New-York tribune., 1895-07-09
PART ii.
PAGES II TO IA.
THE LONDON STAGE.
RETURN OF MIR. DALY'S COMPANY-MISS
REHAN's PRESENCE OF MIND.

here during the last few weeks in the Italian.
French and German tongues Composers. con-
ductors and musicians from every prominent Eu-
Korean country have appeared in the concert
room 10 minister to the delight Of great audiences.
London receives tribute from the worlds resources
Of dramatic art and musical genius. The patron
age End approval Of the metropolitan public COM
plete and round out the reputation of every great
artist. Every year the cry goes up from English
playwrights. actors and musicians: The foreign
ers upon u.s." But a caprcious and tickle
public dsports itself it will. and derives salts
faction and pride from the reflection that Lon
don is the centre OF the modern world and can
have the best OF everything
The last foreign invasion is from America and
excites neither jealousy nor resentment from pro-
Is one of the recognized English institutions. This
is It's eighth regular season here and its third in
the handsome theatre controlled and man.
aged by him all the year round. Miss Rehan Mrs.
Gilbert Mr.. Lewis. Mr. Clarke and other members
OF the company are almost as well known TO
London 10 NewYork playgoers The regular
season of the company Is regarded as one Of the
chief attractions OF the year: it opens in mid
summer. when the novelties have been exhausted
at other playhouses and when the public appetite
for recreation has been palled by safety and can
only be tempted by fresh experiences and refine
rent Of art. The fine patronage which 1t receives
year after year at turning point Of the regular
season Of gayety, when other theatres either
closing or half empty is the best possible
evidence Of the inherent value Of its work and Of
popular appreciation OF its artistic methods.
AN ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE.
The audience which filed every seat on the op
ening night was both brilliant and enthusiastic.
Many Americans were present. for whom the sight
OF Miss Rehan's familiar face was like a welcome
glimpse Of home; but the body Of the house was
thronged with the wealth and fashion OF London
For the first performance The Railroad Of Love-.
one Of Mr. Days many adaptations. had been
lected and 1t was we'll mounted and ran as
smoothly as though 1t had been holding the same
stage for many months. Better plays were held
In reserve for later weeks Of the engagement. in
Guiding two attractions OF the highest interest,
The Two Gentlemen OF Verona" and "A Midsum-
mer Nights Dream" which are now so little
known 10 the London public as TO have the effect
of sparkling novelties: but The Railroad Of Love-
while light In construction. presented Miss Rehan
as a charming and susceptible young widow with
a fortune we'll heart 10 lose and armed
Mr. Lewis and MIR. Clarke with large resources
for eccentric comedy. 1t was a convenient open
ing piece and was heartily enjoyed by the great
audience, which was cOnNulseu with He'iiHic"'
until the curtain was rung down.
Every familiar face greeted with enthusias-
tic and affectionate rounds Of applause. Mr.
Lewis was the first 20 be overwhelmed with tokens
Of popular favor the first high treble note Of
Phoenix Scuttleby that relic OF wasted energies,
being the signal for a tumultuous and long con-
tinued welcome. Equally generous was the appre-
clation of Mr.. Clarkee temperance In London
after a year.s absence But 1t was when Miss
Rehan first that the delight OF the audi
ence passed entirely beyond restraint and control
For fully three minutes there was deafenng ap-
plause with resonant cheers and futtering OF
handkerchefs. The actress stood there demure
and graceful. with happily simulated bashful
air as though she were not accustomed to the
fattery Of so cordial a reception. Several times
she attempted to go with her part, but the au-
dience would not allow her TO proceed. but re-
rewed It's applause and cheers. and watched with
intense delight the fascinating charms OF her
byplay When her voice at last heard II was
as full rich and musical ever. perhaps little
more deliberate In enunciation. with a manner
ism which may grow upon her In time, II she
be not wary and on her guard. She was recalled
after every act, and at the close Of the perform
ance the audience exhausted It's resources in maxi
ing known the full measure OF its satisfaction
over delightful evening
MISS REHAN'S ACTING.
Inspired by the warmth of the greeting and con-
v,nced that she was among sympathetic admir-
ers Miss Rehan at her best in this play, and
made full Of all the Of her art acting
In large. buoyant style and dgnifyng the vapid
German farce with intensity Of passion. Critics
who have been writing learnedly about the grand
STYLE OF a Bernhardt Duse gave themselves
I'D to the unaIloyed pleasure OF witnessing a per-
formance which. one OF them has acutely re-
marked mace them think OF old prints and his
toric pictures {. the Garrick Club and set them
wondering what Peg Wellington. Kitty Give and
Mrs Arlington were like. The audience forgot
how fimsy and absurd was the German farce in
the delight Of watching a performance which re-
vealed a womans caprices. coquetry. fascination
and capacity for genuine love. She filed the
stage with her presence and her art, and it was
not until the curtain had fallen that judgment
resumed its functions and decreed that the play
was unworthy Of 40 great style Of acting. Mrs
Gilbert received also a greeting which warmed
her heart and lighted up her face with gadness
Nothine was wanting to show how strong were
the favor and esteem with which these we'll
known American players have continued 10 be
regarded in London. Frank Worthng. the young
English actor had his way TO win TO popular ap-
orecIat,on az Howell Everett; and he made a good
impression, although ne iaDoieu u"ue' '''0 '
barrassment of reviving memories of superior
actor who had formerly appeared win MISS He-
han In the love-making scenes
DISPLAY OF wOMAN's WIT.
The play is too familiar to New-York readers
70 call for detailed description but one incident
which was not In the score. deserves paragraph
from the evidence OF self-possesson coolnef's ana
womans wit which 1t offered to an eager ana oe-
lighted audience. 1t was after the coquet'S"
love scene between the fascinating "'uoN' WI
Valentine Osprey. and her adorer, Howe'i Everett
nm onnos,te aides of the open door. with all the
~...l-.<. .. AN .,iox,, q nd rnnmmerY. The widow,