National Republican., 1883-01-04
ADJUSTMENTS.
Mics ANnrpsoN AS nrnrnr.


II would be very we'll for the state Of the
theater if works of the order in which "The
Daughter of Roland belongs were more fre-
quently brought forward. In q time when
frivolity swarms behind the footlights, and
the procession of small vanities dances end
lessly along, such play, with its strength
of old wine, constitutes an interlude
of grateful relief Noble simple, loftily con-
ceived, and wrought out in the most poetic
strain of old romance, every line in it is
vigorous breath, and every movement Of its
development carries the spirit into stronger
and higher atmospheres. Informed with the
same soul that lives in the master works
Of those days when the stage drew out
the best thought and most fiery
inspirations Of contemporaneous genius, and
yet shaped in modern dramatic forms, it is a
play among thousand. Considering its
beauty, interest, and power it would appear
strange Miss Anderson does not make more
frequent use of it. No play in her roper
tory has more value, and few are so pictur-
esque; and although most others give TO her
own part in their representation more cen''
tral Importance, in none has she u part to play
which more completely combines sweetness
and beauty with tho most lofty and inspirit-
ing of sentiments, nor in any way more grace
fully carries the glamour of love romance.
Itwould be unworthy to osuppose her infrequent
use of it attributable TO feeling that too
much is given to the other characters; for the
value of her own work is enhanced rather
than impaired by the merit which this dis
tribution of interest lends TO her surround
ings and tho total effect is Of sort for which
few would hesitate to give her almost undi-
vided credit 1t may be that some uncertainty
as to her own complete mastery of the
character of Berthe holds her back from it;
and this is suggested as Il probability by GER
tain straining which at times becomes mani
fest in her performance Now and then
there is a lapse into the old ways, a glimpse
of the STACEY" and forced manner
that obscured her beginnings; and in
those scenes which may he described as
love scenes simply she is i'll at ease and
weak, rs for example in the very beautiful
passage of the second act, where Berthe de-
cares herself to Gerald. There is no intent
discovemble in the lines o fthis scene to make
an audience laugh; and yet, as it was done
last evening" the action in which the
very decided smile. But these are failings
which Miss Anderson could very easily amend
and even with them as they are her work is
good. A little patience and little thought
would round it into very beautiful proper
tions.
Not very often is an entertainment to be
seen where all the parts, being fine them
selves, are so finely acted as in this case. The
sad and splendid figure of Ganalon is read and
pictured by Mr.. Studley with rare power and
adignity commensurate with its requirements.
Mr.. Downing presents the young chevalier
Gerald with deal of grace, as well as ample
spirit. The Ragenhardt Of Mr., Ford is by far
the most effective impersonation that gentle
man has yet given us; and throughout the
cast the same excellence obtains
By another season, it is to be wished, Miss
Anderson will have given Berthe a more fav-
ored place. 1t is said to be her intention to
widely change her list of plays. No better
change could be made if any Of her present
ones are to be retired, than to put this in
| wherever they are now