New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-12-01
THE DRAMA.
LAST NIGHTS OF HOME.


wanted however we fail TO perceive. Since Mr.. Lester
Wallack began to play the attendance at Walack's
Theater has been steadily and continuously large This
result u.s. OF course attributable, In some part to the
popularity of the comedian himsef-an actor unriyaled,
the American stage in his peculiar sphere But in
some part, also it is attributable to the extra
ordinary charm kot Mr. RObertson's comedy; and.
as our public is babitualy slow TO tire
of really good work of art, we cannot
believe that II has tired of Home" Tho piece has
merits both literary and dramatic, ola very unusual
character and the influence which 1t exers Is that OF
exalted feeling and gentle refinement Filal affection
making itself manifest in tine
clever and dramatc-of painful duty is the pervadng
spirit of the comedy and this should win upon all hearts
Aside from this charm 1t is luxury to see the coofs In
which this picture of life is painted and to hear the
| language in which its lesson is enforced Mr.
| Robertson is not OF those writers so
| very numerous and dreadfuly active,
who fetter themselves in their own words, and
plunge, and struggle, and splash toward their point
through Of verbage. on the contrary, his language
IS always the clear expression OF clear thought arising
naturally out OF It, and giving wings to the action OF his
drama "HOme is mastery illustration Of this felci
tous literary method To the student OF art therefore,
closely obseryant Of the ncees construction well
TO the Indifferent spectator who only to be amused
the play is extremely charming. Both are aware OF the
fine effect but the former also aware OF the uncommon
neness Of method whereby that effect Is produced we
could wish that all the spectators Of Home" were sud
GUS of its mechanism. There is reason enough
10 assume, general principles, that MI Robertsons
superb mastery Of the of construction and the use OF
words is not widely appreciated. passing locomotive
by It's snOrting and shrieRing NO need TO ask
the rude power that bellows OF It's own po
tency. But the growth OF yoles Is Inherent matter
Rare and delicate powers OF mind Ike great forces Of
nature move without tumult and give no sign OF effort
Such powers show themselves in Mr. Robertson's come
dies-and ought not TO show themselves in VAN. One
lesson at any these comedies ought TO teach; That
there is such thing genuine ability which makes
10 splurge. "Home" is not 70 good comedy
as "Caste," having neither the definite, Nv
ing, important theme, nor the distinct purpose,
the intellectual vigor OF that remarkable work But
IL Is true picture OF manners; II breahes out pure
sentiment It ever reminds MS of Ihe constant need OF
charitable consideration for human Inrmites; anu IL
sparkles with graces OF dialogue We SNAIL theEelOre
sincerely regret its withdrawal from stage on which
has been exceedingly well set ara @cteu ana 10 Wneh
1t might, we imagine, be permitted 10 lena attractive
luser for yet a considerable period
MISS BATEMAN IN BROOKLYN
Our readers will observe that Miss Bateman is
to appear at the Brooklyn Academy Of Music Friday
and Saturday evenings Of the present week The sale OF
seats commences at the Theator, this morning. Miss
Bateman will Mary WGrner It rs, we think, her best
character At any rate, II shows the womany sweetness
OF her temperament the intensity or her emotional
power and the exalted quality q her moral naure-not
TO speak Of her trained skill n the arr OF acting Inc
drama which she will thus appear Is strong likewise
a !
favore in Brooklyn and doubtless, she Will be warmly
welcomed on this OCCASION
FIFTH-AYE. THEATER.
