The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-05

ager. Every reader OF Shakespeare knows,
or will readily understand, that this work,
SO, largely dependent upon our imagina-
ton. from which source, in fact, it derives
its chiefest charm, must needs lose much
in regular theatrical production. Hence
it was that the superb company OF artists,
who last year made SO remarkable sue
cess Of the Tanning of the Shrew," showed
by contrast to lesser advantage in this
comedy. There is something so airy, so
tilmy and zephyr-like in this delicious
fancy OF Shakespeare that to hear il from
the voices OF men and women is to rob 1t
at once OF its own indescribable attractive
ness. Our true ideal OF fairies, OF gnomes,
elves and the like, is not apt TO be reached in
the appearance, attitude and gesture OF
persons accustomed for the most part TO
the requirements Of contemporary plays.
In this particular is II alone fair to criticise
Mr.. Days thoughtful, admirable work.
Oberon and Titania, for instance, were
rather unfortunately interpreted by Alice
Hood and Efiie Shannon, two pretty wom-
en,'whp have not the slightest conception
OF acting fairy parts, while Puck was
played by little Bijou Fernandez, in a
nervous and uneasy manner. This was
perhaps owing TO the excitement incident
to first night. Miss Rehan presented q
perfectly lovely picture as Helena, and
while she acted with her accustomed
charm and intelligence, failed TO strike the
responsive chord. Virginia Dreher as
Hernia was no less beautiful to look upon,
but her reading of blank verse, like sew
eral others in the cast, was at times very
monotonous. John Drew was thoroughly
out OF his element in the part Of Demetrius,
but Otis Skinner showed 10 his usual ad.
vantage as Lysander. Ills experience OIL
several years in Shakespearean plays
when lac supported Barrett, stands him
in rood stead now. lie was the hest oil
the men, though George Holland was q
most acceptable Theseus, both in voice
and manner. Much interest Of course
conferred in Jimmy Lewis performance o.
Bottom, and that he proved entirely
satisfactory would be saying perhaps toe
much. There is apparently strong flavor
OF the modern burlesque about II, though
he really doesn't intend TO produce thii
effect. Still to the devout worshiper o
Shakespeare nothing cln be more re
pugnant than the merest suggestion O
modernness, and therefore the success
that Mr.. Lewis had with his audience las
evening should not be entirely approved
Bottom has always been q stumbling
block 20 the best comedians and il would
really be wonder II our favorite loca
comedy player should do what hasn't beer
done since the days OF Burton-to make Q
startling success in this part. The mount
ing Of the play, the scenic effects ant
costuming are on scale OF rare eleganc,
and richness pervaded always by the bes
taste. There was wondrous panorama,
effect in the fourth act representing
Theseus in his barge making IN,
passage 10 Athens. The gorgeous barg'
with its burden OF beauty and valo
is always in view, while mountains anC
valleys, green fields and Greek palaces
seem to be passed on either side, until a
last Theseus' palace, in Athens, is reached
The effect OF movement Is wonderful.
realistic. The incidental music is appro
pirate and beautiful, and the fitness o
Memberships wedding march, In the las
act, was readily appreciated. II 1t had N,
other charm than that OF a spectacle, ga
Midsummer Nights Dream" would al
Days theater for the balance OF the sea
son; but the dazzling beauty OF Ada Rehai
and Miss Dreher, the manly acting o
Skinner and John Drew and the beautiful
and tasteful completeness Of the produc
lion, will win for il merited renown
Nothing could have happened more oppor
timely than the splendid aud success
full presentation Of the Goctterdaem
merung last week. Just about that tim
there was great question M 10 whethe
German opera should be continued or no
next year. Stockholders were being in
terviewcd. the different papers had edito
rails on the subject and Il was being gen
emily discussed. Now it's all fixed. w,
are 10 have German opera next year an,
with better. company II possible than tn
present one. Whether this same produc
ton OF Goettcrdaemmerung had anythin,
todo with bringing about this result, an
not prepared TO say though II certainl!
looks that way. The last part OF the ccle
brated "Nibelung Trilogy" was performe,
for the first time in this country las
Wednesday, was repeated at Saturday
matinee before the largest audience eve
assembled in the Metropolitan, and /
down for two more regular nights an,
one special performance. In word, |
uihl " SCI upNu Win tttntbh anu iroit
one Of wagner's superbly grand works
The musicis more varied than In any othe
Of the music dramas. The singing OF thI
bird.music by Siegfried Is full OF IN,
sweetest melody while the trio Of the Rhine
daughters Is equally mclodious but intoxi
catingly beautiful. Full Of tender passion
and dramatic fire are the scenes between
Siegfied and Brunhilde, while the funera
march Of Siegfricd Is imprcssivcly solemn
and grand. Rcdolent with reminisccncc
Of walkurc and Sicgried, the Goctter
daemmerung is vast fountain OF musica
beauties, which are revealed with singula
and lovely distinctness 30 those familia
with It's Kindred forerunnor. The Nibel
ung Trilogy. consisting OF Walkure, Sicg
fried and the Goetterdaemmerung, Is be
Ing performed this week, and will DO re
peaied next week. The houses for thcs
performances are crowded, and 10 the i'm
mense number Of Wagneritcs who can
20 30 Bayreuth this Is indeed n delight.