New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-01-21


,--ss+s the character with womanIy charm and
Its with true comic spirit and refinement of
method
Mr. Cyril Maude is less successful than Miss
v-,e-v for the part Of Hardcastle is a trying
ons which does not suit his talents He is
baWever, a conscientious actor, who, having &C
,uired a reputation eccentric comedian
--tb remarkable gift for droIleTy, is endeavor-
.,- ~ widen his range and 10 drop his manner
,sr,s HIS makeup as Hardcastle was excellent
sn5 he played the part with freshness, ANNA
80, and natural force. The Young NARROW of
w~ paul Arthur was good impersonat ton, pos
sfbfv with the bashfulness overdone but GER
-sir1v with fine comedy touches in his relations
nth the Hardcastle household, and especially
=, his Irritation with the barmaid Ny own idea
% the requirements of these two parts was
srs-tiur. for as an old New York playgoer I
-z-,er1bered with the enthusiasm of youth how
rrnsh John Gilbert and Lester WaIlack used to
make CT them: Yet "Reminiscences did not dull
nv sense Of obligation TO the Haymarket com
many for q delightful and satisfactory produc-
ton Of one Of the best Of the old comedies.
one OF the strongest arguments for municipal
theatres Is the educational value of the period
ical performance OF standard works. Few man
ayers have the courage to try the experiment
which mas been introduced at the Haymarket
FOR they know the caprices of public taste and
how eager IS the quest for novelty. Municipal
theatres, being under the direction of repre-
seutatives Of the taxpayers, would be under
obligation 10 inpaTt dignity TO the stage by the
production Of classic works which have survived
the supreme test Of time No stronger con-
trast could be offered than that presented bv
"She Scoops u Conquer at the Hayrnarket and
The Masked Bali at the Criterion Each is a
comedy with tarlical touches and eccentric by
play ard each IS enacted with exceptional
a. i---y- ut Seymour Hicks, MI Herbert Stand
.nE Miss Fanny BroUgh and Miss EIalfne
T=r-I-s are well suited 10 their parts in .rTbe
Masked Ball and act with remarkable mower
ard. charm. The difference lies in the comedies
The Criterion play excites thoughtless laughter
and leaves behind il a sense Of vuIgaritv. At
the HaymaTket there is wholesome mirth. which
does not leave bad taste in the spectators
mouth overnight.
NJ Tree has followed his exceptionally good
production Of King John" with = brilliant nar-
iorI1anee Of a Midsummer Nights Dream At
her Majesty Theatre. Nothing is lacking 10
render THIS one Of the most memorable Shakes
peaF-an reTivals Of recent times The orchestra
PERFORMS me whole Of Meudelssohn's beautiful
s-o-7- me scenery is a reyeI Of beauty and
- -l. nous color with enchanting gImpses Of
--- q S-iicS q arLlSLlC stage pictures
perfect IN detail The costumes have never been
surpassed, even at Mt Trees own theatre in
blends Of color and shading and in ricrrass Of
= uIar effect The acting is Of a high
o--7I OF excellence and the parts are kent in
proper balance by the fire distribution If talent
and artistic skill The aggregate result is .
e -'--elioh o. Shakespeares beautiful work with
-7 P'e1lc atmosphere, its holiday pantonirne
ana us comic byplay, which viii be remembered
Win delight by all London playgoers Of tine
6ise ernment
NY Tree as Bottom has full range for his
: s1Fces as a comedian, and his work is broad
- I@hge' excellent in byplay and fine in variety
~ style Mrs Tree as Titania is charming. and
ir- Wen trained, resonant voice fills the furtbest
-@-nes OF the house Miss Julia Nelson is he
'i--l-g n beauty and grace as Oberon. Miss
Louie Ffeear, an actress Of great power and
A,epi-oIlal originality, is an ideal Puck. Miss
1'orotnea Baird as Helena Miss Miriam C5t,,
EMS as Eippolyta and Miss Sarah F3raaL-z a
t1el mia are al in their right places. Mr. Lewis
waller plays Lysan1er with fine grace and. ex-
client voice; and M Franklin NcLaav Mr.
III imam Mollison, Mr. Louis Calvert and +ha
other members Of the company enrich me ner
I romance with their talents. Special mention
Is due TO Mr.. Robson's good work as Snug. The
s-t---est parts are enacted with spirit and skin
ana The production Of the play as z whole ie
one OF The best Shakespearian revivsis which
tA= present generation is likely to witness.
ne managers have followed the example of