New-York tribune., 1889-12-31
THE DRAMATIC YEAR.

Much activity has been manifested throughout
the wear in the field of theatrical enterprise, and
many events have occurred 10 diversity the rec
ord of the stage. The frequency Of ShakeSpearean
reprcsentations III different parts Of the United
States is especially 10 be noted, since II marks
the advance Of the better order of dramatic art.
Edwin Booth and Nine Modjeska, acting in com
pany, have largely prospercd with such plays as
Hamlet Macbeth and The Merchant Of
Venice" Richard Mansfield has distinguished
himself by an original and powerful impersonaton
Of Richard HAT first in London, afterword III
various cities Of America. Augustin DAILY has ac-
complished at his theatre-besides the excellent
presentation Of several new and bright plays
a beautiful production of As You Like 1t, and
in this piece Miss Ada Rchan has gained re-
markable success as Rosalind. Miss Marie Vain
wright has effected good presentation OF
Twelfth Night" herself giving cred
tabie performance Of Viola; e me PER PER-
Bech were given in this revival by
Barton Hill and William Owen Early in
the wear Mrs Lanctry adopted into her roper
tory the character Of LADY Macbeth, 3,,oibIa ana
performance Of it, Shakespeares Antony
and Cleopatra was brought forward IN various
cities, with Mr. Kyrlc Beew and Mrs tora
Potter in the leading parts: this spectacle was
chiefly fruitful of amusement, but al the same time
il directed public attention TO one of the most
important plays in the language. Lawrence Bar
rett signaliZed the year by producing new poet
ical tragedy entitled Ganelon' written by
Mr. William Young. OF ChcagO-in which ne was
cuinently successful. Toward the end of the
year Mr.. Barrett was compelled by Illness TO relTc
from the stage. but happily he IS now conValeS,
cent. and he viii soon resume those prOicSsloh3i
lab0Ts in which he is valuable TO the puDhc
and an ornament 10 the stage. Inc cluD called
The Players. founded IN Ncw-Aork by Edwlh
Booth went into operation on January l, $50
and il has had prosperous year. mat eminent
American actress Miss Mary anderson was tenl-
porarily disabled ~ hard work, and early IN the
YEAR she had 10 leave the stage bat she Is en-
tircly restored 10 health. and vii shortly make
her temperance. Farewell engagements were
plaved in America by the distinguished French
acfnr NJ Coauclin. and by tie distinguished
Italian actor SignOr Salvini. The new Union
square Theatre in Ncw-lork was opened by
J. NJ. Hill The drama Of captain SWlt
passed its l00th representation at the Madison
Souare Theatre. and Nj Plncros comedy 0i
Sweet Lavender" passed its Tooth representa-
tion al. the Lyceum. The most distinctive and
potent new american play oi tnS Sho,ea year
doah. %1 v. and Mrs Kendall, long cmi-
iucnt on the London stage. made their hFSt WISH
to the United States, and were warmly WclG2incl
in many cities. Mr. Charles Wyndham. Nr. WIlsol
barrett Miss Fastakc. Mr.. William lerrlss, Mss
Millward and Miss Florence ST JON. also made
professional visits 10 America. An cholt 10 Hoat
the tedious ard foolish plays OF the NOrwe-lati
author. H. Ibscn. was started on the London stage.
where il soon aneuished, and it was subseq quently
communicated TO the American stage, where a.
expired in its infancy. Mr. Jefferson ana Mt
Florence ioincd their forces as actors. and gave
great pleasure 10 thousands Of people IN The
Rivals Mr.. jefferson began in " The Century
magazine the publication of his autehoSrapny T.
which was received with great delight. \. NJ.
Palmer presented various star actors AT Palmer 5
Theatre. maintaining the dignity and prestige Of
that house. while al his Madison square Theatre
br produced with brilliant success the play Of
Aunt Jack" with Agnes Booth in the principal
character on the London stage Henry Irving
effected a superb revival OF The Dead Heart -
himself PLAYING Robert Landry. Nlcssrs. Gilbert
and Sullivan gained another success with their
new piece. called The Gondoliers.'