New-York tribune., 1883-11-04
A CHAT WITH MR.. IRVING.
HIS INTEREST IN HIS AUDIENCEs-soNE POINTS OF
COMPARISON.

A tall, rather spare figure dressed i'll a blue
overcoat into the pockets Of which both hands were
thrust deep down. -brimmed tall silk hat covering
the gray hair which fell down almost to the shoulders,
frm spIinCy gait, all betOkened to TRIBUNE reporter
that the individual possessing them and descending the
steps OF the BrcvOort House Henry Irving.
"GoOd-mOmng, Mr. Irving" said the reporter.
All! GoOd-morning" replied the great English actor.
rs not this perfect weather am so glad 10 have an
opportunity of seeing real New York weather There is
brightness and exharatng feeling in the air which we
never find under our English shes."
You feel well. then -
Yes yes I always feel well; but am sorry TO say
that Miss Terry has been suffering Tor several days She
was quite poorly Tuesday night and made her first
appearance under sad disadvantages. But what reccp-
tion both had Was il not delightful and charming
must express my pleasure at the audiences have had
So quick, ready TO and take mp all the points"
"DO you think they compare fayoraby in that respect
with your English audiences ~
Well rather early to form decisive opinion as
yet but am inclined think Now tell Inc, do your
theatre-gOers prefer tragedy or comedy Z"
suggested that the average American doubtless
went TO see a comedy for pleasure and tragedy an
educational duty.
"Quite So" said Mr.. Irving; so shOIld have eX-
pected, and very desirous of letting them see my
company in comedy for that reason. Miss Terry espc-
cialy charming most charming in comedy her Beatrice
being especially fine. As The Queen in Charles T. she
talents. surprised by the way, at the success OF
that piece and appreciation which has been bestowed
It's literary merits In England have almost given
up playing it, for in the provinces especially It draws less
than any of my other plays 1t is pretty piece how
ever hardly play, hut succession Of episodes, an dyl
In fact and am fond OF IT, Now want to ask you In
points stage-setting and management seem TO
excel over what you accustomed TO here. sure
II il not the expense magnifcence."
The reporter suggested that II probably the careful
attention TO apparently Insignificant details and the
artistic unity of The whole.
"Oh, very likely, very likely What call the touches
II to that what makes stage effect into an art
j. Just that attention to the minute details which make
composite whole. As author will write his first draft
at whitehead and then taking his manuscript touches IL
mp and adds those turns OF thought and expression which
give II style and make il piece Of artistic workman
ship"
BY this time Mr. Irving had strOed as far as Union
Square and two figures familiar TO the Morton House
were seen approaching.
THAT looks like an English actor I know" said Mr.
Irving and the ceanshayen stout man drew near the
held out his hand aud addressed the other 10y
nam e. 10 his evident surprise.
"Oh, yes, remember yOu, Mr.. Irving but thought
YOU would have forgotten me.
mo / have not +" said Irving, though it is eighteen
years since we acted together in Liverpool" And the
two began chat about Old times. few minutes after
the stage door of the Star Theatre reached and Mr.
Irving entered to conduct rehearsal OF Louis XII