New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-11-09
JOUN DREW AT TIFF; EMPIRE.
"a MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE"

Mr. Drew was eagerly and warmly welcomed oy
a large audience. last night at the Empire Iheaue
where he presented comedy called a Martlasc VI
Convenience" and embodied its principal CHARACTER
The comedy is piece. upon an ola SUBJECT II
comes from the French OF Alexandra Dumas ana
~ has been recast and reworked by MI sidney
Grupdv The theme Il the temporary disturbance or
confugal harmony, supplemented with the married
calm OF reconciliation. In old times that theme was
clevery treated by Dion Boucicault. who followed IN
the footsteps Of Dumas, and whose comedy or Love
in Maze" was commended to public acceptance.
first al Broughams Lyceum and afterwards AZ Bur
TOMS Theatre with such players, In the principal
characters as John Brougham and Miss Horn
George Jordan and Mrs Russell (afterWard MrS
Uoey) Burton and Lester Wallack. Tom johnston
Mrs Vernon and Mrs. Skerrett. II may be doubted
whether such casts az were possible then are posi-
hle now. but Mr. Drew Is certainly, comedian or
tho RICH, straln-buoyant strenuous. ncsive. clear
and crisn md he has gathered around him an eh-
cent company In which the experienced anu saga
cous Dan Harkns is conspicuous. and OF when the
leading woman Is the handsome, earnest ana grace
mi Isabel Irving Mr. Drew impersonated the hus-
band and Miss Irving impersonated tie VIE. Inc
marriage is supposed to have been made as bust
moss contract Neither OF the contracting parties Is
remarkable for exceptional attributes, aUhough the
husband possesses reticence innate force. dStinc-
ton and playful humor For time the fancy or
the lady lightly turns toward Another, but after an
episode OF pleasing tumut and mild suspense, the
husband wins her entirely to himself There are
persons sometimes cynical and sometimes not, VINO
look upon marriage business contract, ana VINO
believe that marriage of convenience is as likely
Az any other form OF matrimony to promote the hap
plness OF a married pair. Into that subject the IN
terested observer must pursue his own inquiry. 10
some Of us the entire theme has become unspeak-
ably wearisome.
In this new comedy Mr.. Drew finds sympathetic
mart and one TO which he Is especially fitted by the
essential gravity Of his mind the sweetness OF MS
temperament, the elegance OF his manner, ana the
deftly comminged drollery alacrity and 1uent
grace of his style He was much admired ana APP
picious alike for his performance and FOR me com
edy In which his welcome return was mus pleas
antly effected. Not to recognize remarkaoie eAcep-
,lonai and wonderful qualities In the acting OF
terhood,-such as Miss Maude Adams Miss Juiia
Arthur Miss Virginia Harmed. Miss Maxine Eiliott.
etc-of which she Ii fair representative, ~ 10 IN
cur the reproach OF being colo. uns! npaone,,c anu
when undeserved, has sometimes 10 De endured ne
fact il that a very liberal allowance or niedioery,
both male and female is Just now W, a'sn ,,a uP n
Grafton OF enthusiasm do not frequently occur MISS
Irving is sweet and pleasing lttle actress hght IN
calibre and limited In range. ana pIooaoiy Tor 'nat
passlng hour Mr. Drew has chosen Wen me vino
il mil Of thistle down. and "A Marriage OF Conven-
ience'' will no doubt, float long and safely upon
the buoyant breeze OF public FAVOR.
CAST OF "A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE"
Come de Candaie Johh rew
Cheyaler de Nacos
The General II t,enSarsnn
'o
Officer ,eT
Suisse. ~ vs,ss