New-York tribune., 1870-09-10
THE DRAMA.
LONDON ASSURANCE AT NIBLO's
votes at al

1t is the custom to regard benefit perform
ances topics exempt from criticism, and think the
custom is Hght-because it is founded generous
tesy To point out the bright traits OF such perform
ances however and to record the pleasure they inspire
can never be considered action amiss. With this
feeling advert to the representation of "London AS
surance," last night at Nibos for the benefit of Mr.
Lawrence Barrett 1t witnessed by great multi
tude. The house crowded-as IL has been every
night this week,-and the assembly
OF intelligence and taste. And 1t a very
ardent assembly. 1t greeted its favorites with the
heartest pauds, and was not afraid to express its
pleasure. Under Mr.. Vinoents careful and attentive
stage direction the familiar comedy very prettily
put the stagewhich fancy richer In sets for
rural landscape and for dressing than IL the
streets and houses Of ancient Rome. The cast Of parts
with which London Assurance was acted we have
already put record 1t is notable one. The per-
fcrmance was really brilliant. Among other merits, it
had the rather uncommon Of interest. Everybody
concerned seemed to be sincerely-and as 1t were
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS in what was going
This magnetic feeling, as always occurs when
such feeling exists communicated itself TO the audi
Manifestations Of pleasure therefore fire.
quent Happy laughter frequently rppled through the
house. Applause was abundant. The clever points OF
the piece being deftly and crsply made, quickly
taken. Mr.. Barrett, the beneficiary, had greet
ing That was to be expected 1t came, however,
the lc5s peasantly-we may safely presume Cordial
good feeling was likewise manifested toward Mr.. Mark
Smith and Mr.. f. L. Davenport The enthusiasm OF the
house, though seemed especially aroused and stimu-
lated by the appearance OF Mr.. John E. Owens, who
acted Meddle-for which part, to benefit Mr..
Barrett, he had volunteered his efficient
and valuable aid. 1t long before the
storm OF applause that greeted him died away His per-
formance OF the best art results Of the ing
1t fsrce-as nearly everything else was and rightly
considering what the piece requires its repre-
regard account Of its farce situations and its Of
the spirit Of froc These the best qualities it,
and they good Several Of these situations and
g0Ody share of that spirit OF froc fall to the lot Of
Aeddie and fun does not vainly into the way Of
Mr.. Owens He has very rich bumor, and bis method
of acting is remarkably definite and finished. He tf.ew
few gaps into the text several OF the other
performers did; but then, like them he left out bits
OF the original text, which, OF in this case,
ample atOnement. very cordial TolcOme likewise
accorded to Miss Fanny Davenport OF the Fifth-ave.
Theaer kindly permitted by Mr.. DAILY 10 play Lady Gay
Spanker in the place of Mrs Conway who prevented,
by Illness from filling the part and the bright and
dashng young actress deserved her applause The spec
tacle OF much beauty and animation would in ITSELF
have been luxury apart from the fact that Miss
Davenport play ed Lady Gay Spanker IL not with artistic
finish, At least in refined spirit which yet never
tame Mr.. Barretts fine talent in comedy found ex-
precision in his Charles CourAy One may see wisdom
sometimes in smile, and deep heart underneath
surface Of eyty The tone OF manness and sincerity
that ran through Mr. Barrets personaon its best
quality Yet it did not lack the breezy quality OF ami
mai spirits, deficient in mischief OF this lat
element by the way, there is good deal in Lon
don Assurance" and sometimes it takes a tant Of
something worse. But stay too long upon particu-
lars Time fleets. Words must need be few. The signit-
OF last nights kindred with that Of the
precedingt Real talent exerted earnestly and
under the right conditions, will always win its proper
victory We glad Mr.. Barrett has received 20 EN-.
phstic mark Of popular esteem in this community. He
s sincere artist. He labors In a noble spirit And
wherever he goes he will carry with him the good wishes
OF all who really care for the drama.