New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-26
THE DRAMA.
MR.. MANSFIELD AT THE GARDEN.
THE FIRST VIOLIN"

Mr. Mansfield made his re-entrance at tho Carda,
Theatre last night. presenting a domestic play IN
four acts which has been made upon the basis AZ
Miss Jessie Fotherglls well-known novel, entitled
"The First Violin" That novel contains the story
of brave and gentle PERSONA German noble.
man-who took upon himself the consequences OF
q criminal misdemeanor committed by his friv.
olous wife and who thereupon. after her sudden
death patiently endured reproach. poverty, and
grief IN order shield the reputation OF the dead
The essential fibre of that story is suffering. and
for the obvious reason that suffering is the exact
reverse Of action. the fable does not readily lend
itself to exposition in a dramatic form. Several
pleasant and practicable scenes. however. have
been deduced from Miss Fothergills novel, and
those scenes display the inception and ycisstudes
OF love between the scf-sacrincing nobeman
turned musician. and an unsophistcated. high.
splr,ted mpetuous English girl. OF whom he be.
came enamoured. and who. ultimately, crowned his
warped and darkencd life with domestic happiness
Condition rather than movement is the conspicuous
attribute Of the drama. and since the condition
Is that of sweetness and grace, the effect is that
NJ evunathy II has been the aim Of the play.
wright following in the track OF the novelist, TO
present n noble ideal OF character and to suggest
the beauty OF patient and chceriul endurance
made charming by reticent ana exquisite grace.
and made pQuant by playful humor. Inc move.
ncnt of the drama in so far as 1t possesses move-
IL,
unscrupulous woman who secretly loves the mu-
slcian. and who sptefuy strives to make mis-
chief between him and the EnSiish eirl whom he
has chosen for his sweetheart The musician was
inpersonated by Mr. Mansfield. and the English
girl by Miss I.ettice Fairfax, and although nothing
Of exceptional moment was said or done by either
o, those actors. each OF their embodments appeared
IN diYuse pleasure and Mr.. Mansfield. in partcu-
lar elected enthusiasm and was recalled ten or
twelve times In the course OF the representation
The chief merit OF the play Is It's portrayal OF
amatory affinity between two persons combined
with It's inspiration OF an eager wish that they may
presently comprehend each other and become
lovers. and that a cloud which unjustly obscures
the reputation OF innocent man may be dis
stnated The character Of Courvoiser. Count Won
Ro,henfels-at least as drawn in this pece.-makes
no draft upon imagination and but little dratt upon
feeling nor does 1t present any difficulty to an ex-
nerienced actor II may be designated as that OF
pensive sentimental mournful, playful wldower.
with a strong paternal instinct. a pleasant way
with children and a chivarOus demeanor toward
women In the principal situation this picturesque
sufferer is publicly called a criminal and he Is con-
strained calmly 10 accept this stigma or Disgrace
The character Of May Wedderburn has all the con-
ventional virtues; while that OF Anna sartor!us
seemed a rank libel. There are evi!-rninded women.
but the woman who is evil Is also subtle: this
woman swings A bludgeon and works with hose.
and her conversion at the last. IS not less astGund-
ing than the preliminary flow and unmtigated tor
rent OF her clumsy malice. The current OF the
original novel has not been closely followed by
the dramatists.--J. l.. {. Clarke and Meridian
Phelps for there is no storm. wreck. no river.
no raf; and no adventure: but the play contains
much OF that talk OF love and children and faith
and honor and home which always wins the public
approval and with Mr.. Manshelds clever acting II
may well win the practical public support Miss
Fairfax did all that anybody could do with May
Wedderburn Annie Clarke's excellent acting OF Q
brIsque and peremptory housekeeper considerably
frightened passages OF some ns!pidty and Mr..
Andrews and Mr.. Forrest efficiently aided the
great effect