Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-01-07
MISS eENEvIKvE WARD.
A Dramatic Treat ana Brilliant
Triumph.

The Savannah Theatre last evening was
filed with one Of the most cultivated and
fashionable audiences we have ever seen
gathered within in its walls, the occasion
being the first appearance in this city OF
Miss Genevieve Ward, the celebrated actress,
in her beautiful and intensely thrilling
play entitled, "Forget-Me-Not." The
play is admirably constructed, pos
sesslng a fine plot and numerous
startling and excellent situations, and
whilst Miss Ward is the central figure as
'Stephanie, Marquise de MOhrivart," she is
ably seconded in her company, and we can
conscientiously pronounce the support the
best we have seen this season with any star.
Indeed, so thoroughly were the audience
impressed with this that the applause was
general, and though Miss Ward was enthu-
siastically encored and called before the cur
tain almost equal praise was accorded the
remainder of the cast, which, on account OF
the general excellence of the performance,
we are induced to give in full TO avoid
mention In detail:
Stephanie, Marouise de Mohrivart,
Miss Genevieve Ward.
sir Horace Welby. .....-......Fr Frank Clements.
Alice Verney ......-.....-- Miss Agnes barnett
Barrato .......... Nelson Decker.
Mrs Foley . Miss Bella Cuthbert.
Prince MaHeotti W m. Fsrren, N
Servant. .fercy lamp l.
Porter. ...... .......-..............John Irwin.
After Witnessing " Forget Ne Not " the
warm encOmiums that have been bestowed
upon It In Boston, New York and Philadel-
phis are readily Endorsed, for it is play OF
most intense interest. The plot is well and
skillfully drawn, the characters being few
as is seen by the persona above given), but
50 sharply defined that they require most
competent artists to properly tmpersonate
them. Miss Ward, in the character of "Ste-
phsnie, MsrqUise de MOhrivart," has found
a role in which she is most eminently adapt
ed. The woman, whose young life was
blasted By being forced to marry a man old
enough to be her father; who was a gambler
and sharper, and who compelled her to act
as a decoy who grew in knowledge OF
every artifce by which crime is just touched
upon but not actually committed who has
aspirations to move in the society OF the
beau monde, and is INSCRIPTIONS as to the
means by which she is enabled to accom-
plish this, is portrayed by Miss Ward with
vividness, vitality, that rivets the atten-
tiOn of the audience upon her during the
entire time she is on the stage.
'Forget-Me-Not" is, indeed, a wonderful
performance, and, in spite of the details OF
the story, its influence is altogether good,
and strongly good. The scene moves with
rapidity. Mr.. Frank Clements, as Sir
Horace Welby, created favorable impress
sion when he appeared here as leading sup.
port Of she Counties Modjeska"
some two seasons ago. He
fills the part with great manliness. and is,
in all things, the unsentimental, yet the
truly sensitive and honorable Englishman.
He is much more than the support to Miss
Ward, and his character is as distinct and as
finished as her own part.
We were particularly pleased with Miss
Agnes Barnett. an accomplished actress Of
pleasing appearance, and whose presenta-
ton of "Alice Verney" was natural and
artistic. Mr.. Decker's "Barrato" and Mr..
Farrens' "Pince" were superb, whilst Miss
Bella Cuthbert capitally personated 'Mrs.
Foley" We consider the performance the
finest dramatic treat we have been favored
with this season, and are confident the
intelligent audience. judging from the
manifestations of approval, were unani-
nous in the same opinion. There will be a
matinee this afternoon, and the fare
well performance will be given to night.