The times., 1897-03-30
Henry Miller In "Heartsease."

Henry Miller accomplished the double
function at the Columbia last evening OF
presenting a new play, "Heartsease," by
Mcssrs Klein and Clarke, and making his
first appearance locally as star. For
many seasons we have been accustomed to
applaud Mr. Miller for his excellent per
formanccs at the head OF the Empire Stock
Company and it is without surprise that
his friends have noted his recent successful
run in New York and now witness the oc-
casion Of lis Instant favor as a star.
The audience was more deferential than
dcmonStrative during the earlier scenes
last night. for "Heartsease'' is in its begin
nings placid comedy. But after the third
act Mr. Miller and his company received
a sincere testimonial OF the audiences
favor lie was called before the curtain
again and again and finally responded to
the calls for speech. The scene and the
acting which called forth this enthu-
siasin was of the most spirited and en-
crossing character. The authors conceived
it in q spirit OF high-cIass playmaking, and
Mr. Miller brought to its action the best
resources of his impressive attachments.
He plays the part OF a young impeeunious
musician His rival for the hand of q
peers daughter not only separates him
from his love, hut steals his music and
presents it as his own. The young musi-
clan suffers temporary mental alteration,
but his mind is restored, when, in this
powerful third act he stTays into I he thea
ter where his own opera is being played
as the composition of his rival. His recog-
milton OF his own music, his appreciation
or the theft his confronting of the thief
and his announcement are progressive,
neutrality-suspicious. which lead to a strong
and moving climax. The balance of the
play is written in a less strenuous key.
1t is pretty, graceful comedy, illumi-
mated with attractive love passages, and
colored with contrasting characterizations,
all of which is CrystalliZed in a quality
OF literary construction which is a relief
to sensitive ears.
Mr.. Miller played Eric Temple, the young
composer. 1t is one of the best characters
and certainly the best piece of acting he
has ever given U.s. In the earlier scGnes
opportunity is lacking for vigor and pas
sion, but his artistic sense supplied deft
retrospective touch which denoted the
mind and heart workings tempered, as
did his bold, free style denote, at the
end of the third act, in fine contrast, the
ungovernable passion of the frenzied man
who, having suffered too long, discovers
his wrong.
The company surrounding Mr.. Miller
is on a par with the all-star casts so
much In recent evidence Grace KimbalI
last year with Sothern, is his lady-love,
and she acts the romantic maiden with the
delicacy and charm which is customarily
hers. Louise Thorndyke Boucicault made
an individual success of Lady Neville, and
Nanette Comstock was captivating in her
way as Alice. John T. Sullivan played the
musical thief; Frank Burbeck played Lord
Neville, Leslie Allen and Edmund Lyons
gave character sketches, and Max Figman
was young Irish lover; all of whom did
well and much to the pleasure of the large
audience. "Heartsease'' is mounted with
lavish care. The incidental music is as
pretty as it is appropriate Villa Knox,
a fine soprano, sang the music of the
contested opera beautifully.
"The Speculator" at the NATIONAL.
1.-The Speculator'' is one of two or three
excellent American plays founded on the
dramatic possibilities of that
rupdaru uhase of civilization tho stock