The New York herald., 1874-11-15
A NJ U S e II E N IS.
Boucieault,s New Play at w.

Boucieaults New Play Mt Wallack'S.
The long promised play from the pen OF Mr.. Dion
Douccault was produced last night before
crowded audience. made up OF people prominent
In art literature and society. Il is not otten even
at first nights that so many notabihties assemble
TO pass . verdict the playwrlght's WORK.
As Ia usual first nights, the audi
hence was inclined TO be critical and the
nrst scenes, though attractive ana Interesting,
we're received without any marked enthusiasm
It was evident the pubic had pitched their stand
ard nigh and would be satisfied with nothing that
did not at least come up to the standard OF the
authors best work in the same line. with the
appearance OF Mr.. Boucicault on the stage the
business frightened and the audience
abandoned their attitude OF reserve. He
has taken care 10 provide himself with
IA admirable part, and as quaint With
rsm and ready reparree followed each other In
puick succession the audience warmed to the
story and followed with deepened interest the
development OF the plot. II may be said that the
chief interest OF the play rests on Mr. Bouctcaur's
Bnoulders, although he can scarcely be said to be.
long properly 10 the main plot. He manages,
however. with his intense good humor and ready
Wit, TO secure the favor OF the audience,
winch never quits him until the curtain
nnally falls on the triumph OF virtue. Miss Dyas,
TOO in the character or q young lady in love
against her political CONVICTIONS is furnished with
part Iull OF tenderness and pathos, and, witnaL
not devoid OF humor. Her interviews with her
English lover are delightfully."- amusing, so full are
they OF waywardness and contradictions. Her
part 10 q df1cult one to play, demanding mingled
iorce OF character and gentleness difficult to
renuer without losing the balance ana incuning
more than necessary 20 one or other side. This
dimcult ieat Miss Dyas accomplishcs with rare
tact and Judgment. We see IN this part as In ali
others undertaken by TINS lady, a combination OF
place ner among me most charming and womany
actresses on our stage. Her conception OF Clare
Fiolltott Is one OF those pictures in which the
that che stage demands in the types l q
female lovehness which appeal to our sympa-
terest among the minor characters OF the play
that there ls some dlnicuIty IN according TO each
m Interested ' 10 the love passages e between Usn
Captain Moilneux anu Clare FIoiott than
With the issue Of toe love story In which
Arte O'Neale Is concerned although IL
would seem at first sight that this lady should
occupy our attention chiefly as the betrothed wife
tact and refinement, though the richness OF her
dress Is somewhat out OF Keeping with the state OF
be living The villains or the piece are played by
Messrs. Afnott and Beckett The former gentle
man gives us picture OF nashy-dressed
squlreen, whose manners are almost as bad as
MS principles IL - perhaps difcuit Tor al actor
10 present type like the one draw wn by the author
anu keep him even tine edge OF good breeding.
tney would see tnat there Is very little connection
between conscience and manners. IL ought
not. therefore, 10 be necessary TO pant
villain occupying the position OF q gentleman
WIN tne manners and conduct OF jockey. But
we suppose u Is one oil those stage traditions that
men cannot easily break away Irom In drawing
the character Of Harvey bun Mr.. Beckett makes
che same mistake OF exaggeration M the earlier
scene. Both Of these gentlemen disp aged earn.
estness IN tne rendering OF their parts
tshsd picture, Its iorce ana spontaneity
cpnsoed the audience for the absence Oh the deli.
cate snadlnRs which. alter all we can only LOOK for
ia the highest sphere OF art Mr.. Montague,s part.
though important 10 the story affords very little
scope ior acting. What there Is OF IT, however
suits the actor admirably. He plays the part OF 4
quiet, good-natured gentleman, with the repose
anu polish Tor which ne 10 distinguished,
In the new pley many OF the characters remind
~ Of olo nlan6A N hovoA Q1pAton1s Ghe eanssAl