The New York herald., 1879-11-25
PHILADELPHIA ADJUSTMENTS.


OF RUM"
Ruth Ksnyon "a brave american sr Miss Rose coghan
Mrs. waisers Bsssies Mis-. yirsnia Buchanan
Ragged sssie "a waiij Miss Mabel Leonard
Tom Kenyon Rnths father, j. B. stsdley
Harry dis som Mr. Mark Smith
Rchnra Ioa" oi Loias her Nelson Decker
Mr. John B. Sheridan
Smthers (a loafer) Mr.. L. j. Messenger
After elaborate preparation and announcement
George Fawcett Rowe's realistic drama. entitled
Ruth; or. The Curse OF Rum," was produced last
night at the Philadelphia Academy Of Music to large
audience for the first time any stage. The prom
nence Of the author Of the play and Of the artists
engaged. the fact that the cooperation OF
many of the churches and of all Of the
temperance societies of Philadelpha had been
secured. combined to attract unusual attention to
tho drama. Like most books and plays with o
moral the ''goody-' principle mars the dramatic
symmetry of the work. All the ostentatous adver-
the stage carpenter. private business is thrust
down the throats OF the audience. all the
'stabeaux" and all the dramatic situations"
but the vehicles upon which one or other of the
threadbare Sunday school maxiins are rolled before
the footlights. The obnoxious device. invented by
the ingenious Barnum, believe OF covering the
drop curtain with advertisements OF corn save and
stomach bitters. was abolished because the self
respect of the public kept the stalls OF such theatres
| empty. The fact that Miss Rose Coghlan appears
in the title role enough to command respectful
attention last night. and the Philadepha theatre
goers duly honored the welknown actress by sitting
| out the play It is impossible. in the brief limits
of despatch Of this kind to hint ut the out
| line OF the drama. which is refined and
! Americanixed parody N. Zoa's 'L'Assom-
| moir." In Rowe's play. however, the "boss"
| drunkard Ruths father, IL killed tho
Third avenue elevated railway. The motive and con-
tral idea the The play opens in the parors
OF Saratoga hotel. whore pair of young ladies' dis
| cuss their matrimonial prospects. In the wedding
that follows tho Juvenile chorus is utilized brides
| maids and groomsmen. Thence the scene shifts to
through five long acts follow ''tablcaux and adver
tisemens, of high and low ife representing rag
kes and beer gardens. hotels and jals. police courts
and lodging houses-all going to make up . truly
mammoth moral and domestic DRAMA" a. the
bills have 1t. The audience. however, paper and
| ALL ono Of the largest that has been seen at
| tho Academy this year. The patience OF
tho vast assemblagc was truly commendable
The bad jokes and local gags, notably
that Of calling the name of OF Philadelphia's
most respected citizens . Of drunk and dis
orderly at jefferson Market Police Court. be-
| meath the submity Of any play bearing Mr.. Rowe's
name. Miss Rose Coghlan redeemed the piece
whenever she appeared. and 1t is credit to
| the skill of the playwriter that she was
brought in at all sorts of seasonabe and unseason
able occasions. The house interested. Excepting
Miss Bessie Prescott who appeared Sallie Waters
| Il moan Bessie Walters). nothing be said IN be-
half Of the company. The play was still under way
| At midnight.