New-York tribune., 1905-01-10
WYNDHAM AT THE LYCEUM.
"Rebellious Susan. I"

Ihe Wyndham season at the Lyceum Theatre
continues in unclouded prosperity. Eight weeks OF
IL have passed. and the acting OF Charles Wyndham
and his excellent company,-in which Henry Bishop,
Mary Moore. and Vane Featherstone are conspic-
uous-has given great pleasure to a multitude Of
sppreciative auditors Last night the bill
changed and Mrs Gorringe's Necklace" was SUI
perseded by ''The Case of Rebellious Susan" This
presented by Nj Daniel Frohman. a the old
Fourth Avenue Lyceum in 1894. with Miss Isabel
Irving Lady Susan Harabin: but with Charles
Wyndham and Mary Moore in the cast, It
hbits aspect OF interesting novelty. In sub
stance IT IS suggestive OF vicious conduct. but It
possesses variety OF character sprightly
comic situation. and vivacity OF dialogue, and 1t
affords opportunity for acting-as might be expect
ed in any fabric OF drama from the pen Of Henry
Arthur Jones; and so it succeeds.
The story OF the play relates that. because Lady
Susan's husband incontinent, Lady Susan de-
ternined 70 become lawless. In that proceeding
she not actuated by the prompting Of vice. but
by an impulse OF retaIaton-for she was both
moral logician and social philosopher. If living
IN the honorable estate OF marriage. q husband
break his vows without mourning social odium and
prescription. wife, surely, may be permitted 10
follow his example II partner IN contract is
false 10 IT, the other partner should be false. also
That was Susan's conclusion. and upon that
cluslon she acted-so that disturbance in her fam
lly circle already considerable. much aug
mented. When Susan first dazzled the inhabitants
OF the British capital with her brilliant view OF the
proper conduct OF matrimonial life she did not
make II clear whether OF not she had pushed her
resentment 10 the extent OF vicious nhdelity. and
the consequent inceTtirude. which thereupOu. for
some time. clouded the public mind WAS the cause
OF gloom. The gayety OF nations IN fact suffered
an eclipse-till suddenly arose upon the popu-
lar sorrow, Mr. Jones emerging with the assurance
that Susan had nisbehaved herself as much ii
IS possible for a woman TO do Retaliation what
6usan meant. and retaliation she accomplished.
After that all was peace. and the rebellion Of
Susan has since been carried on with expeditions
vigor. and greatly the edhcation OF all husbands
colonial and American. well British Eusan's
cause was, obviously. noble. and Sussn's idea
which seems TO be also that OF the learned and
conscientious Mr.. JOnes,-wtll commend itself 70
every well regulated connubial pair
The benedcence Of the eminent dramatic author,
IN making known this interesting case.-together
with his fine code OF domestic rnorality,-en-
titles him 10 public gratitude, and he should have
his reward Persons who attend theatre do
because they wish obtain the elementary princi-
pies OF moral science: TO broaden and deepen their
perception OF the Ten Commandments: to strengthen
their grasp upon the revised statutes TO acquire
familiarity with the Westminster Catechism; TO
nlurnine their understanding with the pharma-
copoaia, and the police court records. Nothing IS
essential 10 their welfare close acquaintance
with social turpttude coupled with q distinct real-
cation OF the great truth that twice two is four
The most refreshing spectacle that can be set be-
fore their eyes Is that Of domestic trouble. and the
most ennObling subject with which their minds
be drenched IS the conduct incontinent husbands
and wantOn wives. They Will learn from Mr.
Jones's account Of rebeIllous Susan much that it
is important they should know: and if they should
chance 70 be a little uneasy. after absorbing this
dose Of morality. they feel that. like epson
salts. II is wholesome. Lady Susan Is made a
handsome sprightly expeditions dame by Miss
Mary Moore. and the kindly, sober minded, worldly
wise quizziCal Sir Richard KatO is impersonated
with delightful ease and in a lovable spirit Of
drou humor by Charles Wyndham- Indeed the
portraiture OF a polished gentleman, who IS wise
without pompo-ity and good without being inspid
Is made deeply and exceptionally impressive by this
actor because he interpenetrates il with the deep
tenderness and sweet protective reposeful virtue OF
his own nature