New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-06-02
1.-THE SERIOUS FAMILY AT UALLACK'S
THEATER.

No man with sensitive conscience and delicate
respect for immaculate Truth will argue that the com
edy Of THE Serious Family may, in the strctest
construction Of the term, be set down rs nOrehy
to the New-York public. Ii we recolleot rightly, II
has been played or two occasions before last
evening, although on that occasion Mr. Walack and
his company appeared in it for the first time. In max
ing critical notice of the performance, We are con-
strained to make auson to the fact that the theatcr-
goers of the city have been educated in the belief that
the only legitimate Serious Family is to BIO found
among the jolly comedians of Mr.. Buttons company.
ard that the only permissible sleek is the rotund
Mr.. Burton himself.
The "Serious Family" is unquestonably one of the
best acting comedies of the modern stage- is not too
long. the situations are excellent the characters
strongly marked, the plot is probable and well man
aged and the windingup is thoroughly satisfactory
The character of the preacher written by the auA
thor, is by no means impossible or an uncommon one.
but in presenting ii TO audience there is al almost
irresistible temptation for the performer to oyerstep
the bounds of legitimate acting, to overdo the part,
and by extravaganza Of dress, speech, or ac
ton to gain shout of laughter at the expense Of
correctness and trutbfuness. The name Of "Sleek.
whenever accompanied by the musical prenomen,
"Anindab" has been wont 10 con ure up drsb
vision of that substantial ndiy idual in slate coored
garments and white neckcloth il has always brought
with il remembrance of demure hands and up turned
eyes; of naxen hair parted in the middle of portcn
tons umbrella and 6imdabe hat; and the hat,
the umbrella, the expressive hands aud the tlaxen
wig all suggest Burton. In truth, Il Is fact 40 uni
,ersny conceded that the character of Sleek Is Of
the Identities of that excellent actor that il
piece of positive temerity in any other man to at
empt it.
Mr. Walcot with a daring which wac not crowned
with the victory such hardy feat deserved last night
did bis endeavorS in the part, and met with small sue
GERS. lie seemed oppressed with a consciousness Of
being in some degree trespasser on another mans
domain. Every particle Of originality was squeezed
out Of him, and his performance became an imitation
and very lame one at that Of Mr. Burton. We GER
ainly expected something better of Mr.. Wslcot; wa
looked for at least endeavOr to give the character
individuality differing from that with which il is in
vested by Mr.. Burton, but we disappointed for
he seemed To eyes only ambitious to follow in tbs
truck Of his model. Others may be able to see in Mr.
Wacots persenation beauties which eyes did not
discover. We hope il is So
it is at any rate very good thing to look at both
sides Of question, although perhaps could decide
eaer il we knew but one; It is very good thing to
hear two opinions the same point, although.it I'M
questionably tends somewhat to embarrass tho
Judgment" and it is certainly very good thing to
see both Burton and Walcot a. Aminidab Sleek. The
two cases are fairly before the world, and hereafter.
hem in the dramatic courts, the question Of Sleek
arises if there any who do not consider il con-
cluded by the Burton precedent the case Of Walcot
will certainly not afford any very strong argument
against it.
The part Of Murphy Mcguire was performed By Mr..
Waack with great spirit and yiyacty and is Of itself
sufficient to carry Of the piece with bnlliancy. Mr.
Lester, as Charles Torrens, made more Of nit as
that undecided individual than any who has per-
formed the part in this city. The rest Of the east WA
excellent The mere mention Of the names Of hrs.
Vernon, Mrs. Hooy Miss Cannon, Mrs Allen, and
Mrs Charlotte Thompson is sufficient assurance that
no improvement could be desired in the female de-
partment.
The piece is put upon the stage with that careful at
tentiOn to scenes, upholstery and details which has
long characterized this thester.