New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-12-18
THE DRAMA.
MR.. WILLARD.

MR.. WILLARD.
Tho last nights of THE Mddlcman" are passing At
Palmer's Theatre. and that piece VIII be "nNura"n
at the end Of the Christmas week. Mr. Willard
nIavinr the chief mart in IT, has shown himself 10 he
an actor of great power and Of delicate skin. Tho
character of Cyrus Tcnkarn /, not romantic clar-
acter There is no pretncsS in u-no element 81
attraction for the juvenile scutmcnlaii>i II j. su'h
q mart a, Charles W. Couidock used TO play i'm the
DAYS when THE Chimney Corner and The Willow
Copsen were popular dramas. No one but true
actor could PLAY it. and MIR. Willard who presented
himself before the American public without oScntaon
has begun his career i'm this land by proving con
cusvey that he can act. The play soer' who iail 10
see this remarkable actor i'm the prayersccne ana III
the consummse mood of coherent frenzy and righteous
exultaOn that closes the furnace Of his drama.
will lose privilege, foreco benefit, and miss one OF
the most noble and convincing manifestations OF
dramatic power that have been made in the moocrh
theatre such exploits by no means common
The presence If Mr.. Willard Should remind the public
that serious drama is not dead and should refresh
a waning faith in the art Of acting.
ON December 20 a change of bill will be made at
Pamer's Theatre and Mr.. Willard will appear as
Judah Lleweyn. in the drama If Judah by Henry
Arthur Jones This piece is excellent for interest of
story, dramatic power in the situations. psychological
drift and significance novel vein Of Incidental huln0?.
the element OF sustained suspense" and terSc,
pungcnt. brilliant dialogue In ncatneS> Of construc-
ton. smooth rapduy of movement. di,crminativc
treatment of character. and finish Of STYLE TINS Is me
best play that its accomplished author has written.
and it is of the best PLAYS Of the present dramatic
epoch. This Judgment upon itS merit IS given from
remembrance Of its representation upon the London
stage. In that city it met with unusual favor and
led long career. Judah Llcwellyn is Welsh
minister and the pay depicts his love for woman
whom cruel Circumstances have compelled to
become. to extent, an impostor and
the sacrifice that he makes for her-to-
gcther with its consequences. Mr. Willard, who
has hitherto been aS an old mechanic. will then
lie seen as young enthusiast in the service of religion
and chivay, and a. Zeaot in the passion OF love.
Judah has been for some time in rehearsal. The
fasting girl, Vasht Detick will be assumed by Miss
Burroughs. Mr.. Carlton. the original representative
Of Mr. DethCk. at the ShateSbUrv Theatre. has been
summoned from London to play the part here Mr..
Gardiner and Mr.. Cane will present the senior and
Junior Juxons Mis-, Bessie Dutton-who APPLY and
clevery impersonateS invalid girl. whom N1shtis
curative power is to redeem from uc>>-will make
her first appearance on the American STAGE The
second act of Judah" which shows the exterior of
ancient English castle. by moonlight. j. particu
larry strong in incident and scene of uncommon
beauty ha- been prepared for the setting Of il.
Mr.. Willard, il is understood. viii remain at Palmcr's
Theatre throughout the season. Mis- RoSna Nokc~
and her associates who succeed him there viii
60 the Madison square Theatre some time in January.
and the Madison square Theatre Company will visit
other cities. presenting the capital comedy q 4 Pair
Of SpectacleS.' Mr. Willard is not member of Mr..
Palmer's stock company. and both Nj. Willard and
Mr. Palmer arc DESTROYS that this point shall be made
clear 10 those persons who may happen To De in
tcrestcd in the subject Mr.. Willard. In his
nv is a star actor ana also a manager. lie has not
been asked 10 take les important place here, and
all inlnatons to the contrary hat have ciept into
print are Incorrect. ~ a London manager. Al the
shaiesbury Theatre, Mr. Willard made signal mark
putting on pieces with excellent casts and fine
scenery and his Introduction Of trade and clerical
mat "A
lie cOnvOkcd the English poteTS t. " The Middle
man and tie FL gllSh clergy 10 see Judah play
which, for church people, has elements Of peculiar
strength and meaning. No actor has supposed Mr.
Willard In Conscientious devotion 20 high ideals and
professional duty. lie has earned emiacace by desert
and be has neither discarded hi, ughtfUl ranh nor
been requested enter upon engagement looking
that way in becoming associated with Mr. Paner.
The outlook appear to be that Nj. Willard and Mr..
Palmer are likely 70 cooperate aS IN theatrical cnirl
prses, both in London and New NOrk-thc details Of
their projects being nOhodv' tuSncSs hut hcr own.
while the results IS hoped ana expected, Will be for
tho good Of the public and the advantage Of the drama