The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-03-14
AMUsEMENrs. .

The curtain has seldom, If ever, risen at Cord
rays on scenes that 20 powerfully affected the
auditors a. did those occurring in "The Old
Guard" last night The characterization of an
aged corporal by MI. Clay Clement was q chef
deurre of art aud of talented conception. The
first glimpse OF the old soldier when he entered
his dingy apartments. as pictured by Mr.. Gle
ment, at once enlisted sympathy and . feeling
OF veneration. The step was infrm and the car
rage atill possessed traces of the military up
rigntness that distinguished the proud imperial
veteran. The brow was deeply furrowed and
battle-scarred and the flowing gray hair fell on
a much-worn coat, the two associating old age
and poverty, great deeds aud pitiful weakness
with such striking realism that tears welled to
the eyes Of the beholder in unconscious tribute
to The power of art The lines were spoken in
the varying notes peculiar to martial old age:
at times shrili and tremulous IS the
rec0llecttons of past exploits were re-
counted; now low in the conceit
and pleasantly of second childhood; then full
and resonant. defiant and vehement in defense
OF the great emperor. The most affecting
climax in the drama occurred in the interview
with Lefebre, when the old soldier recognized
in him the son OF his dead general. Dropping
to his knees he kissed rapturously the hands
and ramcnt OF the young soldier, shedding
tears the while amid an incoherent torrent of
tender words and joyous gesturea The scene
der OF applause. ~ did the death scene at the
fall OF the curtain. The part was q small one, it
10 true. but in 1t Mr.. Clement concentrated 80
much OF art and so much of his trionic ability
that he will be long remembered by 1t alone
Too much can scarcely be said Of Miss AIDE.
laide Fitz Aliens Melsnie. Pure and true
womanhood was SO deliciously reflected in
her impersopation that one forgot for the
nonce that there was such Q thing a.
frailty in the better half OF man.
kind. In her Melanie was Q beautiful
French girl, innocent, unsuspecting, romantic,
dignifed. loving aud forgiving. The ingenu-
BUSINESS of the lovely character was brought out
with fascinating grace, and the high estimation
in which lofty virtue holds self was forcibly
shown in her simple acceptance OF young Leila
bre's hand. Miss Kara Kenwyn made a hand
some Lady Beauviie, and Mr.. HertsIet a. Lord
Beauville and Mr.. Lpman as Henry lefepre did
creditable work.
ireland as Ii Is" followed, and created much
diversion. Miss Fitx Allen was the life of the
piece, and her Irish dialect was As taking an was
her French in the preceding drama. There rs 40
much room for improvement In the remaining
characters. excepting Mr. Jamsou and Mr..
Quinn. who appeared a. Neil O'Carolan ana
Dan OCarolan, respectfully, that individual
reference will be spared. Cues were frequently
missed, and some of the makeups would lead
one to believe that personal appearance was
considered OF greater import than fidelity to
character and surroundings There is much In
the business that can be improved and which
doubtless will be with another rehearsal Tho
auditorium bill recommends itself to all this
week