The New York herald., 1876-03-14
AM US EN- ENT
THE WONDER" AT wArLAcx's THEATRE

1.-THE WONDER" AT wALLAcK's THEATRE
magnificent house welcomed the production OF
"The wonder'' last night and the general opinion
seemed to be that It was one of the
best comedies that have been revived by Mr..
Wallack this II was listened to with
unusual attention. and the laughter and applause were
continuous The delightful acting and splendid scenery
did not account wholly for this interest for these are
always found in this theatre. The comedy is peculiar
one and to its merits probably, most Of the success OF
the performance is due
'srhe Wonder" like all the English comedies from
the days OF Congreve sheridan has strongly marked
mannersms especially an artificial style in the dialogue
which is sometimes remote from the natural con
versaton OF mankind. There is not much sentimental
talk in Mrs Csntlvres plays for the good woman was
decidedly too fond of humor and sensation Stil
occasionally reminded of ''the tear OF compassion
trembling the eye OF sensbilty" and other singular
expressions which the old dramasts attributed the
ladies and gentlemen OF their time But this slight
defoct NOT to be compared with the merits Of the da
logue of these standard plays. II full of ideas OF
wit of thoughts exquisitey expressed Nor is to bo
denied that the plays OF this period better
than those of our own day "lhe Wonder" Is an illus
tration Here a comedy, not hastily translated from
the French, written IN fortnight, nor depending
upon temporary Tor success but one having in
lis plot aud treatment every evidence OF the most
thorough and conscieptous work. The intrigue
extraordinary kind; it complicated for The people
the play the very extreme OF the puzzng yet by the
skill of the traniatst II is made clenr light TO the
spectators. The ingenuity OF the author last night
Kept the audience IN perpetual condition OF
delighted surprise situation was un-
folded from another. There is a story of
Indian agicans who plant before your eyes in the
earth seed almost at 1t puts forth tiny shoot
green; in few minutes the stalk grows strong and
firm leaves and tendrs hang around II; the blossom
expands at the top and IN short time there is the
rpened fruit Such an illusion as this resembles the
development OF true drama, and in comedy thSso
better examples OF It than the mastery manage
ment of 'The Wonder"
The acting was admirable throughout Mr.. Lester
Waack was powerful In expressing the alternate
jealousy and love OF Don Felix and superbly
tanned by Miss Ada Dyas To the clnaxes
of the fourth and 0th acts they rendered
ample justice, and MIR. Waack recalled
by long continued applause after the in
which he ieigns drunkenness TO deceive Don Podro.
Mr. Gilbert and Mr.. Shannon were excellent the two
old men, and the two comic servants we're humorously
performed by Mr. Beckett and Mr. Herbert Colonel
Bron finely acted by Mr. Floyd, Mr. Stevenson
a good Frederick, Miss Efie Germon OF course,
did full justice to the coquettish Flora and both
Miss Geraldine Maye and Miss Kate Bartlett
celent Tho cast in fact, is than usually strong
and complete and the performance had no faults
which require notice. while its merits too many
10 obtain the praise which Is their due.