Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1891-12-13
1T CHARMED ALL.
THE INCOMPATIBLE JOSEPH JEFFERSON
DELIGHTS A LARGE AUDIENCE.
Sheridan's Sparkling Comedy Finely Portrayed.
Mrs. John Drew as Fascinating as Ever.
Some Of the Incidents Of
the Piece.

1ucIc udNO OOCh SOfOlui CAOCliOhS PhO
auctions here this season, but it is
doubtful If q larger or more character
istic audience has been drawn together
than that which assembled at the Opera
House last evening to see the Jefferson
Comedy Company. There were the
votaries Of fashion and the devotees of
art; an audience at once select, atten-
tive, critical.
Such consummate artists as Joseph JEFF
ferson and Mrs. John Drew are so rare
that those who appreciate ideal dra-
matte art can Ill afford to let the oppor-
tunity pass by. Moreover, THE
Rivals" is one of the brightest, wittiest
comedies in the English language, and
when interpreted as it was last night it
affords the keenest enjoyment.
No other actor could portray Bob
Acres as Joseph Jefferson did. 1t is
Mr.. Jefferson only who has revived this
exquisite comedy of former century
and kept it before the public for num-
Der of years. In the piece he has
achieved an artistic triumph. Every
moment Mr.. Jefferson is on the stage is
filed with unalloyed delight. His
charming personally has much to do
with this. His smile is contagious and
his facial expressions marvellous in their
subtle shades and changes. he has a
most remarkable eye, an eye which
speaks volumes in single look. In
short, the genius of Jefferson is o. the
rarest order. 1t is not an eccentric, me-
teoric, Eighty, egotiStcal genius, but a
gentle, smooth and modest yet radiant
genius. To SIT under the spell of Mr..
Jeffersons delightful acting is like
basking in the rays Of the sun on
frosty morning.
Well, now, right here we come to Mrs.
John Drew, who never grows old. At
least, it seems so. The individual who
would have the assurance to find fault
with her Mrs. Maaprop might just as
well pick Sheridan to pieces for crea-
ting the character. Her impersonation
of this amusing character is as finished
a piece Of work as has ever been seen
here. Every little detail, every bit
of by-play, every intonation, and
expression of the face is en-
ployed by Mrs. Drew with most remark
able effect. In the letter scene with
Capt. Absolute, Mrs. Drew is simply ir-
resistaole. Fer affected embarrassment
when she discovers that she has by
mistake handed the young captain a
love letter addressed TO herself, her
assumption of lofty contempt at the
epithets applied to her in the letter from
Beverly, and finally her almost hysteri-
cal laughter as she makes her exit, were
all simulated with fidelity which fair
ly equalled nature.
A great deal of interest was mani
tested in the appearance Of Louis James
in the role OF Sir Lucius O'Trigger, the
character assumed by the late Mr..
Florence. His impersonation was ad-
mirable, especially when 1t is renem-
bered that he has been only playing the
part week or two. His Sir Luclus was
hearty Irish gentleman, with just
enough of the gentleman's brogue to be
pleasing.
Viola Allen was the Lydia Languish.
Miss Allen is one Of the best juvenile
actresses In the country. She is gifted
with rich voice, interesting face, and
graceful figure. She succeeds admir-
ably in imparting color, character and
arr activeness to Lydia LengUish.
w. f. Owen was an acceptable Sir
Anthony Absolute. He lacks the voice
and stature of the ideal Sir Anthony.
S. H. Barnes is another old-time actor,
He took the part Of Capt. Absolute, Mr..
Barnes is placed at disadvantage in
the role which is essentially juvenile in
character. Mr.. Barnes face and figure
are no longer youthful and naturally
his impersonation was lacking in the
dash and exuberance of youth. George
Denham has played Denham so many
years that it is almost second nature to
him. Fitzhugh Owsley was fairly good
Falkland. 1t is near approach to a
company Of all stars.