The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1877-11-14
Varieties Theatre.

Through some unaccountable cause the attend
ance at this theatre last evening was not up to
the usual standard. although Miss Claxton's new
play Of ''Conscience' was being played for the
second time only. We will admit that Soon
science" is not strong play although it's ground
work affords considerable scope for making it
SUCH but many very strong points
made much OF by the actors of this combination;
and withal, 1t ia highly moral and plays quite
smoothly, Notwithstanding oddities in some Of it's
parts that could very easily be removed. But
our public are not supposed to anticipate its
weak points nor the fact that the trite elements
Of the WORKOUT drama, namely, forgery,
murder, an innocent man on the eve of mount
ing the scaffold, who is saved by the unrelentlng
love Of woman whom he loves, are the founda-
ton Of its argument. Hence how is
it that the house was not full? 1t is novelty
here and is acted by working company of the
best order, led by Miss Clsxton herself, all Of
whom have been received with favor in the "Two
Orphans" Is 1t because there is to be matinee
to-day, and that many have kspt away to attend
the theatre at noon? Well, we will lose our
selves in copjectures at the rate that we write
and we will therefore pass to the efforts Of some
of the performers.
We took occasion to compliment the company
few days ago from their conscientious acting in
the presence of slim house. Shall we not have
the pleasure OF repeating the compliment ? Last
evening, we fear, it was not deserved, Judging
from the rapid manner in which Miss Claxton
read her lines, as though she were pressed to 90
home. This, added to the frigidity Of Mr..
Stevenson (CyrI Here,eood) in the prison
act, marred the most dramatic scene OF the
play. We noticed, in fact, the same defect
in Miss Claxton throughout the play; already
weak Of voice, she cannot hope to supply the
lack Of vocal power with intensity Of expires ion
by rattling tn ough the text, method which
must also greatly affect her acting. Without as
who had made tolerably bad Jaques in the
Two Orphans's) draws better effects, even from
his limited part, by 2 good observance of the
rules OF reading. 1t would also seem that
tameness sezes upon the entire group of players
in the last scene Of the drama, which contains
situation well apt to create strong impression
upon the audience. We refer to the scene in
which Eustace Lawton MR. R. @. White) reveals
himself as the murderer of Nathaniel He7eac0od,
with little apparent conception Of his
position or ability to express it, but not
only that-with little or no stage business on the
part of his assistants to relieve the lukewarmness
Of his reading We have the best reasons to be-
ieve the personages in the groupe are intelligent
have Just said, we can in all sincerity encourage
our lady friends to pay visit to the Varieties
to see Coincidence, for it is handsome
harsh OF aua IS Drs p0h dR
story with apriDkling of tears and fair humor,
the humorous part being supplied by MISS Laura
Phillips and Mr.. Harry Philips, the latter of
whom makes the mistake of conceiviDg the part
OF LIT. ihoI0duH1 as COMEDY part, while 1t car
ries too much dignity with it to ba so under
stood. Eccentric, yes, but no further.
ST. Charles Theatre.
The charming and artistic entertainments of
the German Military Brass Band continue to
attract lovers of good muslc at this theatre. We
again call the attention of our readers to the fact
that popular prices Will ru during the stay of
of the band among us, that, ia fifty cents for the
best seats in the house. and others in proportion
Battery BIS Ball.
The grand military ball Of Battery B, First
Regiment Loui lana Field Artillery, takes place
tonight at Grunewald Hail. and will be one Of
the, gagest and most Brilliant affairs of the
season.