New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-10-03
THE DRAMA.
1.-THE GOLDEN WIDOW AT DAYS.


The opening night Of the regular season al Days
Theatre is looked forward to with eager anticipation
by the refined and cultured class Of theatre goer
Mr.. DAILY has been successful for many SEASONS ia
putting upon the stage plays which not only diverted
thought from the dull and sombrc Hines Of life but
also illustrated in most Impressive the arr
OF acting and the skin OF the master In presentation
and production, that he has given 10 his theatre
most important and far reaching influence IN theatrical
affairs, and has made II OF the truly valued lnsu-
buttons Of this capital whom HIS superb company
appeared again in the home which the manager and me
players have made dear to New
Workers both Mr.. DAILY and HIS actors
and actresses greeted with q warmth Of
welcome hardly equalIed approached IN any
other place OF amusement in the town. The members
Of tho company arc not only admired and appandsd
for their sklful work on the stage. They looked
upon as cherished friends Of the people, 10 whom
they have been the sources and Of 20 much
enjoyment who have laughed over their nun who
have marvelled at their delicate strokes OF comedy
and who have been moved by their psthos whom
sorrow and sympathy touched the heart.
The house was all aname with enthusiasm WHOM
Miss Rehan came out "The Golden Widow lat
night Radiant she was and imperial. too In her
sway over the audience. IL was . gathering u
eminent merit ono thai any manager, either hers
or abroad, might be glad TO within the walls a
his theatre To John Drew every spectator
seemed ready 10 give his hesrtess
clasp Of the hand. All were glad 10 see Mss Rehan
once They were glad to get back ali their
fsvores Long and loud the signs OF salts.
faction when james Lewis came on Campanilla
Mrs Gilbert did not appear until the play was we'll
advanced. but nothing absted IN the force and
zeal OF the SITUATIONS extended her because Of the
delay. Mrs Annie Ycamans who has been trans
lated from the atmosphere OF Hau CAMS to the mos,
s1mptuous home OF comedy I'm New.York found the
theatre full Of friends The other persons In the cast
were not permitted to feel themselves neglected AMI
all through the house the sentiment was ono Of good
will and Of congratulaton that Days was open for
another season.
The play was The Golden WIDOW adapted by
Mr. DAILY from sardOu's " La Msrquse7 Tbs piecs
IN the original one OF the most brutal. revolving
and indecent that has been seen in any conspicuous
theatre In this generation. Mr.. Daily has displayed
singular ingenuity and dextery IN deodoHzng aud
dsnfecung IT.. Yet In spite Of all his Defines theirs
is lingering faint of strong flavor about IL stl. In
the original inexpressble Parsar person desiirs
to assume the garb OF respectablllty, and. as The
readest way gain her end, buys the title and
OF decrept old debauchee She marries this delocis
bic person, but with the stipulation that h. shall
disappear after the marriage ceremony and
never offend her by his presence. The toter
ing libertlne refuses TO tIlhl hk part Of
the bargain, after the civil and religious
rites have been performed. and gives vast amount
Of trouble before he is finally disposed OF. In MP
DAYS version the woman who marres the despicabis
nobleman for the sake OF his title Is the widow Of
mining millionaire who welded her when she was
moor girl and passing away at a convenient season.
left her the possessor Of enormous wealth bu' no
ADEQUATE motive for tho nconceivabe folly of the ch
widow in marrying the worthless marquis is displayed,
and therefore the play belongs rather 10 the order 81
farce than Of comedy. Trypbena Magcuddy. ths
Lie c epresa nj cd as gO
rude. so uncouth so unprinciped and unpleasant
creature that interest in her Is inevitably chilled and
renelIed Miss Ada Rehan did all that could be dons
with such a part Her art was so me,
her own personality so fascinating, that she almost
ade the innate coarseness OF the character toersoe
while her exuberant vitality, her admirable VNaeuy
and all the qualities which have gained ior hor INV
splendid position actress of the time "hieh ss
holds. charmed entertained and even enthrsled mo
audience Nevertheless, II must be admitted that tho
character Is impossible Such a woman this never
lived and breathed although the witchery of Miss Rfhan
might nearly persuade the most siod OF her existence
while the spell lasts.
Tho dry, crisp, cracking humor Of James Lewis
made tire detcstable Marquis Campanllla so quaint
and eccentric that his vices and nfaes seemed rather
ridiculous than disgraceful while Mr. Lewis was In
sight and hearing. lie succeeded IN making the
wizened figure OF the Neapolitan parasite most
comical and entertaining fellow, amusing tndeei'
that in spite Of HIS wickedness, the sternest moras'
who saw and heard him. almost regretted the complies
collapse of his enierpnsiug schemes. John DrsW has
a comparativly Insignificant part In Whloh ne "a
not much TO do or say, but, a. usual hs
Gun of happiness IS filed to the brm before the laf
curtain falls by the promise of the hand OF the pfh
ripal feminine character as taken by MISS iehal.
Mrs Gilbert seems lM az C0raue. the deserted
wife OF Marquis Campanilla and this cannot be counted
in the list OF her emphatic successes. Frederick bond
was the lachrymose and disappointed lover OF : inc
Golden Widows and was highly diverting In some
fearful passages. Charles LeClercq made an elective
sketch OF the part Of French provincial mayor.
Mia, Kitty Cheatham was pretty ana plump, Dut shs
;adlv overacted the small part OF the servng-m
The play was set in framing Of luxurious beauty.
This house never fails TO SURROUND It's pieces WIN ns
most artistic adjuDcts Of scenery and furniture.
There were many recalls and applause and laughter
we're very frequent Mr.. DAILY was called before
the curtain after the second act, but only bowed hs
thanks H. was a gay and lively first night with 10
isc ~ Incident or diversion but the piece Is OF too
aimsy texture and the story is too disagreeaole 70
some OF its suggestions. for q" The Golden WIDOW 70
lake a place among the genuine trtumphs OF Days