New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-11-09
THE DRAMA.
MP. WILLARD AS TOM PINCH.
MONTAuK THEATRE.

last night at the Montauk Theatre, In Brook
lyn Mr. Willard produced domestic play, on the
novel of Martin ChuZZlewit." and for the nrst
time embodied the character Of Tom Pinch. The
novel of Martin ChuZzlewit' is. probably. as
fully representative Of the genius Of Charles Dick
ems as anything that he ever wrote. The pas
sages relative TO the murder In the woods show his
serious style AT its best, and the characters OF
Pecksniff and Mrs. Camp are in the happiest VEN
of his satire and humor: while In Mark Tapley and
Tom Pinch the note Of humanity is struck, with
all the strength of his passionate sincerity. The
character of Tom Pinch represents the guileess
spirit that Is capable of the utmost sacrifice;
that evil in others; that lives only to do
good that !s always sweet. serene. and cheerful;
that asks nothing for itself. and that humorousiy
wells. under the involuntary garb of comic eccen-
trlcy. the highest goodness Of which human nature
is capable Charles Dickens is greatest In humor,
but in the portrayal OF Tom Pinch he rose to
greatness In serious character. and set upon his
work imperishabe crown. The part is not dra-
matte: If IL were 1t would he immortal on the
stage it is In the book: but II is representative
and by making it vital and potent in the theatre
Mr.. Willard confers benefit upon society and
adds a new lusre to his honorable fame.
Mr. Wizards play OF Tom Pinch Is comprised
In three acts and it duplicates only ten char
acters Of the novel. All that relates to America
Is excluded together with all that relates Jonas
and Tigg. Anthony and Chuney. Mrs Prg and
Mrs. Camp Nadgctt. and the house OF Todge RS.
The murder, the melodramatc elements and much
OF the humOr accordingly. are discarded. Act
shows the characters i'm their relation each
other, intimates the theme-which Is the combined
portrayal OF Pinch exposure OF PcckSnifr. and
yindcation Of old Chuzzlewit-and ends with the In
cdent Of Martins expulsion. Act second includes
| the incident OF Pecksnln's impudent woong OF
Mary Graham. the incident Of the old scoundrers
eaycsdroppng. which is shifted from the church TO
n garden arbor. the revelation of Pecksnin to
Pinch. and the exile OF Pinch, in dismay
ana grief from the Pccksnif bower. Act
third passes in Pinchs chambers IN the
Temple turns mainly the temporary mis-
understanding between Pinch and young Martin.
and ends with Pecksnin's complete discontinue.
The mechanism is sufficiently skilful to tell com
plec story. blN the piece seemed deficient H. move
rnont and color-possby because The players. aside
from Mr. Willard and from Mr.. CarSes,-who gave
a capital performance Of pecksnin,-were somewhat
constrained and slow. The scenic sets are very
pretty and the quaint dresses OF 1880 produced a
charming effect.
Mr. willard made up for Tom Pinch with won
deriul fidelity. and his lmpersonation vas perfect
in the elements OF simplicity, and gentleness' me
expressive moments provided for MN an OF
which he Wa deeply in I2 b cburch
his collapse Of sorrow on hrarnE OF ,he dI dPe.Ga
IN IN me moment Of his exile his welcome OLD
tbe last, Tn" audience twice called him. with 4
sisted upon hearing a speech.
Mar Maud Hoffman
Marx TaU.N bromley PfNtNPlt
Nr PndksniT '''i'l
Charity
mary i'u't.
Jane n
Martin fhuzZl~wlt
/ John Westlnct
Tom Pinch VI" Nil''i'
Ruth Finch VS.,
Murgarpid H. f'fri"''
The old play 81 "Delicate Ground" was given,
und r. 2 new name. an aftorpiece. The ola name
is hotter than the new one, and ne Old way 81
acting Sangfrold and Pauline Is likely stil 20 be
! preferred Mr. Willard evincsd all the innate
Strength and en- ,ugh of the quizzical humor. and
Miss Wakeman dazzlrd with all tn" essential
beauty. but more cynical elegance ana NOR 2
DEF, execution are possible" upon the one hand ana
a more artless. various and flexible coquetry com
b,red With smooth vocalsm. upon the other. Inc
rerformance however. pleased by it, neatness ana
lis spirit and # followed 10 the close WITH the
rnosi eagerly Interested attention Mr.. wizard
calls the play "A Social Revolution. Miss MAY
Van Buren, was beauteous being as suzanne Mr.
Willard will produce David Garrick on FRIDAY
cast follows
Pauline.
suzanne MAJ va
Ruth Mrs 'S"all i"'e