New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-08-21
THE DRAMA-MUSIO
ropn CurrMT,EY AT THE LYCEuM

Tho openJng OF the summer and autumn seasoa
at tho fagorto Lyceum Theatre last evening was
. qualification in every way. Tho manager Mr.,
Frohman could congratulate himself on tho brillisns
and emphatic success Of the new play Lord Chun-
ley, in his dainty and fascinating house Of smuss-
ment The authors, De Mile and Beiasco, could
feel slated over tho hearty greeting which their
piece received, and over the words OF praise ana
satisfaction in which all present united without .
vote Of dissent Mr.. sothern could not Out feel
proud Of tho impression made by his finished ART,
his versatility, his refinement OF touch, polish Of
manner, precision Of style, and command OF the re-
sources OF the admired comedian. Tho part OF Lord
Chumley gave him far larger opportunities than hs
had in "The Highest Bidder" and ho made excsls
lent use Of them II there any doubt before that
he was a worthy follower In his famous fathsrs
footsteps and that II he continues TO develop and ex
pand his remarkable talents, he would leave behind
him reputation that would not compare unfavorzbly
with bis fathers, that doubt was removed last
night II was an evening Of enjoyment for every
one. All In the house, both before and behind the
curtain from manager TO call-boy, from the highest
seat in the pretty auditorium TO the prosccnluu
boxes were jubilant in tho atmosphere OF success
"Lord Chumlcy" IS a play admirable fitted for Mr..
Sothcrn Tho tito part is that OF young English
nobeman, who, with a peculiar and fatuow manner.
possesses wonderful GOODNESS and calmness IN ener
eencles a profoundly sympathetic and selfsacrncins
nature a wonderfully keen intelligence, and unfains
capacity for surmounting serious obstacles, WHO IN
the most ponchalant and needless way In tho world
he involves himself In petty cmbaTassments and com
plicaons of all sorts His troubles chiefly como rom
his devotion to his friend, Hugh Buttervorth.
who is in the power Of Casper Le Sage, villain Of
pecuIarIv Partisan temperament, a Gothic grace IN
,leprayty and an absolute absence of such qualities
as conscience, regret and remorse' ms scoundrei
holds letter which compromises Hugh SO seriously
that with It In his possession he can force hugh 70
almost any infamy in order TO escape exposure Lord
Chumley Is in love with Hughs sweet sister Eleanor,
but has such an awkward and uncouth fashion Of
making love that Eleanor IS mslcd into looking upon
him as a despicable fortunc-bunter, who cares only
for her wealth and not for herself lie sage also
seeks Elcanor's hand and compeb her 10 consent 10
betrothal with him by threatening to mako puolc
her brothers shame. For time wlcKedhess Is trl'
umphant but in the end Of course, virtue Is exalted
The means by which this result is brought about ara
presented with much defness and the interest OF The
audience never grows cold from the hrst "ou 10 inc
last Tho dialogue abounds in passages OF genuins
bumor and is vivacious and we'll written throughout
The farce portions Of the comedy are fu OF the nVe'
lest fun and sothern keeps HIS hearers in constans
merrment while they cannot withhold tho tribute OF
earnest admiration for the higher and finer quas'es
which prove him the wcllequipped comedian Tor tho
moro serious work Of the drama Every act has
strong ending to which the action is sully brought
The play mas so many elements Of charm and lasting
prosperity that It is certain to have long and highly
profitable career.
Mr.. Frohman has surrounded Mr.. sothern with 4
competent company. c. B. Bishop played the part Of
an eccentric retired tradesman. Adam Butterworth,
father Of Hugh aud Eleanor with such success as to
Keep the audience in hilarious mood whenever no was
on the stage. Fanny Addison. eccentric spinstef
Of forty, fat and fair, gained much applause Bella
Archer and Dora Leslie pictures Of lovelness on
the stage both possessing uncommon endowments IN
face and figure, and both played with discretion Mr.
Frohman always had a coInmendable taste in beauty.
and Of the most bewching faces and forms ever
witnessed on the New-York stage owe TO him
their introduction to the drama Eta Hawkins
was the spirit OF Wild mischief Meg housemaid,
Herbert Archers lie sage was well done; word OF
notice Is duo also 10 the preternatuIay solemn vfsags
and bearing OF III. W. Gregory as a butler, who was
irrcsisbly comical. The play was put on the stage
artistically and sumptuously.