New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-12-27
THE DRAMA.

WALLACK'S THEATRE-JOHN GILBERT.
Although Christmas Eve was nc. wisely chosen
for the time OF an important change OF bill, at
an Important theatre, and although the evening
was wet, bleak and Indictment, quite a numerous
audience assembled at Wallack's Wednesday night
to see the promised revival Of " Old Heads and
Young Hearts," aud to greet the re-cntrance of the
veteran John Gilbert. The comedy is an old and
we-knOwn favOrte. 1t dates back to Mr.. Bouci-
caults first literary period-1s41 to 1sf5-when il
was Produced by him for the Princess's Theatre.
London. 1t was built on tho basis OF a French
original, and 1t belongs TO the same group
with L" London Assurance" and the Z" Irish
Heress IT, somewhat resembles "Lonion AS
surance." indeed. In it, types of charac.
ter It's treatment Of manners and its am.
bltousy cpigrammatic style. Its marked, though
by a higher lone and purer spirit. Its satire,
though not particularly trenchant. and though
sderably overdrawn, both to the manners of the
English arstocracy and IS 10 London life, Is pert
facetOus and sufficiently agreeable and its charac.
ter of Jesse Rural-one the sweeesr that Sir. Bou
ecault has ever pictured-ls "a clever variation
upon GOLDSMITH BIS Dr. Primrose and dramatic pOr-
allure well worthy of the long and honorable life
it has enjoyed upon the stage. The comedy IL
strong likewise IN its contrast of the rival brother.
and IN It's suggested lesson to the operation OF
fate human experience, which. OF is only
upon circumstances. TIE blemish o. the piece
is a somewhat over-strenuous aifectation OF
sympathy with simplicity Of character, and with
tine beauty Of rural scenes and life. The goodness
of jesse Rural grows, perhaps just Ii tic inspd,
and his inveterate laundering just little monOto.
nous. THIS. at least. would be the case If the part
less beautifully acted than is by Mr.. Gilbert.
The incident of his Remittance was greatly eD-
joyed. When he first upon the stage the APP
plause of the enthusiastic spectators broke forth
with prod gous vehemence; and this glad tumult
OF welcome was prolonged for several minutes
The personation OF Jesse Rural by Mr. Gilbert
often previously described in this pace,-wl long
be remembered rs q perfect image OF venerable
virtue and sweet benignity. The inhrm carriage.
the smooth, sympathetic voice. the aged Groom aud
chuckle, the bland benevolence, the child-lke
grace, the air of wisdom winch is transparent
credulity, the tone of innate vrtue,-the fragrance
of pure soul and long life of religious fidelity to
duty,the gentle, rosy playfulness. and the lllimt-
able love and charity of the character. Mr.. Gil
bert portrays IT, woven together IN texture Of
absolute and admirable naturalness, such could
not be oyer-esteemed result of the art OF acting.
This performance has not failed to deepen in the
mind of every spectator a sense of Mr.. Gilberts
great worth to the stage. and equally sense OF the
rreparable injury that the drama OF our time would
suffer in the lOsssO Lately lmminent-ot his SPLEEN
| did faculties and hrs much-lovcd presence.
Another brilliant feature Of this revival is the
persouation of the y. vehement explosive Col
onel Rocket by Mr. Henry Edwards. There is a tine
vein of mingled humor and genialiey running
through this work. beneath surface OF bolster
| GUS self-assertion. Since the best days OF W. IL.
Smith in the old men of comedy we have not met
with performance of this order good and so en-
tirey right. Sir. Edwards was loudly applauded,
and once was recalled upon the after an exit.
Mr. Gerald Eyre displayed deep feeling and
valuable resources and professional skill A. IomCOkc
and Miss Dyas invested LAZY Alice HdTihorRe with
n charming atmosphere of raiilery ana animal
sprignthness. Mr.. Becketts drollery aud hrm.
crisp execution gave weight 10 trihing part and
added TO the worth of the representation The come
oily will be repeated this afternoon and evening.
| The following il the distribution Of charactesi