The New York herald., 1871-01-03
The Theatres.

1t iS q recognised fact that the residents and
sojourners in New York form theatre going
population as numerous, as eager and In some
respects as critical as that of any great Euro
pean city. 1t must also be admitted that DUR
Ing the present season our New York theatres
offer extraordinary attractions. Although
such stars Of first magnitude as Rachel.
Ristori, Seebach, Janauschek, Dawson and
Fechter are not now illuminating our dramatic
armament, these have all successively shons
here, and Marie Seebach will reappear on
January 10 at the Stadt theatre. Janauschek
will also soon be here again.
Booth will return and assume the r5le Of
Richelieu as soon as Jefferson's Grip Van
Wrinkle" shall have completed its run Of one
hundred and fifty nights Meanwhile the
public has precious opportunity Of enjoying
at Booths theatre the last week of this MASTER
piece Of acting. Whatever deviations from
Washington Irvings fascinating legend OF
"Sleepy Hollow" may have at first exposed
Boucicaults version of ii to justifiable criti-
cism, they have gradually been either elimi-
mated by Mr.. Jefferson himself or so modi-
fed by him as to enhance the marvellous
dramatic effects Of the performance. 1t has
grown, as it were, into an indestructible
"thing of beauty and joy forever" young
lady, whose first effort in theatrical criticism
does equal credit to her heart and head, re-
Gently said Of Jefferson's Rip Van Winkle -
GAS long as memory exists it must reproduce
it from beginning to end; thing of light and
color and music and grace; an epitome Of
the tenderest and loftiest sentiment; an 'ab-
stract and brief chronicle of our complex
human natures the still, sad music Of hui
manity.'" What she says of Jefferson in this
r6le is true. 1.-THE actor is not there; he has
thrown of his own mind and clothed himself
in the very essence Of his character, mind aud
body. 1t is not an assumption, but a trans
formation" To enable the spectators to see
thought and study in glance which seems
careless, intellect back Of an apparently i'm
promptu gesture, keen knowledge of character
in feeting word or phrase, subtle power OF
comprehension in the tones Of the voice
and mind and reflection in what seems entirely
spontaneous and superficial action, is the
highest art of the actor, and this Is fully at
tanned by Joseph Jefferson as Rip Van Wrinkle.
At Wallack's, after most successful revival
of legitimate comedy by the production OF
''The Heir at Law" ''The School for
Scandal, "The Road to RUM" "The Serious
Family" and s'The Rivals" we are promised
tonight the last new play of Robertson,
sWar," which will doubtless assemble at this
theatre the fashionable, appreciative and
critical audience always to be found there on
an opening night. The plot Of this piece has
already been made familiar to most London
and New York playgoers. Its title would
seem to promise much military show and
pageantry. Such, however, is not the case.
1t is one of those sweet and life-like home
stories for which Robertson is so well known
and in the treatment of which he excels.
There is just scope enough in the course Of
the story to give the stage manager aud the
scenic artist fine opportunity for some of
those picturesque and yet realistic effects
peculiar to the Wallack stage. With such
qualities, and with cast including the names
of Brougham, Gilbert Fisher, Clarke and
Madeline Henriques, it would be safe to pre-
dictfor "War" an encouraging success.
The brilliant success of Mr. Howard's 'sSar-
atoga," an auspicious Introduction upon our
stage of 'JoIies dramatiQues" such as, in
happier times, delighted the Parisians, nightly
crowds Days theatre. Mile. Aimee has
added her own attractions to those of Mile
Silly and Mile. Montaland in securing the sue
cess of 'sLes Brigands" at the Grand Opera
House. The spectacular magnifcence Of the
'Black Crook" and the almost superhumau
and yet strictly artistic feats Of the Majiltons
draw immense crowds at Niblo's. The Circus
j. thronged by enthusiastic juvenile witnesses
Of its holiday spectacles. Fox and 'sWee
Willie Winkie" have rushed on beyond their
hundredth night at the Olympic. The English
blondes are permanent attraction at Woods.
"Aladdin" shines at Lima Edwin's, and sTts
Go" is promised there. Dan Bryant's gay
little theatre has become most popular
resort. For the special attractions there and
at the Bowery, the Globe, the Comique, the
San Francisco Minstrels aad Tony Pastors, as
well as at Mrs. Conway's, in Brooklyn, the
reader may consult our advertising columns In
full confidence of finding something to suie
every taste and mood
A brief season Of Italian opera will begin
this week at the Fourteenth Street theatre.
Finally, the admirable Shakspearian readings
of Miss Glyn, at Steinway Hall, would alone
suffice to show how richly New York is al
present provided with entertainment for q
population so fond as ours Of all that pertains
to the drama.