Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-02-14
IRVING AT WORK.
THE READING LESSONS AS GIVEN AT
REHEARSALS.
What an Actor Does to Insure Success
Practical Instructions in ElOcution,
Gesture and Action-Strict At
tentiOn to. Details.
New York Herald.l

tentiOn to. Details.
New York Herald.]
In the middle of the half lighted stage
stood a tall figure, clad in gray and black.
Wavy, black locks fell back from a clean
cut and grave profile. A pair of dark
eyes, set deeply under heavy, overhanging
eyebrows, watched the murmuring orches-
ira 1t was Henry Irving In one hand
he carried cane with gold band around
it, and the other was thrust jauntily in his
side pocket Ladies' and gentlemen walked
about in the wings, and q few were grouped
on the stage watching the second
scene of "The Lyons Mail" Carpenters
could be seen hammering, pulling, and
lifting all sorts of odd looking things In
the air swung a gondola, and resting in the
stern of it was trunk labeled Quebec"
as if a portion Of Lord Wolseley's
Canadian contingent had deserted and sold
their boat. Against the GEAR wall rested
the black bridge over which the broken.
hearted Shylock returned to his desolate
home, and besides It was q fragment of the
moonlit garden where the fair Portia tantal-
lied Signor Bassanio and made him wish
that he hadn't A simple roadside inn
stood on the left {. the stage with open
windows and a candle burning upon table
within.
"Oh, Mr. Ball." said Irving to the leader
of the orchestra, "you should not give US
that mere tremulous effect. Let one Of the
violins play the air softly, but distinctly.
Thank you, that is much better"
Just then Joliquet, the innkeeper's hoy,
tripped on, delivering his lines as he came
in a strong, clear voice.
"Soft, soft" said Mr.. Irving "Use q
lighter tone. You look young, my boy, but
your voice bellies you"
The young actor smiled and repeated the
lines in a boyish way, that brought a smile to
the face of his chief. There was no sign of
irritation or resentment ON Joliquet's face,
but IN expression of gratitude for the timely
hint 1t is one of the peculiaritie.s of Mr.
Irving's management that the actors do not
seem to regard his instructions as an in
fringement of their rights or an aspersion
upon their professional reputation. Joliquet
ran into the cottsge, and when he was Of
fered a five francs piece for bottle of
wine ne jumped two steps of the stairs at
time in his joy.
you're not glad enough was the quiet
criticism of Mr.. Irving Jump three steps"
And Joliquet came flying down from the the
door with a radiant face, clearing the three
steps and landing on the stage with an ar
ttic bang.
.Now. walk on your toes and screw I'M
your face when I wiring vour ear contin-
ued the great manager. as be twisted the
actors ear in a matter -of-fact way. and
looked calmly down to see that the proper
ex ression OF pain was visible.
"You look honest, recited Joliouet.
"You ioo-o-o-k honsst.n corrected Mr.
Irving. .Remembsr that Won have had
your doubts about il. and Won bavan,t vat
made up your mind. Put special emphasis
on "look."
Here a pair of horses pranced on the staoa
with a stage coach behind them II WAS the
LYONS mail As the puard leaned from his
seat and started to drink imaoinarv brandv
from bottle. Mr. Irving nicEsd mn a nisto,
and fired at him. The p1,ard sbnddered and
then. as he was being stabbed nv another
ruffian fell upon the stage and proceeded to
die. Mr.. Irving smiled
3That won't do he said. "Wben I fra
Won must act so that the .nd;enca will tnow
that NV bullet has hit Won. Throw vonr
arms above vour head and move the f;n,ars
clutchinglv as If Won we're in a death agony
thns-n
The manauar,s arms raacbod wildly nm
ward. and an expression of intense agony
came into his countenance as he t,,.nad
around and fell ,,non one Lnaa
The guard thanked his chief for the films
tration. and went through with the convnls.
i've movement to the Satisfaction Of bimself
and every one else.
The rehearsal nrocsadad smootblv for
.wh;le 70 Tho r,,;nt ,,,h.,o IoI;,,,.. a.
nounces Lesuruues as the murderer of the
guard.
sYou must all utter An exnression of sur.
prise here and helm il bv sndden gestures y
said Mr. Irving to his COMPANY. .The last
time was accused of being a murderer Won
looked so Indifferent and uninterested that
one would think it a commonplace thing for
a man of good reputation to be recognized
as an assassin. Now give the expression