The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-05-09

Mr.. TooIe's New Piece-American Actors
I'm L0nd0n-Gossip OF the Green Room.
LONDON, April 20, 1874.
Mr.. Toole, who sails from Liverpool in July and
opens at Wallacks in the or the succeeding
month, has thought 1t necessary to add q new
character to his repertoire, and has appeared at
the Globe Theatre in new comedy, called "Wig
and Gown" The unfortunate author, who has
never been able to score a success since the pro-
auction OF his first play "Tne Two Roses, - has at
length produced q second piece which will prob
ably draw great deal OF money. This, however,
Is not due to its intrinsic merits for it Is viley
constructed, and abounds In iarcica and improb-
able Incidents; but in 1t Mr. To0le is fitted with
character which not merely arords scope for his
extravagancies. but gives him opportunity
for the exhibition OF that genuine artistic
appreciation which he has always at CON-
mand, but which he 80 seldom exercises.
the hero OF the new play Is Hammond Coote.
Darrster without practice, so notorious for his
nervousness and stupidity that no case il ever In
trusted to him. Lodging in the same house with
him Is an old lady, the Hon. Miss Kenrentie, who,
being made the defendant in action for ejectment
rom her family property, suddenly determines
to make Coote her COUNSEL This idea ID applauded
by one Sonbyson Siel, who is strongly interested
Coote's idiotic proceedings and want of legal
knowledge, his client win be defeated. The
second act shows us the scene in court.
There has been an adjournment for luncheon.
and C0Ote, who knows that he has been making q
fool OF himself is trembling at the thought OF hav-
ing to begin again. Wen may he do So He asks
the most ridiculous questions, tries to upset the
evidence OF his own witnesses. drops his papers,
loses his place and commits every kind Of absurd
ity. Suddenly change occurs In his demeanor.
Sonbyson Siel is under examination, and gives
evidence relative to the real heir to the estate,
who has been missing since childhood. sudden
light breaks upon Coote; he throws or his ner-
vousness, his fooiery; he asks question
after question, all most pertinent and
finally, with dignlned simplicity, he proves
that he himself Is the missing heir
to the estate under litigation. 1t is dinicult to
imagine anything more thoroughly artistic than
this portion OF Mr.. Toole's performance. That he
can make the audience yell and scream with
laughter we all know; but the way in which he
cOmpels their serious attention evidences far
higher gifts.
On the whole, ssWig and Gown" though not
doing much for Mr.. Abery, will do great deal for
Mr.. Toole, and wtl doubt not De greatly relshed
In the United States. Many persons here think
that some of Mr.. Toole's approximations are SO
essentially cockneyned In character as to be almost
unintelligible out OF England; but In Hammond
Coota there is q touch Of nature which win be
recognized everywhere
AN AMERICAN COMEDIAN.
Mr.. J. S. Clarke, who on his first appearance
among us was advertised as "The American Cana
dian" has made his temperance at the Holborn
Theatre in new comedy by Mr.. Byron, called '.The
TnumDscrew." The hero OF this Is also lawyer;
but his adventures consist of series OF buiroon-
cries unrelieved by any pathos, or, indeed, any
quietude. Mr.. J. 8. Clarke is unlike any OF the
artists who have come to us from America; very
unlike, indeed, to Joe Jefferson, whose memory Ia
yet green among US, and who would receive q
tremendous welcome II he would onay pay US
second visit. Not like ]. p. owens or Josh silsbee
He Is a lacemaker and body contortioDist; but Of
real numor he has a very small share. He makes
the people roar with laughter at his 'mugging;n
but when the laugh has died away one feels rather
ashamed Of ones self at having given 1t.
AN AMERICAN ACTRESS.
Miss Genevieve Ward (Mme. Guerrabella) has
made her appearance at the Adelphi and Is win
ming golden opinions by her good looks and her
powerful melodramatic Interpretation.
MONT BLANC ON THE STAGE.
The new comedy, "Queen Mab,n at the Haymar-
ket, is failure, and piece to be called mont
B!anc." the striking feature of which will be dra-
matte illustration OF the ascent OF the mountain, is
In rehearsal. New scenery, properties and cos
tunes are being prepared from sketches made on
the spot
MORE LUCK.
The revival OF the "SchoOl for Scandaln at the
Prince OF Wales, OF which wrote you last week.
has proved a real success and no seats are to be
had for some time 10 come.
MR.. HENRY IRVING
"Pnilip" not having proved SO successful as was
hat e
wanted stamna), Mr.. Irving is about to appear In
q revival Of the "Bells," which viii be followed by
"Charles the FIrstn and eugene Aram.n
FRENCH PLAYS.
The regular season Is now on at the Princess
Theatre. During the season we are to have M.
Got, NJ. Bressant Nine. Favart and others from the
Theatre Francais