New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-10-07
THE DRAMA.
Z. wALLAcr's THEArER. CT


The feeling OF security 30 essential TO thu
happiness OF beings is pNpmoted BY nothing 90
much as by established institutions. involving the 70
currence OF customary usagcs and fsmsr enjoy
People at with themselves when things 20 on
usual Running In the ruts may be MONOCHROME but
IL is certainly comfortable than running on tss
hobbies Az intutiye perception Of this truth would bs
found lie at the basis Of that exceeding interest and
enjoyment with which the community observes, year
after year. the reopcning OF It's svorte places OF
ment The meeting between the public and these thea
ters Ia like the union OF old friends, long sepa-
rated, who intend TO remain long together.
Many we have recorded the cordial manifesto
ton OF public regard for Wallacks Theater, and it,
deep and complete satisfaction at the resumption, IN
that house. OF the festivals Of labor and that
go far toward cheering all through the tolls Of the
working year Last nights proceedings do but lay upon
a similar duty. The theater was full and the COCA
thoroughly enjoyed. Mr.. Byron's Part
For Life which chosen for the opening play.
Is written In the best style OF That dramatst-whicb
a style remarkable for neat droery and bright embel.
lishment OF tender sentiment and odd character. With
some improbabilities at the root of the plot. and
some farcical expedients in the development
Of the story, and with the chronic defect
that the work does not take the spec
tator its confidence, but keeps him mysthed and
rather annoyed over his perpexit,. Partners For
Life Is yet brightly written and strongly built com
edy 1t throws the stress the dialogue and on con-
trasts OF character and in this 1t is intellectual snf
therefore exceptional It's scene Is English country
house; its action passes In three set scenes two o.
which are Identical; its characters eleven 10 number
are naturally drawn, allowing for improbability in the
relations of the hero and herone and It's current
amusing, while its spirit Is pure. IL was brilliantly
acted. Mr.. II. J. Montague, acting Tom GAroy. made
his first American appearance, and was accepted Win
Hearty goodwill and spontaneous admiration
Mr.. Montague possesses fine natural advantages.
His figure Is slender. his carriage IL graceful.
his demeanor Is refined yet merrily Free his voice 10
pleasant. and in soft tones. exceedingly sympathetc.
and he fills every instant with natural action. The
power OF strong character perceptble under the
velvet OF his droery and the sriness OF his banter
and in the love scene which closes the second act ne
became intensely fervent and finely passonate-aeot-
ing the house that he twice called before the
curtain. Very cordial greetings were extended TO Mr.
Gilbert and Mr.. Beckett, and the public applause Ike
wise welcomed In o pleasant manner Miss Jenreys'
Lewis Madam Ponisi Mr. Polk, and Mr.. Carroll. Upon
Mr.. Becketts acting ordinary commentator would be
almost impertnence. This picture OF Ignorant self
conceit and low cunning was wonderfully good Mr.
Beckett played Mugglcs. the butler, who knows
his masters secrets and rules him through
this knowledge; and, aside from some grim.
acing which sacrifices artistic symmetry to comic
effect his method u admirably fine Mr.. Gilbert IL
allotted part to which his abilities stoop; but he bears
it aot and makes very natural and both amusing and
touching the character and experience OF choeric Old
man, who is overwhelmed with love and trouble. We
do not give the plot Of the piece. having printed It be
fore-when Partners For Life" was acted In London
II 10 thin play but 1t has sterling merit and tho well
come accorded to 1t last night gave warrant for oeev
ing 1t popular success. At all events IL has introduced
to this STAGE In Mr. Montague Of the most gracefu
impetuous and polished light comedians ever seen In
this country The following complete cast Of parts