New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-27
THE DRAMA.
TUE RETURN OF DALY'S COMEDIANS.
Ana REHAN AS LADY TFAZIr

r
ADA RErAN AS LADY TEAZLE
rs. re-entrance OF Days comedians was brill
,.a.v accomplished last night at his theatre. In
-. presence of a numerous and eagerly responsive
vd,ence-amply representative OF the refined in
..rsence OF the city.-and sumpiuous present
"a, Of 'The School for Scandal slgnalized It and
,,ase I; an event TO be long remembered. The
o,ening OF the dramatic season at Days
Theatre is always an occasion OF exceptional So
cal interest. and this night in no way less
genial than any of the annual festivals that have
preceded II; The return OF Days comedians Is
the arrival OF Old friends, and by one the
familiar faces were recoSnzed.-Mrs. Gilbert. Mr..
Lewis Mr. George Clarke. Mr.. Herbert. Mr. Worth
ing Miss Carlisle, and above all. Miss Ada Rehan.
he air was gladdened with the plaud!ts not less
OF aneciionate sympathy than Of admrlng respect
], is a delightful group players that Mr. DAILY
has assembled upon his stage and it is natural that
the time OF their coming home should be one OF
greeting and kindness. The intrepid and stead
fast manager himself was not forgotten and he
vel might encourage a feeling OF joyful pride at
the welcome with which he was hailed. A more
charming evening has not been known In this
house. nor has it at time been opened with
more pleasing incidents. with more vigorous and
sparkling performance. In suspicious
manner.
TO see '"rhe School for Scandal is OF course
10 enjoy most interesting picture OF polite English
some Of the best characterization that has been
made The symmetrical construction the prodg-
ious wit and the beautiful polish Of that comedy to-
gether with its ridcule Of hypocrisy and its splendid
maintenance of sense. right. simplicity and honest
nrth have long since commended it TO unqualified
intellectual admiration and have confirmed it for
ever in the esteem of the world The version of II
that is presented by Mr.. DAILY is a condensation OF
the original. emitting few indecorous words and
slightly changing the arrangement of some Of the
scenes, so as to circumscribe each act within q
single picture. The sin Of modifying old plays has
10 be committed quite often. If they not TO
perish out OF practical use. Sherdans work. how
ever. has not been injured. The dialogues OF the
scandal mongers have lost nothing but their coarse
ness and every dramatic effect OF the comedy has
been most carefully preserved. To pause upon this
point, though would be TO waste words. for it was
long ago discussed here. and II is completely unm-
portant Mr.. Days version saves quite as much Of
The School, any modern spectator needs or
see. and the performance OF 1t passed with
refreshing celebrity. and with the crisp and sharp
effect OF unnagging spirit and firm and swift execu-
ton.
There were but few novel features IN the cast.
Mir. Lewis who has heretofore acted Moses. APP
peared as Sir Oliver Surface-a part worthy
OF his fine talents. and one in which, II he did not
altogether convey its breezy force. he perfectly
impaired its sturdy manliness. frank independence.
and bluff humor. The moment of the meeting
between Sir Oliver and Sir Peter. after their long
separation. made finely emphatic, and in the
auction Mr.. Lewis remarkably happy.
nanifesting by turns the difficult self-restrant the
wounded feeling and. at last the gratihed fondness
OF the old knight. with rare skill and with an
efluence equally OF rich hunor and manly tender
ness. Mr., Edwin Narrey. making his first appear
ance at this theatre acted Sir Peter Teazle and
gained liberal measure of the public esteem. Few
actors OF this period have had the great and varied
experience OF Nj. Narrey. He has been wisely
Z q a O. ne
company. and his embodiment of Sir Peter is a
denotemc1t that he will fill Il well He may not
have made Sir Peter sufficiently refined and deli
cats.-the accomplished man OF artificial society,
never at fault, though worn. IA tieued and little
testy.-but lie expressed perfectly well his resent
rent Q. rdicule. his petulant temper. his rueful
sense OF disadvantage in comparison with his gay
wife. and that Of sincere feeling which Is
the basis OF the character Refinement can
scarcely be pushed too far in Sir Peter Teaze, but
the touch o: human nature. in the condding talk
with Joseph. just before the fall OF the screen, is
go essential almost to be worth all the rest.
Miss Rehar > embodiment OF LGdy Teaz.e.-brant
nj the first and steadily strengthened by experience
has become one Of the most thoroughly author
tative and satisfying OF all her performances. Clear
in purpose and firm IN execution. ii moves with
incessant vitality; 1t is rep.ee with the gee and
buoyancy OF happy youth. and It rests upon the
foundation OF true and tender heart. Like
Dora Jordan,-whom. II reading may be trusted, she
in the representation of Lady Teaz.e. allows the
country girl 10 become occasionally visible through
the transparency OF the artinca. fine lady There is
q rustic touch in her performance now and then. a
certain careless freedom OF gesture, an Unconven-
tional demeanor. a deep rich of voice. sudden
artlessness-which inlparts TO il irresistible be-
witchment. She acted with extraordinary impetuos-
fly OF animal spirts.-perhaps with the tremor of
that feverish gee which deep emotion is apt TO en-
gender-and she was the recipient OF such a tribute
as enthusiasm only pays 10 noble power and perfec,
sincerity In her treatment OF the cmacteric stua-
ton. after the fall OF the screen, Miss Rehan
creates an effect OF pathos that actress OF the
part in time. has equa!.ed.
For the purposes of an actor the best part In this
comedy is Joseph Surface-a part which requires
fine intellect perfect manners. distinction. and
subtle art II was borne by Mr.. Clarke, in that
scholarlike and eminenty correct and thorough
style for which he is conspicuous among actors OF
the old schoo. Mr. Worthng acted Charless
gracefully presenting a gay young fellow. s'Tx -.
reckless, but not vicious, and exce'linZ F~'o Of his
Mrs. Gilbert, and Mr. He5sebsn the matter Of
fidelity to specific .;S'faTi OF manners The
chief difficulty invsIsg in acting "The School for
scandal" mus, e., Sssarily be tina, of exactly imi
tating and sustaining the artificial demeanor pc
cuar 1S<its time and required by It's conditions
Mr.. Gresham gave neat performance OF Sir BehJa-
min and Miss Carlisle modest and interesting
as Maria. The Mrs Candor OF Mrs. Gilbert is a
gem of fantastic aristocracy and bland mischief
Mr. DAILY has embelllshed the comedy with some or
~ most elaborate and magnihcen: sets OF scenery
that have ever been shown. even upon TINS opuIeht
stage and with a stately mnuet dance. which &C.
ours ~ the close of the first act and which largely
aids the general effect Of elegance and spienoor-