The times., 1898-05-17
AT THE THEATERS.
Acaaemy-Jn n.pe. Young.

Despite the evil influences of an early
rain and the unpleasant heat that fol-
| lowed James Young attracted large
and thoroughly representative audience
10 the Academy last night and succeeded
in planting himself so firmly in its favor
that before the first act Of 1.-The Lady of
Lyons" had been finished his performance
had lost the characteristics of a debut
and become mora like the welcome ac-
corded an old friend. A great deal of
interest has been felt in the actor for
some time. his youth, comparative mex
perience and social position as well as
! the reports of his triumphs having gone
far toward making his first appearance
in this city an object of curiosity and in
terest to many.
Mr.. Young may be said to have achieved
in the leading role of Buiwers much
abused play, a signal success. Whether
this view be taken universally or not the
undoubted fact remains that his effort
was too conscientious and the result too
promising for the aspirant to deserve any
thing less than honest criticism. In the
first place, then, nature has admirably
fitted him with every requirement possi-
BILE to such parts as Claude Meinotte.
Hamlet, David Garrick, Antonio. Romeo
and the dozen or more roles in which
older men seem out OF place. He will
find immediate favor with women through
a boyishly frank and really handsome
face an exceptionally fine form. an easy
and pleasant bearing, a decided grace
of manner and voice that. though
rough and nervous on high or emo
tionai range. becomes soft and melodious
when allowed its normal tone.
Mr.. Young is at his best when in repose,
not only because of his picturesque quail
ties. but by reason Of an added trait OF
naturalness then in evidence. He does not
impress one with his ability to reach as
yet the heights of power or great emo
tion. An excellent instinct enables him
to act successfully more than anything
more certain his impersonatlons being
apparently the result of rather superficial
, study. Thus. while an intelligent reader,
he does not by any means get all the
sense from his lines, the true import be-
ing not infrequently lost by incorrect ac-
cent or portrayal This, coupled with a
triiling tendency 30 be STACEY. are the
single faults lost, with Mr.. Young, in a
great deal of promise that has. by dint
of sincere work, become convincing real
! ity. His scenes in the garden and in the
| last TWO acts last night were far superior
to the rest, the famous description of the
visionary palace by the Lake of Como be-
| ing given with rare and effectual grace.
while the witty speeches to Col. Damas
bore the imprint of thought. On the other
| hand, Claude's explanation to Pauline. in
the third act, lacked fire and earnestness
in such a degree as to have seemed a
mere narrative.
The one member of Mr.. Young's cast
worthy of extended comment Is Rida
Johnson. a woman quite as young as her
star and clever in a marked degree. Her
impersonation OF Pauline was giriIsh and
delightful in the extreme-so much so.
in fact, that it seemed impossible TO lay
TO her the weli-shaped prejudices of pride
and scorn accredited 10 THE Lady of
| Lyons" Elmer Buffham has a good voice
and made a fair Beausant and Clarence
Belair did passable work as CLAWS Gus
Forbes also contributed neat bit of
character detail. The remainder of the
company are of a most mediocre kind
The Lady of Lyons will be repeated
| Thursday night and at the Saturday mat
inee. David Garrick' Will be given this
! evening. Saturday evening and at the
| Wednesday matinee, while Hamlet" will
be presented Wednesday and Friday
| nights.