The New York herald., 1862-02-25
Amusements Last Evening.
LAURA KEENE's THEATRE.


The new melodrama entitled "The Mccarthy, or Peep
oDay" was produced last evening for the second time,
before very full house. 1t is founded Banims novel
sJohn Dos," and is in reality Mr.. Z. Falconer's play
called "Peep oDay, savourheen DselIsh !" which
prodrced not long ago with considerable in Lon
don the names Of the characters being altered and few
other slight changes made with view perhaps to the
evasion of copyright more than anything else To de-
scribe the plot in detail would occupy considerable space
We shall therefore only indicate its outline. -- -
The Of lai in Ireland and the period Is
about sixty years ago, when the greatest antagonam
prevailed between the people and their rulers which gave
rise political conspraces among tho pea
santry and the practice OF martial law the part OF the
government. "The Peep o'Day Boys" were band
these consprators and their history is written in blood
and supplies many sanguinary incidents in which the
present drama plentfully abounds Almost every type
and phase Of Irish national character nd pace Il,
aud its excellent portratuc In this respect, invests II
with peculiar charm. The jolly priest, the blind old
harpis, the coy maiden, the fierce assassin Are equally
well pictured and historical chapter the play is not
without its II gives toeraby accurate idea
Of the people Of Ireland during the terrible times to
which 1t has reference. But, as work OF art, 1t has
Of pcrdy and atrocity and the dramast has TOO often
had to resort TO dropping There Is an atmosphere
Of insecurity about IT, and the characters betray each
other without scruple. The dialogue is also too prolx
and the action of the plot slow but the scenery Is spen
did without exception. Theevil genius Of the piece Is
tithe proctor, menoer vi uetesteu WHO
has bertne designs upon Of his tenants daughters
and who being foed In them by her brother resolves
to accomplish the ruin OF the latter and with that view
entruss him with certain reasonable documents which,
being found upon his person. lead to his transportation
The libertne thus left at liborty TO pcrscvere in
his designs, and he not only succeeds in bring
ing her into n candestinc marriage which no
afterwards repudates but makes love to her brothers.
betrothed sweetheart The exile returns however, after
the lapse Of years. determined revenge One OF
the titho proctor plots to entce his wife TO dark
valley ovsrhung by cliffs where he has got ruitan IN
his pay dig her grave At this critical moment nor
mother makes her appearance and swinging down from
her rescue This powerful scene and the beautiful
moonlight admirably subdues Its harsher features The
proctor s also In reacherous device Tor the
forcble abduction Of the other girl In which he Is foicd
BY the Peep o'Day Boys by one OF whom ne Is eventu
ay shot dead Thus the suffers and the inno
taned very difficult part with great ability, and Mrs.
waller a Nelly Brady displayed remarkable power and
varsatIitv Mr.. Waller as The Mccarthy, and Mr.
I,eymond as tho Babby, and Mr.. Marlowe, as McNca-
~ were dashing and forcibe, and the characters gene
rsv we're well sustained. Tho play may be pronounced
an unqualified success
cLARKs BENEFIT AT THE WINTER GARDEN.
Mr. T. g. Clarke made his farewell bow to q Now York
audience tor the present, only let us hope) at the
winter Garden last evening" In the comedy Of "Suddcn
Thoughts % aud the farce OF tho "Rough Diamond" Tho
audience was very large and the applause hearty and
deserved. This evening "Unce Toms Cabin will he
produced at the theatre. As theatre,
atbenpum, one Bowcry circus and minstrel troups
will soon be playing "Unce TOM In New York, we
hope in advance, that all parties concerned may have
10y Of the profits from this dramatizaton Of abolition
novel;