New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-01-18
"L'ANI FRITZ"

| The pretty little comedy Of Erckmann- Chatrlan
| Is trine Of dramatic literature. 1t offers no OPP
portunity for the display Of Nine. Hading's ability
and beauty and she last night abs Ut from
the cast in the performance given at Abbey's The
atre by the French company. NJ Coquelin was
perhaps afraid that the entertainment offered was
therefore insufficient, for after tie third act he
appeared in OF the rotations which h -
done much 20 enhance his reputation Yet tn
play was Of Itself source Of pleasure. After tn
insunerabe cynicism OF Les Enrontts' and TIM
maodorous sentimcntality Of IA Dame Aux
Camelias,' 1t was wise TO give play OF stainless
import In admirable representation Of "L'Aml
Fritz" much done by VI. COquelin and his col
leagues to purify the air All the actors In
good form. VI. Jean COquc!in made the part Of
Kobus pleasing to the eye and to the His
work was the best which he has put to his credit
thus far in the present season. He suggests the
gross ericurean" which the Rabbi calls the care
less bachelor, but he keeps himself fresh, bIoyant
and boyish. He indicated. too the humor IN tine
character and played with so much sincerity and
vim that for the first time he shared 70 slight
Of really filling the Stage with his presence. The
acting OF Nine. Duluc. as Suze. was also far above
from an insipid constraint Gt is not necessary to
make Suzel dol because She Is umil) but she
M the er WA" the Other minor pr "
given with spirit and discretion.
created amazement and delight Each new char
as' se m Tch h o5 pS Il at % Gn snoYf h
ishes its exterior in a way that leaves nothing to
be desired. Last night he repeated his usual sue
cess in the directions of attire. visage and car
riage, but he did much more than that. He ~
exactly the distinguishing characteristics Of the
matchmaking Old man. He did not make him senie.
There too much sprightness OF intellect too
much shrewdness Of purpose too much animation
In the lmpersOnation for that. He revealed IL man
having all the physical Accomplishments OF age and
all OF its altruistic motives. but having also
nexhaustble spring of fun in him and quiet. limo
cent satire There were many artistic passages In
the performance Ike the peculiar crcllng walk.
whenever a chair or any other object was TO be
approached. but the great merit for which VI.
Coquelin * to be commended upon this occasion
is the merit OF having apprehended and fully cX
pressed the spirit OF character for which he could
hardly have been expected TO have much sympathy.
He is sophisticated always In his acting. but last
night he came nearer than usual to drawing the
attention away from his technical effects To- the
hOrnely interest In the character Itself "LAmi
Fritz" given by the French comedians for the
first time they have been In this country. 1t
will prove n well-advised addition to their repertoire.
for they present IL eXcellently, and II Is comedy
which Is always agreeable TO see. 1t was an added
pleasure hear NJ. Coduelin last night In his
''Iarbasson' and "t'ne Jolie Historic" His mono
logues employ his elocutonary gifts at their crisp
est He Is droll. and he Is cXquisitey distinct rs
a comic speaker he Is unsurpassed