New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-09-06
q ROYAL E4MLLY."

An agreeable time spent last evening at the
Lyceum Theatre in the contemplation OF a little
play by H. Marshall called "A Royal Family" It
was the occasion Of the opening Of the theatre for
the season. and OF the Remittance Of several
favorite actors, notably Mrs. @. n. Gilbert. who
was received with q display of affection unusual
even for her; Miss Annie Russell. Charles Richman
and ". II. Thompson Two. at least, OF these,
Mrs. Gilbert and Miss Russell were seen in parts
more Ike those in which they have been most
familiar 70 the public than has been the case of
late. Mrs Gilberts part, though by no means so
worthy Of her abilities many that she has
played, somewhat recalled those which she pre-
seuted for many years at Days Theatre-the
rather Uarractable elderly woman, who is much
amusing 10 the audience than TO her associ-
ates in the story. IN this case it the part OF
a queen dowager, remarkably conscious Of her own
dignity and exacting as to her own prerogatives.
II is needless say that Mrs Gilbert acted it in
thoroughly delightful manner
Miss Russell, who was somewhat out Of her ele-
uaent last season as the learned and severe Miss
Hobbs, was last night young and pretty princess
a little wayward II her determination 70 have her
own will regardless OF the fate Of nations, but
sweet, womanly and charming. Miss Russell played
The part in quite her old manner, being herself
fresh, bright and merry. and making the Princess
entirely winning and lovely. With the help of Mr..
Richman, the Prince, she gave a breezy gayety
20 the passages Of love. without missing note of
sincerity quite clear and true. but obtrusive
as TO mar the right effect Of play essentially light
\ its texture
M Thomson and Charles Butler both good
character actors, had parts which gave their tai
ents only limited scope, but both played peasIngIy
the one as shrewd ana kindly old cardinal and
he other as uaeddlesone and stupidity suspicious
Commissioner Of Police. Lawrance d'Orsay dis
llayed a vacuous dignity as the King and went
trough his speeches with accent which has 10
1e forgiven in royalty Orrin johnson showed a bit
Z drollery as gentleman in waiting and Miss
lille Wilton sustained the duties Of royal eonsort
y.uh fitting grace.
a Royal Family is in part a familiar love
tory and in part satire court life. As
ARTIST Mr. Marshall is singulary mild and gentle,
III diverting. He has cut and thrust, bur
merely gives soft blow with the nat of the
word and the queen D0waSer herself could not
axe offence His hurnor IS OF the delicate sort
which has often missed It's mark, for very lack Of
force in reaching IT, The audience needs TO Be
DIT alert to enjoy the play fully. The love story
s ar old one. = Prince comes unknown 20 see
the Princess TO whom he is be1rothed. and wins
ner love as q MAJ while she resists him as the
unseen Prince. That IS all OF IT, but II is prettly
to!d with much neat dialogue, and II seems fresh,
even though II is well known.
The play was set upon the stage in sumptuous
style. The scene IN the palace gardens was ad-
rnirably painted The costumes were rich and
handsome and in the last scene, OF the court ball
made a luxurious stage picture.
The cast follows
Prince Charles Ferdinand Donald Gaaaer
The Duke ~ Barascoa. Orrtn Johnson
6a~on HoIdensen Charles Butler
General CasaI.a.. harry Rose
cardinal W H Thompson
Father Ansel-l- ctaTl 5elaet
II p G Attached 70 TIE royal APE pert ,9 1GAI--sn
g ! 2 household George deaSa S F6r6es
r5 ssT5eri Wyndharn stapetoa Lloyd Carlton
Mr. vanderdyle Q Cobb 9 5.d%aTds
lord Chamberlain FRANK Randolph
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