The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-10-19
MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC.


"Huntcd Down. at the Chestnut street Theatre
Boucicault's drama OF Hunted DoDil; or, the Too
Lires of Mary Leigh is not entirely TO our play
goers, having been produced at the Chestnut Street
Theatre, under the old management, about two years
ago, with Mrs Bowers in the leading role, and Mr.
Leake as her chief support. Last evening the play
was revived upon the boards OF the Chestnut by Miss
Laura Keenes new company with all the interest,
on the part of the public, that attaches to the pro-
duction Of a new piece. A large audience was pre-
sent, and the performance was 80 merltorious
throughout that it was received as pronounced
success. Hunted Dorn need only be compared with
Boucicaults latest efiuslon FormoSd, to enable one
to appreciate the rapdity with which that volumi-
nous playwright Is degeneratlng. The former play Is
immeasuraby the superior Of the latter although
it cannot be pronounced one OF his best eusons, 1t
deserves TO rank above the general Of the trashy
stuff with which he has been flooding the stage
during the last few years The first act attempts to
portray scene Of perfect domestic bliss; but the
author has been intent upon his object that he has
verged upon the puerie, and in dialogue between
the artist 'JOhn Leigh" and his wife 'Mary," has
given US surfeit of the very smallest sort of small
domestic talk. Miss Keene as "Mary Leigh and
Mr.. Mordaunt as "John Leigh, however make the
best of their opportunities, and in their hands
the love scene partakes as little of indifference as
could well be possible Miss Keene thoroughly ap-
preclates the individuality Of her part, and
while rafting of the honeyed words OF her
wifely happiness, brings out with sufficient
distinctness the undercurrent of sadness
which at to give us clue to her "other
fe," and affords q background that sets forth the
present in bold aud striking relief. The contrast is
still further heightened by the finale OF the act in
which appears the INSCRIPTIONS villain who has cast
the shadow upon her life, and now emerges from
the grave to complete the ruin Of her hopes. The
"Count de WlllIdoG' is modelled upon the tradi-
tona heavy villain of the stage, and in no essential
respect does he differ from the host of heartess and
constituencies villains who have preceded him. To
Mr. McManus is allotted this part and his interpre-
taton of 1t happily does not degenerate into unne-
cessary and unnatural ferocity. We were agreeaby
disappointed in Mr. Mordaunts personaton of
"John Leigh" This actor is usually so burly In
manner as well as in voice. that partial failure OF
the part was to be apprehended at his hands. He
succeeds, however in keeping his admirable adapta-
tion for such roles that of Bn Sykes well in the
background, and throws great deal Of tender sent
ment into the part.
In the second act villany appears to have full
swing, but In the third and last the tables are
turned and after the first life Of ''Mary Leigh" is
brought out into full contrast with the happiness
which marks her career at the opening OF the play
virtue gets the upper hand and enjoys supreme vim
| dication, according TO the tlme-honored custom.
But the grand lesson which the piece claims to teach
and which it does impress upon in very forcible
manner, is the utter lack OF wis iom displayed by
secure by keeping dsagreeabe secrets from trusting
and doting husbands. passion for startling situa-
| tions is one of the pardonable weaknesses
| of Boucicault, and it has full play in
| Hunted Dorn. The wherein the repro
bate "Count" lays claim TO "Mary Leigh" as
his wife, whereupon she calls upon "John Leigh"
whom she had just resolved upon abandoning, to pro-
tect her. is worked with great deal of SKILL and
acted by Miss Keene and Messrs. Mordaunt and
McManus with degree of energy and care that
commands the hearty applause OF the audience
Miss May Howard, who assumes the part of "Clara
the artists model and the true wife of the heavy
vlllain throws great deal Of force and pathos into
| her role which is one that makes a demand upon
the higher qualities of art, and when well acted as
is by her. engages the hearty sympathy of the audi
ence Little Nellie, to whom is allotted the
charming childs part OF 'Wile Leigh" ELECTED last
evening generous applause. Many OF the best points
Of the play are placed In her mouth and she delivers
| them with true chidke earnestness that evinces
great in her training and great capacity for the
| stage on the part of one of such tender age.
Hunted DOlcn, as given on the first evening of its
| performance is certainly pleasurable entertain
ment, and will deserve all the repetitlOns that Miss
| Keene may accord 1t.