Life, 1893-09-14 · page 11 of 18
Life — September 14, 1893 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis This page reviews theatrical productions. The main image shows a dramatic scene labeled "AN EMOTIONAL ROLE," depicting what appears to be a period costume drama with two figures in an intense moment. The text discusses Mr. Thomas's play "Sheridan," which the reviewer describes as heavily powdered and artificial, with characters "as dandified as the Missourians are untutored." The critic praises the dramatist's willingness to sacrifice historical accuracy for dramatic effect, noting the dialogue uses affected language ("bon mots") associated with Sheridan and his contemporaries. The lower illustration labeled "DECORATIVE DESIGN: FIN DE SIECLE" appears to be a decorative vignette, possibly satirizing fin-de-siècle artistic affectation through its refined, delicate style. The review concludes that despite the production's handsome mounting at the Lyceum theater, the play offers only superficial entertainment value.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
171 Almost as important as Mr. Goodwin's are the parts igned to Mr. Burr McIntosh and Mrs. Jean ‘a Walters. These are Jo Vernon, the blacksmith, and his wife. They are both admirably portrayed. Humbly and incidentally we might sug- gest to Mr. McIntosh that if while he is appearing as the grimy artisan he is afraid to leave his el diamond ring in his dressing room, there are severa! safe deposit vaults in New York where his property would be quite safe. “In Mizzoura” will be a popular success, We are especially glad to note this, because it is written by an American author, is played by American actors, and is through and through an American play. * * * T would be hard to find a stronger contrast to Mr. Thomas's play than that presented by the latest production at the Lyceum. “Sheridan” is bewigged and powdered to the last degree, and its characters are as dandified as the Missourians are untutored. In this case the dramatist, Mr. Potter, found the plot and dialogue almost ready to his hand, and where history was not convenient to dramatic purpose he has not hesitated to sacrifice the former. His lines are liberally sprinkled with the don mots attributed to Richard Brinsley Sheridan and his contemporaries. These old friends rather detract from than add to the interest of the piece. Mr. Sothern gains no new laurels from the creation of this part. His work is conscientious but shows no marks of brilliancy. Miss Grace Kimball as Betly Linley, “the Maid of Bath,” realized the part in good looks and attractive apparel and does her work intelligently. The other characters are well sustained. As usual at the Lyceum, the piece is handsomely mounted. “Sheridan” wil! doubtless enjoy a suc- AN EMOTIONAL ROLE. ¢ WHY WERE YOU SO AWKWARD AND EMBARRASSED WHEN YOU PROPOSED TO ME? He: Olt, | WAS TRYING NOT TO LOOK SO COCK-SURE OF BEING Ac+ eee : cerren as 1 ety, cess d'estime, if nothing more. Metcalfe. the public, and we think he himself, find it difficult at first to take him seriously. In this essay he has wise- ly been content not to monopolize all the acting there is in the play. The part of Jim Radburn, a philanthropic and love- smitten Missouri. sheriff, makes small call on any of Mr. Goodwin's powers, and is hardly a fair test of his possible abilities in a serious line of work. What there is to do, how- ever, he dozs effectively. Decorative DesiGN: FIN DE SIECLE. comicbooks.com