The times., 1898-12-30
THINGS THEATRICAL.

Even to the most unobserving there must
have been some humor last night in noting
how the citizens of this great Republic
filled the Academy of Music with their ap-
plause at every spoken line that seemed
commendatory of royalty. Phrases such as
Long live the king and God be with the
aristocracy" would hardly seem-to contain
the foundation of popularity here-certain-
ly not in a down town house. That they
were heartily greeted, however, is trib-
ute of unusual depth to James O'Neili,
whose impersonation of the nobleman,
Henri Lavelle. in Robert Hatton's drama,
When Greek Meets Greek" was RESPONSE
Bile for these outbursts.
But all the credit for this extraordinary
sympathy is not due to the star. Mr.. Hat
tons play is strong one, and in its ap-
pealing lines and incidents was much of
the incentive offered. Despite the fact that
the action of the offering begins with the
lifting of the curtain. full two acts have
passed before one finds himself able to give
any interest to its story. For long time
the effort seems to be full of needless
supers. and thick atmosphere, OF inconse-
quential characters who talk against the
king when the hero is absent, and crouch
before that popular gentleman when he Is
present. The phrasing appears stilted. too,
and the plot confined by the limits of
these heavy faults are lost, and the piece
develops strength and forcefulness. with
which one could not have credited il at
first. This power eliminated after reach
ing its climax in scene in the dramas
third act that is as full of opportunities as
any viewed here recently.
Henri Lavelle is a nobleman Of degreeL
a degree so high that he is placed in a
dangerous position when the French revo-
Inf hraa To- out and hapyin tn m 90
danger is doubled by the fact that his IL
| legitimate brother loves the woman for
whom he cares and is. therefore. more than
| dutiful in hunting him down. Layelle is
| finally captured on the day of his mar
riage and sent TO prison, while false re-
port of his death is forwarded to the bride.
| This done, the scoundrel begins pursuing
the object of his selfish passion with a per-
sistence that often approaches the ridicu-
| lous. He has threatened her with all sorts
of fates when Henri escapes from prison
and, hotly followed by a mob. seeks shelter
| in the Office of his revolutionary relative.
The two meet and there ensues a sword
combat of intense realism and dramatic
worth. Lavelle triumphs and, Clothing
himself in his brothers uniform, hands the
| dead body of that brother TO the crowd.
| which tears IL to pieces in the belief that
! the aristocrat Is in their hands. The final
| act relates the manner in which Henris
| suspicious are aroused regarding the af-
| fection of his bride. the ease with which
| they are allayed and the final triumph OF
| the lovers.
The story Is tersely and rapidly told and
while it sometimes hangs on a mere
thread, seemed TO appeal strongly to the
audience. 1t possesses no little real merit
and proves an excellent vehicle for the
talents of Mr.. O'Neill The star gives a
| rendering of the principal part that is
commanding. dignitied. intelligent and
! forceful. He has never done better
piece of work in this city and there seems
no reason. after seeing the play. TO doubt
a press agents statement to the effect
that in the role of Henri Lavelle he has
made the hit of his life.
With the exception of some supers who
would not be injured by closer acquaint-
ance with the contents of a hose. he re-
ceives capable assistance, Though melo-
dramatic occasionally. Edmund l.. Breese
is an excellent villain, while T. G. Ling
ham, Frederick Hartley, W. j. Dixon.
Claude Gilbert and Aubrey Beattie are
fully up to the average. Robespierre is
too modern character to be
successfully handled by any but the
portrayal is, therefore, nothing of
a reproduction. 1t is. however. a con-
scientious bit of labor for which Mr.. Els
worth deserves credit. Minnie Radcliffe
is a naturally charming land charmingly
natural heroine, Louise Collins gesticu-
lates badly, but is otherwise fair and Kate
Fletcher assumes small part well.
Monte Crsto'' will be done tonight and
tomorrow night, with When Greek Meets
Greek for the bill at the matinee
Roland Reed was greeted by an unusual
ly distinguished audience last night at the
Columbia. Mrs. Mckinley occupied box
with a party in which were included Maj.
and Mrs. Rand and George and James
Barber, nephews of the Presidents wife
Speaker Reed was also present, as were
several members of the diplomatic corps.
All seemed remarkably well pleased with
the play and players, the applause being
hearty and. frequent.
FREsu TooD I'M Eoon