New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-12-03
THE DRAMA-MUSIC.
MIR, WYNDHAM AS ROVER.

1t was long ago said of O'Keofes plays that they
were written simply and solely 10 make people
laugh-and that motive has never yet caused per
manent results. lie wrote about fifty pieces. and
for the most part they now dead their author
The only one OF them that survives in anything like
practical form Is Wild Oasp and the survival OF this
Is chiefly dependent the representative Of Rover.
n the actor who assumes that part happens TO pos
gayety, grace and abundant comic vim. beside
being proficient In the technical training OF his pro
fession-so that he can by turns be serious in drs-
matte art and comic in the burlesqUe Of 1.-THE play
derives animation from his vgor and Is carried through
with rafting morriment to breezy close Rover,
as strolling player Is strong in quotations, and the
comedians Of other days who played him often made
him the vehicle Of limitations OF famous tragic actors.
william whcatley, Edwin Adams and Lester Waack
could do this with signal ability and sometimes
with humorous effect. IL was not essential, but II
was usually DONE and II added 10 the interest as well
the mirh Of tho character.
Mr.. Wyndham. who acted Rover last night az
ralmers Theare-where he was cordially greeteo oy
a numerous audience Of sympathetic admirers-makes
no attempt to diversity the part in this way he
presents It In a simple, straightforward manner
and though his humor is labored he produces an
absolute impression of sincerity. The old play ala
not seem a particle real than In past umes'
II Is tissue of impossible Atnatons-mp0sslole De-
cause dependent upon conduct that often completely
al variance with the characters and with reason
and its structure will not bear serious thought But
Mr. Wyndham certainly possesses many of the qualities
that indispensable to a good Rover, and he III
up the play with the charm of his own personality
His large method Of gesture-the copious liberaily
and variety of his demcanor-enabes HIM to fill tho
eye, while the rapidly and elegance OF his motons
please the taste and keep attention necessarily occu
pied. This Is the nearest approach that Is now 10
be seen to that splendid predominatng manner, that
pulssant and triumphant audacy, which characterized
the old comedy school, represented BY Eiliston'
and Charles Kemble, and Frederlcks: and Murdoch
Mr.. Wyndham has much Of the gig Of that re-
nowned lineage, and the ease and sprghtliness with
which he bore himself throughout this unreal piece
giving II vitality and making steadily interesng-lS
a close denotemen of his fervent dramatic spirit and
his ample and thorough dramatic training. The scene
of the mys tication of old Thunder carried by him
with admirable spirit. No one Of his famous prede-
cesSors in time has carried it better He was ex
ceedlngly artistic likewise, and in remarkable do
gree winning, In the OF sentiment with Lady
Amaranth-n which the of feeling, the touch
Of simple pathos, had not been expected of him:
Moments Ike this serve 10 helghten a thoughtful
observer that while he is preeminent I'm the realm OF
whimsical comicality he Is also earnest representa-
tive of human nature. The vein OF gentle sentiment
hospitality of human affection and this excelent
merit pleasantly obvious In the performance OF
Mr. Wvndham. Trying 1t ON was given as an after
piece The essential attribute here is nOnchaant
effrontery which, while bold and expeditions, shall
not lack elegance and shall never deviate into had
Taste and this IS such tost as the whole drift OF
Mr. Wyndham's professional effort and experience en-
Mr. Giddens, Mr. BIakelIy Mr. Valentine "a fine per
Torrance of John Day, and Miss Mary Moore.