New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-01-21
VICE AND VIRTUE" At BUTTONS
THEATER,

A play bearing tie above title was produced last
night at Burtons for the first time this city, although
it has been frequently performed in the Western and
Southern cities. IL is simply another version Of the
story upon which is founded the drama of "Msrbis
Heart with several alterations 10 incident sndohsnges
in the langusge of which for the better and
others which decidedly the dramatic effect Of that
Interestingly vicious play. The author is understood
to be Mr.. Thomas DE Walden who is well known 70
the public as actor and writer Of plays.
In manufacturing his latest production, Mr.. DE Wal.
den has preserved the Of the original characters
in the Marble Heart, has retained the general run OF
the incidents and has merely invented a new ca,as-
trophe, which lively variation is rather acceptable. la
the first act of Vice and yitse all the characters
are rotted out and put through their various PAGES.
for the purpose, presume, of famlarzng the audi
cree to their yements, for they do nothing and say
nothing which has the slightest Influence upon the
play. Having taken a little agreeable and health
full exercise in the way of yapid and I'M
meaning dialogue, they are trotted away again.
and put in safe keeping until needed for actual
service. The whole Of the first act 10 irrelevant and
tedious and might be exoised in the lump, TO the great
satisfaction of the beholders 10 the second act the
play begins the plot of which very much like tho
Marble Hearts except that Mr.. DE Walden ha, -
II
of Raphael the sculptor, played by the person.
This gives the artist fine opportunity TO distinguish
herself The contrast between the characters Of the
two women is marked that great actress can mako
the performance immensely effective.
Mrs. Barrow plays the Marco scenes very finely.
and with al the coldhearted polish Of manners and
refined coquettshness demanded by the spirit Of the
piece. In the Marie scenes she is not 80 good-ths
sudden change from the sparkling yiyacity Of high
comedy to the righteousness Of fearful meodrams
being too severe trial Of her powers.
The catastrophe ia so varied from the original YER
sion of the story that Raphaels mother survives, but
Marie fret goes crazy in traditional white muslin, and
then dies IN the arms of her lover. Il will be at once
perceived that here chance for a sensation. Tho
concluding tragedy scenes Of the play, in the hands OF
SD actress whose forte is the impressive deineation OF
intense passion rather than the polite elegancies Of the
comedy fine lady could be brought out into much bold
er relief
The RAPHAEL of Mr. Charles Fisher, had il been
little more subdued sometimes, would have been con-
siseny e1cellent the hrst farewell to Marco and the
immediate exit in the third act natural and beauu-
fu bit Of acting Mr. Bolton Desgenais, the friend
Of Raphael showed himself 10 be capable and EN-
c.n stock actor he has not the spendor requi-
ute for very brilliant star. The rest Of the char
acters were passably done, and the scenery was AZ
familiar no particular effort at display having been
made in that direction.
Mr. Walden has taken the liberty Of making two
Of bis characters kDee on the stage and solemny re-
peat lengthy prayers this ID done IN such manner n
to fail Of its intended effect and appear to half the
audience the boIdest blesphemy and cannot fail to
he REGARDED BY public opinion as a gross outrage Of
dramatic taste and propnety.
Asawhole, "yce and Virtue except the first act,
against which We repeat indignant protest, may be
regarded ss fair success.
Mr. DE Walden is, however, better inventor than
adopter and ia more successful in writing plays OF bis
own than in working them up from secondhand ma
fersl