New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-09-11
io'e, SUFFICIENT explanation Of many Of the
troubles which have beset his Ministry.
81 CSIC-TUE ORA Ma.
FRANCIS WILSON IN ABBEY'S THEATRE.


Inc dialogue of THE Devils Deputy a comic
opera composed by Jacobowski. the composer of
Erfnlnie. ought to be subjected TO severe surgical
treatment without delay. There is too much OF 1t.
ana great deal Of It Is dull The !ibretto is by J.
Cheever Goodwin. who has written too many books
LOT comic operas buresques and other entertain
ments In too short time. Mr. Goodwin Is 80 pro-
hfic OF matter Of this sost that he cheapens his
wares, and this production of his falls far below
his iveliest WORK Of previous seasons in amusing
qualities. The audience was plainly weary OF the
excessively long and often tresome book last night
1t was not until almost midnight when the final cur
tain fell. To secure popularity the performance
must be radically shortened.
But the music Is of highly agreeable quality. and
certain 10 please the public. Jakobowski has dis
played versatility. musicianly ability decacy,
hghtness ard grace of touch, and has again at
taned true poetcal charm In Of his melodies,
as he did In "Ermne." Several of the songs were
applauded with genuine fervor last evening. ana
repetitors were insisted upon 1t was not the
music which wearled the audience. for 1t abounds
In pleasant fanc,s and has plenty of variety but
1t was the superfuity of talk. Francis Wilson is
rarely up to the level OF his most successful
achievements on first night. lie develops his parts
week after week as they are played, adds to them.
builds upon them and surrounds them with many
devices 10 provoke laughter. MIR. Wilson's singing
never amounts TO anything. 1t is solely as an
amusing comedian that he succeeds. But his parts
what he makes them later His Meissen in The
Devils Deputy" was only funny in patches and
spots, but he will doubtless improve his acting IN
this piece to a considerable extent hereafter. and
make II more entertaining Melissen is too much
like Cadeaux now
m Mr. Wilson's company Is not strong RhyS
Thomas. the chief singer. has full. robust voice
and sans with sufficient skill and sympathy 70
and he achieved especially remarkable triumph.
n si L1g Gaser Is prety sndowsG win and "a acn
We're acceptable She IS unusually ninp!e 5mi pr
limits are clearly defined and they are not broad.
me ibretto put few bits Of unpleasant angH W
Glaser took These Bits We're on, Of place In The
etfor; to be funny this book uses az times too mucn
phrases which may be heard any evening in ne
Bowery concert halls are not wholesome or suitable
which is given in such playhouse as Abbey
9s TOO r in fsT has So
much the tone Of The unbrdled midsummer rooi-
garden. /; should be subjected 10 a rigorous re-
Miss Adele Richie; the Princess Mlrane, ga
stted, affected and inspia both in her acting and
her singing, Nor Miss Maud Bliss more s Sue
voice has a disasreeabie shrilness and thinness
tha Ros,Xey Erae epen 'hs N'0
The opera is presented with exquisite scenery
and dainty costumes The chorus is attractiyH IN
Jafkobowski's charming music may carry The
Devils Deputy TO lasting success PVT 1t o needs
is hampered by An unsatisfactory book Mr. VIII
comic-opera stars OF making a speech In response
to the demands of the house. ana II was very iJ
neat little speech. ingenious. apt and dashing He
delivered 1t with all the huency ana ease
OF a practised orator. In II he comph-
mented "Dr. Syntax' and Miss Della Fox.
but his tribute to De Wolf Hopper was hardly so
cordial and liberal as Hoppers tribute 10 wilson
had been on the first night OF ''Dr. SyntaX But
then Mr. Wilson was In an orchestra seat in The
broadway Theatre. directly in the range OF Mr.
Hopper's vision. when Hopper lavished kind words
on Wilson. while. of course. Hopper was not IN
Abbey's Theatre last night when Wilson was talk
ing But Mr. Wilson was delightfully."- generous 10
Miss Fox. and praised her with much heartiness
The name o. THE Devils Deputy H. not wisely
chosen. 1t may displease some people. Here Is
the cast:
Nielsen an Inn keeper. ......: kancls Wilson
Lorenzo "'"e'' AVN WV fhys Thomas
General KaramatoT chief Of the Army ~ ihe
Princes
harlow Uncle to EverDe. w r. iatN"iF
Princess Mirare MISS "n'le
Fiyerine Meli-sens sweetheart. .Miss Lulu CHASER
Rsg.tella karamatt n. Miss Maud Bliss
Pob LORENZO. Miss Christie Mcl'oil1il
M'e Ko,,olt. ................. Miss Amelia Gardner