New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-10-13
THE DRAMA.
"rHx yAvoRITB OF FORTUNE" AT wALIAcK's THE
AFTER.


"rHr YAvomrR OF FORTUNE" AT wALLAcKs TIE
AFTER.
M wesuand M.rston has, in the "Fsvorte Of For
suns" written an exceedingly clever essay the man
Gar, OF modern English society. In the form of short
story his work would have been cordially welcomed and
rould taken rank with the best of pictures of the
realistic school, In the form Of comedy it is most
kolerabe and not TO be endured" The first two acts
simply incite to sumber. Their language indeed, is adj
nrsby and pure and elegant but one yawns over
g. and feels that the dramast IS very long IN coming to
8ecuba There indeed, lively bit OF dialogue IN the
beginning of the second act when Tom SRherdHd and
lacy Rgtonadmirably presented by MI FISHER and
Mas Gsnnonendeavor TO disgust each other by the pre-
snse Of mercenary and hearess sentiments. An auson
h the income tax the eEd Of the second act also
Sssiopl some laughter. But the former is shoryed
by Of bianeT and the latter Is stupid and thread
hare gag" Bess'ea closely contemplated, these
-. =. are found 10 be imi.aitve. Frank Aanery
Z MI Charles Reades Lord Ipsdef, As may De
been by looking into the story of "Chiisue 9etul,
stone wherein the incident Of the shPwreek ana
al the rest Of itwhe the conversation about Lady Q9P
cen directly modelled on the drawngroom conversation
In the beginning of "Ths School for Scandal Getting
On the third act however the spectator at last catches
shs thread Of the story and the third and fourth acts
somewhat interesting There peculsiy telling dra-
matte situation ct the end Of thS third act The favor.
~ Of fortune sss become poor psa and his betrohed
has NJ tie same time become acquainted with secret
in reference to her own family which must compel her to
ksnounee him without explanation He OF course thinks
That che dscards him because of his sudden loss Of for
hume The merit Of this de- ice need not be urged The
circumstances give opportunity for exceedingly good act
Ing and such appeals directly 10 the heart This the
strongest point in the play We do rehoarse
ahe incidents Of the extremely slender plot Enough 10
say that the comedy shows us how society adustes wealth
and scorns poverty illustrates the difference between
ksptlty and pretension; and eliminates IN the
discontinue Of scoundrel, who Is represented
% having lived by extorng money from weak, vulgar
koodhested woman, whom the possession of pain
Jul secret gave him temporary power His discontinue
IL not brought about IN particularly telling way but the
story coherent and well managed, II be not espe-
sinnyey at presenting picture OF manners This is
dy 70 make his picture Of manners spirited and effective
By anmAting plot and further 70 make his dialogue
entertaining BY wit In these respects Mr. Marson has
disappointed his sdmirerss very large class OF per
sons be il said; for his unusually able pen. IL
vas wise on Mr. Walacks part 10 reproduce the
comedy here because 1t made deep impression IN Lon.
on and because great curiosity was felt here 70 witness
ta representation But cannot think that II will be-
some permanent acting drama ThePayers at Walacks
make the most OF IT, and the scenes with which II IS pres
snted are admirable. The sction-wheh is simplicity it,
sshpasses entirely in the seaside residence Of Mrs Lo
kngton 81 the Isle OF Wight aud only three sets OF seen
cry employed. The characters but IL in number
To have made even % good play out Of such slender
materials Is 20 have eyneed the talents Of great Literary
artist and that Mr.. WestlAnd Msrston undoubtedly IS.
We would not be blind 10 the merits Of The Fayorte Of
Eortune" They are genuine and remarkable; but they
pre- not the merits that make drama effective popular and
ssstsng There IS great value IN one Of Thsekerays
skstehes Of real life; but it is not dramatic value SO with
pr Marston. His Characters hfe-like his study Of
human nature and Of society profound and Just his style
10 beautiful IN ITS PePcacty. Butat least in this drama
DE does not attain the mastery which should characterize
che dramatlst The material noted Tuesday, IS
excellent but the management Of II is defective. The
erama has been played twice since Monday and viii be
again acted tonight All persons interested IN the stage
gill wish 20 H. and should improve their present oppOr
sanity To MIR. Fisher as Tom Sutherland and Miss
Fanny Morant a. Mrs LortRgtoH, and Miss Cannon as
Lses, and Mr.. Young For Bropiey,fis 20 see four
pieces OF perfect Characterization. AL the acting good
Bat these efforts srs peculiarly excellent
RsroRL
Our readers are reminded that Ristori will sp
n ia
DAYisoS
M. Bogumh DawisoR viii make bis appearance as
ohard the Third n hAkesPeaIes tragedy at the StAdt
Nhester this evening