New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-08-28
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
AFFAIRS OF THE STAGE.

will lie the most important theatrical event OF the
present week. and, thus far. of the present season
This piece is at once romantic story and De0lei-
full spectacle. 1t is work kindred with Inc
Exiles." 1t illustrates Russian character ana CIV
ilzation and presents the activity and romance Oh
mans existence amidst the perils OF TIC loheS
wilderness and the bowling wastes OF everlasting
snow Ii is to be produced here according To models
brought from the stage of Paris and under lhe care
full and competent supervision OF MI. l. d. M"o
lonough, who has recently visited that caPi.ai
EXPRESSLY to familiarize himself with the manner
and details of the French production. The version
nj - Michael Strogof" used at Booths Theatre Is
owned NV Mr. Samuel Colville. The version an
nounced for presentation at the Academy of Music,
Mt later date by the Kiralfy Brothers, is another
niece distinct from ths-having been adapted by
Dlr. A. Il. Cazauran.
Miss Jennie Lee will effect her remittance on the
New-l orl stage tomorrow night, in the forlorn.
touching and picturesque character OF joe the
gsweeper. familiar to all readers in the story
of Bleak House," This is dismal subject; but
Miss Lee herself actress of quick intelligence
and deep feeling fortunate in personality that hs
the part FORTUNATE, also, in a sweet voice. and IN
winning attributes and, in four or five years OF
continuous practice. she has perfected an elabora-
lion of this part which produces the effect of abso-
lutte nature. 1t is pathetic piece of work. and it
teaches lesson of charity and human sympathy
such never can come amiss.
The recurrence of Mr.. BARLEY Campbelrs strong
play of " My Partner with Mr.. Louis Aldrich as
the principal figure, is also among the events at
hand. any Partner" is presented at the Grand
Opera House, taking the place of The Bankers
Daughter"
Messrs. Harrigan & Hart will open their new
theatre on Monday
There will be nothing else upon the local stage
this week that much deserves public attention, or
that requires more than passing reference. The
frolcsome musical tride of Cinderella at School"
is maintained in its place at Days Theatre; Mr..
Barney McAuley continues to act, at the Standard,
as the robust and eccentric Messenger from JdrriS
Section the farccal1 play of Rooms for Rent" will
be represented throughout the week, at the Bijou
Opera House: the queer medley of Coney Island,
or Little EthePs Prayer can still be seen at the
Union Square Theatre; and Mr.. Rowe's new play of
Sniff" enters its second week ut the Fifth
Avenue.
"SmilF' has failed, and it will shortly be with
drawn. There Is perhaps, useful lesson to be de-
rived from the experience of this piece. "Smitf IS
by no means TO be classed with such works as
"Coney Island" The Silent Man." g The Picture"
or The Pullman Palace Car" On the contrary, it
is technically. well-constructed piece. 1t has
beginning. middle, and end it tells distinct
story; its characters not more exaggerated than
Is permissible in farce; ITS tone is cheerful; its
incidents are various and it includes scenic effects
which practicable, which appropriately,
and which picturesque. These characteristics
redeem it from the category of absolute trash. On
the other hand it has the great and overwhelming
defect of tedious duness Its story is not rational
enough to be viewed as having serious relation to
life, nor wildly eXtravagant enough to please a
reckless absuTdity Ii may be said to halt between
these two extremes. Furthermore, the story is told
with such sluggshness of movement and such pro-
hxty of style that it misses the merit of sharpness
and fails to hit the public apprehension a round
nd fact rl,,la
spectators attention is neither buoyed up by artistic
development of plot, nor kept sufficiently amused
by spirit of frolic. Then. too the story relates
totheatrical life and can only be really appreciated
by those who are familiar with the inside workings of
the stage, and with the personal peculiarities of
the theatrical character 1t is not every one who
enjoys even Mr.. Crummles and it required a pro-
digious exertion of the late Mr. SOtherns wonderful
powers in caricature to sustain the play of "The
Prompter's Box"-which he did, as The Crushed
Ifdgedian. If Sniff were better il would be a
comedy and good acting would carry 1t. Ii it were
worse it would be out-and-out burlesque, and it
might then participate in the success which, in this
period seems TO attend arraDt nonsense As il is it
simply perpexes by its respectable merits confuses
by its want of singleness of purpose disapponts by
Its lack of substance, and wearies by its monotony
The author has shown excellent professional skill
but, In this instance, there was nothing behind
1t and the useful smile that was applied by Poe
TO Mrs. Mowatt's comedy of Fashion" is once more
suggested: it is the shell of the locust with moth
ing inside Mr.. Rowes acting of Sniff is full of his
personal waggery and POPULARITY, and, in particu-
lar, is rendered amusing by kind of comic
sapence. The part would be of no use to any other
actor, but. played by him, it would always be
pleasant to the auditor The general representation
on the opening night, proves to have been marred
through the distress of Mr.. George C. Davenport.
who, only a few hours before had met with a
severe domestic afiliction. Miss Balfe and Miss
Quincy, new to this stage. have won public favor
and are pleasing and clever actresses in buresque