Life, 1891-02-05 · page 10 of 16
Life — February 5, 1891 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Page Content Analysis This page reviews theatrical productions at Daly's Theatre and the Lyceum Theatre. The upper section critiques performances of "The School for Scandal," praising Miss Rehan's portrayal of Lady Teazle while finding Mr. Whetleigh's performance lacking. It also praises supporting actors including George Clarke, Henry Edwards (as Sir Oliver), and Sidney Herbert in his debut. The lower section features a four-panel cartoon titled "How a Reverend Gentleman Had a Very Narrow Escape," depicting a clergyman in various misadventures involving water and potentially dangerous situations—likely humorous commentary on misfortune befalling a religious figure. The page blends theatrical criticism with illustrated humor typical of Life magazine's satirical approach.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
*LIFE-: AT DALY'S. N reproducing such « play as “ The School for Scandal,” there is always the consola- tion of feeling no anxiety in regard to the merits of the piece itself. A better comedy was never written, Miss Rehan's Lady Teas/e is an excellent performance, and is also a decided departure from the traditional rendering of the character. Her impulsiveness and vivacity give a new charm to this familiar personage. Sir Peter is less happily represented. Mr. Wheatleigh possesses neither the temperament, the physique nor the ability to do the part any sort of justice. The assignment of this réle to such an actor is one of the mysteries which the audience is unable to solve. Mr. George Clarke as /oseph Surface, adds not a little to the interest of the play by his con- sistent and finished acting. Mr. Drew comes off with flying colors as Charles Surface, and th’s gentleman is to be congratulated in the possession of a fine XVIIIth century profile that harmonizes to perfection with a wig and sword. Mr. Henry Edwards, who, as Sir Oliver, makes his first appearance in this company, proves himself a most desirable addition. He is, of course, very much at home as S/r O/tver, and it is a pleasure to see him upon Mr. Daly's boards. One of the most important suc- cesses of the performance isthe Str Benjamin Backbite of Mr. Sidney Herbert, who makes his first appearance in this company. According to the programme, the play “has been arranged for this occasion by Mr. Daly." Now, “ The School for Scandal" happens to be the perfection of a comedy, and there is a general impression in the community that the play as Mr. Sheridan left it, is fully as good as the “ adaptations ” we are in the habit of seeing at this theatre. While we respect the enterprise of the boy who painted a moustache on his grandmother's portrait, we are by no means sure that he improved the likeness. TH present bill at the Lyceum Theatre is not up to the high standard that Mr. Frohman has established for his house. Mr. Chambers’s curtain-raiser, ‘* The Open Gate,” although skilfully constructed lacks masculinity. The idea that a one-act piece must be pretty prevails so thoroughly that in this case almost everything but prettiness is eliminated, “ Nerves "contains some amusing situations, but the whole Voice (through the bread doughy: MOTHER, 1 COULDN'T HELP iv; I TUMBLED IN BY AXIDENCE! HOW A REVEREND GENTLEMAN HAD A VERY NARROW ESCAPE. comicbooks.com