The record-union., 1891-07-04


TO do, proved how experience, native
ability and conscientious effort can make
even a trivial dramatic incident
stand out strong, clear and distinct as a
work of art. So the list may be gone
through and warm commendation given
without over-praise of Mr.. Johnson's
''Seabury," Alaude Adams Dora - Miss
IyIer'S Widow" and Mr. Roberts un-
sympathetic and cold-blooded Counsel
or" M. A. Kennedy, who was re-
ceived with applause the moment he APP
peared, he being an old-ume favorite in
Sacramento, had a low comedy role, that
appeared to have been written to fit the
man and his style of acting, which is the
Interpretation of refined comedy parts,
and in which we do not recall a failure at
his hands. In single scene and a soli-
tary appearance, Leslie Allen, as the
senlle Pendleton, gave the audience one
OF the finest examples of old man as
sumption that has ever been seen
in this city. The audience was a
large one; it crowded the house
and represented in all fullness the
most discriminating and appreciative of
our theater-going public. In answer to
all the calculating and carpiEg analysis
OF the piece to its discredit, it is to be said
that such an audience approved it by its
unstlnted applause, and by the closest at
tention that could be possibly paid-this,
too, under conditions OF physical discom-
fort that, had not the drama been all that
Is claimed for it. as interpreted by this
troupe, would have induced scores of
people to have sought outer and less op-
prcSslye air long before the curtain fell at
ll:l5. AT this late hour it is not possible
to consider the play as fully as discrim-
mating Judgment demands. 1t is clean;
its motive is natural; it's action is rational
There is in it, all through it,
a ripple of trivial comedy, evidently in
trOduced as relief. In the hands of less
competent people this by-play and chat
ter would be tiresome. There is descent
to double entendre, and the pun is not
even despised by the text But withal,
this is precisely such badinage, and wit,
and humor as Is common in fashionable
society. These are not, however, defects,
since it is clearly seen that the authors
accomplish distinct purpose by its use.
Against this background of very ordi-
nary humor, with the relief given by
some genuine flashes Of wit is painted a
story full OF pathoS, almost painful in
Intensity Of emotional manifestation,
and that is i'll many respects true to
everyday life. The comedy element
but skins along the surface of
depths Of feeling that every auditor
knows to be true, and that are free from
the eNtraYagancy of dramatic fiction.
such dramas have been enacted q thou
sand times in real life, and Men and
" omen serves but to lift the curtain
from tragedies that are too frequent in
this world of contention and jealousy
and all uncharltablcneSs The play is
full of manly sentiment, OF woInanly
tenderness, of parental affection. of wifely
devotion, and OF the crosses Of constant
love tbat Is rooted deeper than mere
fancy or sexual attraction. In brief, il is
the story of 4 convict who has eX-
plated his crime, but whom society
is unwilling shall cease to suffer: of
temptation that leads a guilty cashier to
consent TO the fastening of crime upon an
innocent friend, that he may himself
escape, but whose manlineSs and con-
science save him in time from the full
consummatiOn of his scheme. 1t is the
story of plighted love that refuses to
desert its object in the hour of trial: of
gentle hearts Wrung with agony by the
misdeeds and selfishness of others: tits a
story OF great heartedness and generosity;
OF loyal helping and manly forgiving. 1t
does not excuse crime. but paints it in
vivid colors; but these it tones down with
the softer hues of charity, mercy and
pardon. Tonight the company will
present Sardou's great play DIPLOMACY"
in which Mr.. MOurdant's mastery Baron
Stein can be promised as revelation.
With such artists as De BelIville. Mour-
dant, Morris, Miss Armstrong, Annie
Adams, X. a. Roberts, NJ. A. Kennedy
and j. G. Blackstone and the others it
goes without saying that the piece will
be seen to fine advantage