Life — April 26, 1883 — page 13: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE Bijou is open again, despite the protest of the Fire Marshal ; but it is worth the risk of being cast into the pit, to see Robertson’s charming comedy with “ Pittinto the cast." I had seen ‘*Caste” before. But I had to take a friend to the theatre who had not. Here was an opportunity not to be neglected like my friend’s education; and so I went as a matter of duty, but stayed as a matter of pleasure, Neither of us had ever seen it so well done. I shall not write an essay on the pur- pose of the play, and the Robertsonian method, as if this were anew drama, making its first bow to a New York audience— though some of the Dailies have so treated it, The charm of this presentation lies in the hearty manner in which the characters act their parts, and in the perfect stage management. Fanny Addison, a trifle mature for Esther, shows her skill as an actress by winning the sympathies of the audience early in the | first act. ‘ Dolly” Dolaro delights everyone by her grace, and the spontaneity of her fun in comedy. Eben Plympton is—but why goon? This isa humorous paper, and a thoroughly good thing does not lend itself readily to humorous copy. If you want to laugh, go to see the play. Mrs. Partington once, after a tempestuous canal journey, expressed her delight at being safe and sound again on “vice versa.” Dion Boucicault, however, does not seem to have found “ Vice Versa,” quite as firm as the earth, and the ‘Shaughraun” now replaces it at the Star. It is admirably done, and this revival of the brightest of the author's plays should receive due recognition. * It is soon to be followed by the ‘t Amadan,” which will display the darker side of the Irish question, The Salsbury Troubadours are here again with a mangled version of Bronson Howard's ‘Green Room Fun.” A clever sketch, abounding in funny speeches and situations. When I first saw it last year at Booth’s it was roaringly good. But a year and more has worked sad havoc with the dialogue, and there is a perfunctory clockworkness about the acting that seems to be the inevitable result of long runs. When Bronson Howard wrote a play for Salsbury and Company the question naturally arose: How can these people be fitted with a good play? When the piece was produced, and Nate . Salsbury was found to impersonate a bad actor, and Nelly Mc- Henry a funny amateur, the genius of the author was apparent. But now, Salsbury is getting to be a very good actor, and Miss McHenry has very nearly become a really and truly actress, They need a new play. Notices of Salvini, Neill Burgess, Modjeska, Willy Edwin, and a few others have been crowded out of this week's issue. PoINTDEXTER NIBBS. KNOWS THEY'RE OUT! —nic !—anyHow? GuEssi'vVE (reflects) GOTTEMAGIN. His wife, though at heart she was kind, Ne’er scrupled to speak out her mind. But he, not replying, Was living and dying As happy a man as you'll find.” A DIAGNOSIS. (Afr. Bloater is passing through Madison Square after a folly evening at the Club, and sees the walk Sull of squirming shadows.) "em! WonnerR'’F Barn’M WHa’S MARRER WITHEMANY “Snakes! O's OF comicbooks.com