The times., 1901-04-02
AT THE THEATRES.
The Mathematician Rehan.

1t is not often that the product Of an
American playwright meets with ques-
tiouabla success in his own country, goes
to England where il makes one OF the
substantial hits of the season, and comes
back again to introduce one Of the most
talented native actresses of the day
after a temporary retirement. This, how
ever is the rather unique record OF
sweet Nell of old Drury. which was
presented at the National Theatre last
night by Ada Rehan. The audience that
applauded with a viEor that bespoke a
genuine appreciation was large and dis
eliminating and found in the work of
Miss Rchan real delight Although at
times the piece is incoherent and might
truly be said to be- weak. struCturally, its
interest is never allowed to flag. and it
possesses SO many effective situations and
the lines are frequently so brilliant that
the offering is most enjoyable,
OF course, Miss Rehan is the star and
upon her falls the major share of the
work. and it IS only due this very able
actress to state that she more than full
fills every requirement Without her the
performance might be expected to suffer
a collapse at almost any moment. But
she is ON the stage Il great deal, and Is
fun OF good spirits and her personal sue
cess is unquestioned. In all her scenes
She is capital, but especially so in the
passages with the King and his courtiers
and in the encounter with her rivals, the
Duchess of Portsmouth and Lady Cas-
tlemaiue. When the dramatist calls her
to display unusually dramatic moments
the former DAILY faVorite is right at home
while in some OF her lighter periods she
is very delightful. She adopts a semi
burlesquc air when she is supposed to
personify Jehreys, and gives her audi
eucc d most enjoyable scene. In all her
work Miss Rehan exhibits a delicious eN-
ubeTance OF spirits. a miScnieVouS humor.
and an audacious railleTy-all the accom-
plishmenrs, in fact. that have won for
her the cpviable reputation she possesses
as one of the very best Of native ac-
tresses The production of the kester
play is Commendable IL Cor nothing more
than the splendid opportunities ii affords
Miss Rehan.
In Mr. kesters play Nell Gwyn appears
chiefly In the guise OF good angel
thrOu ghout the four acts. The chief love
interest centres around Sir Roger Fair
fax and Lady Olivia Vernon, who possess
a very ardent affection for each other.
and for whom Nell even risks the patron
age of the King. OF course. there are
any number of situations calculated to
display the impudence of the warm-heart-
I'd. impetuous woman. and some of these
are exceedingly well planned. The play
viii not bring to Mr.. Hester any great
amount of fame on this side OF the water
and We're it not for the undoubted genius
OF Miss Rehan il would he little better
than popular priced entertainment. The
management has been generous in the
matter of scenic environment and cos
tunes, the latter being especially elaho-
rate and correct. 50 far as the historical
chara Cter Is concerned.
The supporting company IS good Henry
JcWett. White Whiftlesey. and NJ. l.. Al
sop heading the male portion of the cast,
while Marian Neshitt. very agreeable
and capable young actress, is seen 10
much advantage as Lady Vernon. Mr..
" WhittlcSey s Interpretation of the role of
King Charles is most. praiseworthy. lie
brings TO the part the benefit of a dis
aiusuished personal appearance. while he
reads his lines intelligently and with
c0mmendahIc appreciation OF humor. Mr..
Jewett fails to convince his audience that
he Is not playing a comedy role most Of
the time and his work as Lord JeffreyS
VIII never br regarded a an achievement.
The Roger Fairfax of Mr. Alsop is ex-
cellent. while the Rochester OF Charles
=. Gotthoid Is conventional characteri-
zation. William Elton gives 4 good pic
ture of Il low comedian. His Percival is
an admirable character drawing and one
OF the small bits Of the performance that
assumed an Importance bF reason of his
clever work Blanche Burton as the
Duchess of Portsmouth, and Louise Ora
per rs Lady CaStiemaine are sccepta ble,
while the rest of the cast is satisfactory.
There VIII be matinee performances of
sweet Nell Of Old Drury tomorrow
and Saturday.