The New York herald., 1878-12-05
know when you frst commenced your connection
with Wallark's Theatre?"

with wallark's Theatre?'
II think was about the year 1862, when Mr. Wal
lack inau,mrated his second season. The occasion
was made memorable by the production % the
school for scandal with an unusually strong and
wcn chosen cast. Mrs. john Hoey the Lady
Teaze / played Sir Peter, Mr. Wallack Charles Sur
face and Mr.. Charles Fisher Joseph Surface. / have
remained with the company since that time, and. of
course have been more or less identified with many
OF the plays put upon its stage BY the way. my
first appearance Sir Peter was in Natchez, Miss.
when Miss Clara Fisher, now Mrs. Maeder played
Lady Teazle
How does it happen that your allegiance has en-
dured so long III one place while other actors,
rule. have sought pastures newy
In the tours made i'll early life found little ben
eft accruing from constant change. Fortune blew
hot and cold, and actors life, you know. is both
variable and circumstantial Always preferrng the
quiet Of home. determined nearly generation
me here. have only TO add that my associations
connected with Walacks Theatre have been among
the happest IN my existence have experienced
nothing but kindness and found only friendly hands
to grasp.
OLD TIMES AND NEW.
Doubtless you constantly reminded of many
contrasts in your profession when you think of old
times?'
"Ah YES. sir The improvements have in many
respects been wonderful especially in the matter Of
machinery and stage properties In old times there
used to be many incongruitics, as for instance, a
Roman one side of the stage and sign of
Tom and Jerry on the other Carpeting the
stage not then known. and was aston
snd haS to see sna even & piece Of green
to rest upon In those days the people
cared more for the strength and interest
of the play than they did for its surroundings and
even now aesthetic we have become, have idea
that scenery is only secondary consideration and
or course people like pretty picture but it satisfies
only the eye not the intellect
speaking of the many characters in which you
have appeared Mr. Gilbert, do You quickly recover
part when its reproduction is nocessary?'
Old parts, yes; but you may think it strange that
When have new character it gives me a world Of
work until have thoroughly conquered the text.
You have no conception OF my feelings occasionally
when, being assigned to an old part turn back to
former casts and find that am the only surviving
member OF the company. 1t sometimes makes me
feel lonely"
COMPARISONS AND COMMENTS.
"After your varied experience and large obserya-
ton what Judgment have you formed with reference
to the American as compared with the English
stage? r.
Taking it as whole prefer the American method
by long odds It's tout ensemble is almost perfect.
When good play is well mounted in New York it
has no superior anywhere. Belonging to the old
school, however, as confess that do my prefer
ence is not for what is known modern society
comedies. Nevertheless, understand me. don't be-
heve i'll crowding the old plays down the public
throat all the time Change is both desirable and at
tractive."
what is your impression of our modern actorsy'
IA most favorable one. We have upon the stage at
the present time excellent representatives of the
fession who, wherever the English language is
spoken would make regulations, as, for instance.
Mr. Charles Thorne, Mr. James Lewis, Mr. Harry
Beckett. Mrs. Agnes Booth, Mrs Gilbert Miss Efhe
Germon and others Mary Cannon simply a
marvcl-eXquisite. BY the way, did you notice
that there is larger distribution OF individuality
among the ladies OF the profession than among the
gentlemen? Characteristically they always seem to
strike light Their stars and leading people out
number those OF our own SEX"
"From what you intimated moment ago fancy
that you are not partial to society plays 2"
"Oh, yes, replied Mr.. Gilbert. II like them once
in WHILE although you see only repetition Of the
life that is all about you; whereas al old play
you lind something to admire you do in old pic
tnre; chance to study costume and manners. Why,
only little while ago ! nine gentlemen
on the stage all dressed alike, from the
waiter who delivered the messages up to the
hero. What illusion there in this
The charm Of theatrical performance consists in
closely initiating realism. II going to play
the school for Scandal must play it according to
tradition, for there can be no such character
modern Sir Peter Teazle Oliver Surface. How
would you have Sir Peter take pinch of snu-in any
other way than that which has been handed down
from the time of William Farren (the great Sir
Petcr) to the present moment? No. SIR believe in
adherng to tradition all the time and to the color
ing of nature that attaches to given dramatic
period"
The advent of another visitor at this moment COM
PEELED break in the conversation, and the represen-
tative OF the HERALD regretfully parted with the
genial old actor, whose fifty years OF lite upon the
stage to be celebrated this Thursday afternoon at
Wallack . Theatre.