New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-02-26
DRAMATIC AFFAIRS IN GENERAL

re- rest OF the week will be devoted to Olivia"
DRAMATIC AFFAIRS IN GENERAL
Several theatrical events of less interest
hive attracted the last week share
Of the public attention. Gr. Steele Mackayc came
forward last Monday night at the Standard Theatre,
and assumed the chief part IN the play of " Paul
Ksuvar.n OF which he is the author Mr. hackayc,
always earnest and usually picturesque impressos the
auditor rather less as a spontaneous actor than as
thoughtful and jealous theorst and Instructor In the
Art of acsng-one reason being that he has pursued
this avocaton in an intermittent manner, and under
the domination Of doctrines, methods, and 0dacuo
views But he proves an effective Interpreter OF bis
own meaning Paul Kauvar" produced at the
Standard Theatre last Christmas Eve, and now we
are nearing the end OF Fcbruary-and this piece has
drawn good houses all the WHILE SO thai is prsctcal
success Is unquestionable.
On Monday also the Boston Ideals began an en-
gagcment, Of one week al Nibios Theatre, in Fra
Diayoop Mr.. Hermann al the Fifth Avenue Theatre
gave fresh entertainment OF magic; and MesSls'
Evans a. Hoey appeared at the Windsor Theatre in
= a ParlVf Match
A more conspicuous incident was the revival of
London Assurance" at Wallack's Theatre. This IS
Chiefly notable because Of the presence OF John Gil
bort In the cast That admirable aetor-who can do
nothing badly and who is perfection In the cholcrc
old men and the antquated beaux-impersonated Sir
HarcOurt Courtly"in, estng him with elaborate art
lcsl demeanor and giving strong effect to the alb
yurd traits Of the character and the preUoser"ns SIT
ustions in which It Is placed. The occasion was fur
thor sgnalzed by the recntrancc here Of the popular
actress, Miss Rose Coghlan whose ample charms were
lavlshly bestowed upon Lady Gay spanhcr' Mr.
Tearle enacted Dazzle
Surely, however the time hes when La ndon
Assurance would not be missed 1t never was
sound piece and time has made II tedious Inc Hio
depicted ia IT, as actual life does not exist and never
has existed Therefore the play is falSehood- With
the exception of Max Harkaway,' who IS
boistcrous and dull countryman and Dol
ly Spanker," who is fool, all the per
sons presented are knayos or mposior. Even
"Grsce" the juvenile heroine, speak of herself as
part OF the livestock that goes with the property
and can indferenty contemplate marriage with an
lnGrm and corrupt old man, just ready to tumble
into his grave. Since thess individuals arc offered
as representative types OF human nature. The play Is
q lbc-and libel in literature ought no more TO be
countenanced han libel in NE The story further
The dialogue with lite eT nssp,ni ia, ia,
secaSn q TIE a Recl manner Witch baa es
brightly forth I'm COngreve burns with a more lam
ben, fame IN sh,rda. has wndeS 70 ion nSsn
surance" has vet retired from 1t feeling that he had
seen even one noble character, or heard one nne
thought well uttered, looked upon one truthful
picture, whether OF human nature or social manner
On the contrary his taste has been annoyed by he
woman, talking about fox-chase, and his mind has
lsbcrtine tefo led by interruptions coquene Eyon
the mirh caused by London Assurance viii not bear
reflection, for invariably, IL is something unwhOe-
some at which the spectator f. expected TO laugha
sons brash impudencc In denying acquaintance with
his father, the ll-bred audacity Of an intrl
sIye swindler, the clownsh antics of a vulgar,
offensive spy. who goes about asking people to Kick
him. This piece is like dyed. padded tIusscd-up
old roue with detected liver and jaundiccd com
plcxi0n. whom only fine rament and plenty Of per-
fums keep from being recognized as an obvious nui
s ,nce.
Next Wednesday Old Heads and Young Hearts,
will no offered al Waacks I'm IT'S plecc. and Mr.. GIL
bert will be welcomed " Jesse Rural Town and
Country which associated with the long is -
he brought forward about the 18th Of March. Mr.
Gilbert will play " KIT COsey." Mr.. Tcarle will play
Rouben Glenroy,' and probably Mss CoGhan will nm
dertake tho sorrowful Resale" Other old comedies
are likewise promised.
Mr. Lloyd's play of The Woman Hatcr,' which
has long been successful in London and elsewhere,
rorncs ia New York Monday, February Of and
viii bc shown the Fourteenth Street Theatre Dca
ron Brodie" Will he presented al thc Fifth Avenue.
Frank Mayo will appear at the Grand Opera House
In "Jhe Royal Guard"