New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-10-15
THE DRAMA.
BOOTH AND MoDJEsKA IN aRrcHELrEU.

BOOTH AND MODJESKA IN RICHELIEJ.s
| The season of Edwin Booth and Madame Modisska
at the Broadway Theatre opened last evening
with "Rchelieu.' and every token that could give
promise Of prosperity and triumph was noted in the
eager and gratifed audience. 1t is indeed fortunate
thing that eminent actor and 40
distinguished actress should unite in anordlnc an
opportunity for admirers Of dramatic art In its high
est development to enjoy their best work But thu
selection OF Bulwers Richeeu" 10 open their sea-
son in the metropolis could hardly be considered
1udicious. II Is true that the part OF the great
Cardinal is favorfte with Mr.. Booth although
he has not acted It In this city
for some years 1t is true also. that he presents
so impressive and memorable an embodiment OF the
character OF the marvellous priest who broke down
feudalism In France and made the monarchy Of
Louis NV possible, that to every person who hears
and sees him Richeeu' must always live in the
memory. To all who have been under the spell Of
Booths acting in this part tho wonder
ful transformation which Richeleu wrough.
in France must have meaning
and interest which mere reading OF history can
give. But this play gives far too meagre and scanty
space for the exercise Of Madame Modjesks's brilliant
abilities. The part OF Julie De Mortemar seems
lamentably trivial and Insignificant under the shadow
OF the mighty presence Of the Cardinal. Madame
Modteska acclaimed with earnest cordial. so
loving welcome when she first the stage.
holds In tho hearts Of NewYork theatre goers As the
timd, loyal afectionae maiden Of the first act. the
devoted ward OF the Cardinal, she was fascinating
figure Of glrlSh grace. The modest and shrinking
manner in which She betrayed her love for De
Mauprat was indicated delicatey and deiciously.
Her fondness for her husband before she has
10 suspect his good faith and her innocent efforts
charm and delight him when he is under the restraint
Of the Kings mandate exquisite and admirable
that the house followed every look, every word and
every action with fascinated sympathy Her appeal 70
the Cardinal for protection against King Louis Tho
revolt OF her indignant soul against the royal educer
her scOrn of the husband who she thinks has be-
trayed her TO Louis, were characterized by genuine
power. holiness of spirit, distinction Of method
What mcriied and received the tribute OF generous
acknowledgment In every scene and every Incl
dent OF play IN which she took part she pleased
and impressed the audience. The only regret was
that the part 50 cabined, crbbed, confined for
broad and varied artistic endOwmenia
as hers Madame MOdeskas costume.
welldevlsed, so grateful in composition ard
color, suitable TO the time and occasion. and 50
becoming her, that they should have fitting words
of praise BY her natural charms, by the finish and
beauty of her acting and by every resource OF the
accomplished actress, she made the part Of Julie de
Mortemor far more interesting and pleasing than
it has been made the stage for many year. Her
Portla in "The Merchant of Venice which IS
with eager impatience.
The noble qualities of Mr. Booths Richelieu have
been repeatedly acknowledged and celebrated In Tue
Tribune The lateness Of the hour at which the per:
formance ended forbds extended consideration OF
the subject this time Mr.. Booth is in the pleni
tude Of his remarkable powers. and he never played
the part better in NewYork than he played It last
night. The craft and subtlety Of the willy Card
nal In foiling his enemies, the supreme diplomatic
skill which he displayed in carrying out his schemes
the craftsmanship the breadth and the power of his
nature were shown with all Of Mr. Booths imperial
command of the possibilities of acting. The scene
in which he deles his foes and threatens TO launch
the of Rome thrilled tho audience in former
years, and the applause was loud and long De-
admirable features OF MI. Booths Richie
lieu may be given at another time.
IL must suffice 10 add that
both Mr.. Booth and Madame MOdjeska called
before the curtain many tines, and that Il most
enthusiastic audience throughout tie evening although
the waits between the acts were cruelty and mex
sound and sterling elements also. and it filled tbs
spacious Broadway Theatre TO the doors.
OF the supporting company. OTIS Skinner gave
much satisfaction by his manly and f0Tcble acting
Of De Mauprat. This had the true note Of genuine
and sincerity. B. G. Rogers also worthy
of praise in Father Joseph. The play hand
sOmely mounted. some Of the scenes being excep-
tOnally elaborate, but the stage manager and the
scenery must promptly discover way Of
tolerable and not TO De endured.