New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-17

imaginative tale written by the Hon Ernest
Woelleyi reciting what did not happen on the
island. In the end the earl confesses that his
faith in his theory OF social equality has been
shaken, and the daughters and their suitors are
paired off In coed form, as though the advent
ures on the island, In which the normal rela-
lions Of quality and the servants quarters had
been not only severed but utterly reversed. had
never taken place. The Admirable Crichton,
who protested in the first act against the va
carries Of his master, expresses no regret for
the loss Of his kingdom. and emphasizes the
opinion that social equality cannot be carried
out IN England as in the tropics by leading off
Tweeny 10 be mistress Of Il public house in the
better end Of Harrow Road.
The production OF this bright and diverting
dramatic fantasy at the Duke OF York's The
atre is admirable in all respects. The stately
drawing room in Mayfair. where the action be-
gins and ends. offers fine contrast to the two
tropical pictures. with the tangIe of luxuriant
underground beside the blue sea, and the cot
tage with the lovely vista from the broad win
dow, and the sound OF the beating surf ingen-
iously initiated throughout the two intermediate
acts. The costumes of the castaways, patched
up of pea Jackets, sailors trousers and plumes
of birds in the tropical paradise pctu-
rescue and fantastic, and supply another effec-
tive contrast 10 the drawing room clothes.
4AS dSlitE On the opening night was eACellSuI
all around Mr.. Henry Kemble, as the pompous
earl with scatterbrain social theories was most
amusing and revealed throughout we'll sus-
tanned talent for eccentric comedy. Mr.. Ger
aid du Maurier the Hon Ernest Wooley.
the hippant and selfish cad, who appropriated
in his book all the merits and achievements of
the Admirable Crichton. was most effective;
and Mr. Clarence Blakston as the vicar and
Mr.. Carter Pickford as Lord Brocklehurst made
the most OF two minor parts. Miss Irene Van
hrugh as Lady Mary Lasenby. while not pro-
vided with adequate work for her talents in the
first two acts. played with vivacity. sensibility
and heXibility in the third act; and fault
was to be found with Miss sybiI Carlisle and
Miss Muriel Beaumont. as the younger daugh-
tiers OF the earl. with Miss Fanny Coleman
as the Countess of Brocklehurst. Miss Pattie
Browne as Tweeny gave realistic impersona-
ton Of an awkward. sentimental serving maid.
The brunt of the action was carried successfully
by Mr.. II. B. Irving the versatile butler. He
was at his best in the third act. and especially
at the close when his pomp and glory passed
away like a summers dream and he awoke to
the realities of social order: but from begin
ming to end it was a subtle, resourcefuI and ad-
mirable performance worthy OF the high repu-
tation which he has made on the English stage.
THE Admirable Crichton" has no serious pur-
pose and in plot and byplay it is not effective
in any ordinary dramatic sense. 1t is a clean.
wholesome and sparkling entertainment ex-
citing thoughtful laughter and refreshing the
spectators with sense OF the originality Of the
design and the delcacy and whimsical char
acter OF the treatment. Mr.. Barrie has done
nothing better than this delightful play. and
well deserved the warm verdict of approval
which it received on the opening night from an
enthusiastic house While improbabity was
not carried 10 a dangerous point nor social
prejudces defied by the marriage OF butler and
the earl's daughter. there was approach to
plausibility in the admiration which was ex-
cited in the breast of quality when practical
talent had asserted its rightful distinction of
leadership under abnormal conditions The
play. while fresh and unconventional as
sea breeze. stimulative and invigorating
after the long and dreary series OF inane farces
and theatrical meIodramas staged this autumn.
!. y. r.