New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-04-07
LYCEUM THEATRE" OLD HEADS AND
YOUNG HEARTS"

careful and pleasing revival OF the comedy of
sod Heads and Young Hearts" was accomplished last
night in the Lyceum Theatre, and this presentment
was seen with obvious sympathy and favor by num-
erous and uncommonly judiciOus assemblage "0d
Heads and Young Hearts," pf the many pieces
that were adapted from the French by Dion Bouci-
cault, had its first representation less than fifty years
ago (November Is, 1914, at the London Haymarket),
and certainly 1t should not be Numbered with tho
Old Comedies. Mr. Boucicault himself was accustomed
to refer TO it "epigramrpatic comedy" and
under that title he classed il wi lh his London AS
suraDce" and Irish Helress.' lie thought it 10 be
better play than London Assurance" (at least he
often said so and such undoubtedly ii iSbeing more
pure in spirit and finer in tex lure. It's principal
female figure, Lady Alice, is not indeed the peyfec
ton Of refinement, but in contrast with the coarse,
"horsey," Obstreperous, lbred Lidy Gay spanker Of
"London Assurance" she is almost an arstocrat.
Mr.. BOucicault In his initiative perioda follower
Of FarQuhar and Sherdanwhen he produced this play
and furthermore lie had not yet passed beyond the
Juvenile stage of sentimental animalsm and artl-
fciality. In those early comedies OF his there is
a subtle denotement of something unwholesOme and
insncere The comedy Of Old Heads and Young
Hearts, shows less of that quality than its companion
pieces; but the simplicity OF Jesse Rural is pushed
TO the verge Of impossible folly; the satire upon the
English nobility, typfed by E1rl Pompion and his
Countess. is grossly overcharged; and the sub-plot
with reference 10 the ilegtimate child, becomes at
however, the story is fresh and plquant and it is
not to be denied that the characters developed in
rapid, cOgent manner and with bright dialogue.
The contrast between the fortunes of the two brothers
suggests lesson of far-reachng Importance TO the
question OF fate (Which Is the result Of character
operant upon human nature and cireumstances),
and the conduct Of life Hard though the decree
may be, there is practically, no escape from it the
man who does not get what he deserves must learn
to be content with what he gets. The character OF
old Jesse Rural-with his blind Partially and his
afectOnate injustice-is likewise full OF significance
Perhaps the chief lesson TO be derived from this piece
is that sublime lesson Of patience which is taught by
so many much greater treatises upon human life.
To do your whole duty everywhere and op all
occasions, to difuse comfort and blessing, without
ever expecting appreciation counting upon human
affection being influenced by any thought Of
human caprice, is to win the perfect victory. The
sad farce Is going on, all the time. The supreme
player In ii is he who stands unnoved and expects
oothlng.
In the revival of Old Heads and Young Hearts =
which has been effected at the Lyoeum Theatre much
stress is laid upon the dressing of the parts and the
appointments of the scene Those adjuncts are rich
and often beautiful They designed by Mr.
W. II. Day. The clothes Of the men were made by Mr
Dazian. The scenery was painted by Mr.. h. Morgan.
Incidental music was supplied by Mr. Henry Puerner.
The pageant-for a pageant certainly II is-was set
upon the stage by the veteran Fred Williams.
The period Of Old Heads and Young Hearts, is that
o. Its date-the early part OF lie reign Of Victoria
several styles OF robe were then ip fashion which seem
peculiar now and these reappear In this
certain spice OF piguancy Is thus obtained N inc
s SSpefhelal matter Of persona. adornmehL Inese
osseS are Interesting by reason OF their ginuntness
ahc In some they booming to theiP weares
bat In general they fantastic, and they serve 10
necessary Is sufficiently implied in the fact That Old
heads and Young Hearts, is not comedy Oh man.