The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-08-30
ADJUSTMENTS.


Tho Fifth Avenue Theatre was thrown
open TO the public last night, and Miss Mary
Anderson was the conspicuous figure on tho
threshold Of tho now season. This young
actress. who made her debut here last year
and attracted SO much attention by virtue OF
her youth and freshness Of talent. has since
paid flying visit to Europe. talked with Sara
Bernhardt. and been measured 10y Worth. and
now returns 10 us substantially the same actress.
with the same natural charms, the same imma-
ture art, and the same role OF Yarti enid So
distinct and deep was the impression which her
large endowment Of physical beauty and dra-
matte capacity made during her first repre-
sensations in this city. and so great wero
the hopes raised that this decp-voiccd
and lonG-llmbed Western Hehe was
the coming S0n%i q SIrros s"Ge s. ts bat
in her rcntrce last night. The character 81 the
assomblage was indicative OF the eagcrness
with which an intelligent community watches
the signs Of the theatre. Miss Anderson played
10 m audience Of actors. critics and tterateurs.
an il was pleasant TO see the cordial manner
with which they welcomed her and the close
and friendly attention with which they followed
her through tho familiar phases OF hackncycd
role.
A year does not perhaps furnish a sufficient
probation Tor An undeyeloped actress. ana We
have no right 10 look for that intellectual i'm
proyement at present n Miss Anderson. which
we all so generously hoped for her when she
was here last Her Pdrthe7iid in all its essential
and conspicuous merits and iail,ngs is the
sumo Pdrt,eNld that she gave us before, ana
save that she dressed II more becomingy and
was better supported. offered no new points for
remark. The acute observer will be very apt 70
ture expressing Itself by means OF rare
physical aDttudes, but undiscipllned and un;
directed by reflective guidance. As is usual
with such natures. Miss Anderson is seen TO
the best advantage in roles whose passion or
e%92H sTpcP6ds ss IN acton Hs H u hT DuS6y
vehemence Of the text flowed into form and
motion that leled art but were NJ least spon-
taneons ana decarq!Cry In the re sg6!ef +,
mild and melting mood. Miss Anders9n 5
ilnesse and subey DO o not 9 Sih,e3qSci g
action. This prominence OF natural power
over acquired art is everywhere obvious enough
by the depth rOtundlty, and quality OF liz tones.
but her defamation is faulty. and, save when
coloress Her attitudes gestures, and carriage
arc mover ungraceful, but are often purpose
lesa Those lines OF her text which excite nm
emotion IN her nina are sure 70 be delivered
with emotion. but those many interme-
diate ideas that appeal 10 her reason sro
vagueness Of ono who has not apprehended
their inner meaning and who has yet to learn
that the effective eNhibitlGn OF character upon
the stage depends upon the verify with which
the subtle sense no loss than the salient sthsit-
tons. is rendered. Magnitude Of expression IL
| the phrase which best chara,t"riZes bliss An
derson's efforts She enunclatcs largely, rath T
than ntcsly, and her pantomiiha9 r Is prGal
PIRATE. As Pdrhenid. she does not
appear to tue best advantage. because her art IS
too bland and superficial 10 portray the passive
side OF love. ParadoXica IN this may appear at
first sight i Is nevertheless truth that Will
occur TO all who remember tho Pdrhenld OF
Mile. Piamonti. the actress who accompanied
Salvini to this country. and who made apparent
10 us that IN order to enact the delicate esson-
tials OF womanhQod 1t was not alone sufficient
| to have natural talent but perfected art
In the scenes with Poiydor in the first
at Miss Anderson was finely conventional: but
| her audience was 30 caught by the larReness
| Of her action chat II applauded whenever she
| extended her long arms And probably not one
| In ton was sensible that she rolled her eyes W
aud gasped and strobe about with a great deal
| Of unnecessary regularity.
| Tho performance as n whole was very en-
| lOyable one the cast being great improvement
| upon that OF Miss Andersons former repre-
| sentnti ons and the general conduct and ar
rangement of the stage business and stage
! Illumination and decoration showing unmls
takHhly new vigor and advanced taste in the
| management MI Frank Mordaunt played
| I.Oomdr with excellent barbara gusto. and Mr.
owen Fawcctt played IOlV,ior. Mr.. I. r. Pierce
made his ilrst appearance In the house II
| tho mart of AyDn.