The New York herald., 1871-11-25

-. james Theatre.
II we must have theatrical entertainments with
more serious end in view than the Willing away OF
the time which lies heavily on hands, they can
take no more harmless form than the classical bur-
lesque provided always the quips and illusions are
kept within proper limits. Fun and frolic are likely
to overflow the bounds OF strict proprety when the
usual landmarks. are removed and an un-
wonted amount OF freedom is permitted
both TO the author and the actor. The temp
tatfon to run into eltttUo1ue has been happily
resisted In the burlesque OF "Bacchus," with which
Miss Annie Lonsdale opens the season, and though
no remarkable amount OF wit is displayed In the
illusions, there Is sufficient fun-sometimes pretty
brOad-t0 amuse the audience. We miss the spark
ling dialogue which was so marked A feature OF the
classical burlesque during the few years tnlt 1t was
the rage the London stage, but to those who en-.
Joy the lighter form or theatrical entertainments
and are not TOO eXacling on the score OF
literary excellence ''Haccnus" will afford an
agreeable change from the various variety
PLAYS which are not wnit more amusing
aud are certainly much more coarse. MISS Annie
Lonsdalc throws a good deal Of vivacity into ner
rendering OF the part of Bacchus, and manages 10
look quite interesting as the Jolly, naughty toy;
but OF the rest OF the company we cannot sreak .
very highly. There IS a WanG or enDGia In tnelr
acting that drags on the piece, for bures9ue IS
nothing If not full Of dash and loyous nle, Our
notions OF b1rlesque are Intimately connected with
memories OF the Strand, and the absence Of the
daucng ana the weakness OF the singing called up
1t IS to be regretted that the company Is not stronger
on these two points, winch seem 10 be essential 10
tins class OF play-at least they draw on attention
from Whatever may be weak or dull In the cntef-
talnment. We would advise Miss Lonsdale to with
draw the "Pet OF the Public as ii Is likely to prove
a sad misnomer. There Is not interest enough In
the piece to Justify It's retention, besides II Is lte III
It's subject and the incidents quite out OF
date. Miss Lonsdale's acting OF Gothe the vlruous
but somewhat iinpluden. village maiden, Is natural
enough but Is impossible to create an interest In
the Character. With light comedy possessing
present interest and some desirable changes In the
present company there Is no reason why the 81.
James should net receive a fair share OF public
patronage. Miss Lonsdale has shown excellent
Judgment by excluding from the pieces she has pre-.
sented whatever might anord room for complaint on
the score OF morality.
Brooklyn Thentrc-Booth's Richelieu.
The nth night OF Mr.. Booths engagement at
this theatre, Notwithstanding the storm, was quite
as successful and satisfactory to the management,
in respect to attendance as any Of the previous
ones Mf. Booth appeared as Richelieu-a CHAR
acter in which he Is familiar to the
public as to have passed beyond the realm
OF criticism, IL being SUFFICIENT TO say,
he the great Cardinal aud himself at once. The
support was excellent and IN respect to Mr. Roche
De Mauprat most admirable, under such severe
comparison. The general setting OF the piece,
costumes, &C., showed the same careful at.
tenton to details, liberal Judgment aud
correct taste that have marked Mrs. Con-
Mr.. Booth viii appear IN the matinee to-day as
Claude Melnofre IN the "Lady OF Lyons" and In the
evening rs Richard the Third. "0nrs" Will be pre-
sented on Monday.