New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-29
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
MR.. DAMPIER IN THE LYONS MAIL.
Theatrical taste has been so highly pamper

Theatrical taste has been so highly pampered
in this city that It's anticipation with reference TO every
novelty, is apt to be extravaeant. Mr.. Dampier-who
came forward last night. in the Broadway The
atre and acted Lesurqoes and DuboSe in The
Lyons Mail 4" - would probably have failed TO
satisfy that taste, even had he been Webster, aud
Charles Kean and irving rolled into one. Those per
son however, who do not look acting rs the TENN
wonder of the world, but are contencd with moderate
competence OF ability, will recognize with re-
spect and accept with rational admiration. the profes-
sional achievements OF Mr.. Dam2ler. lie is not
for moment great actor; but he is good one; and
this he manifested last night in thoroughly able pre-
sentiment the double identity and the strongly con
trasted emotional experience which make up the art
substance of "The Lyons Mall" Acting LesmQUss aud
Dub0sc. he perSonated yirtuOus, knd-hearted.
sensitive gentleman bitterly afflicted 10y an I'M
Just doom. and almost simultaneously grossly
animal ruifian, stepped in crime aud deriOus with rum
and evil passions. The piece IN which LIE has revealed
himself is dose 1t shows the commission of robbery
and murder the examination and condemnation OF an
innocent man who is mistaken for the real
criminal. and who is overwhelmed by circum-
siancial evidence; and it eliminates in the de-
rum of the savage assassin he contempates
the probable slaughter OF his unor unate double Its
details combined into lurid situations OF the kind
that was favored by the fat boy in "Pckwick,' who
wants to make your blood run cold" Mr.. Danlier III
his last scene, smashed several chairs and table, and
brushed of imaginary bugs from his garments
and stamped upon fancied serpcnts, and shorted,
and INDUCED in rigors and altogether made himself
very unpleasant; /; ought to be said however, that his
delineation OF these horrors powerful, and.
in point Of realism, probably truthful. But
realism is the photography OF the stage; and 1t
must not be accepted fine dramatic art.
Mr.. Dempcr--to speak descriptively-is an actor
Of about the calbrc Of Sudley and Barron. He has
fine figure good .aquiline countcnance, gray eye,
strong and agreeable voice. easy carriage and pleas
SAINT English way Of speech His temperament seems
gentle His acting is marked by simplicity and by the
aSsence-almOst 10 barrenness-Of all subtety. HIS
face indicates Hebrdic lineage hut his method
in acting is devoid alike OF the ductty the power and
brilliancy of the Hebrew nature. In moments OF emo
tion-setting aside the fireworks OF rum-he reaches
about to height of sOrrOwful perpleXy He was at
his best in moments OF quiet peace. HIS pubic has
seen realism interpreted by the imagination OF such
man as the late James Wallack, and II
is not likely TO be astonished by anything
that is done by Mr. Damper. In last niehts perform
ance much OF the honor OF the occasion carried away
by Mr. f. b. Warde The acting OF Mr. c. Leclcrcq and
Miss Jefreys-Lewis was likewise exceptionally good a
little child named Lily, manifested precocOus aptnes
and good training but made too prominent for Tie
night effect Of the Of the murder. Some OF the
scenery was baleul and the incidental music was vile.