New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-01-16
The nRAMA-MUSIC.
MIR. DALY'S NEW PLAY.

IN Days Theatre last night, and in presence OF
numerous and distinguished audience. an English
adaptation of the French play called Ia Marchand
Gle Sourires. by judi h Gautier. had it's first rep
reservation. 1t is called Heart of Ruby."--that be-
ing the name OF Its most propusively active char
acier-its scene is laid in Japan. and It's four acts
relate story OF love that was severely tried and
for time darby mperilled. but happily
secrated and fulfilled al last. The details OF that
story have already been placed before the readers
OF this journal ana rehearsal OF them is not now
essential IL the narrative that Is imbedded in the
pay were to be separated from It's japanese en-
vronmeni,-that is to say the japanese names
scenes. dresses, implements. and ceremonias,- 1t
woald be found conventional and not strikingy ef-
fectve. The charm Of the piece consists mainly in
its adjuncts. The basis OF its interest l. coin
cidence, freak OF fortune \ woman who is evil
has indirectly caused the ruin and death of
woman who is good. and in after years the of
the good woman and the daughter of the bad
meet and become lovers. Numerous auxiliary in
cidents are woven into that web of fate. but the
central idea remains unaffected and conspicuous
the idea that things mysterious.y ordered. that
the unexpected happens and that truth Is stranger
than fiction. That idea has sometimes been en-
forced in startling manner.-as In some of the
novels OF Wilkic Collins. In the Heart Of Ruby
Il Is only suggested. No nciden, of the play is
strongly dramatic is the of strong excite
nent of the tension OF suspense. The Observers
ton of unusual accessories. and this is aided by
the symmetrical and rhythmical development Of
pretty story.
The play upon the stage N a most luXuri-
manner The land Of flowers. II not reproduced,
GOrgeorsy suggested. In one picture there was
pale moonlight a flowing river; in another there
was 4 landscape smothered in roses. Interiors OF
japanese homes shown. With their domestic
adornments and these were alternated with streets
OF Yeddo. In which were professions and mcndlcants
and singing women and vendors OF flowers. Nothing
could have been better devised to inform and crafty
student Of Japanese character and customs. In
that particular the spectacle one Of equal value
and beauty and Mr. Widmer's delicate music en-
HANGED the fascination OF view with the enchant
OF sound To look at such pirtures and hear
such melody was indeed a luxury. As prelude TO
the piece and intervals during It's representation
Miss Rehan. arreyed In japanese attire. came for
ward and recited verses. by Mr.. Mccarthy. lauda-
tory Of Japan and redoent OF the pale primrose and
the yellow poppy.-thereby at once explaining the
authors mind and manifestlng her own splendid
magnanimity as an artist, II Is not every actress
OF the first rank who would act as Chorus in par
lor charade. The best acting was done by John
Craig as Sinbara. the aposiaie priest; sidney
Herbert. as YGna:o. Sihyl Carlisle As Omaya. and
Ida Moesworth. Tika. The character Of the
Ruby Heart is almost the least Of all the persons OF
Importance Miss Maxine Elliott was handsome ana
scornu. hut so transparent that she woud not nave
deceived even a lJvc-craZed s.mplctOn. There Is a
moment when the father Yamato. has become a
WANDERING beggar. asks charity. unknowins. at the
proach to anything IKE dramatic result.
Heart Of RUBY is odd production. attractive
in smooth but co:oriess and mono;onous verse. AMI
notshl- an experiment in a fresh field The locti
ters. This 4 serious portrayal Of them. Ian
guild drama. it is lovely as a musical spectacle
The applause Tor II was ireqn.,, ana nearly es-
pecially for the songs and pagcants