New-York tribune., 1905-02-07
MR. WILLARD IN 4 NEW PLAY.
"The Brighter Side. +"

Nr Willard, ct the Knickerbocker Theatre last
night changed his BILL putting aside Lucky Dur
han" which Is failure. and producing, under the
name OF THE Brighter Side" translation. by
Louis \. Parker, OF the French comedy Of La
Chate,atae," by Alfred Capus. G play that met
with some favor in Paris when II was acted there
Il October 1902, at the Theatre De Ia Renaissance
and one that, possibly, may meet with some favor
here The finer attributes OF the comedy are
delicate drawing Of character neat adjustment OF
details and happily fluent and vivacious dialogue
L IS { portrayal Of manners and it could not be
made effective. without expert and polished aoing.
IN every Of its parts. The story possesses no
inherent interest The value. If any, is in the
texture Of literary garment and in implied knowl-
e5ge OF the world. The spirit is healthfu and the
is pure The purpose was the c0nnendable
one Of asserting the possibility Of retrieving errors
in the conduct OF life (at least by persons possess
ing fine character and staIwart hbre) and likewise
the wisdom OF looking always on the brighter side
OF the central person IL the play IL is significantly
said that he never yields to anything but happi-
ness" This person Andre Jossan IS represented
b. SIr. Willard. whose authority, frank demeanor
direct incsive style beautiful vocalism, and deft
stimulation OF passionate feeling combine to make
the portrayal sympathetic and impressive.
The outlines OF the story Of this comedy be
briefly indicated. Andre Jossan. aged thirty-eight
handsome and accomplished, is prosperous rich,
and respectable, after having sQUandered fortune
IL dissipation. II. de Rives, also middle aged. is
& p-odIgal rake. Jossan is a bachelor. De Rives
is married but his wife, TherAse. most OF whose
property he has squandered, purposes 70 divorce
him and he has agreed to consent 10 the divorce
Nine De Riyes is the niece Of q worldly woman.
Nine. La Baudiere who has stepdaughter named
Luc!enne and Nine. La Baudiere strives TO effect
the marriage Of Lucienne 10 the wealthy Jossan
THIS sH-fascinating capitalist, however, cannot be
thus captured. Jossan and Nine. Therese de Rives
meet and at once become enamoured- Mime. La
Baudere, enraged by failure of her matrimonial
scheme apprises De Rtves Of his wife's attach
raent 70 JoEsan and thereupon De Rives refuses
70 allow the divorce, and privately abducts
Therese's little boy-expecting, by this means. TO
compel his wife 10 live with him Jossan confronts
De RIves end, IN animated colloQuy, over
whelrns him By force of character. puissance Of
moral position. and prodgality Of language. De
Riyes then becomes ironical, and appr1ses Iherese
that he VIII subscribe 10 their separation and
their child TO her custody. Jossan and
Theress finally left in aInorous accordance
with rainbow prospect OF happy marriage.
In Paris. Andre Josgan acted by Lucten
Guttry, while the heroine Tnerese, was assumed by
Jane Hading. Mr.. Willard produced La Chate-
lsIne' under the Of THE Optimist" IN Phil
ade-phis. February 16. 1903 acting Andre Jossan
for the time. and Miss Alice Lonnon appeared
AZ Therese. This actress has rejoined Mr. WIZARDS
company and resumed this part Mr.. Willard Will
devote the closing week Of his present New-Yerk
engagement 70 The Aftddleaan" and THE Profess
sor's Love Btory'-plays in which his splendid
powers revealed they are not and cannot
be in conversational plays or French social life.
The achievements Of Mr. Willard as an actor have
heen carefully set forth in this place. and his
oeDuolaI excellence has been cordially recognized
He IS Of the best of our time His voice
Is of great compass and sympathetic quality. and
the fervor and OF its tones are enhanced
By the hexib1lity variety and accuracy OF his elo-
cUtioa In this respect he is exceptional Intellect.
imagination and grace are the characteristics
Of MS acting, and IL has especially seemed 10 be
animated by uncommon moral fervor. Y. "