Morning journal and courier., 1889-03-30
Entertain meRp8. nnnmnm


 MT. William Gillette's new four act dram 1 ''Robert Elsmere," founded on Mrs. Hum phrey Warde's famous novel, attracted l fair sized audience at the Hyperion Theatel last evening. It was the second presentation of the play on any stage, the initial per formance having been given at Bridgeport or Thursday evening As played last evening it was at times rather tedious, but this is te be expected of all new plays and moro par ticularly with adaptations of this character. But the play has all the clements of success, Ar. Gillette has used the novel only to sug- gest the plot of his play and has taken all needful liberties with the story in order to thoroughly adapt it to the stage. Among other changes he has netamorphossd the man. ly "Hugh Flaxman" of the story into regular English dude, and at the conclu- sion of the play the hero instead of dying is allowed to take trip to Algiers to recover, if possible his shattered health. That this journey may prove successful, Mrs Elmere finally makes the wise determination to set aside all the differences of opinion on relig- ious subjects held by herself and her husband and to give him once more the sympathy she so long withheld. This makes happy ending to rather sombre play. The title role was assumed by Mir. E. H. vanderfelt, an actor of real ability, who played the part very naturally and modestly. MT. John T. Sulli- van was also excellent as Edward Lang- ham," Miss Dorothy Dow as Mrs. Elsmere'' made the most of 8 thankless part. There is little to admire in such character-a woman who allows her bigotry to stand between herself and her husband and who refuses him her confidence and sympathy until his physician tells her that his life is despaired of. The brightest character in the whole play was that of ''Rose Ley eyburn," which was assumed by Miss Fife Shannon, 8 very charming little actress whose presence frightened every scene of the play. Another character is sure to make a hit when the play is performed before metropolitan audience, and that is MT. 0. A. Valentines inimitable impersonation of 'tSir Albert Wynstay." The play is sure to receive the necessary pruning before it reaches New York city, for among the audience last even- ing was MT. Gillette, note book in hand, jot- ting down everything that appeared in the least irregular or superhuous. The play is in the hands of an excellent company of artists, and it will be strange indeed if be- tween them and the gifted young author it is not pronounced success. The play will be repeated this afternoon at o'clock and this evening.
 KIRALFY'S WATER QUEEN,
 Bolossy Kiralfy's gorgeous spectacle of the "Water Queen" was presented at the New Haven Opera House last evening by an un- usually large and meritorious company. The American and European artists, and is ex- ceedingly beautiful. The costumes were new and very pretty. The main feature of the production, the ballet, is unusually large and well trained. The principals, Miles. Paris and Cappellini, are not only extraordi- narily fine dancers, and executed some of the most difficult figures with ease and grace, but the entire corps-de- ballet are we'll up in the art of dancing, and acquitted themselves very creditably. The musical clowns-the Alexandron Bros.-gave @ very funny musi- cal act that was decided novelty in it's line and greatly pleased the audience. These gentlemen performed on several differ ent instruments and earned a we'll deserved encore, or, to be more explicit, several en- cores. Their act is simply wonderful and should be seen to be appreciated t'The Wa ter Queen" will be presented this afternoon and evening and should be witnessed by large audiences.
 FAIRY WILL"
 Mir. NJ. J. Murphy, business manager of w. H. Powers "Fairy Will" company, was in this city last evening arranging for the production or this beautiful spectacular Irish piece at the New Haven Opera House on Fri day and Saturday of next week.
 GRAND OPERA HOUSE.
 Florence Bindley has done big business 90 far this week at the Grand in ssDot," There will be matinee and evening perfor- lance to day.
 Thomas Keene, the trsgedian, will appear at the Hyperion on Monday and Tuesday nights next in Richard III" and "Julius Cesar" MT. Keens is supported by com- pany of universal excellence. Miss Louise Pomeroy and George Learock, two of the leading people, have both been stars for several years, and they have added much strength to Keene's company.