"a New Way to Pay Old Debts was acted
at this theater Monday and London Assurance was
repeated last evening OF the vivid impression that
Mr. f. L. Davenport Mas made, in the character OF SIR
Gaes Orereaeh have already spoken His personaton
OF Sir Hdreour Coty far less important work, and
need detan attention Nor IN general way there
anything In this reproduction OF "London Assurance
which calls for particular remark There are topics which
slightly pail upon the tired mind, after being canyassed
for number OF years and this comedy Is one OF them
It possess exuberaut suggostyenes at the start
Such qualities OF merit Il posseses-sppped IN every
particular, by Mr. John Brougham-have long snce been
ascertaned and recognized Enough Is said here, when
we say it is Of the pieces that are within the
capacity OF Mr. Days dramatic companyalbeit we have
seen better Sir HarcoTs than Mr. Davenport and better
| Daszles than Mr.. Harkns. ToniEht Mr.. DAILY offers
couple OF pieces this meridian" Daddy Gray"
by Andrew Halliday and Checkmate." from the French
original OF Scribe. The former first acted at the
Royalty Theater London, last year This Is the story
DADDY Cray Is n wenlthy retired tradesman, with
great reputation for benevOeuce and generosity lie has
been especially kind 20 the family OF one Peter Be au
artisan out OF employment Mr Grey stocks ne Worh
ingmans larder With provisions, ana forever bringing
tores q A9E toys for tho entertainment OF his ohsprhg
The old gentleman Is even willing the moment aftGr ne
has swallowed his breakfast 10 play AZ Plna mans R
aud otherwise to ronp violently with tho infant BelE'
1t would seem, however. that there Is selfish main
spring 10 Mr. Grags kindness His character 10 less
emplary than he would have supposed In spite OF his
co years he - In love with the eldest Mss Bell lie 10
generous 10 her relations the more surely TO commend
himself TO her favor He even plays blind mans bun
rather because the INCIDENTS OF the game permit MIN
occasionally 10 clasp Jessie Bell round the waist than ny
reason OF his regard for the intrinsic aud Legitimate
pleasures OF the pastme. In TRUTH M cray for ali his
charitable and genial airs IS schenng aud worldly per
sOn possessed with very lively concern for his own III
erest aud comfort Jessie Bell has lover Harry Garden,
young miller TO whom E she RsaSEesd S - m& Hdnns
man. His mill has been burned TO the ground
Certain suspicious circumstance have attended the
upon charge Of arson. Her family reduced to beggary
aud her lover convicted OF felony, Jessie Bel can hady
the OF defending Harry Garden at the assizes
have of her old lovers pocket though 1t is not
be supposed that he is really much interested In OBJ
tanning the acquittal Of the prisoner and indeed the
audience are yeh 70 n cop5n S f tbSn Might
have been. On the morning fixed for the wedding OF
Daddy cray and Miss Bell Harry Garden Is released from
prison, tho real criminal having declared himself.
For while DADDY gray Is mean enough
news OF her younger lovers restoration to liberty and
good repute. Harry Garden however, appears upon the
herself into his Thereupon Mr. Gray, having
clearly other open 10 him. whdraws his own
claims and consents to the marriage OF the young people
The audience left TO imagine him endeayorng In the
future found upon thus unavoidable act OF generosity
new character for benignlty OF disposition, his od
reputation In that respect having been thoroughly shat
tered and exploded by the course Of events"
Mr.. Davenport will play Daddy Gray and Miss Agnes
Ethel will appear as Jessie Bell.
1t is worth while TO note the present condition and
strength of Mr. Days company, which includes the fol-
lowing players: Mr.. L. l.: Davenport Mr.. q. Clarke,
Mr. ID. H. HaTkins. Mr. j, Il. Polk Mr. James LOWS MI
| W. Davdge, Mr. George Holland, Mr. T. II. Evans, Mr.
T. +. Egbert, Mr. q. Jordan, Jr Mr.. W. Beekman, hr.
Stewart, NJ Chapman, Mrs f. B. Clanfrau Miss Agnes
Ethel Miss Fanny Davenport, Miss Marie Longnore'
Miss Emile Kiehl, Mrs g. H. Gilbert, Mrs. Marie WIKI
| ins, Miss Amy Ames, Miss Emma Lewis, Miss Rowland
| Miss Norwood
DRAMATIC NOTES.
| Mr.. Forrest has just finished an engagement
| at the Wanut-st. Theater, Philadelphia.
| A new play, called Fritz by Mr.. Charles
/ vlor tod nj IT.