New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-02-01
"ADRIENNE. LECOTXREUR."

The shirt Of intrigue which pervades "Adrienne
| T.ecouvreur' does not seriously affect its charm.
| NJ Scribe was more unlike himself, never
more romantic and less of a mere mechanican.
| than when he collaborated with VI. Legouve in
writing this play. Several of its characters are
dstasteful enough. but IL remains one OF the most
entertaining comedies in the repertoire OF NJ. CoQue
lin and Nine. Hadlng and the performance OF II
which they gave last night afforded thorough en-
joyment TO a large audience. 1t was Nine. Had
ng's benefit and the play may therefore be pre-
sumed TO have been her own choice. and TO offer
what she herself considers one of her best oppor-
unities. She could hardly regard her Adrenne as
her finest effort. In funess of power and In sus-
tanned enthusiasm 1t is manfestly inferior to her
performance in "EAventurare." comedy which
is seen more and more to have been intended for
her. Nevertheless in last nights play she APP
preached very closely the standard OF her greatest
success In "Adrienne Lecouvreur' there is one
is that In which the heroine revenges herself
upon her hgh-born rival by reciting in The latters
own house a fragment of 'Phtdre,' which. under
the circumstances, could only be insulting to her
hostess II Is great moment for a gifted actress .
command OF It's capabilities which is vastly 10 her
passion Wee acRn ana as ' sh pyed the part last
night But TO the varied expression in the declam-
the equvocal nature of the situation loses the char
acter to the defiant eta and scornful attitude OF the
scene in the comedy she showed especial tact more
over. In preserving the olc OF play within play;
Adrenne Lecouvreur was member Of the Coincide
FRANCHISE. The theatrical color never absent.
Yet II never forced. either and OF the good
points in the performance its and natural
ness. particularly in the interesting green-room
episodes of the second act. Then the transition
from the preoccupation OF the famous Socetaire 70
the tenderness OF the devoted and self-forgetful
lover v-ry clearly and effectively marked. Nine.
Hading was cordially received. At the end OF the
fourth act there recalls and flowers
NJ Coquen enacted Mchonnet and played the
part supremey well. The solicude of the old stage
manager. sentimental. even lover-like. but In fhe
long run wrapped up in the mysteries or dramatic
art; his genteness. sweetness OF temper and UNI
falling patience: these qualities were expressed by
NJ. Coquelin with a refinement that was exquisite
and with degree of feeling which the audience did
not fail to recognize. His pantomine in the second
act. when he follows the acting of Adrenne on the
stage that IL invisible 10 the spectators OF his own
absorption is weighed at every point and II has 9
positively powerful effect Nothing else that he did
last night was more complete as art or more
directly communicative 10 the sympathy OK
the auditor. The part OF Michonnet, in mediocre
hands you'd never sat,ons oe bv the
dramatlsts. NJ. Coquelin lends IT an interest
which is second only 10 that OF the titular
role The cast generally. as the French COM
pany fills II. is not pleasing. None OF the subordi:
seemed to fit their ro.es last night, aad
the honors OF the representation do not need to b
divided among them in even the slightest measure