New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-09-28
THE DRAMA.
PROGRESS AT wALLACK'S.

MIR. RObertsOns new comedy was acted last
night at Wallacks Theater in the presence Of large a
dence by whom 1t heartily enjoyed. In ITSELF and
In the manner OF its representation 1t true and
uncommon success 1t Is three-act play, written In
brilliant language, various and vital with the ever
changing lights Of thought and emotion which shine
through its strong yet delicate texture. Nor
is it excellent in style alone. 1t e1ces in
thought, in feeling, and dramatic situation. 1t
treats an important subject In an entirely adequate
ner is the dramatic discussion Of the spirit Of this
age 1t contrasts the idea Of those who love- reverence
and would preserve what old with the idea OF those
who would replace ancient usages with modern nstu
lions. And 1t states both sides of the ques-
ton with equal fullness, force. and felicity.
The conclusion 1t announces is the obvious one
that tho truth lies In the golden mean. Progress is
good IL it be not carried too far; and a great deal
passes for progress which is in fact the seethng
bulence of excessive physical vgor. This is
not novel doctrine, but 1t is useful
one, and worthy to be urged and there great deal
both Of novelty and beauty in the method by which the
dramat has illustrated and enforced it, The art with
which he has woven lovestory into the web Of the dis
cussion is really beautiful, and cannot DO too warmly
commended Art which provides such a situation and
such dialogue that of the lovers In the second act of
this comedy, is delightful, and is worthy OF all
admiration. AS think of 1t
scious Of being grateful for the occasion which
Iustifes enthusiasm That spirit OF delight
comes rarely, IN these days. but 1t came to we
dwelt upon that exquisite picture OF loves unfolding It's
sweetness its pure ardor its pathetic anguish under the
blight Of sudden The progressive idea Illus
traed by the porraure Of emotional experience In the
comedy is the ancient onenot less true less beaut
full for being ancentthat merit equals rank and that
true love levels all distinctions. This Is in the story
OF highborn girl who loved man ogenius. lowy born,
who also loved her, and by whom she saved from
death, and led to happiness. With the details Of the
comedy shall not ourselves In this place.
Spectators constructed the human plan like to find
out something for themselves when they to
play. We should be remiss In duty, though, did We
neglect to say-at and strongythat noble lesson
has been taught in Progress" and taught In
both powerful and fascinating The play mounted
with and good scenery or this, however 1t requires
but little. 1t is more to the purpose that IL was
we'll acted We glad OF opportunity to bear wit
to this There are but ten characters in
Progress" each OF w.lch is distinctly drawn and
nearly ell were presented in truly artistic guise The
conspicuous successes Miss Louisa Moore's Era.
Mr.. Gberts Dr. Brown, Mira Seiton's Miss MyrnIe, and
Mr. stoddard's Mr. BinnytOrne. Next to these were
the John Ferne OF Mr.. ]. W. walack, and the Arthur
Mompesson of Mr.. Fisher Mr.. Williamson played Bob
B,nnythorne, Mr. E. NJ. Holland played Mr.. Dandy Mr..
Held appeared as Lord Mompe,Son. and Mr. j.
W. Leonard as Hykkdm As Era, Miss Lousia Moore
away the honOrs of this representation The part
that of invalid girl ardent in temperament and highly
IMAGINATIVE and tried by serious experenccS the
best in the piece Miss Moore made Era perfectly real
and therefore, deliciousy sweet and winning Such
union OF sweetness and strength has seldom been seen;
and 1t Is long time since any woman has achieved on
Waack stage such success as that which has attended
the first appearance of Miss Moore IL great
performance, and Miss Moore Is not great
actress, and probably never viii be. Indeed
to the best Of knowledge. great actresses
are rather scarce in these days But 1t was work OF
studied art, excellent in method betokening cultivated
mind and temperament Of unusual poetic softness and
grace Miss Moore recalled by the abundant applause
Of the audience. at the end of the second act Mrs
seftons acting Of Miss Myrnie also inspired great deal
Of enthusiasm. Mass Myrne lie such an Old maid as
everybody naturally wishes to strange; and Mrs
Seton interpreted the character so faithfully
az to intensity that amiable feeling In a
remarkable degree. Mr. Stoddart finds In Bunnythorne
AN eccentric character that suits his odd ways and he
has plenty Of comic lines to speak Mr. Williamsons
Rob B,unvhorns would be better If 1t sincere
The fool believes in himself whereas MI Williamson
no,pts him somewhat in the colors of burles0ue. Mr.
Gilberts hardness and tenderness were delightfully."- com
nnoIed in his performance Of Dr. BOon. Mr.. wallack
"a Erue was picturesque and engaging but he might be
,te mora ardent Mr. Fisher looked the arstocrat as
Arthur, but was trine preachy. The whole perform
anca--and especiaily the characters of Arthur and
Fe,re-w better. az the run OF the piece proceeds
That RIM should be long one Mr.. Walack deserves
the heartest and ampest critical Endorsement and the
practical support Of the theater going public for his
auction Of this excellent comedy
We have spoken of this Mr.. Robertsons new
comedy 1t s however, in fact new translation. The
original Is lies Gansches," by Victorien Sardou