The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-11-04
THE WIFE OF SOCRATES"
THE NEW PLAY ON THE BOARDS AT
DALY'S.
Ada Rehan's Success in the American
Francais-Three Great Comedians at
One Theater-Campanini's Concert
Tour-His Voice Restored.

Correspondence OF The Appeal.
New YORK, Oct. 3l.-That Days Thea
ter is following in every way possible the
traditions OF the famous Coincide Fran
caise was again apparent last night, when
"The Wife Of Socrates" a one act clever
rideau," was presented for the first time
on any stage. This charming little sketch
is from the pen OF Justin Mccarthy, who
wrote it expressly FOR Mr.. DAILY, that is to
say, for Miss Rehan, after having seen her
remarkably fine performance OF the shrew-
ish katherine" The author confesses
that II is an imitation Of Theodore de Ban
ville's play OF the same name, but then
Mr.. McCarthy's superb style would lend
additional charm TO anything he put his
pen to, and hence the little playis faultless
in its literary construction. Dramatically
there is SO little of it that mere mention
OF the motive will suffice Xantippe, the
wife OF the philosopher, is shrew of the
emphatic sort described by Shakespeare.
She is dissatisfied with her husbands in
difference to her, and though he is de-
voted TO his philosophy and the students
il brings to him, Xantippe de.
termines that If she cannot win
him by love and gentleness, shpI
will assert herself angrily and unamial1
bly, ii necessary. At one time, in fit Of
ungovernable rage, she falls fainting TO the
ground. Socrates believes her dying, and
to his friends and followers tells OF his
deep love for Nantippe. She hears this
and is overjoyed at the discovery that she
is so well loved. Contrition for her past
conduct overcomes her and she implores
Socrates TO beat her with the stick she
offers him. The sage refuses absolutely to
do this, whereupon Xantippe, becoming
her old self again, is so impatient; with her
accommodating spouse that she begins
TO beat him. lie yields philosophically
and Aantppe, in tears OF repentance,
kneels beioe her husband, asks his for
giveness, and in n short prologue gives
good advice to wives and their husbands.
Miss Rehan gave spirited and finished
rendering OF the role Of Xantippe, while
Charles Wheateigh, an old time iayorite,
but new acquisition TO the DAILY troupe,
was most satisfactory as Socrates. The lit
tie play was exquisitely staged and was
followed in due course by the Lottery Of
q
success as ever. An ultra swell audience
was in attendance, and II the managers
promises are fulfilled Tuesday night ut
Days will be rs prominent and regular a
social event as the renowned Tuesdays at
the Theatre Francois.
A trio Of great comedians are at the
Fifth Avenue Thcater, and the perform
ance OF THE Rivals" with jefferson rs
| Bob Acres, Mrs. Drew as Mrs. AIalaprop,
and our own John Gilbert rs Sir Anthony,
il a rare treat in these days when the En-
| glish We speak has 10 be imported from
"dear old London" more finished and
delightful performance Of pure old comedy
can not be seen than is here afforded, and
doubtless the appreciation Of that fact ac-
counts for the immense audiences that are
filling the house thisweek, despite the ter
rifle campaign that is going on around uN
The great farce success Of the day Is the
Brass Monkey" at the Bijou. This
meaningless compilation OF recent "gags'
and cheap drama, with the assistance Of
some fair looking girls in abbreviated
skirts, keeps the people laughing and the
treasury full mt the little house made fam
Gus by Dixey.
Campanini has arrived in town and
| promises q concert tour with the aid OF
Del Pucnte and list Of artists more or
less knoWn-generally less. They will
travel very widely throughout the coun-
| try, and Memphis may be blessed with
some good music, for the veteran signor
| claims that his voice is In fine condition
again. "salyc Dimoa' and "La Donna .
Noble" will be- heard in all their pnstine
! beauty from Maine 20 Texas, and Lucia"
will be- revived with appropriate corcmo-
mics. The regular Lycoum season begins
next Monday night with Sweet layon-
der" n great London success, and tho
Madison Square opens soon after with
Capt. Swift, another play with the same
/ qualification. The Gaicty troupe. Of Lon
don, with some Of their renowned beau
/ ties and comedians, begin am engagement
/ the week following, and when tie clouds
Of the political battle have cleared away
there will be found much b interest us
/ Ia the amusement world. W. Y. X.
/ " e