New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-05-23
THE DRAMA-MUSIC.
OPENING THE AMERICAN THEATRE.

Upon the deep stage of the big new American
Theatre offered last evening the closest sem
blance OF genuine racing presented in a
playhouse IN America. This represented the Grand
National Stceplechnse on the Aintree Course. near
Liverpool, and many horses took the jumps and
scurried across the field of vision vivid and pic
turesque was the Illusion while the groups, the
tumult. the incidents that may be noted upon an
English racee0urse faithfully set forth that the
throng which occupied every part OF the immense house
lroke again ana again into stormy and long continued
applause. The horses rushed across the stage with
such swiftness, they 10 the hurdles naturally
and gracefully they were well handled BY the
riders and the air so full Of action. that those
usually NEST staid and calm among first night patrons
Of the plays Were moved to the heartiest hand
clippings ard to wild cries of announcement. This
scene decided the popularity of The Prodigal Daugh
ter which is certain to fill this huge theatre for
long time.
This play in five acts compiled by Henry
Petitt and Sir Augustus Harris, and all last win
ter at the Drury Lane Theatre, IN London. 1t does
not aim TO furnish any novelty in construction, In
plot or In dialogue. There be question OF
dramatic art here. II is simply ingenious and
audacious effort TO transfer to the stage
and it attained in England the object for which 1t
Put together-the filling OF the pockets OF the authors
and of the managers. Several sets OF very costly
and effective scenery comprise Its most striking
features outside Of the imitation Of the Grand Ma
last night. 1.-THE Hunt Breakfast at woodmere
Hail. the courtyard OF the Grand Hotel in Paris the
outside and the inside OF the training stable the race
course set-these five remarkable achieve
meDts on the part of painters, carpenters and ma
chinistS and demand the praise which the audience
lavished upon them The scenery has been pre-
pared by Richard Marston, Joseph Clare, William
Hoover and John II. Young
The cast Is long and TIE company IS competent
and well-trained. Leonard BOyne actor and amateur
Jockey, who rides the winner OF the stecpcchase,
pleased the house, although he is not Impressive in
race or figure. The most frequent and emphatic ap-
plause Of the evening was heapcd upon Miss Helen
Dauvray who had the part Of Dorcas Gentle, and
upon Jefferson de Angels, who was seen rs sport
Ing English lord. The nobleman marries the Quaker
Dorcas, and her determination TO with her sband
wherever he may so and TO follow his example In
every folly In which he may engage, furnishes many
amusing incidents. Miss Dauvray never appeared
more thoroughly In sympathy with the spirit OF a
part, and she never Played better. jefferson dc
Angels highly dverting. and II he will restrain
his passion for ovcractins the run Of the piece
advances. he will continue 10 afford saiisfacon Miss
Julia Arthur is the wrongcd. unhappy girl Of The
Prodigal Daughter" hut she did not touch the note
OF true rahos. However, she plainly interested tn"
house, and. perhaps She may b. content with that.
II is not altogether clear wIy thousands OF play
gocrs take so much pleasure in watching imitation
races on the stage whom for five months in the year
they can observe genuine racing In the open air
almost every, weekd.y. Bat That great army Of
people does delight IN just That sort of entertainment
Is clear from the popular success of racing plays OF
the class Of The PIOiica Daughter Why intei-
gent Americans should enjoy seeing the vcncr lbc
RCcquefOrt and the veteran Major licicjt. In the
see and yellow leaf OF Their biamees' hn. not amaz-
iDgly uSeal careers, scamprr across stag, almost
much as They cnjOs looking upon suburban
Handicap with a sAkatcr and Tenny leach more
valuable than score OF st"epiccasej struggling for
the mastery over mite and 'Iiar'"i course,
instead ot scramblins fT few wards among
the wings aud The roprs may b.
liile pulling. bUt 7. Iionry French. manager Oi
The American The are, has Suburbans Derbys
and stecpleclmses by ,he dozen, and apparently II"
understands The moods OF the average amusement
- singuarly well 80 fOr day To come
Leonard Boyne is likely 10 ride Rocqueiort 10 victory
ON the stage Of the new theatre while Mr.. Frenchs
hank account swels steadily A. 10 dramatic art
What have steepechases to do with that