The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-04-19
THE THEATERS.
Mr.. Richard Mansfield as Beau
BrUmmel at the Baldwin.
Miss Agnes Huntington in Paul Jones'"
Hallen aud Hart Won at
Last"-Etc.

Richard Mansfield, a fact due in the first
place to the extensive advertising to which
he has been subjected, and, in the second,
to his genuine quality as an actor. He
offered his latest and by some said to be
bis hest creation as reintroduetion to our
public, for Mr.. Mansfield has been here be-
fore. some thirteen years ago. This is a
drama plucked from the life and experiences
OF George Byron Brummell, an English fop
who foCrished in London 177S-1S4O. and was
Familiarity called Beau Brummel (spelt with
single "l"). The play is by Clyde Fitch
and Mr.. Mansfield himself In his palmy
days he consorted with the quality" of
London town, his admirers and followers
including even the Prince of Wales. the
first gentleman in Europe as he was
called. He did this by the force of
sheer check and impudence and by his
punctiliousness in manner and dress. He
never paid his debts, but at the
men was always of the best. on account of
his aristocratic associations. 1t is said Of
him. that his tailors, to whom he owed
hundreds of pounds. always sent his coats
home with fI0 note in each pocket, and
when one asked him how he liked the fit of
the garment, he used 10 reply nom
chalantly, Fairly we'll; but you can
do better" Aud the trimmings Mr..
Brumme!?" superb; a work Of art"
he would say, nervousIy adjusting his
elaborate cravat at the same time.
The play that we saw last night is
1ngenlously constructed, because it showed
the method Of the Beau, with all his fop-
perry and his knowledge of human nature.
Every EDglishman, IN his heart, dearly
loves lord, rs Byron said Tom Moore did.
Brummel played the aristocratic element
against the democratic. Thus, when inn
portuned for the payment of his debts
chiefly to his tail0rs, by the way-the appli-
cant was frozen into silence by the an
n0uncement that the Prince of Wales
wished 10 meet him, or that the Duke of
YORK desired his presence at luncheon.
In this way he discounts Mr.. AbrahamS,
money-lender, and Mr.. Oliver Vincent, a
city merchant to whom he had proposed
Tor the hand of his daughter, Mariana, but
mistakes for new tailor with whom he de-
sired to open fresh account. In his stage
manner MIR. Mansfield, who, as the Beau,
wishes to be considered the finest gentle
man Of his time-the Georgian era-snub-
bling even the Prince of Wales him.
self, Is polished. cold, critical, egotis-
teal. faultless in attire and terse and
witty in speech. 1t is said Mansfield
guide him but . few fragmentary scraps of
history, but he carries him through con-
slstently-in the Carlton House party, in
the scene on the Mail, and in the last sad
scene OF all, where. having auarreled with
him flying from his creditors, hiding in
cheap lodgings at Calais. France, and finally
dying In aoject poverty in the miserable
attic at Caen. Through all the various scenes
there are admirable examples of character
acting by Mr.. Mansfield. and some
notable instances of good support by the
company. w. j. FergusOn's Mortimer Uhe
Beau,s valet Was one of these. so was ID.
II. Harkins as the Prince, and w. Ii.
Grifhth's Mr. Oliver Vincent. The acting
was quiet, and was somewhat placi6ly re-
celved by the audience, although Mr.. Mans
held was occasionally called before the cur
tam. The play makes demand on the ill.,
telhgence of the audience.
Miss Huntington In Paul JONES'
paul Jones' was produced on mag
nifcent scale at the Grand Opera-house last
evening, and Planquette's popular comic
opera was heartily received by critical
and enthusiastic audience. which was both
fashionable and numerous. The body of
the house and the boxes almost reminded
one OF first night of grand opera. The
opera Is spendidly staged and dressed
Miss Agnes Huntington is simply immense
In the title role, her acting and singing call
Ing forth repeated outbursts of applause.
She was called before the curtain after each
act, and deservedly so. She uses her rich
coutfalto VOICE 10 great advantage, ana
made the opera-house ring with such Joyous
sounds as are now only too seldom heard in
San Francisco. No one who has any mu-
steal taste should miss bearing her sing.
Besides being good actress and beauti-
full singer the fair Agnes is one OF ma
lures nOblest productions, viz: magnifi-
cent woman Of splendid physique and rare
beauty. She is possessed of all the artistic
accomplishments that careful and long
study can bestow on an Intelligent artist,
and if anything is lacking in that direction
(and we are none of us perfect nature steps
in and fills up the gap. Miss Huntington
Is we'll supported by good. strong COM
pany, and Paul Jones" will no doubt prove
as popular in this city as elsewhere, and
the management should reap a good harvest
during the next two weeks. Miss Hunting
ton appeared in this. her most famous char
acter. for $40 consecutive times at the Prince
of Wales 1heater. London.