The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1870-03-31
4HUSEMENTS.
The Academy of Music-school.

Tne Acauemy Oh muSlc-SCAoo"
The comedies of Mr.. T. W. Robertson, now
the most successful which hold the English stage,
are Indebted for their charm to their natural
style, and to the opportunities which they give
for celebrating dramatic picture, pre-Raphaei
ite In its minute care and devotion to realistc
effect. They enable the true artist to take the
rude dramatic image, and work 1t out by Wora'
accent and gesture, until it becomes llVing'
breathing. counterfeit Of the incest emotions and
SIMPLEST feelings Of woman and Of man. THIS Is
especially the case with "School." 1t must be
nleasant, and 1t may be perfect, and we venture
to saw that they who saw this comedy as II was
nrst produced in Charleston, hardly recognizea
more than its salient poir as presented at tue
Academy last night.
"school," in the hrst place. needs company
which is numerically strong, for naugnt Is more
dreary than an attenuated academy, whose soil
tary pupil, at Christmas tide, achieves solution
of muscular continuity in vain endeaTor to
continue to walk by twos. Tllly and Laura, and
ths rest. made real 'sSchoo," and surely they
could not desire O gentler and more profoundly
sr,tbmetioal teacher than Miss Jenny Anderson,
the Bella of the evening. The burden OF tne
play, however, rests upon Miss Laura keene,
(Naomi Tlghe) who, from first to last, acted with
uncommon spirit and life. The character Is not one
which suits this accomplished actress, but her
portraiture of the hoydenish schoolgirl was far
more pointed and natural than anything which
Charleston had seen before. The talk was
"horsey'' and abrupt, but the action was true,
and the whole character (whatever American
critics may say) was thoroughly consistent and
as thoroughly sensible. Miss Keene will never
shine resplendantly in "School." This lady is
too strong, too powerful; and to set her for the
soap.bubbles of dramatic literature is to charge
to the muzzle twelve.pounder gun for the dire
execution of an irate musquito The destruction
may be complete, but there is q fearful waste Of
force.
The Bella" Of Miss Jenny Anderson was quiet
and easy, especially In the third act. Mr.. Stuart
made very fair Jack Poyntz, and Mr.. Otis was
careful and pointed as KruX. Mr.. Mordaunt, who
was set down for Lord Beaufoy, acted with the
conspicuous care and talent which marked his
efforts on the two preceding evenings. In many
important respects this gentleman stands near
the summit OF his profession. 1t rests with him
self, perhaps, to determine whether the dramatic
genius shown in "Hunted Down" and "Schooln
shall remain the admiration Of provincial town,
or rlpen into the acting talent Of which metrop-
oils is proud.
The house was only partially filed on account
OF the indecent weather, but they who we're pre-
sent appauded the play to the echo. We may
add that 1t was subject Of general comment,
that so fine theatrical effect should be produced
with the limited resources at the managers com.
mand. The Dlise en- scene was e1cellent-far
more so than could be expected.
Tonight, the company will play the famous
Boucicautian drama, "Hunted Down." 1t is q
powerful play, and has been repeated at the ex-
press desire Of the many who were unable to wit
ness its first performance-one Of the most
notable events, by the way, In the dramatic an
nails OF Charleston.