National Republican., 1883-12-11
ADJUSTMENTS.
rnnn,s OPERA HOUSE.

Richard Brlndslcy Shoriden6 comedy, "A
School for Scandal" was presented at Ford's
last evening by tho company headed by Mrs.
Langtry. There is no moro fascinating work
on tho English speaking stage to-day, and
while Of the Same class rs "Old Heads and
Young Hearts," "Road TO Ruin" 'Wild Oats"
Money" and London Assurance" It stands
as the standard comedy Of our language.
Written by Sheridan TO caricaturo tho
scandal mongers and assassins OF char
acter in the age in which he tvod,
IL has found permanent place on
tho boards and as long as society remains
constituted as it is it will continue to occupy
its present position. The interest ip last
evenings presentation Of the comedy centered
in Mrs. Langtry's impersonation of Lady
Teazle, and we find that we are somewhat ut
variance with tho almost universal condem-
nation which she has received at the hands
of other newspapers. As an honest and can
did expression of our opinion, wo cannot say
that, aside from her reputation gained in other
fields than that of dramatic art. Mrs. Langtry
has the slightest claims to be considered tho
bright particular star of the company which
gave "a School for Scandal" last evening.
With the proper amount of training. coupled
with the necessary experience, she might be-
co me an excellent leading lady; but at the
present time her performance is merely that
of careful and thoroughly intelligent anna
| teur. True it is, she has the advantage of q
| fascinating personality coupled with fair
amount of magnetism, and in ordinary scenes
| this counts for something Where passion
and power are required Mrs. Langtry's utter
absence Of sincerity or inability TO properly
express the emotions, affords her auditors
serious and just ground for complaint. In the
large and brilliant assembly last evening" wo
doubt not there was a single person who
would not have gladely applauded an effort
at all above the commonplace, but
she played the entire role interrupted
by but one slight ripple of applause, aud that
at the close of the famous "screen scene"
and which was more of tribute to hor asso-
ciates than it was to her. Mrs. Langtry's
clear and perfect enunciation is matter,
however, upon which we can extend our
heartiest praise. Her words were beautifully
spoken, with distinctness and clearness that
should be the envy of many who surpass her
in the broader and moro important elements
which go to make up q successful actress
The support was far above the average found
in travelling combinations. Mr.. H. A.
WeaveTs Interpretation of Sir Peter Teazle
was not only carefully considered, but ex-
ecuted with most excellent effect. His
scenes with Mrs. Langtry wero capitally
carried out, and he gave o certain flavor
to tho part that showed he, at least.
thoroughly understood its requirements. Mr..
Arthur Elwood's Charles Surface was an
| u,r,tin vii hoDb
effervescent dash, but many of his finest lines
were seriously slurred and marred with care
lessness. Mr.. Joseph Caren made catarrhal
and lugubrious Joseph Surface, but Mr.. Fred.
Everills Sir Oliver had brusque heartiness,
and such thoroughly honest conception, that
but little fault could be found with it. Mrs.
| G.. G. Germon's Mrs. Candour was most
| amusing impersonation as whole, and there
were several points in her performance that
were really artistic and above the average.
| The remainder of the cast, while hardly de-
serving of even friendly mention, if we
possibly except Mr.. Seymour's Moses, did not
so seriously offend good taste as to call for
adverse criticism. In tho second act Mrs
| Langtry, Miss Houston, Mr.. Caren, and Mr.
| Cqote danced q very picturesque minuet
which was received with some slight evi.
Edences of enthusiasm.
+ The announcements for the remainder oi
the week arc as follows Tuesday, "a School
for Scandal Wednesday and Thursday
''The Hunchback;p Friday evening and
Saturday matinee, "Sbe Stoops to Conquer !"
Saturday evening, Peril"
l. NATIONAL THEATER.
Mr. Lawrence Barrett commenced an On.
gagement at the National Theater last night,
appearing in the title role in Bulwer's play
Iof Richelieu." He is not new in this char
acter, for il has been a favorite with him for
years, and opinions differ as to the excellence
of his impersonations. That he has some man.
nerisms of voice and manner which arc un
pleasant to the ear and eye must be admitted
but Mr.. Barrett always carries to his work q
keen intelligence which enables him to cor.
rectly grasp tho authors meaning, and hi:
performances show the result of careful and
earnest thought and at times he rises to the
highest plane of dramatic force and action.
His impersonation of Richeleu is perform
ance which cannot fail to elicit admiration
from the complete presentation of this com
plicated character. The audience was most
enthusiastic one, and Mr.. Barrett was called
before the curtain at the close Of each act.
Mr.. Louis James as Do Mauprat was de
cidedly successful, and richly won the cal
with which he was honored at the close o
the third act Miss Marie Wainwright mad,
graceful and pleasing Julie, and the sam
, may be said of Miss Sara Manypenny as Marion
. do Lorme Miss Mannypenny, by the way, i
Washington girl, and it is pleasant t
chronicle her success in this the first seasol
of her professional experience.
Mr.. Albert L. Riddle as Francois and MI
, w. A. Lackey as Huguet, both Washington
a young men, sustained their respective char
Q acters we'll, Mr.. Riddle shows marked i'm
= provement over his last years efforts.
Tonight Mr. Barrett will appear in Georg
: II. Boxers play Of francesca da Rimini."
IT John Bright and the Chinese.
NelD Y0rk TribIne