New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-10-01
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
THE PARYENu AT WALLACK's.


III true comedy be-as we think it is-the picture
of manners slightly heightened for the sake OF
dramatic effect, and made entertaining by crisp
dialogue and the contrast Of diversified characters
and. furthermore, fraught with moral lesson or
usefnl thought delicately implied, then The
Paryenu is true comedy. IT was seen last night
for the first time in this city at Waack's Theatre,
and II was accepted into the affecuonate hklnGs Oh
q numerous and brilliant assemblage. IL Is
thoroughly good and a delightful piece. III not
only possesses the true attributes and spirit OF
comedy, as already Indicated but it has remarkaole
felicity of construction, and its dialogue Is repieVo
with those tart and zestful little lines ana seem
inciy careless phrases which are the finger OF
dramatic writing Its theme is entirely simple anu
it deals with what are called the trieS OF ilfe-out
there is no task more difficult than to touch these
airy nothings into dramatic being, and give
them the reality of smiles and tears. III
was the late Tom Robertson who, conspicuousy'
in our time illustrated this style of treatment III
comedy and his Caste " remains the high inouoi
and example of all subsequent writers IN .ni7 W
ticuar vein. MIR. Godfrey has not equ"n0u 10
piece in the exposition of the same suoJcc' O"' ~
has created a charming. tender ana slellhoan' NV
ture of veritable passage IN human EXPERIENCE
and in an eminent degree he has used the me ur"
matte element of contrast with superb skill The
acters in their relations to each other In act nrst
are graceful and deeply pleasing. and the picture oil
the discounted and enraged Parvenu as the boats
with the singiuglovers float away under the moon
lii summer sky is both pathetic and beautiful
Here is an author who selects characters That nave
been formed and conduct which has occurred, ana
ont of these makes action and ,picture and dramatic
result This is all that any rational judge could ASK
The sole material defect in the scheme OF Inc ral
venu is the too easy credulity OF Lay fengre" i'll
landing herself to self-decet as to the nobleman
travelling incognito. The drift of the piece is
IA remind MS that human nature is, after ALL OF one
strain through vsriously mixed and OFTEN Nualeu'
that coarse threads are to be found III the rcheSt
textures. and fine ones in the poorest. Not new
4boucht. TO be sure but one that does not come
amiss This NAV seem to many sentimental
theme but experience Will show it to be most SUD-
stantial and important one. III England, 1T touches
the ever-vexed question of caste In America 1t
touches that of the encrOachment OF the dehocIalc
idea upon all that is meant by refinement Inc
dramatic qualities of THE Parvenu," however,
more than its philosOphc bearing, Will carry IL WIN
this public II is full ofnerest and OF brght points
arising out of these and the reception glV@n 10 IL
Lost NIGHT warrants every hope of its long continu-
ance on Waack's stage-which now at last' Is
oraced "a it should be, and as New-fork ought 10
cot for the comedy but this is so exquisite IN
,pstic loveness that one can almos hear the Dirds
singing in the boughs and smell the fragrance OF
the hawthorn Mr.. Harry Edwards gave the most
perfect performance of the nlght-a ihouel
Of the stiff courteous, English gentleman, wrapped
up in rank and Sc lfshness Mr. ktlcey had eHaety
The longing kindly tone of the young sportsman;
and Miss Neasor adrOitly Imbrued the klnd.hearteu
nature of the Parvenus daughter with just the
requisite snap and sparkle ..o;o,,
Mr. Elton acted Mr.. Ledgr., 1t was cons $. Gu
tious niece of work. clear III design and hrIn III eN
ecTtdn' at moments amusing and other moment;
impressive But it seemed thin, and 1t revealed 9
effort. Mir. Elton has drolery, kindness. good-
mature and eccentric personal qualities that snow
through ais acting and make II interesting winning
and even levable But this is n character that eN,
acts certain massive and rugged manllneSs,-and
This is an experience which involves great suffering,
ana the portraiture of a self-strnggle pre-
cedmg self-co inquest and in this emergency Air'
Elton IS overtaxed. as to capacity of expression;
The life aud blood of the comedy the vital hetIt %
it-that which gives glow anu H. T6s,rr
and if the suffering and the pathOs be weak, the
niece will naturally seem fraIl and INDEFINITE
whereas il is very far from being either