New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-05-17
MUSIC AND THE UBIN4.
sAIsRrRYS TRnIHADOrRS.

SALSBIR1'S lROjDADOJhS.
II is a long time since this little company Of
players appeared in New-York-at the oympc-and it
has been so mu changed and greatly improved that
In its present temperance it comes as an absolute
novelty That temperance has been effected 50 the
cheerful theatre Of the San Francisco Minstrels in
pretty and pleasing musical extravaganza entitled
The Brook and il has given much innocent pleasure
ana already attracted more than the usual attention
that is bestowed here ephemera entertainments The
merits OF the exhibition both in the piece and the man
ner Gifts presentation, positive and exceptional;
and for thi, reason the Of the Troubldoursa
ready considerable, and destined TO increases tact
10 Do recorded as equally crcdtable and beneficial 10 the
pubhc taste. journalism has sometimes occasion to
lament with reference to the stage, that the ministry Of
1nrt is yanouly allied ministry of yugarity and
vice IL this instance the welcome demonstration Is
afforded thai mtrrment be Gifused by the exercise
Of talent and the operation Of animal spirits, directed
upon perfectly pure subject, and conducted with equal
refinement ana ygOr. Although pastoral IN tone, and
illustrative OF nothing substantial than he trolIc
Of party OF actors at a picnic in the country The
Brook u.s. nevertheless, full OF vim, sparkle, ana eier
yesccut auiIuatOn and in this resuttt shows thai
good popular entertainment may be as Wemade out OF
good materials as out Of bad The mshaps Of
rural jrkcung cannot, Of course be called fresh The
diaIo,lle Is not brilliant The spirit OF fun lauggShes
little here and there-noiabIy at about the point OF
tie uson TO the approaching sunset And yet The
essential element Of action is kept up evenly most OF the
way is surcharged with constantly varying color and
Is emphasized by strong contrasts; and the peryadmg
tone Is that OF hilarious checrfulness These facts ind
cate "a good work, and it be added that the
TrouBadors throw themselves INTO It's illustration with
hearty delightful and most efficient zest There are
five Of these performeIs-Mr. n. Salisbury, Mr.. John
Webster, Mr. John Gourlay, Miss Helen Ding on
and Mis- Nelly McHenry; aud their light ban
terIug cOuoquics, their singing dancing, recitd-
tons and miscellaneous prauks-when assembled
By brook-side, in cool and picturesque
valley, on lovely Summer day-make up
the piece To specify and depict the incidents Of this
little production would very much like numbering
toe feathers the Furnished orole Sprays OF melody
and swift isnes Of color require their Characteristic
and appropriate surroundings. The effect upon tue a
diepce is that Of extatiOn ia the enjoyment OF others,
and this manifested in frequent ana resoundng laugh
t,r These Troubaaours charm in a double seuse-uot
only by their engaging attributes and special accom-
pli.lments but by their happy maintenance OF the
buoyaut atmosphere and gay, dashing Rocerike spirit
Of the strO lug players Of an older and more pctnr-
eque time The breeze that seems to blow through all
their dougs Il a breeze from the rosy fields OF youth,
and il comes laden with the fragrance Of the flowers of
romance. This quahty-ilusyc, no doubt but all The
potent for that reason-oNpaips ID large meas
urs the acceptance which these players have gained
They lacked this charm altogether when the5 began ana
IN fac, we're crude and bOstnrOus; but they have dealt
sely with me, and time has been kindly reciprocil
Tfcir or.-.uizltion is now quite remarkable
for It's symmetry and variety. In Miss Helen
Dungeon 1t possesses vocalist Of rare fac
ul.v whose voice both flexible and sweet is
ofratnc surprising range, VINO sings with passionate
eafncsnes aud charming vivacty and whose acting Is
marked by strong character in herself II not with strong
perception Of IL In outside identities This lady musical
execution may be named the most brilliant feature or
the entertainment The inisclrvOus animation OF Miss
Nelly NrIIcgry however-which Is IN the style made so
well known here by LISA Weber, ROsina Noacs Dicky
LusarG and Ohers-prOves however, the most striking
element with the public Here indeed. IS al actress as
risky as httte Lotta and rogulshiy demure as Mile
Aimee: and though not much Of vocalist, shlul ID the
oflted resources Hcrlaughing song, In particular
Is capital lit Mr. John GOufiay who Is the low come
dian OF the troupe evnce that streak OF pahos when
saways the true soil for the OF humOr Mr. John
Webster ia the character the amiable swell car
Hes himself with grace aud elegance and evidently pos
sesses q capacity and aptitude the lighter walk of
high comedy Ia Mr.. salsbury-Obyiously the ruling
spirit OF the CoTps-thcre are signs OF great force ana
energy rugged and tender humanity Of feeling saga
eOus practical knowledge OF the world, and qrizcal
and strongly American humOr. The musical conductor
for the JIoubadours s. 5r Frank Maeaer-wbosc naeis
guarantee OF talent and efficiency IN this line OF art
and whose performance entirely worthy Of his name
Nj Gusplrd teder furnished the scene for "The
Brook" aud ths is a soft and delicate piece u rustic
landscape, really lovely in effect
MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC NOTES
Mary Anderson will pass the Summer at
long Branch
Mrs. Marie wilkins takes a benefit at the