New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-11-28
MR.. HOWELLSS PLAY.
WHAT MANAGER PALMER SAYS ABOUT 1T.

Whatever the verdict passed upon Mr.. howciSs
first play, "a Foegono Conclusi0r," upon hs pio
ducton at the Madison Square Theatre IL nus q.
least given an excuse for world OF discussion anu
argument. From this point OF view MT rai',oi
experiment has proved successful Speaking aOou.
Tho NAV. he said recently: 81 am thoroughly wei
satisfied with the result OF tho first OF the series Vi
authors matinees, and l have no DOUBT tna' WI,
Howels comedies with this opinion. "hno niu ,
OF the criticism passed upon the play was no uo"D.
true think there Is point of view rom WIN" ~
NAV be pronounced successful Some one saio !"
nv hearing evidently meaning his remark 10 oe con
str,ed as an adverse criticism, that IL seemeo "
him that he was listening to clever elocuuoins.
reading extracts from Mr. Howells's novel ns"au VI
looking at a play. Now suppose what our ahohy mus
critic said to 10 well founded; why should thls 20
taken as defect1 Every ono present was certainty
Interested most of them were amused ofdn~'
that the play is not such as pracusea "orAhH
PLAYWRIGHT would turn out; may 1t not he ne"
form Of entertainment cast In certain oiamauc
form y The play as you saw IL was prOuucou oA
actly as Mr. Howells desired 1t reused an awencc
into such enthusiasm that the curtain was fased iou
times at the close and the author loudly called for
ITS been limited that the audience was composer
LARGELY of MIR Howells's friends. Now can only
say that Mr. Howells had tickets save those ad
hitting him to his box. and certainly dld not senu
any TO his friends. 1t was representative aunehoo
containing many actors, and was, as far as am
iudpe thoroughly rested In the play IO inc h7
line to the last That. ] think, Is the first essehual
in a play 1t must be interesting At the same
time mind you, l do not think play like Fore
gone CONCLUSION could become popular In the
sense of drawing money for long tune ana III eVcrs
city But for a cultivated class, OF refined sensbl-
tiles think Mr. HOwes at least has shown the pos
sibljty of Great NJ a new entertainment. Since It's
production believe he has received more than one
offer for the play but nothing definite has yet been
settled | intend to give performance OF
il at least Before this is done, hOwe.e or. l shall
make certain changes in it and edit IT. as 1t were
IL needs cutting Of course, and think for acting pur-
poses the ngs Of the American lover to"dru the
girl should lie clearly expressed In tie beginning
of the play. AT ali events, as ] SAID UefOIel am
thoroughly satisfied with my experiment 40 ho'
tbink either, that the authors ought TO complain
lt has been sand that have mercy followed Lon
don custom. That this l. not 80 any one VINO nds
seen a London matinee Performance ot new pay
plays on anyhow, and the author not only pays WI
the expenses. but GENERALLY sees his play OutcheIeu
Now with MIR HOweLs's play took as uiuch pains
as if | had been stalking my reputation on H. ~ wa
rehcarsed constantly and mOunlel WIN care. II hot
with exl ensiNe scenery. 80 IL VIII te WIN an
the succeeding trial pieces. mat shdh nave tio
ume TO devote to these plays seems extremely prop
able for il looks though Jim the fcniIah
Will run for months to come. On thanksgiving Day
the largest receipts known in the history OF inc lhci
ire were taken desl ite the lad weather. All the
seats we're sold three days in advance. l am not
matinees have organized strong company Tor me
road which will play saints and sinners ia ue
leading cit es The play j. still >orite ana WILL
I think do well for some time to come.