The daily morning journal and courier., 1896-05-07
SnERIDAN,s "KIYALs."
Jefierson's Galaxy of Stars Entertain Large and Fashionable Audience at the Hyperion.

OeherSoh's GalhXy or Sthrb EhtertHth h
 Large and Fashionable Audience at the
 Hyperion.
 Richard Brinsley Sheridans famous and popular comedy, The Rivals" was presented at the Hyperion theater last evening with a cast that for famous names has probably never been equal led in theatrical history. The occasion was one long looked forward to with delightful anticipation and realization. It was one long to be remembered. The general verdict after the performance seemed to be that it was the finest pre- sentation of the comedy ever seen by the present generation. It was certain ly a most brilliant event, and if it was not perfect it was as nearly so as can be expected in this imperfect world. The aggregation of talent represents q commendable desire to present an ideal cast and an attempt to give a justly famous play an ideal performance. How successful this scheme is to be it is impossible to judge so early in the company's tour. Last nights was only the third performance of the season. Considering this disadvantage, credit must be given for 8 smooth ensemble
 The actors played admirably into one another's hands, and not one of the stars" showed the customary stellar determination to violently outshine the rest, The stage management is under MT. Jefferson's direction, and his skill and experience are of inestimable ser vice in eliminating the usual disturb ing elements of a star" production.
 There are of necessity certain fea- lures of such a performance as last evenings which detract from unalloyed enjoyment. Each actors entrance was the signal for prolonged applause. Each actor in turn acknowledged the applause. Then would come the speech and then at the exit more prolonged applause and a return to bow thanks etc. The enthusiasm never seemed to weary, so the play was really given piecemeal-each little piece of acting sandwiched in between a double DOT tion of applause. It could hardly be otherwise on such a gala occasion; yet the best effect was surely lost by sucn interruptions. Then there was no en- tr'acte music Cat least none that was really audible), and consequently mo- body knew when the acts would begin. Hence there was a good deal of un- necessary noise and confusion caused by the hasty return of thirsty souls from their quest of cooling drinks.
 From financial point of view the event was undoubtedly successful. The audience was one of the largest ever assembled in the Hyperion. At the end of the second act MT. Jefferson made a short speech, thanking the au- dience in behalf of the company for their kind appreciation and ap- plause."
 As to the cast. Of MT. Jefferson and Mrs. Drew nothing need to be said. They are the most eminent comedians of the American stage and time does not affect their art Such delirious and spontaneous comedy has not been seen here since the good old days of the Jef- ferson- Florence company, when these same people were seen in the same roles
 Crane, as Sir Anthony Absolute, has a part that is not in his best line, but his long experience has given him q technical skill that enabled him to give a very clever and amusing. if not con vincing, performance of the irascible father.
 MT. Nat Goodwin was an excellent Sir Lucius O'Trigger, and will be bet ter still when he has played the part longer. Last night he forgot his lines and at times his brogue, but the role IS well suited to his abilities and eventual ly it ought to be one of his best
 Francis Wilson has long enjoyed the reputation of being a legitimate come dian as well as remarkably clever and successful comic opera star. The role of David" calls for the Yorkshire dialect, of which he has perfect com mand, and he was amusing to a degree. The Holland brothers are always con- scientious and capable artists, and the small roles that fell to them were well done. Mir Robert Taber was fine. flashing Captain Absolute, and his wife, Mrs. Julia Marlowe Taber, was 9 charming although rather too serious Lady Languish.'' Fanny Rice as the maid, Lucy and was effective and winning in her small part.
 At the Graduates club after the per- formance Messrs. Jefferson, Crane, Goodwin and Wilson were entertained at supper