The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-29

ing last. One OF those ultra-brilliant audi
ences, made up Of the very cream OF theater-
goers, witnessed the first representation
and found much to enjoy and fair
amount TO condemn in the evenings
work. Had there been nothing else on
the credit side beyond John Gilbert's
sympathetic and lovable picture Of the
good Able, the most critical must have
been pleased. There is, however, an utter
absence of climax, of situation and Of
dramatic action in the play, and though
this pleasant Partisan pastoral reads
brightly, with a certain purity and fresh
ness Of motif, it plays poorly.
When say poorly, 1t is with
reference TO the production here, for
there is little doubt that tho
artists Of the Gymnase, like the French
dramatists concerned in this play, get
nearer the authors ideal than their Amer
lean brethren. 1t goes without saying that
this delicately tinted aquarelle OF French
customs and environment finds more APP
probation in an audience OF Parisians than
it does here. The story OF the "Abbe Con
stantn" has become almost as familiar in
this country as il is abroad. The sweet
tempered large hearted old man, whom
everybody loves, ID more than the center
OF interest-he is everything TO the play.
The slender love story that runs through
the piece, and the improbable idiocyncra-
cies ofHhe rich American, Mrs. Scott, are
OF secondary interest. Nothing could be
more charming than the little impromptu
supper under the trees, after which the
dear old Abbe falls into ono OF those de-
lightful post-prandial dozes, while his
handsome young nephew makes love TO
Cynthia Ray, the American girl. The soft
and sweet music Of the reapers' voices rs
they return in the twilight from the fields
gently rouses the good priest from his
happy dreams, and brings the first
act artistically and gracefully to a close.
Whatever the appreciation and admiration
for John Gilbert has been, the creation OF
this new role has won for HIM fresh laurels
to his already abundant wreath. There is
no subtlety, no completely in the charac-
ter; it is full OF tenderness, love and pathos,
and in the portrayal Of these emotions no
one can rival our own Gilbert. The great
disappointment and sore regret OF the
Able in the first act, when he tells that
Longueval-dcaro old Longueval, where he
has lived all his life-has been sold to an
American lady whom he believes il here
tic; his subsequent surprise and delight
when Mrs. Scott and her sister arrive, rl-
diant and beautiful, and disclose the TACT
| that they are Catholics, and put l,OOOf in
each Of his hands for his poor. How the
old man beams with joy, and
how the tears OF happiness and
gratitude fill his eyes at this
| prodigal goodness. Ills deep devotion 10
Jean and his amusing distrust OF his own
ability TO keep secret from Suzanne, the
old servant, these are all points within the
province Of the popular old actor, and IA
may he imagined, he makes the very most
OF them. Ii Paul de Iavardens were acted
by man more elegant than Robertson, II
| MIR. Lowell were not such an apparently
| he il, and II Nine de l.avardens were
more French than Mrs. Barrymore makes
her, then would there bc more praise for
this sweetly pretty picture Of the pure and
good life oi the Able and everything and
everybody that comes under his influence.
Doubtless many of the faults only found
out after first night will soon be rene.
died, and the play will then probably find
as much favor here rs il does in the
recherche and stufy little house in the
Boulevards.
Josef Holman proved himself ter
times greater genius than ever last Satur
day evening. Before an immense audience
which filed every seat and every inch o.
standing room in the Metropolitan, h,
played the Mendellsohn q minor concerto
and directed the orchestr.. in compost
ton OF his own called "Polonaise Amer
caine." His playing Of the concerto Is b,
far his best work here. Such adjcctives a
wonderful and marvellous fall far short IL
describing this mastery and stirring rem
dition. The audience sat spell bound lis
tcning 10 his delicate and tasteful phrasing
altcrnatcd with the most remarkable pre-
cision and strength in the forte passages
The succession OF difficult runs In the in
volved allegro were M nothing 10 him, fo
he took this part at furious tempo, fairl,
startling every one into the widest de
monstrations Of approval. The eyiden
ease and facility with which he accom-
plishcs the most difficult things Ia, 10 sal
the least, bewildering. There was bur
OF expectancy In tho vast audiencI
whom Josef Holman walked 20 the con
ductOr's desk 10 direct an orchestra for th,
Il IT time in his life. When the little mar
took his baton in hand and stretched hi
arms out there was strong disposition I,
laugh, but this lasted the shortest momcn
and sOon gave way to the deepest most In
tense interest The boy directed with tn,
spirit and intelligence Of one accustomc,
Ia tho baton. Ills every movement wa
followed intontly by the thousands Of eye
that were upon him, and not once did III
show anything but the clcarcst compre
hcnsion OF the forces under him and hov
they should best be utilized. ffom an al
most graceful swing Of his right arm h,
would face around suddenly aud with al
impcrious, forcciul gesture summon tn
horns aud then rcsuming composcdly tn
gcntlcr sweeping motion until reaching
climax he carried all ~ brilliant an,
glowing finale. The house was hirl
beside itself with enthusiasm; clappin
Of hands, braves, yclls and waving G
handkcrchicis formed n ncycr.to.bc-foi
gotten scene Of chaotic unboud
cd applause. There was SUN
cient cause for Il, for the compc
sition was JOscfs tint creation for the OF
chestra, and. besides being full Of grac
aud beauty, was scored by the boy hin
self In the most musicianly manner.
was thus that hc achieved double an
tremendous triumph on his first appear
nncc IA a conductor and on the fint pei
Torrance Of his composition for the OF
chcsira. During the evening he played
familiar Chopin waltz cnchantingly, an
improyiscd ably on the well known Sicl
fried motiy. Twas a gala night for th
boy, and served 10 rcnow the strong hol
: he has on the hearts OF all musicians an
music loycB who have heard him.