The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-08-14
A REVEREND ACTOR.

GEORGE MACDONALD AND HIS FAMILY ON THE
STAGE.
The family of George Macdonald. the distinguished
Scotch novelist and poet, after long retirement ut
Porto Elmo. Italy. have returned to London where
they have given series of dramatic performances
OF .'Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress" DIR. Macdonald
dramatzod this sllegory years ago. and his
family have appeared in the piece semi-publicly 1t
not until this summer. however. unless we are
mistaken. that they made regular public appear
ance in London. For short season the MacDonalds
gave this entertainment at Langham Hall to crowded
audiences composed principally of ladies and chill
dren. DR.. Macdonald played the part of Greatheart
and Mrs. Macdonald that of Christana AS there
are eleven children in this family it was unnecessary
to so outside for company. DR.. Macdonald is SO
well known in America. both through his books and
personally, that there will be great many people
interested to know what is thought of this unique
performance by London critics. The Academy. which
is excellent authority says:-
The curious and delicate quality of the perform
ance is such. all drawbacks Notwithstanding
appetite OF connoisseur. The drdmats persone are
Christiana and her four sons Mercy Mr.. GREAT heart
Mr.. Feeblemind and Mr.. Brisk; Prudence Piety and
Charity, the former OF whom also takes the r0tes
of Mrs Batscyes and Mrs Muchatrad; Mrs. Timor-
ous u shepherd boy Piety) and several angelic
scngers in the most angelic of whom Charity could
taken verbatim from Bunyan-a striking tribute to
the dramatic picturesqueness OF the old Puri-
tan-and sometimes narrative passage is
divided among the actors with great judgment, so
as give the younger children especially most
chidlike and hfelike parts. But, regarded
acting the most remarkable part OF the performance
is the complete finish and harmonious thorough
ness of the whole. the family troupe playing Ito
compare small things with large up to each
other with the accuracy and Observation-Disclosures
the members Of the artificial family at the
Coincide FRANCHISE. All the performers have
good delivery (AIr. Greatheart may have been
Scot for anything We know to the contrary;
there is overacting. and at least three or
the actors show command of feature which would
satisfy the great manager Serlo OF their power to
represent more than single congenial character;
Mr.. Feeblemind is anything but q feeble actor;
Mercy's changes OF countenance during the court
ship Of Mr.. Brisk (which has been rather ampliled)
show great reserve of dramatic power; Christiana
clearly actress, and Mrs. Timorous ought to do
well in higher comedy. AS an instance OF the COM
pleteness Of the performance may be noticed the
very pretty tabieau silently formed by the children
arranging flowers side of the stage while the
dialogue goes on in tho last act but one-scene the
land OF Beulah
The Academy suggests that this family try its
talents ON Shakespeare, elf Shakespeare were too
much for the resources Of the company, their
proved skill in adapting might provide suitable
dramas Of secular kind, and incidentally enrich
the stage with the much needed boon of few moro
acting plays fit for delivery by scrupulous and cul-
tivated performers"
There is little doubt but that this interesting
Torrance would find warm appreciation in America.