Morning journal and courier., 1886-05-06
Entertainments.


 ''Two Gentlemen of Verona" was present. ed by no less distinguished artiste than Madame Modjeska and her company last evening. Interest was awakened in the piece from the fact that it has been performed but twice in this country within period of forty years, first at the Park Theater, New York, in 1S46 and last at Fords Theater, Washing ton, in 1863 This is not surprising, for it cannot certainly be set down a dramatic success. So eminent authority as Han mer and Upton even deny it's authen- ticity and regard it as entirely spurious, an opinion entertained by other Shakesperian students. Be that as it may, from dramat- ic point of view it has not single ingredient of saliency. The characters are devoid of individuality and the dialogue, although oc- easionally relieved in the lighter passages by clever quibbles, is dull, long drawn out, nei- ther positive, nor negative. In short, a sort of placid mediocrity is it's distinguishing characteristic. The plot has been resembled to a story in the Diana of George of Montemayor, translation of which was current at the time of Shakes peare. Certain it is that so singular non entity as Julia will never allure the imagina- tion does Rosalind among the "boughs of melancholy Arden," or enlist our sympathy as the love sick Viola in Illyria succeeds in doing. Although the abridged version used was very good, we can discover no reason for Madame Modjeska to disturb this sixteenth century production from enjoying the tran quil rest it so richly deserves. The comedy was tolerably well acted. The star has ex- ceedingly little to do and performed that little with her customary grace and fnesse. It might be well to state right here, however, that in view of the fact that shortly since she has appeared here in similar secondary role it would not have been amiss to have given her many admirers an ityn nf hor in, oR at least tolerable pretension. E. H. Wander felt played Porteus in as intelligent man ner as the nature of the part allowed Frank Clements as Valentine was in parts good, at others deficient. Kate Wilson was a naive Iucetta and Mary Shaw acted Sylvia in good taste. MT. Aliens Duke came in for a word of merit and Lance interpreted by MT. Fawcet was only fair.
 BUNNELL's MUSEUM.
 The minstrel show at the museum this week continues to draw large houses, and the moss haired twin sisters in the curio hall are quite an attraction by themselves.
 THE MAGISTRATE.
 The Boston Museum company played the Magistrate last evening before fair audi ence at the New Haven Opera House. The play, which is by Arthur Pinero of London is light, but exceedingly clever The Muse um company is far above the average and seem to understand their parts thoroughly. Mir. Charles Barron as Colonel Lukyn was good, and MT. Mason made decided hit as Captain Horace Vale. MT. Owen did fairly well as Posket, the magistrate, and MT. AL fred Hudson merited the applause he re- ceived MT. Bullamy. Miss Clark as Agatha Posket kept the audience in con- tinual laughter The play abounds in anus ing and laughable situations It deserves a good house this evening, when it will be rendered again.
 WE, US & co.
 The Boston Globe says of We, Us & Co.,, which is to be produced at the New Haven Opera House Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday afternoon: Men rocked themselves back and forth on their seats and held their ribs as though suffering from grave disorders. The play consists of series of disconnected scenes. The first act is laid in Dr. Pulsifer's office in New York, where "Lost Love Recovered" ''Swollen Heads Restored to Natural Size,' ssNew Growth of Hair" and other marvels are ad- vertised. Finally all the patients meet at "Mud Springs" where new idocies are per- petuated, consisting of the antics and pru- deries of dozen men and women in bathing 1 costumes As for the rest, there are inter | polated Swiss yodels, four part songs, dances | and choruses, waltzes, marches, and gener- l al pot-pourri of nonsense. l