New-York tribune., 1896-01-07
THE DRAMA.
MIR. HARE AS BENJAMIN GoLDFINcH.
4 PAIR OF sPECTACLEs."

Mr. Hare has made at last the appearance thhv
his admirers naturally expected him to make at
first His performance OF the Duke or Oiphcrts
was indeed a remarkable example OF professional
facility, but it's environment Of nastness and alb
surdity,-n a thoroughly contemplate play
greatly marred its lustre as an artistic achieve-
ment, and therefore this fine comedian has been
seen at considerable disadvantage. Now, how
ever he has laid aside "The Notorious Mrs Ebb-
smith,"-a piece that was received with general
derslon.-and in his original character OF benjamin
Goldinch. in "A Pair OF Spectacles. he has as
serted at his Judgment his taste, ana MS
splendid ability. and taken the high position to
which he is entitled. 1t IL much to be regretted
that he did not do this the outset,-but probably
he yielded to bad counsel The decent public OF
America does not wish 10 see anybody IN such
farragos of improperly and fust.an as THE Noto-
rious Mrs Ebbsmth." There are some things
says an old English philosopher, more III to be
looked at than others"
Acting doubtless is a great art; but with The
spectator the effect of acting is very much mat
ter Of temperament As the Duke OF 81 opherts.
Mr. Hare had to show the smiling wlckeiness
that never ceases TO glitter with the polish of the
gentleman. He was in all things an aristocrat lie
is stlll an aristocrai Benjamin Goidhnch; but IN
his character he Is the incarnation of benevoence.
and the fine personality which before was Only sug-
gcsted now stands clearly revealed. The part ot
Reniann Goldnnrh Is one Of great difficulty. for tie
old reason that virtue and kindness Dramatically.
are negative and passive attributes ana cannot be
made piquant except by the involuntary stress ~ a
charming ternperament Rip Van Wrinkle would
have but little effect without Mr.. Jefferson to play
H. Mr. Hare captures his audience In the same way.
and practically for the same reason. He j. not only
a superb artist: he Ia a Of pure sweet and
sympathetic nature. AMI his spirit shines through
his art and halows and endears Il. H. acted last
night with lovely freedom and great brilliancy. a
Pair Of spectaccs" g. one Of the best plays ~ our
ne-lntelloctual purpo-efu. clean. compact. vari-
ous with character. incessant with movement IN
genious. humorous and full of kindness and cheer.
Everybody enjoys it while It Is passing. ana every
body Is happier f1r having seen ~ Mr. Hare enters
50 completely into the bthe spirit Il Goihnch that
every action seems easy. and u b. only n remit
nisccnce that his splendid art is truly appreciated
The drift Of the story which Golinnch 80 delight
fully figures VIII. Of course. be rcn'mDer'L IL
he incubation OF generous confidence In the good
ness OF human nature. ami that + always @ matt.
the slectaclos ~ hi suspicious brother -Nn,'n
means that hc gradually aiopis thai hioth'i tao.l
AN objects is,or,.I Tho alteration is but tenn
porary in the end BE- s,,s One NOR" WIN ~ &r"s &
sclo,.s hnmor Win which Mr Hare expressed ih.
sweetness with which b, nei his IDEAL Of henenrsnt
contontment and symfo thetc ani active virtue rev
things so good as this have eyer heen seen upon
the stage Nothing has been seen that beu,r de-
serves the careful attention ~ ~" sthd ms 81 ae-
Ing and the true friends OF the stage. Mr hhf' 10
f,,,,pa.e in his associate Mr. Charles GfON'f WNo
Impersonated the suspicious brother Uncle ifegofk
AMI whose performance II not as fine IN IT. afusilr
fext,re X A complete match With u in ~ rufn,
hesld bcnE rich with that bes, Of drVll hufnlf which
i. me Fragrance OF character. and which rises o. 1000
n a. naturally as psrfum" from a rose.
Nr " : 'ilh.rts uue-act play cAll"t 'iiht if
and Comedy" which was performed A. pfc.nlf
Nelson a. Clarioe and Mr.. Fred Terry as - Anl-
NV This play written rN Nj. 'fllneit tlflt
mo basis of French original for Miss Mary
And.rson and 20 first produced by ihat actress,
on January -. lssi az the ~ ."um Ih'atr'. l.ln-
don and subsequently was made widely known bf
her In England and In Am'rca II contains
dramatic situation Of extraordinary power ami
valu. Tn. scene - hall upon the ground moor
nf "A hous. IN Paris. Ia the lime or Louis NJ am
IN. Regent orleans tlAflc" and nor husband,
~ Au'nay ar. actors The Regent has pursued
''iaric. with grossly offensive attentions. ans beng
,h,llsnged by ~ 'Aulnsy has conttinptloasf
fused 90 nghf with an actor ilhht D. th' i'-lN't
sfiu taken bv gentlemen" In European countries
.h.r- tho custom ~ duelllng preNallsD & ARC"
and hsr husband ihereup1n agree 100 4 pso' in 'i-
lice Inn D. their home. AMI compel him io ainf 40
app,sl 10 the sword. The Regent hni l'ANhff
withdraw into the garden 80 hght fhtli iNfIt t.ll
t'arlce mOmentarlN lefi alone, nisi M'A "N-.'
receive and entertain numerous ana hfihanf ''i,
give To- them "A specimen of her dramatic AZ max
She will Illustrate first comedy ana th,n rag
This al. un lartake- 10 De-. first speaking " 'hr
assumed character OF str'i.ng payer, ana ihti
b.coming frenzicd with apprehension IN tne 'ht
chsr.r,.r of M. wife who Is frantic with fear f1st
ber husband VIII be- slain 10y their Vie enemy.
Ni.s Julia Nelson who has a mo lfes'n'-
c0pious and syrapathetc voice. ana ample f'!' ~
character. created cOmp.,t" Illusion lA nor pen
breaking appeal. and was extremely f'uclfnu- aii
effective In the speech ~ ihe sro'.lhS payer
CAST OF CHARAcTERs