, 1872-12-15

On Friday evening last "Othello" wns pro-
duced at Aken's Theatre, With hir. Barrett as
MIS-. flanagan as .Desdeneona, and Mrs. Maeder
ns Emilio. Mr. Barrett's Idgo WAS by far the
most successful and satisfactory OF the three
great roles thus far undertaken. It embodies
reading and the makeup. and is throughout
well-considered, thoroughly finished impersona-
ton He makes Of the amooth-tongued villain a
more attractive parsonage, outwardiy, than do
less Of sullen testiness. In physique he is some
thing too light, too neat, too youthful too
Young to Be- the husband OF Mrs. Maeder's
Enlilsa, who, in apparent age, might be
his mGhe hs s2s do saspect sas Vie 5s
lusty Moor hath leaped into my seat" But in
manner and action in by-play and facial e1-
prossion, in his freedom from ranting and st.gi-
ness, aud above all in conscientious and artistic
reading, the part has seldom been more finely
played. As 0theHo, AIr. Lawlor Was powerful
and effective in the main, though the rendition
WAS rnarred by occasional defects Of voice. Mr..
Aiken'R Cassie was not specially notable
achievement, unless in 80 far as it proved that
author. His willingness to alter and improve
tho text at times was quite touching. Most
actors are content with speaking the lines just
as they are set down, stupid1y throwing away
guage. Not 30 Mr.. Aiken, who, for the words.
"Do not think, gentlemen, 7 am drunk, !" substi-
tutes the more modem disclaimer, s9entlemeu,
don't imagine for q moment that I'm drunk
He might abbreyiate aud still further improve it
BY saying: s'Fellers, T amt full !" Mr.. flanagan
gave but an ordinary picture Of Desdemona, in
which the vital essential OF warmth, tenderness,
and sweet simr 'city were IN great measurela lack
ing. Mrs. Ma. enacted Emilia with dignity
and force which aesisted in keeping in the back
ground the disparity in age. heplay WAS cred
itably produced in the matter Of scenic appoint
ments and costumes.
HooLEY's OPERA ROUSE.
All uneaainess concerning the success OF the
new venture Of Messrs. Hooley, Blaisdeu and Pad
gett may be set at rest, Judging from the num-
hers and quality Of the audiences which have
thropeed the beautiful theatre during the past
week. The attendance has been uniformly large,
and, what is still better, people have been drawn
thither whom the mixed class Of entertainment
never did attract, and who, for the first time,
have discovered how elegant and comfortable
the place is. The play Of :" Partners for Life,'
though by no means failure, proved to be IN
worthy OF more than one week. It Was mainly
upheld By the Muggles OF John Dillon, whose
popularity and strength seem to have increased
during his long absence from the Chicago stage,
and whose legions Of friends and admirers are
glad to know that be is thoroughly (and perma-
nently, they hope) himself again. Dillon md
Miss Emma Cline hare borno the burdens OF
Eastern-made reputation as one OF the most
charming and talented aoubrettes in America.
This week new local comedy, written by Mar
tha Lafitte johnson, and said to be very fine,
entitled "Fun," is to be produced, with Dillon
in an original character, which he pronounceB
the best he has ever assumed The complete
cast is a. follows: