The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-10-07
Jefferson in .sThe Rivals.v

Joseph Jefferson played his annual engagement in this city at the Hyperion theater last evening, appearing in Sher- idan's famous and delightful comedy, '"The Rivals The audience was the usual numerous and brilliant assem- blaze that greets this revered and pop ular histrion in New Haven. The col lege element was largely represented as many previous occasions, took the form of a vociferous and insistent demand for a speech. MT. Jefferson complied with his customary complaisance, re- galing the audience with his veteran and world-weary tale of the late MT. Florence and his confusion of cities MT. Jefferson closed his speech by fe- licitating the audience upon their good fortune in witnessing the performance, and patted himself on the back for sur- rounding himself with what he regards as fine supporting company.
 Mr. Jefferson has appeared here sev- eral times in 'sThe Rivals" during the last few years, The last occasion on which the Jefferson-F Florence company was seen here is cherished memory. Then there was the expensive and in some respects brilliant performance of the star cast two years ago. In all these representations the most satisfy ing figure was Mrs. John Drew, whose Mrs. Malaprop was very nearly fault less. MT. Jefferson is always delightful, but not for many years has his acting been so much enjoyed as last night Of late years before the last act he has all ways seemed prey to fatigue, and there have been lamentable reminders that the comedian is a very old man. Perhaps it is because it was one of the first nights of the season; anyway, throughout the performance Jefferson played with a zest and verve that were astonishing. To be sure, he passes over many of his old points and leaves out much of his old business but he played with the vitality of young man. It is a fruit1ess task to preach to-day of the propriety of MT, Jeffersons treatment of the play and conception of the char acter of Bob Acres. Rather let the peo- pie be thankful for the opportunity of witnessing this unique and deliciously lIIptiSOlldiiOll, dlld pllS Ooi trime for the correct interpretation of Sheridan.
 Mir Jefferson's company was, on the whole, excellent. At the commence ment of the season the people were promised that capital English comedi- enne, Mrs. John Wood, undoubtedly the best Mrs. Malaprop since Mrs. Drew's death. Why Mrs. Wood did not appear has not been explained, but as MT. Jef- ferson has not reputation for liberality in these matters it was probably a question of salary. Mrs. Ffoliott Paget played the part with a surprising amount of humor. Her performance was brilliant at many points Otis Skinner and Wilton Lackaye, the Cap tain Absolute and Sir Lucius, respec- lively, were not well cast Skinner spoke his lines beautifully but his con- ception is heavy and lacking in humor. I.ackaye is evidently not at home in his role. and it is doubtful if he will ever find it congenial. Werner Charges was a good Sir Anthony, and Elsie Leslie of Little Lord Fauntleroy fame was a fair Lydia The minor parts, with the exception of Fankland, were commend ably played. The scenic outfit is ade- quate and tasteful.