The New York herald., 1879-02-04
PARK THEATRE VICTIMS AND .-soLoS SHIN

PARK THEATRE VICTIMS AND ''soLoN sHrN-
GLE"
1t is now a number of years since Tom Tayiors
popular three act comedy, 'rhe Victims" has been
presented to New York audience. but it is
comparatively safe to say that it does not
suffer much by contrast with previous per-
formances. The company comprises number
OF artists peculiarly adapted to tho ludicrous
situations tor which the play calls and they
give snap to the bright dialogue that makes it move
rapidly. 1t is true that on first night there is
usually an exhibition OF many defects such loose
ness OF speech and unfamilarity with the business
of the stage. but these ought be kindly overlooked
in general estimate of value and results especially
when the names of many COOL actors and actresses
appear on the bin. Mr.. John L. Owens Us Joshua
Butterfly naturally took and kept the lead and in
doing illustrated the versatility of talent which
enables him to step outside of the limits Of lnere
character acting in or two parts and exhibit the
training of true artist. The humor of the part
was admirably sustained. and his presence on
the stage was almost invariably attended by
roars OF laughter. His with Miss Crano Miss
Stuart the strong minded woman when he reads the
sonnet to her and presents what he imagnes to be
beautiful dress, but by a mishap turns out to be
it think of me-. was one OF the side
splitting events Of tho evening. The lady
manner that is worthy of all praise. Mr. Mordaunt
Mr.. Merrweather personatcd the generous hus-
band with his usual good taste. and Mr.. Padgett
utter but few lines by his excellent
dialectc rendition OF statistical Scotchman. To
Mr.. Duiiied, who represented literary gentleman
ana gay decciver not much credit is to be accorded
He made neither romantic lover nor
toned down to proper proportions in an
artistic way. the harsh outlines Of an
ugly character which the author intended to be one
OF the effective features of his play In personatiny
Mrs. Merriweather Miss Sara Stevens did not act
we'll as she is likely to do hereafter.
Her lassitude seemed to be forced. and the
fcrvor with which she eventually recognizes
the noble character of her husband was not AZ full
of the mingled strength and tenderness which she
so capable OF illustrating. Miss Mabel Jordan a.
Mrs. Fitzherbert graceful, pretty and praise
worthy Mr. John Matthews the self-important
editor of the Weekly Beacon perfectly at home
The performance rs a whole was warmly received
and will doubtless afford pleasure to all who witness
its repetition.
The evenings entertainment terminated with
''Solon Shngle" Mr. Owens here showed himself
at his best and kept the audience in Of laugh
ter. The whose father "fit into the Revolution
that is, he driv baggage waggin could scarcely do
otherwise Even his facial expressions were gems OF
humor without word uttered Mr. Frank Mordaunt
again shared in tho applause OF the evening.
taking the part of Robert Howard the peoples cham
pon. ''Solon Shingle," however is more intended
to give play to the Of Mr. Owens and
when he is on the stage his stolen "barrl of apple
sass is of more consequence than the combined art
of every body else.