The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1865-10-25
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

THEATRICAL.-The new drama by
Charles Reade, entitled "Never too Late
to Mend" was played for the first time
in America on Monday night at Glenn's
Theatre, to full house. Mr.. Proctor
takes the character of q London thief,
who, after passing through terrible
course of prison regimen, reforms ana
becomes an honest man and respectable
member of society. The author has a
purpose in his drama, and that is to at
tract the attention of the authorities in
England to the unnecessarily harsh
and cruel treatment of prisoners by the
keepers of their jails and Newgates.--
One scene of cruel torture is given, in
which the Tailor displays his heartless-
ness. and the death of boy is caused
by the harsh treatment the friendless
lad is subjected to in the prison cell
There is unquestionably a great deal Of
brutality practiced upon helpless prise.
ners, both in this country and in Eng
land by their inhuman keepers, and it
is well enough that philanthropists of
the pen should improve every opportu-
nifty to lay these evils before the public
and impress upon Legislatures the ne
cessity of radical reforms in prison dis
cipline, and greater care and discrmina-
ton in choosing keepers of prisons, asy-
lums, and other places where the crinii-
nal or the unfortunate are confined
There are plenty of Halves in the land,
and the sooner they are removed from
power the better for humanity. Multi
gan was good as Halves, andwe took ex-
quisite delight in seeing Proctor choke
him. 1t was worth all the play. Mar
st0n fuliils the rOie of Il lawyer who is
dishonest from necessity, and not from
principle, and becomes honest because
he eventually finds that it is the best
policy. Jerry Taylor plays the part OF
proud young tanner, who wishes to
marry, but is too poor. He goes to
Australia, makes money and returns
to claim his bride, Susan, who is
personated by Mrs. Fred. Meek
most delicately and chastely. During
Jerry's absence a villain named
Meadows, Ferris, jntercepts the love
letters, and plots the ruin of Susan's
father, in order to force the girl to marry
him. But through the contemplating
of an honest Jew named Isaac Cole
mani, and devoted African tRosene),
the villain is defeated in his aims, and
George Fielding arrives from Australia
with pocket full of gold, in company
with his friend Robinson, the reformed
tHlcl, Just III tIIIlC " IlicNcllt HIS
being forced to the unholy nuptals.
There is striking similarity between
this scene and the closing one of the
Lady of Lyons. We need scarcely say
that the play ends very happily, and
proves the truth of the proverh that it is
"nevtr too late to mend" There We're
of course some rough and Earring ele-
ments in il, which will wear away in
time, and the Australian scenery
worked badly but this can be rene
died. In some places there is entirely
too much dialogue, and the actors stop
to talk, when they should be acting.
Especially was this the case in George
Fielding's parting scene and also on his
return. He became crazy too suddenly
when he had the fever in Australia.
Mrs. Marston has q very pretty part to
play, and plays it sweetly, iudiciously
and correctly and Mr.. Gallagher was
very proper preacher indeed--the type
of good soul who loves his fellow
man. Rosene's dcineation of the negro
cannot be surpassed. The make up was
perfect, and the dialect and actions We're
true to nature. He is growing favor
lite and an improving actor. The play
is certainly very interesting, and it de-
lighted the audience beyond measure.
We are glad to see that it will be repeat
ed this evening.