The Washington critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1885-1888, 1885-11-14

some instruction milht have been con-
tanned in IT,. Mr.. Howard has drawn very
biting parallel between the French aud
American customs in the treatment OF
young girls, aud IN a note printed upon the
programme, he shows that he cannot be
accused Of CXaggeratiOn as his authority has
Teen the "Socinl Code Of France written
ly the Countess dc Bassauyille, q work
generally accepted as the exponent OF the
French idea. The author takes a Bdrri1Je
dc courendHce between young girl, not yet
out Of her teens, aud proiligate noblcmau,
the incarnation Of every fashionable vice,
and makes IL the basis OF his plot. As an
Offset, an American girl is introduced and
she forms, Of course, a startling contrast
In her independence and audacity to the
fine spun prophecies of her French rela-
tions. Unfortunately, the Characterization
goes too far and kdic Shipley is irredeema-
lily vulgar, though Miss Helen Dauvray,
who plays the part, does her best to elevate
II. II Is the American girl abroad, all over
again, with all the vulgar sclf-nssertiveness
and unladylike pertness which has served
In the past, both as an ideal and real char
actcr, to make her such disagreeable per-
sonngc. Mr., Howard, while admirably sue
cessful IN satirizing French society, has,
for American society, only achieved Il
caricature.
The play dragged a little at first in spite
of the exceeding cleverness Of the dialogue,
which was remarkable for its verbal felc-
ties and witty flashes. The situation of the
play comes In the third act, where the young
wife fles In despair to the apartments Of her
lover and II surprised by her husband, but
is secured from disgrace by the generous
self. devotion of our American girl, who
saves her at the risk Of compromising her
own reputation. The climax Is very strlk-
ing one and the audience did not cease their
expressions of approval of 1t until the au-
| thor appeared in person to bow his ac-
acknowledgements. Mr.. f. f. Mackay as the
| cynical, noble roue was easily excellent.
Young Mr.. Sothern as the young English OIL
ccr,somewhat affected and unimpressionabe
and yet in an emergency the soul OF honor
and courage, made IL a thoroughly manly
and pleasing Characterization. Miss Dau.
vray played her difficult part very well and
made II acceptable In spite OF its inherent
coarscness. The remainder OF the cast was
all that could be desired and the stage set
tings and general movement of the play wa:
excellent
a@e
emma" seems to be a favorite name
with American sopranos--wltness Emma
Albani, Emma Nevada, Emma Thursby
Emma Zuch and Emma Abbott, and when
we come down to the lesser lights of the
musical world, the name meets you AT
every turn.
W.
/ understand that another Robertson
play is promised, of the title of "Birth." Il
has been lying perdu among the MSS. o
the deceased dramatist and has been treas
ure trovc to his family.
~
| For several seasons past, Lydia Thomp
| son has signifed her intention to come t
| America and Mr. Samuel Colvillc, her man
| ager, when she was last In this country
has been in communication with her TO
some time, arranging for an engagement t.
tour the United States She has obtained
the rights of the new English burlesqu,
"Kenilworth' for this country.
Sc
Mr.. b. &. Stevenson has written n comedy
for Mr.. Lester Wallack which will be pro
duced at Wallack's Theatre, after the run
of "lloodman Blind" the latter will b,
brought out within the next few weeks. |
the new comedy meets with success, Mr.
Wallack will go on starring tour with 1t
Mr.. David Beasco, the author of "Ma,
Blossom" has written play called "Sy
billa' which has been accepted by TIN
management Of Wallack's Theatre. 1t vii
in all probability have its first representa-
ton the latter part of the season.
&. WoTHERsPooN, JR.