New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-09-05
THE DRAMA.
OLYMPIC THsATER.--MR. JEFFERSON AS RIP VAN
wINKLR.

OLYMPIC THgATgR.--MR. JEFFERSON AS RIP VAN
wINKLR.
Those who were present the Olympic Thoater Mon
day eyenng-and tho house denscy crowded. in every
par-w not forget the brliancy Of the occasions
the strong thrill of sympathy that swept through the vast
audiences the applause, cOrdai ana ongeonunued when
hailed Mr. JeeFsons appearances and the exquisite art
with which he filed avery difficult character and justified
the ocst expectations Of friendship. The scene was in
the highest degree vital and impressive. We have never
witnessed more genuine enthusiasm than evnced by
the audience nor an effort in dramatic art which
fully wnran tod enthusiasm. Mr. Jedersons personation
of Rip Van Wrinkle is perfect and an exquisite
piece of acting Every reader Of Washington Irving
knows the story of Rips adventure the Casks and
there is no need tell again what has already been
so chamingly told. Yet tho immediate circumstances
strongly prompt us 10 dwell upon that delightful idy of
romance and reality in which character and humor and
pathos are so delicatey blended. With Mr.. Jeftersons
acting fresh in recollection, We are transported INTO
the past and made 10 see with bodily eyes the old
fashioned Dutch civilization it crep up the borders OF
the Hudsonthe quaint ard iaet village the stout lol,
landers, with their pipes and schnappsi the loves ana
troubles OF elder generation. IL Is calIner lie
than ours, yet the elements compose H. Here Is
9 mean and cruel schemer making good
hearted man his prey ond thriving on the wfkness
that he so well knows how to betray Here is parental
love tried IL is by sad cares; and here the love
of Youthful and hopeful hearts just bursting into bloom,
and happiness Dear old RIP Van Wiaks never seemed
so loyea6e he does thus standing mp IN the form OF a.
true and great artist against the background OF real NE
Mr. Jefferson makes HIM familiar friend The great
heft that beats in his bosom sends thrill to all
hearts and makes US, with blended smiles and tears
knowledge the touch of nature 1t s this perception OF
the heart Of Rip Van Wrinkle, underlying his artistic
power and skill that makes Mr. JehersOn's por-
traiture Of the character so truthfms and SO
deeply touching. We see tina, up - q
ofidleness butuBdr oil he rags and atters OF eharac-
ter as well costumegood 10 the very core. We under
standwhy all the childe in the village love him. why all
Az H. ofYor Will "
bows al the welcome his songs bis stones and has
genial companionshp He has run through fortune he
has almost baggared his wife and children; and we know
that he merits reprobaton. He knows IT, eo; and his
little talk with the children, in the early part Of the hrst
act shows how keeny he feels the consequences OF
error and weakness which vet be is wholly unable 10 atone
for and overcome, 1t is in these minute touches
that Mr. Jefferson shows his sympathetic
study Of human nature, bis qa Iss:, ard and
quite through theshears well as the thoughts OF men,
One this in the struggle Of his long submerged but
only dormant spirit Of true manliBess when his'we
drives him from their home, into the night and ne tenn
pest. Smore wildly is it shown in his inefaby pa
theic bewidermen when he comes back nom his sleep
of 20 years, TO home that knows hin no more more
touching embodiment OK the angushsO age bowed down
by sorrow and doubt have upon the stage,
than IS this Rip Van Wrinkle of Mr.. Jefferson. His dis
closure of himself 70 his daughter marks the eli-'
max of pathos. Every heart must have been
touched by those imploring looks Of mute fns-
almost feared an uterance Iis hard say which por
ton Of Mr. Jeersons performance IS the more perfect
and nerhaps il is not desirable thus 20 discriminate. But
whether as the drsm-drnking and goofnauTed sports
man or the aged and dewdcred suppant for humanTe
cognition and'sympathy he is perfect and admirable
Time has dealt kindly with Mr. Jefferson lie seems to
be more robust than formerly be was and be has certainly
tofted by all opportunities Of experience and culture
Full Justice was done to him by his audience on Monday
lie vas several times called before the curtain and at the
end ofthe play he mede graceful speech expressive OF
his qualification at the welcome accorded him. lie
play was wei cast and well acted IL is Far better YER
sion Of Rip Van Wrinkle than has been seen here before
The incidents skfnly grouped and the styeisnooth
and graceful The first act presents complete picture o.
of the village Of Failing Waters Mr.. Bouccault has
slightly varied the gna plot for the sake OF dramatic
effect and has done wisely in so doing In the second
act we behold Hendrek Hudson and his ghOsy crew. and
Rip in their midst Giving free play TO fancyalways free
20 be supernaturalMr Boucicaut has herein arranged
singulay weird and beautiful scene No speaks but
Rip The ghosts cluster around him. The moonlight falls
lly upon their palid faces. The stately Hudson prof
fe drink TO the mortal intruder: Poor Rip almost shud-
nature, pledges the ghosts in their liquor. Then
shouts Oh goblin laughter reecho the mountain. The
shirts Glide away, or sink into the earth; and Rip Van
Wrinkle falls into his sleep Of twenty years How much
finer is than any bald conversation In the
third &C, the return Of Rip Is shown and al which there
after befe in the discontinue Of the sehemer- and the
triumph Of goodness and Of love- Here again yara-
tions from the original plot viii be notced but the cnt-
cs spectator will not fail TO sec sufficient for
them II poetic justieeand very affecting incident
that he hand which drove the VanderT forth should like
wise lead HIM back Altogether IL is certain that Mr.
Bouocanlts version Of Strip Van Wrkle' is the best
extant and that Thrust take precedence OF all Others now
in use upon the stage Its characters should say have
each Tghful prominence. This affords opportunity for