, indeed, seems ct times
somewhat nyoved but when the thread Of the story
is fony urraveled. it runs somewhat as follows;
The young Baroness Li'ienberg has been deprived u
her title and estates by the rascaty Of certain Bsross
Staizeneck and Kasewuim, and finds herself without
remedy. At this interesting juncture, Wolf who has
once been professional man, and has been honoted
with the distinctive title of The Conscientious Law
eyer" cones to the rescue. Although personally IN
known TO the Barepess, he has fallen in love with her.
ard in the day of misfortune finds himself luckily with
the power to aid her. In his professional capacity he
had b, acquainted with certain secrets OF the ut
most importance TO the Baroness the disclosure u
which would sul in the certain and total dscomdt
ure of her sremes these things be had carefully re-
corded with divers other matters in black menoran
dun book wber the of the plsy. He takes sd
vsntsge OF certain old ger Dc to personate tradition
edge of The private history of the various parties 70 the
frauds be succeeds IN playing the devil to the most
perfect satisfaction of himself and the Baroness, aud
ultimately proves her right to the honorable name Of
Lii. nberg and compes the restoration Of her eaes.
TIE est If the story is easily guessed the young law
yer sets hs lady love right before the world and she
proves her gratitude by the customary reward OF de
iLiorested love marriage.
There are numerous adotnments W this story In the
shape Of incidents and accidents Of which 10
rather retard the acton lumber up the plot than be
cessy 10 it's developments the spectator s however,
so stro Dgly Interested the story and tho
author manage me Mt of bis charactsrs that he como
times los.s sight Of tho feet that he has impressed
them with so little individuality that they might almost
.peak each etLer's language without any material
oausse TO the scene. No one of the persons OF the
trsma exhibits sny strong points which an actor
could tuid striking personaticn, with the single eK
ctption Of Hans Caspsr, stone mason who snula -
balfwedpess for Iumber Of years, that he may the
mere faithfully keep certain secrets ntrused 10 him By
bis late master, the disclosure OF which at the critical
mon ent yirdcates the honor aad the rights OF tho
Baroness Ilienberg, bis young mistress. This pert
was mott admirably played by hr. I. b. Johnstes.
who gave us enc of those excellent bits OF eccentric
actir ia which he peculiarly excels Mr. George Jor-
dan, who enacted Wolf the hero, made Of .nls rather
tame and commonplace indvidua. all that could be
expected. The heroine was very nicely played BY
Mifs joe pbne Manners. and the other parts -ers a
very we'll Mr. +. NJ. Kent, a new face here, made
his irt appearance, ard gives promise Of becoming Q
valuable man in the company.
The play was received with applause, and the com.
papy were called before the curtain