The New York herald., 1874-11-15
A N u S z II E N T S.

Boucica ult's New Play at Walnck's.
The long promised play from the pen oil Mr.. Dion
Doucicault was produced last night before q
crowded audience. made up or people prominent
In art, literature and society. [. is not oten even
1t nrst nights, that so many notabilties assemble
to pass = verdict the playwrlght's work.
As Is usual on frsL nights the audi
Aence was inclined to be critical ana the
nrst scenes, though attractive ana Interesting,
we're received without any marked enthusiasm.
1t was evident the puoic had pitched their stand
Ard nigh and would be satisfied with nothing that
did not at least come up to tue standard OF the
authors best work in the same line. With the
appearance OF Mr.. Bouccault on the stage the
business frightened and the audience
abandoned their attitude OF reserve. He
has taken care TO provide himself with
IA admirable part. and as quaint With
1sm aad ready repartee followed each other in
quick 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.. Bouctcaults
Bnouldsrs although be 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. Mss Dyas,
TOO. In the character OF o young lady in love
against her political con victions 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 contradictlons. Her
part 70 difhcult one to play, demanding mingled
lorce OF character and gentleness difficult to
render without losing the balance ana incining
more than necessary TO one or other side. Tnis
oimcult leat Miss Dyas accompishes with rare
tact and Judgment We see IN this part as in ali
others undertaken by tins lady, a combination OF
method and delicate refined instinct which go 10
place ner among ne most charming and womaniy
actresses on our stage. Her conception OF Clare
Fiolltott Is one OF those pictures IN which the
realism OF lie Is joined TO the poesy
that the stage demands in the types or
female ioveilness which appeal to our sympa-
thy. So evenly has the author distributed the In
terest among the minor characters OF the play
that there ls some dificuty IN according TO each
e ovs are
Captain Mollneux ana Clare FIoiliott than
WITH the issue Of the love story in which
Arte O'Neale Is concerned. although is
would seem at first signt that this Iady should
occupy our attention chiefly as the betrothed wife
tact and refinement. though the richness OF her
nress Is somewhat out Of Keeping with the state OF
pe living. The villains OF the piece are played by
Messrs Afnott and Beckett. The former gente-
man gives us picture OF nashily-dressed
squneen, whose manners are almost as bad as
MS principles. IL Is perhaps dificult Tor al actor
10 present type ike the one drawn by the author
anu keep him even on the edge oil good breeding.
let II actors and authors would reflect little
tney wouid see tnat there Is very little connection
pe,wesh e, conscience and manners. Is ought
noI therefore, 10 be necessary TO pant
vlialn occupying the position OF gentleman
WIZ sosa .ae manners !, and conduct Of jockey. But
suppose " ls one OF those stage traditions that
men cannot easily break away rom in ,lrawlng
the character Of Harvey Dun Mr.. Beckett makes
the same mistake OF exaggeration IN the earlier
scene. Both oi these gentlemen dispIase ed earn.
estness in the rendering Of lneir parts.
tshed picture, It's iorce and spontaneity
consoled the audience for the absence Vi the deli
ente snadings, which, alter ALL we can only look for
ip the highest sphere OF art. Mr.. Montaaues part.
though important 70 the story, anords very little
scope Tor acting. What there Is OF IL, however
sulis the actor admirably He plays the part OF q
quiet, good-natured gentleman, with the repose
6nd polish Tor which ne 10 distinguished.
IN tue new pley many of the characters remind
a. Of ole 01onAA ~ novoA 0tnAoon1s GAe eentsAl