New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-10-01
THE DRAMA.
WALLACK,S THEATER.
MR.. sOrHHRN's RETURN.

A notable source OF pleasure ana or IN TEL
ecual stimulsnt Ia set within the reach Of the local
public by the opening OF Waaoks Theaer for the regu
lar dramatic This event occurred last night
The theater completely filled with spectators many
being compelled to stand for want OF places and very
sympathethic welcome accorded to Mr. Sothern In
the two plays oil" Barwise's Book and "The Burram-
potter" The former OF these, described a. rustic
comedy. written by Mr. H. T. Craven, the author OF
1.-The Chimney Corner" 1t Ia In two acts and 1t intro
duces eight persons Its is, first the outskirts
| of English village, and then spacious apart
| ment in an English mansion Its time IS tho
| present It's story illustrates the roughness OF
the OF true love. It's language Is written WIN
| that unusual ablity-for which Mr.. Craven IL as
ungushed-of making character utter itself in char
acoristc There is however. but little sparkle
in the text and tho piece Is in no way brilliant Per-
sons who enjoy the study OF temperament, and look
with phiosophc eye the effects Of love, dstrust SELF
shness greed acting upon human nature under the
every day circumstances Of common lfe VIII accept IL
with satisfaction. Others will find t dull The merit Is
kindred with that Of the delicate portrayal OF con-
rasted Municipalities George Eots sketches-more
particularly the from Clerical Life There Is
scarcely moro than silk thread OF narrative. a
misunderstanding between two lovers, and
general ENHANCEMENT of all the persons In the
first act, cleared away In the second
Barwise's book Is copy OF shakespeare
which rogues secrete-in order that they may
Barose himself does not emerge, beng defunct There
is thoughtful skill in the manner which the persons
concerned set at variance and there Us exact truth
and touching tenderness In the portions that depict the
conflicts OF love and pride The comedy exacts-as may
DO nferred-he most intelligent and careful treatment
inl the acting Old models cannot be followed The
stress is laid partially unique character, swayed by
ordinary experiences; and 1t takes talent and some
thing than mechanism, to produce the In
nights performance-and good acting carried rather
tedious play Tho characters Of Charles Hulcrd Robert
O,teield. and Miles LG1Lot which difficult were
represented by Mr. Sohern. Mr. Beckett and Mr.
Gilbert. MuIcrGt shallow, hearess scamp, veneered
TO look like a gentleman, and glib, animated, and
droll in his demeanor and lin his lnsensate SELF
ishness, as to amuse while he rritates. Mr.
sothern's customary dow OF animal spirits. and his
characteristic affinity with the funny situations that
upon cool audacy Of behavior under serious cir
cumstances, were wonderfully eflcaciOus in carrying
the part through and investing 1t with nature as wen
as with charm His sOlemnity rifes and his leyity
solemntes equally fine art and are equally
udicrous; and he is master in the use OF comic whm
Tho comedian seemed In excellent mood last night and
| his autobiography cheerod by his drolery and
| amusing mpudence-testlfed their pleasure so as
greatly to cheer him in return To dilate on the
artistic aspect of Mr.. Sothern's two performances
would be 10 refer TO his eictous use OF the
which mean the unexpectedness Of his sayings aud
dOngs the singular cOmmingng OF sagacity and be-
widerment that makes his c0untenance so comca the
alert shifting meutal activity by which he is animated;
and the grace OF oil his movements. 1t should be re-
marked that his acting both IN Mulcrdn and Thrillng
ton is a wide variance from his acting in the Dun
dyears carcaure, and that it shows in strong il not
always agreeable light that his talents versatile.
Muteran effort pure comedy, and is consistent,
| symmetrical work of art.-Mr. Harry Beckett, making
his first appearance the regular company at this
theater was greeted with kindness and Sadness, He
usrsonated tenderhearted rustic, and did this with
delightful simplicity, and with delicate grace of form
and rare skill in the OF color. The embodiment
would make a spirited water-colOr picture-and there
not a rough trait about It, Mr. Gilbert was hailed
with very emphatic paudits and that sort OF manifest
alton Of regard which only true and tried ability ever
eics He eXcelled the part that he had to play and he
impaired to situations that little
natural and zest 10 incidents that decidedly tame.
| Miss Dora Goldthwate,-whO is a actress,-ap
peared as Ellen Pe0orh, rustic beauty, and she amply
satied as to personal appearance tho needs OF the
OCCASION She has tender sensitive, expressive
tenance, slightly aquiline and quite hgh-bred sweet
voice. and pretty figure, and she moved through the
piece In natural, graceful. and winning way-withOut
eyincing distinctly unusual talent especial pquancy
of temperament OF artistic method. Miss Ellie Ger
mon Mrs sefton Mr.. j. b. Polk, and Mr. Z. NJ Holland
also participated in the representation and lent efficient
| aid to It's effect, in subsidiary parts. highly
| credtable stimulation Of age was achieved by
| Mr. Holand-an unusually good work Of the
| kind for young man TO accomplish
| Tn " The BurrampOoter," which followed "Barwise's
| Book land which is much funnier-Mr. Sothern ex-
ered the accustomed influence OF his alterations OF
| audscity and puzzled, nervous bewilderment The
niece has been done in England under the OF "a
| Victim of circumstances" "a Threepenny Bit" and
| "Not IL Know It." It's wildly absurd and 1t ended
the evening very cheerfully. Mr.. W. r. Floyd, acting
Dr. Chirper,-wnose very apty denotes his
nature-efected his temperance at Waacks, in the
farce He was received with every mark OF the public
respect that pleased applause could extend aud, in
trifng character, he manifested anew that entire
curacy Of dramatic conception that tasteful touch and
that combination OF gentle temperament and airy
| of manner, which long ago proclaimed him
| one of the best comedians the American
Stage Tho scenery employed last night should
be mentioned extraordinarily good even for stage
on which excellence habtual The set for the first
act of Barwises Book is rural composition of which
positive genius in landscape painting would have no
reason to be ashamed. Mr. Sohern called before
the curtain at the end OF the comedy last night. His
engagement is for four weeks. He viii be succeeded by
Mr. Wallack will present round OF fayorite char
acters and whose 10 the stage cannot fail to
be hailed with genuine enthusasm-snce he represents,
mora fully than any remaining to the best
traditions OF the English stage and since also he repre-
SCENTS a famous and honorable name, endeared to New
York paygOers many grounds and which has lost no
distinction In his wearing Of ITS iaurels.
UNION SQUARE THEATER.
ot ho TTYin