New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-09-01

Dion RoucicauIt who invented and named the
Sensation Drama" would have made a much bet
ter play. Of this kind than The Last OF the
Rohans" with which the meodiOus comedian NJ
Andrew Mack began the new season, last night At
the Academy Of Music. The material In this piece
IS not new but some Of It IS good and all Of it
might have been moulded into effective form:
but such thing az good play is possible without
art and without intelligent and thoughtful work.
In this case fancful plot has been exhibited as
continuously, perversely and ludlcrously IRA
tonal and has been slowly and tediously de-
veloped by means Of Incidents that are always
trivial and often impossible The story
relates to suppostious persons and actions AT
rural place In ireland. about me beginning Of
the present century. The environment IS ro-
mantle and the costumes are picturesque. The
heroine a lovely Irish orphan girl. has sworn 10
become the wife of an obnoxious wealthy sutton,
in order to save her grandmothers property from
conascation In breach Of her oath she agrees.
for the same reason. to marry second sutton
who f. even more obnoxious than the nrst and
In this proceeding she will repudate and ruin
third lover the tuneful Mack. to whom she Is
devotedly attached and whom she has reason 10
believe will presently possess an ancient ana
splendid estate and be amply able 70 provide for
her venerable relative and all her connections.
SIN further she consents for no earthly or
heavenly reason 20 wed sutton number two. VINO IS
a transparent raso a. at midnight I'm Il moulder-
ing piece OF ecclesiastical ruin. many miles from
her home This sultor has. equally without o.
vous motive. employed another rascal 70 I'M
personate priest and 70 perform mock mar
rage: but the much warbling Mack. prompted by
a prophetic female gypsy and enlightened by an
anectlonate blind man. repairs to the ruin dis
covers the plot assumes the priests attire. mum
hles a few idle words has explanation with the
lady and Ike young Lochinvar rides away win
his sweetheart his steed.
All this might have been made at least measure
bly, probable but it stands. it IS nonsense, and
therefore II falls 70 interest the mind or touch me
heart Mr. Mack seems 70 nave much 81 tho right
sort Of spirit h has repose ardor. grace. mirth
and feeling and in a rational play and coherent
character he would probably put forth the powers
of an actor to good purpose In his performance
Of clifford RoEan who is absolutely nondes'rlpt M
simply presented himseif-a kindly good-hu-
n ored young Irshman. gallant 10 me girls
and pleasant 20 children, apt at a dance ana
readily prone to song The most striking perform
ances were those OF Mr.. Ernest Warde. as blind
how. and Mr. " !. Mason and Nj Thomas F.
Jackson as couple OF rascally. ragged Migrants
named Rrstie and Kelly. These sketches or
character were steadily interesting. Mr. Ernes
Warde had r cticularly trying task-to represent
irorassiored fidelity under circumstances more
than halfway ridiculous. and this task he executed
50 a. 20 create impression OF truth the
scc-ery parttcuarly the set Of the moon-h, and IVY
shrouded ruin IL beautiful There are many fine
ola Irish plavs.-such as Faconers Peer o Day
Bows" and Brcughams Emerald Ring. not TO
speak Of tn. Ugh and cheerful pieces that were
hoated IN the days or the brilliant Tyrore POWER
and it seems a pity thar Mr Mack should be con-
strained to expend his talents upon the illustration
Of trash he was welcomed by ,arge audience,
and the songs with which he iuterspersed his act
INK we're wildly applauded He. evidently, is a
favorite with his peculiar public W ".