New-York tribune., 1886-02-24
THE DR1HI-HU USIU.
MADISON sQUARE-ENGAGED.


Mr.. A. NJ. Palmers promised revival OF Mt.
W. 5. Gilbert's comedy Engaged" was accomplished
last ngnt at the adlson Square Theatre. where It's
success entirely justified the most sanguine expectation
The house crowded. and an audience OF the DeSt
intelligence responded with keen appreciation 10 tne
cynical hum0r trenchant ami biting comedy Inc
piece il not to he welcomed positive novelty, but
returning to Us a. Old acquaintance Its coming Is
exceedingly agreeable. and surely it may commands well
come as "A potent and very remarkable effort OF cold In
teect Free jubant and pitless, the realm OF satire
Engaged is the brightest and the saddest play tnat
has for many year Its surface sparkies
but its true meaning lies beneath its surface. more
desolate view OF human life has not been Implied
by any writer OF our swift himself might have
given the Judgment that is sguhed this piece upon
tue grained fryOy OF human nature and the shallow
ness of existence Mr. GilOerts hunor almost always
anuse but rely cheers aud it never soothes Love
may perhaps, be a reality truth may, perhaps, be
something than name. and happiness something
more tnan dream; but in the while 1t Ia certain
that human beings mostly shallow heke' ana
trivial their deeds petty their plans futile, their present
a farce, their future "A mOckery. This Is what Lhe brill
author say IN the quiet lmplacaoe voice
tna constantly is speaking beneath the sunshine OF
frollc and ripple Laughter that make the super
fetal radiance OF his comedy.
Engaged" Is not play which the thoughtful mind
can dwell with permanent satisfaction 1t hurts
and Il drrc sses the moment it Is viewed with
perception Of what It really means. Mr. Gilbert doubt
tells the truth There much IN human nature ths
may well excite the proioundost pity. ana doubtless
there are qualities human nature well calculated to
stimulate terncss OF satire But Mr. Gilbert does
not tell the wnoe truth. There bright side to the
picture There many lovely traits IN md1, aud many
beautiful facts aud still beautiful possibilities IN
human life Almost every days record is adorned with
heroic deeds and many life ia glorious with patience
and benencrnt with goodness and iove
However, subject should not perhaps be considered
too curiously" EnouI remark that those who use
gre talents the effect of depressing and dscoura1
lng other people far from being tue to
the highest principle OF duty. This Is q hard
world and II taught hope aud not fear trust
and doubt patience and sweetness not DENIAL dis
content and surrender Mr.. GilbcrPs comedy Of Eu-
gage l." can be viewed simply an EFFORT or merry
humor, aud us such indeed 1t commonly has been
accepted We've In this 1t is invariably delightful
1t was pretty set last night upon the handsome cheer
ful stage OF the MADISON square 1neatre and 1t hal
markaby brilliant representation. Throughout tue cast
II was performed IN she spirit If bLr sque-that Is
TO say with profound almost tragi1 earnesthess Ia the
doing OF absurd and ut;erance Of absurd words
Agnes Bouth with her splendid composure and broad
and graphic style of execution, led tho company
IN tho character of Beitda Her fine perception
OF the possibilities OF part Is ony matched by th"
moderation witn winch she eyeloPs them More re-
pose, meaning the absence Oi al apparent mort uosl
able In the Performance Of CherI HH by Mr hecey;
more and som"wnit less emphasis are de-
able IA the performance OF Btrdndy W Mr.. flO' K
ton; more rusic all buhOm p~isOndd,y IhAh that
Miss Auuie Russell wuui uurr closely matched with
th. character vi MdgJie Hdcfadtde out Miss Kusselfs
performance was drxutfuI wtu drInure pettness and
bland sincerity Miss Naudo Harrison tnpersonrIed
Minnie SyHDSrSoH aud COVE fadltsss pTeseutuenl OF
| ar less 80 nsnurss and schumnZ simplicity Her APP
peAranoe IA charniuZ aud she mas exactly caught the
authors Intention Tue observer VINO o"As or u'"s ln
tbe general repre- seutttiUu tuat gwen last nght OF
thi. peculiar aud eNactIDg cODedy-whlch hOVors "u
the 6orei line comedy aud bur.esque. spsing
sometimes IutO the aud sOmotm into the Oiher-
mast looE with strenuous car; aud even then hls IN
Irstigauun Will not bs very well re- 1lrded The aud
encs vastly pleased and its hearty ani spontaneous
often recalled every OF the performers and
ss tho upOL OF the best successes
OF TINS dramatic year.