The New York herald., 1871-04-13

| Our Tne0tr1caA 6s9kus
| The HERALD has often uttered not unavaIl-
Ing protest against the evils Of the so-called
starring system" Managers Of theatres are
az length beginning to learn that the steady
light Of thoroughly well organized stock
company y preferable to the dazzling lustre Of
any single ''star." Nevertheless the public
may be felicitated on the fact that at present
several "stars" Of greater or less magnitude
are shining In our theatrical sky.
Edwin Booth, ut his own splcndid theatre,
In the 'Fool's Revenge"-Mr. Tom Taylor's
Transformation Of the nightmare story OF
Victor Hugo's Gle Rol d'Amuse" aud of the
opera Of 'Rigoletto" into what Professor
Morley rightly calls "a wholesome English
natured plots, at least for once. con-
vincingly disproving the charge Of his detrac-
tors that he can never efFace his individuality
and make It disappear in that Of the
characters assumed by him. He brings out
admirably all the fine contrasts Of dramatic
color for which, as Morley observes, the dig
nifty and tenderness Of Bertuccio's relation
as father with his child, the struggle Of his
ravengeful spirit with the couhsels of her
simple piety and purity of heart, presently to
be followed by the fsrocity of exultation at
what he believes to be the success of
his relentless plotting, yield occasion. In
the last act Mr.. Booth most effectively
renders the FOOLS glorying, the base
ness Of his triumph passing by swift
stages, the terror of his doubt the agony Of
his despair. Mr.. Lawrence Barrett, as the
poet friend and lover Of Bertuccio's daughter,
in ''The FOOLS Revenge" and as Phidias and
Raphael In 'sThe Marble Heart" acts with an
intensity which, together with his exceptionally
fine voice, entities him to be ranked among
our s'stars."
But the 'bright, particular star" Of the
week is Charles Mathews, at the Fifth Avenue
theatre, as Mr.. Alfred Mopus in Married for
for Money" and as Captain Patter in ''Patter
VS.. Chatter" We have already chronicled the
hearty ovation with which this Incompatible
comedian was welcomed on Monday evening.
In his farewell professional decentralization
of the world the veteran actor must have dis
covered and bathed in the Fountain of Youth
which De Soto vainly sought in Florida; for
he displays all the ease, vivacity, wit and
humor which have made him the delight of an
entire generation Of playgoers.
William Creswick, notwithstanding the
criticisms provoked by the exaggeratious Of
''Nobodys Child" Watts Phillips sensational
drama, in which he appeared at Laura
Keene's Fourteenth Street theatre on Tuesday
evening, is another extraordinary instance OF
prolonged vitality. This sterling good actor
in England and mature experience to the
qualities by which he won applause at the old
fremont theatre in Boston many, many years
ago. Miss Laura Keene, in her double char
acter as directress and actress, met with the
hearty reception due to a long established
favorite of the public.
James Bennett, in the title role Of Richard
III.-which was produced at Niblo's on Mon
day night with astonishing archaeological
accuracy as well as scenic splendor-has not
equalled the anticipations of critical New
| York audience, accustomed to the excellence
| of more than one of his illustrious predeces-
sors. Perhaps he may yet demonstrate that
| SuulCltub duOWdUCc Has ilUt Uecu mdu0 Ny HIS
critics for the drawbacks of first representa-
tion, and for the influence on their minds of a
certain strangeness in version 80 different as
Calverts from that of Colley Cibber, all the
lines of which they know by heart. Mr.. Ben
nett's conception of the part was consistent in
itself throughout, evincing careful study. His
| apparent Imitation of the poses of Edwin
| Booth and the gestures and other
peculiarities of Charles Fechter made an
unfavorable first impression. Toward the
end of the piece he painfully be-
trayed the fatigue which nothing but Del
sarte's principle Of strength in ease" can
enable an actor to avoid. Although he made
several striking points-his wooing of Lady
Anne, in the first act, for example, was de-
servedly applauded-yet he did not exhibit
that magnetic energy which alone can thrill
an audience. Mr.. Neil Warner proves to be
an acceptable Richmond, and Mr.. Shewell
an equally acceptable Duke of Buckingham
Nine. Ponisi sustained with her usual force
and intelligence the part Of Margaret.
Mile. Aimee, the brilliant primd donna Of
the Grand Opera House, will appear as La
Belle Helene at her first benefit this evening.
George Clarke will shine forth next week in
Mr.. De Icons new piece, ''Pluck," at Lima
Edwin's. George Fox Is ''Hxed star" above
the Horizon" at the Olympic;" and, to con-
clude, Wallack's excellent company is by itself
a constellation.
A VERDICT has just been rendered In the
Supreme Court which, while 1t is likely to be
fruitful Of suggestive lessons to auctioneers,