The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1881-10-22
A NoIARIE DRAMAIIC EVENT.
Mr.. Kseass Epsagensnt = Riehslieu
Last Night.


The career Of Mr.. Thomas W. Keene, the
tragedian, since be made his debut as a star q,
Boston only about a year ago, has been some
thing phenomenal. He opened in "Riche,
lieu, and Boston was enthusiastic in Its ap
proval. A new star might well hesitate be
fore appearing in the role In which the pub
lie were familiar with the best actors who
ever trod the stage. But those who witnessed
the finished and even performance OF the
title role In Bulwer's greatest drama ut the
Opera House last night Will attest that Mt
Keene did not act ill-advisedly.
From his first appearance on the stag
till the curtain fell upon the sublime sen
fences with which the play closes, the gooC
impression made upon the minds Of our the
ater.goers by the reports Of keepe'S success
elsewhere, was confirmed and deepened by
degrees. The episodes in the play which
call for hlstrionic genius OF the highest or
der, are neither few nor far between, but HI
was equal to them all, and seldom has any
thing been seen greater in its way than thu
scene in which the feeble, poor old man
takes on the strength OF desperation AND
draws around the trembling form Of Julie
the awful circle Of the Church. The ours
was appAllingly like the ideal OF the scene
The palsy OF age, the cough, the queruloul
lHputleHCe VI WIZ uAut NOAAA NV w peseei
simulated.
The audience was appreciatiye beyond the
point OF applause, and Mr.. Keene's first up
pearanCe In Wheeling as star must be pro
nounCed u triumphant one,
The support was also excellent. The
Julie de Mortimer Of Miss Tyler deserves
special mention Miss Tyler strongly re
minds one OF Mary Anderson, In appearance
voice and manner, and once or twice sht
showed herself possessed oil talent which will
one day give her US high position on tn
roll Of fame US that to which Miss Anderson
will be assigned when the glamOr OF her au
spiciOus debut has entirely worn away, ant
admiration for her rare beauty Is succeeded
by candid judgment OF her ability as M ar
fist. Eugene Moore us Francois" GeOrg
Learock as "DeBaradas," W. Lloyd rs "Ad
rien do Mauprat" and jas. Tighc n
"Huguet" shared the laurels with severn
others whose parts did not give them TIL
same chance to win the favor Of the audience
This afternoon 1.-THE Merchant Of Venice
will BIO given, ind the part affords Mr.. Keen
unusual opportunities to exercise his pecul
lar genius,
For tonight "Richard Ill.," one Of tn
strongest pieces in his repertoire, and one II
which the scenery and stage accessories Or
marvel, Is on the bills. The audiences a
both performances should he large,
An IHTVLIIGENCER man had the pleasure o
meeting Mr.. Keene last night after the cur
tain fell, and found his real self strang
contrast with the aged cardinal, lilo spok
with much pleasure Of his experience Il
Wheeling when he played six weeks en-
gagement us q member Of the company sup
porting Joe Seton at the old Washington
Hall In 1868. lie gave benefit on that occa
sion, and cleared 81 so after paying expen
seS. Mr.. W. s. GoshOrn was ut that tim
President OF the Hall Association, and HI
offered to reduce the rent for q night tina
Keene might take another benefit, which h
did, and cleared handsome sum, man!
prominent citizens taking large numbers o
tickets.
Mr.. Keene Is but thirty-nine years Of age
and certainly has bright future before him
lie was married when twenty and his wifi,
accompanies him on his present tour, HI
has also u son and daughter fast growing L
manhood and womanhood.
lie Is fortunate, wthal, In having for hi
manager Mr.. VIM. Il. Hayden. lilo Is one o.
the most genial and accommodating mel
who come this way, and we hope to meet hin
often In the future,