National Republican., 1883-03-27
THE Tu1,ATERs.

MIR. Mccullough was greeted last evening
by nm audience whose enthusiasm was worthy
of remark as far in excess of anything Of tho
sort previously observed during the season.
The people present were manifcstly all
admirers of the tragodian. The dra-
matte club that bears his name was
out in force, and full of vigor; and
very nearly every one else in the house
seemed dcsirous Of following the lead thus set
with as free a use of hands and voices as the
limits of applause would permit. Mr.. Nc
Cullough, though plainly suffering the after
math of his recent illness, reused himself
under the inspiration thus afforded, and
played the part of Virginius with power
and earnestness that he has never
excclled, even at his best. 1t was an
interesting and fine performance,
and despite the familiarity into which its
leading features have grown it impressed it.
self upon the spectators with as much force as
though IL had been new. To consider this
Virginius now at any length would be to re-
count again tale already many times re-
peatcd. IL is the best work Mr. Mccullough
does-tho best work, that is to say, of the best
tragedian VIC have among us. Mr.. McCul-
Tough has limits, but within them he has no
rival broad common sense underlies his
reading of the characters he represents, and u
certain dignity of style and nobility of move
ment characterize all he docs. Upon neccs-
sary occasion ho has it in him to rise into
very lofty and magnetic levels, and TO light
the scene with a truly splendid tragic fire.
Such fight is that which he takes
in the fourth act of Virginius." The cli-
max of that act, which is the real climax and
finish of the play, is reached by as fine and
thoroughly admirable piece of acting as the
stage of this country has to offer; and the
eliminating touch is given it with vivid
power
/. The members Of the company wero very
literally applauded Mr.. Collier, Miss For
sythc, and Mrs. Foster being especially fa-
vored in this way; The most important
change made in the cast since last season was
in the character of Icilius, which is now as
sumed by young and capable actor named
Haworth, who played with u skill that es-
tablished him with his public.
John Howard Payne's tragedy, Brutus,"
will be offered this evening, Sin compliance
with numerous requests" as tho bill says, as a
ory of tho author.
FoRDs-coLLIER AND RIcE's "IoLANTHE ,
COMPANY.
There is much to admire and little to con-
denim in tho performance of " "Iolanthe
offered by the Rice company at Ford's this
week. The weather of most incorporate
March IL obviously responsible for most of
l. Al
and the uncertainty that sometimes shivers
and quivers along the orchestra is manifestly
referable to the presence characterised musi-
clans, who will take frmer hold upon their
work tonight The music is directed by
Harry Braham; it is the Sullivan orchestra
tion; the stage responds accurately to the tip
of the wand and these things, put together
with most attractive good humor and good
will for the business in hand that seems to
animate all concerned bring tho merits of the
entertainment up to point in view of which
| its demerits look too small to he much talked
about
| The cast is chiefly remarkable for its Phyl-
! lis, u little lady named Mule, to whom moth
ing could be more aptly applied than the de-
scription which distinguished critic recently
gave of Madame Theo, as half child, hall
woman, with just enough of womanhood
| in her childishness and just enough o
childhood in her womanliness to place
the senses under the spell of something
new upon the stage. Miss Mule is neverthe
less no Theo, though time may unfold talent!
| in her high enough to make her famous. She
has fresh and pleasing voice, which she use
rather more freely than'skillfully, and with
power that seems odd in so little body
! Pretty she is, however, and ingenious to tn,
last degree-a most charming antithesis Il
Miss Sanger, the massive contralto who's,
imposing presence and good round voic,
give new and enjoyably absurd color t.
the character of the Fairy Queen. Tn,
Strephon, Mr.. William West, is quite salts
factory artist, having plain vocation TO
opera singing, and voice enough Of u iail
baritone quality to justify him in following
il. The Lord Chancellor of Mr.. Wilkinson
is not so good, being but moderately wei
sung and not at all we'll acted-lacSing tn,
gravity that is necessary to give proper valu
to the part, and frequently dropping into
level of fun that lies dangerously near t,
bufloonery. Messrs. PEPPER and Gillow ar,
| somewhat open TO ike crltclsm upOl
their presentation of Ararat and Tol
lollcr. Mr.. Robert Evans who ha
good voice and knows how to use it well
ruins what would otherwise be creditabl,
personation of Private Willis by dumping
very dull humor of his own over the line
which Mr.. Gilbert has provided for the char
acter and by making such use of aspirate
as no living creature ever yet put upon th
English language.
There is good chorus, prettily costumet
as to the girls aud splendidly as to the men.
The scenery is quite up to what could hav
been expected. The scene for the second ac
is really effective.
THE MAN ON THE AVENUE.
Small Talk About Men and Measures.