The New York herald., 1874-11-24
Mrs. Conway's brooklyn Theatre.

Sheridan Knowles splendid play, "Tne Hunch-
back" was given at this house last night under
conditions favorable to worthy inter pre- tation
Miss Clara Morris, who has won high place In the
public esteem BY The many able creations with
which she must pe credited In the modern drama,
appeared as Julia, and Mr.. Robinson, q young
actor OF much promise, supported her in the r0le
OF the Hunchback. Miss Annie Waite as Helen
and Mr.. Kennedy as Sir Thomas clifford fulfilled
the requirements OF their roles in very satisfac
tory manner. Miss Waite, in many passages, dis
playing vivac1ty and sprghtllness without ever
passing beyond the bounds OF decOrum, her love
scenes with her cousin MOdus being much relished
by the audience. The chief attention OF the
spectators rested, however, on Miss Morris, who,
quitting the paths Of the modern drama,
in which she acquired well won honor,
ventured boldly into the regions OF the legitimate
1t may be questioned whether at the present
stage Of this lady's career the venture was wise
one. Certainly the performance last night pos
sessed many merits and recommended itself
but 1t was that part which allowed itself to be
swayed more by sentiment than by
it Was the nS o. sSp p author G aesa aa
moved theLl. Yet the old FIRE was present In the
better passages. and indications were not wanting
that with time MISS Norris may gain triumphs as
on the boards OF The old Fifth Avenue But But that that
;as sna Miss a0 1er has are nos not suaa.nS
reached the pinnacle or dramatic power
In the new path on which she has entered-the
genius which intuitively masters the dlflcuttes
Of art that ordinary mOrtals must be content to
climb over come with intervals Of ages. It
must be especially difficult for represent
alive OF the modern society drama to rise
into the purer atmosphere OF art, where
every feeling OF the human heart must
be painted In colors at once delicate and bright.
The rude patchwork OF the modern stage Is poor
preparation for the more artistic work. Julia Is q
character which requires combination OF natural
talent and artistic training OF the highest order
Tor It's proper Interpretation. Beginning as
the n most charming OF fn0enues, she passes
passion which pure woman may know before the
curtain falls II Is one OF the subtest at same
time that II Is most charming and womanly, char
acters In the drama No other heroine is so fully
and completely unr0lled and developed under the
gaze OF the audience. We meet Julla with mind
ans heart fully developed, having known
love, disappointment ambition, remorse and
despair, having swept, in fact, the whole gamut Of
the passions. In those passages where the in
genuousness OF the maiden should shine forth as
the essential underlying good OF the character
MISS Morris was weak and unsatisfactory. Her
unsophistcated maid was too noydenish for the
the fragrance Of the newly plucked nower.
In the stronger passages the lady's success was
not unworthy OF her reputation. Although ner
Julta cannot De regarded as great performance
It possesses many points OF merit 1t is full OF
OF view that 1t must be regarded satisfactory BY
the admirers OF this talented lady, VINO believe
that there lies before her great future tf she
works wisely to secure IL.