New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-12-20
THE DRAMA-MUSIC
MIR. WILLARD AS TIE PROFESSOR.

In the star Theatre last night MI Willard pro-
duced a new piece. in three acts, called "Thc Pro-
fessor's Love story" written By Mr.. j. NJ. Barrie
author OF "A Window in Thrms,' and OF various
other novels which have, Of late. gained consdera-
bic attention. The audience numerous, and 1t
received the new piece with much ;! mpathy and
favor II this were play 1t would be play of
the right sor-fOr lis purpose Is artistic and Its spirit
Is sweet, refined gentle ana beautiful. II IS not
play, but literary sketch. II Is not play. because
1t lacks action and incident, and because il suLsti
tutes the stiffness Of picture for the animation of
cumulative movement. II is a literary sketch be
cause Its predominant distinctive qualities OF
narrative and style. Mr.. Barrie i writer and not
dramatist 4 writer thinks IF the effect OF words.
A dramatist thinks of the appearance of actions.
Whether sketch play, However the piece IS
welcome. 1t presents delightful person. and it
portrays episode OF experience that is equally
humorous and pathetic; and Ill the thoughts. feel
ings, and associations that are awakened and sug-
gested by 1t are genial pure ard tender. II IT were
more dramatic IT would be- more certainly destined
to permanent success. 1t rchly deserves to sue.
Cce1 II stands.
In the Old comedy OF 40 Marry or Not 10
Marry by Mrs. Inchbald. there is II study OF the
effect produced upon a recu live scholar (Sir Oswin
Mortland) by young girl who suddenly invades his
solitude. and awakens in his bosom the disturbing
passion OF love That is Mr. BaIrie's theme in "rhe
Professors Love story" "Lovo- cxclaIms the Old
poor man 90 about his business" That il tho plgl,
Of the professor lie Is a man Of simplicity and
although sill comparatively yoIng. he has been made
superhcially old by scfabsOrbng devotion TO science.
He suddenly falls In love with girl VINO ha, been
casually introduced into his home ana thcrcup M his
being Is completely upset. Al first he does not com
prchend his amcnt, and he has recourse TO medical
advice. The trouble is sufficiently obvious 10 the
eyes Of Others, however and In due time the patient
himself awakens TO n knowledge Of the truth and
thcrcupon, he the girl and wins her: and where
as. at the beginning Of his passion he an old
trump. he becomes. at the Of IT, Young and ardent
and gay-regenerated BY the spark from heaven AMI
clad with the nvestiture of radiant happiness that
only prOspcrcd love bcSiow. 1t Is pretty Story.
and it VIII remind the observer OF great trlth-tmt
all the world becomes beautiful and everything Il
contains appears noble when looked through the
eyes Of love. That privilege Is not common:
nearly common 5 story books would have us be-
ueve.
Mr.. Willard entirely successful in that char
acer, and casi lie did not reveal himself in
any new light he only fulfilled the promise Of those
indications which all along have been the chief
beauties of his acting. Those recall vii ards
demcanOr. and the tones OF his voice, in the
between Elenl,arn and Mary, in which the daughter
is taking leave Of the father without his knowledge.
will be surprised he should prove supcIlativc
true aud fine in the expression OF affection. In the
Professor he incarnats feeling and Is the image
Of protective fondncss. sel'abncgation and chvalrous
idolatry-ony. that image is all tie while made hall
comlcal and half rucful with the quaint humor Of
mingled perpleXity and suffering. The love, Of
ordinary usually begin in common in
stinct. The love of such the Professor
who has the feminine constitution begins womans
love usually begins. with affection: and herein it Is
beautiful and pathetic. Mr.. Willard has perceived
that truth, and the art with which he conveyed II
not less conclusive than subtle There is great
comicality In the unconscious petulance with which
the bewildercd scholar rcsents a mental disturbance
that he cannot understand and In that vcn-aS
might have been an,icpacd-Mr. willard
pletely delightful. The embodiment
thortative manifestation Of depth and variety OF
nature and It's form and incubation marked by
pervading Craze.