New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1867-03-01
THE DRAMA.
FRENCH THgATKB.

In n brief paragraph. on Tuesday. we directed at
tenton TO the performance OF La Famille Benoiton"
at the French Theater. The topic, however, Is one
that merits more particular remark, and 80 we recur
TO IT, As given on Saturday last, La Famlle Beno-
itonp was a marked success. AS acted on Tuesday it
was a positive triumph. The scenery indeed seemed
tame and insufficient and the waits" were little
long and tedious But there the voice of censure is
silent. The acting wherewith the comedy was pre-
sentcd calls for nothing but emphatic communication,
and this is saving good deal. when we reflect upon
the weight and exactng quality Of the characterize
ton which makes La Fanille Benoiton" one OF the
str0pgest Of sardous PLAYS Almost every parsonage
introduced is distinct social type. BenoitOn, Formi
cb,I Didir. Prudent. Clohlde, Marthe, Camille and
FGnfdn-eaCh is wildly individualzed, complex, and
calculated to test the players intellect as Wen as art
These parts at the French Theater are respectively
nersonated by NM. Edgard ChOl, Chandora, jug
net and Miles. Rosa Saunier, Carmel Julie ana ueors
pette Perhaps the most perfect actlhg Is tnaG oI
Edgard, who positively seems to be the vetitaDle
French capitalist lust stepped off of the Exchange
Few actors that call to mind possess IN SO iaIee
measure, the faculty of interpreting humof Dat tne
most brilliant and therefore the most interesting
acting is that of Mile. SaInier as Ciohde' Inns u.s.
clearly tho leading part in the comedy: ~ Is 10
tides strong womany spirit true near, anu srmnatbv
that commend this piece to our moral syhlPaah c
Upon her. too, depends the WORKING OUT y! .no Iio.
An inefficient ClOhlde would rum inc pay
se fidelity TO nature Her repose that Of
tnIIcct no less tbon good-breeding; her emotional
excitement increasing and varying unaer inc pres
sure of painful circumstances, was precisely lnuca
i've NJ fhe fendcr-beartcd and undetermined woman
Her scene with Didir-eXtremely well acted by h'
Chamberlain the fourth act was espeeaily touCnihg
and won the heartiest applause Marine, as inter-
nrctcd nv Mile Carmel fills ones ideal OF passion
ate' but outwardly cold and proud, and somewhat
weared beauty The absence Oh eiiCrs anu U
pleasing Mile. Georgettes though not SO go9a IT,
Tanfan as was little Miss Chapman, who played tne
part at Wallacks Theater, indicated talent rs wen
% careful cultivation and enthusiastic paudlts
from the audience. With such players as those we
have mentioned the Association OF trench Artlsis
can certainly do well whatever IT undertakes, anu ~
ought therefore to prosper III its enterprise vi ate
that enterprise has taken the form OF producing the
French originals of comedies that, III an .Engnsn
dress have been done at Wallacks. The ldea IL
happy one Both American and French AUDIENCES
| are thus addressed and that opportunity Tor com
narison which critical human nature 30 generally
rroYets is largely afforded LA Famille Benoiton'
will he acted again at the French Iheater on nn
day evening next. and oil lovers OF goOu coheuy
acting are strongly cOunscled to witness us perform
ance. . -, ,
A performance of the comedy of ours Will DO
given at Wallack's 1heater Saturday next, ut II
o'clock for tho benefit Of the Southern Rellet ASso-
citation Ii cannot be necessary to urge the import
ance of the Charity which is thus TO DO served Our
! countrymen in the Southern States arc starving.
Why this is So there is no need now 70 discus
duty of the moment is plain-to aid the southern ne
Relief Association. TO the extent OF our ablilty' lhs
Benefit ought TO DO one of the most successful ever
| taken in New-York Mr.. Lester Waack and his
! theatrical company have volunteered their services;
and we may be sure that capital comedy VIII pe
acted thoroughly well. May-ths house DO crowded
| to its utmost limits! -,
MT Watts Phillips's comedy of Investment will
he played at this theater. for the first time' on
Monday next.
The Japs unable 10 obtain place for exhibition
in Sew-York, have gone to Philadelphia.
The collection of curiositics at Barnum's Museum
has lately been augmented by the addition thereto OF
n bearded lady. one Madam Hines. whose whiskers
are copious. and fearful to bcholdAsuggesting.
indeed "the beard of Hercules and frownlng Ma
Mars Mr. BrOugham's Christian Martyrs. 10y the
way. is having a fine run at this house