The Portland daily press., 1877-03-20

Had there been variety entertainment at
Fanny Marsh's Theatre last evening the house
doubtless would have been crowded; but as
there was only one of the most admirable
pieces of acting on the American stage to be
seen the audience was small
1t has been said that "Miss Sarah Mutton"
IS translation back into English from French
version of EAST Lynne" If this be so it
would be mercy to subject to the same pre-
cess many other plays which hold the stage;
for the process has alchemistic virtue and
transmutes base metal into fine gold. The
translation is a note upon the same theme as
'East Lynne, but it is play better constructed
far better written, and possessing more intense
because more concentrated dramatic interest.
From first scene to last "Miss Malton'' is
before the spectator, aud never for one moment
can he lose his eager and painful interest in
her fortunes. Not for an Instant can his atten-
ton be diverted from that Lady of Pain.
For Miss Rose Eytings's Imperson alton OF
the misguided wife there can be none but
words of the highest praise. AS interprt ted by
her it is a noble and striking characterization,
provoking in an audience an intense personal
sympathy, vivid and painful interest which
are the very strongest proofs of its inherent
truth and power. In the opening scene the
simple dignity and perfect grace of her manner.
the admirable truth to nature in every word
and movement prepared the spectator for an
assumption of great and decided merit, but all
that gave no more than hint of the tragic
power, the marvellous depth of passion dis
played as the character and the story
developed Into their sad close. In
the closing moments of the third act where
the long-suffering mother stung past all en-
durance by the naughty and complacent man
ner and words Of the woman who has sup.
planted her, turns upon "Matilde'' and in the
white heat Of. her wrath proclaims herself the
rightful wife, ISIS Eytinge was wonderful in
the passionate sweep toward the covering form
before her and in the thrilling delivery Of her
lines. And this was but one of the many eff
fective touches in the picture she drew OF the
heroine Her pathos was sincere and pro-
found. and not false note was struck in the
four acts. And in the parts where no display
Of pathos or other passion was required the
simple dignity and grace of her carriage COM
manded the admiring interest of her audience.
Her eocuton too was strikingly excellent, not
a sentence loaded with undue emphasis, nor
weakened by want of proper stress. The i'm
personation throughout was one Of remarkable
strepgth and exquisite finish and informed
with dramatic fire.
Mr.. Gossin gave excellent support as "Mau-
rice, conveying an easy, finished and suffi'
GENTLY forceful Interpretation. The character
of the old tutor, with its touch of grotesquerie
was we'll done by Mr.. MCall. The 'Paul' of
Miss Adele Smith calls for an especial word of
praise as an intelligent conception excellently
carried out.
The Portland public are 10 be favored with
three more opportunities to see this play and its
heroine as enacted by Miss Eytinge For the
credit of their intelligence and good taste they
should see that she plays to crowded houses.
And in the qualification which her acting will
afford them they will find abundant reward