New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-12-04
THE DRA IMAM USIC.
THE RATCATCHER AT NIBLO's.

AS the Christmas season approaches il is Gus,
tomary IN the elites Of the old world-and the custom
has often been followed hereto produce spectacle plays
which are reared In fanciful spirit upon the iral
foundation OF familiar legend The Christmas season IL
approaching and play OF this kind has been pro-
duccd at Nblos Garden. where it received With IA
yor Monday night aud where 1t bids flair to enjoy
prosperous career In its original form the legend Of
tho Pied Piper Of Hamelin is fancifuL
pathetic and frought with deep moral
signifcanco-the meaning, namely, that ignoble con-
duct fails entail its consequence of retrbuys
shame and In the play of " The Ratcatcher,
which the Kralfy Brothers have now brought forward
with fine scenery and ballet. aud with numerous aux
iliaries this legend little nspid and 1t must
be conceded that the language OF the piece is thin aud
trivial. better literary workmanship would have con.
tributed materially to a effective result As IL
stands however the piece possesses the merit Of dis
nct plan, the charms OF picture, gracious touch OF
sentiment, and plentiful establishment OF dance and
song II is divided into four acts The nrst half
Of introduce the Piper and to show in what
manner he relieved the town of Hamelin Of It's plague
Of ratsat the time Offending several OF It's citizens
and winning the love OF its Governors daughter Tho
other half OF 1t relates the ngrattude Of the towns
people, the Of the Piper, who lures away the
children the herones intercesson. the restoration OF
the little their parents (Which was not so in tho
original lcgen, and the happy betrothal OF the Hp~
to the lady Of his love. Upon this slender thread
Of story hung successive scenes and cOuOqWes
now serious and farcical but all OF them emb:l'
lished with picturesque surroundings
Tho paintings OF tho old German city are truthful In
architecture, good In color. well lighted, and both in
structve and pleasing One contains procession
inclusive of the dgntaries aud the trades OF the city, TO
celebrate its delivery from its pest of rats. Five large
cars differently shaped and decorated, and populous
with girls and children. wheeled upon the stage AZ
this point and disposed in brilliant picture. ballet
likewise is introduced, aud many dances occur,
in which Mile. De La Bruere is the conspicuous fgurr.
The dancing OF this performer Chiefly remarkable
staw1rt vgOr, but 1t possessed 10 peculiarly 81
national character and remarkable grace Inc gyr8
tons of Mile De La Brujere were mado, however, with
prodigious applause The spectacle IS hallway
musical piece, and the chief character, Sngoid. A
Piper, is played by Mr. Hnbert Wke, new actor here
This gentleman appears TO DO German who has Learned
He has the advantages OF youth, strength,
robust figure graceful and elastic phy scal carriage,
a picturesque cOuntenance and good baritone voice.
As an actor Mr. WllKc earnest and bold, but extraYs
gRnt and fantastic lie INDUCES much in the eXpcdeu
of quick transition-whlch first is effective but which
is apt TO become mOnOtOnOus In repetition 1heGe ue
evidence OF mind in his acting but there Is abundant
evidence OF theatrical experience Mr. WIKI
possesses much OF the CalliaTd bearing mat VIII %
remembered characteristic OF Or. j. n Emmett IN
those days of promise when the minstrel nrt began 10
be mistaken actor. Mr.. Wilkes success IS made
I'm his vOcaism. For this he abundanty app!audcd
and for this he will generlly be liked The chei w0nAn
characters Of the spectacle well Played by MISS Jul2
Stewart, Miss Annie Boyd and Mrs q. G. GernOla
Two comedians appeaT-Mr James Otcy and Mr.. Ar
sparkling aspect, well suited to the festival time Of the