New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-09-19
THE DRAMA-MUSIC
Mr.. ROBSON IN THE GADFLY."

Mn hObSON IN The tADf
Mr. Stuart Robson. who has long been dstin-
gushed and popular as an eccentric comedian, pre-
scented himself. last night. at walacks Theatre.
In play Of serious import and character or
tragical intention. The pay.-wrltten by Mr.. Ed
ward E. Rose, the basis Of novel by Mrs.
Voynich.-is named The Gadhy." The character
is named Arthur Burton. The gadhy Of nature IL
pestiferous little insect that stings cattle and
horses. and deposits its eggs in the skin Of It's
vcttms,-in other words. detestable nuisance.
The sadhy of Mrs. voynich's are.-"new- matched
70 the woful time proved to he analogous to Its
natural prototype although not nearly as inclsive.
The piece IL an old fashioned meodrama. very
clumsily put together. written in forid English and
needlessly weighted with jargon Of false ethics
and rihald rhetoric Dark limitations had beer given
that this play would give deep offence the Church
and would the ecclesiastical establishment
70 trembe. but in fact It's chief effect was 10 cause
a Eood-natured grin. once in A while the stage
kindly vouchsafes this sort 81 frosty joy-a piece
and performance seriously intended and
pretentiousiy had that they become comic. The
Gadfy' Is thing II this kind. and for old
cynic nothing could he more delicious in this Pc
culiar vein Arthur Burton. young student at
Pisa. conspired with few other young studerts
and a girl named Comma Warren. 20 overthrow the
government Of Italy. The conspiracy was revealed.
and Burton. suspecting that Comma whom he
loved and who loved HIM had betrayed II. pro-
nocent and naturally indignant Comma spurned
him. and smote upon his countensnce This treat
ment caused him great distress. but little later
he Mortified discover that his father
Roman Catholic priest. and under the ire
mendous pressure Of these experiences his re-
ligous faith expired his soul died. and he
70 South America and became Gym
cal misanthrope Fourteen years later he
reappeared in Italy. find the conspiracy sull
blooming. Comma still hard at it worker for
the rights Of man and mis- father eminent and elo-
Quent Bishop He again took a hand In the
plot. but this time he captured, and after
reconciliation with his sweetheart and a quarrel
with his sire he shot 70 death as an insur-
gent.
The assumption Of the play is that wrongs and
mIseries turn the sufferers brain and make him
h@artess, relentless and terrible One scene pro
vides him occasion for liberal expenditure Of sar-
casm and venom. meeting again. after his long
absence. the woman whom he formerly loved-and
still secretly adores-and the father whose sin
has wronged him In the hands Of romantic &C
tor possessed OF a power. passion. sympathetic
voice and personal charm.-such an actor a. James
W Wallack. jr.. or Edwin Adams. or Walter Mont
gomery. Of the past, or Charles Nosh-
Ian ~ the Notwithstanding might De made
Of such a situation Mr.. Robson. kindly.
benevolent, peculiar old gentleman. with
little vocal squeak and comic lisp. Is
completely out Of place In such character and
such an environment. There is an interlude OF
adventure in the play.-reminiscent OF such ancient
rnelodramas az "Tekeh" in which the disguised
patriot (or rebel. for these names become inter
changeab bic according to circumstances) attempts
10 elude the wstchful military on the ltahan
border but is ultimately captured. and this. Of
IFS kind Is such a display and device as usually
please a n average audience The chief emphasis.
though was laid on the OF Buttons eXecu-
ton. Here the Bishop. who Is Burton's father
intervenes 70 stay the proceedings, and in an
explanatory dialogue Burton demands that the
Bishop shall renouncA God. tear Of the cross ana
avouch his paternal relationship. else shall
condemn his son 70 he shot. and the Bishop is
made 10 choose the latter alternative. This
episode startled nobody: in fact the stu
alton was felt 10 he preposterous. and In
view ~ Rurton's had reasoning. coarse spirit
fooishness frenzy and boiseroIs vociferation. the
Bishops Anal decision 20 leave him 70 his fate was
hailed as a welcome release Miss Marie Bur
rouzhs who figured in the play Comma, has
completely irrational part, and as a natural conse-
ouence was constrained 10 use that hollow, rever-
bArant. meaningless style ~ elocuton always en-
pIoyed by women OF the stage when saying words
that they DO not mean. The play IS political fustian
and sentimental trash. mixed with few old and
hackneyed situations ~ n7eiodrana. Several capital
drops have been PAINTED for f. The integ gent part
Of the audience was bored by this exhibition. but
the claque seemed pleased TIE Church will sur
ViVa W ".