THE PRINCESS THEATRE.

Evening Star, Issue 3126, 25 February 1873, Page 3

THE PRINCESS THEATRE.

Boucicault’s drama of “ Elfie; or the Cherry Tree Inn,” was produced for the first time at the Princess Theatre, last evening. The pit and stalls were well patronised, but the attendance in the dress circle was very small. No doubt the threatening state of the weather intimidated many from putting in an appearance. The drama is not only sensational to a decree, but contains a vein of wit and humor, very amusing, while the literature of the piece is in many respects superior to other productions by the same author. The plot, however, is very thin, and the positions are so disconnected that the observer has some difficulty in connecting the various scene* presented. The opening scene was striking and familiar, in so far as a druggist’s shop was presented, containing blue, red, and other bott'es, and posters advertising the good qualities of all kinds of quack medicines. The principal actor in this scene was Dr Air'castle (Mr Lyster), an enthusiastic chemist, who imagined that he had discovered the philosopher's atoue, or the power of producing precious grins or metal from anything. With him are associated his daughter, Pose (Miss Marion Willis), and a seaman named Bob (-vans (Mr Collier), who is enamoured of the chemist’s daughter. While indirectly declaring his love for her, a noted miser and inn-keeper, named Filey (Mr Musgrave), enters the rhop and requests payment of an old account The doctor intiihatea to him that he has at last succeeded in his chemical experiments, and by accident produced from his crucible gems of rave value. Th c miser inspects the gems, and secures some of them by exchange of his account and a quantity of cash. The locality of the plot is then made known by the miser remarking that he must walk into Winchester to ascertain the value of the gems purchased. Immediately on his departure, Bub Evans discloses that he is about to go on a voyage, and makes known his affection for Hose. She reciprocates, while her father, excited by the result of his chemical experiments, enters the village adjacent to his residence, and entertains the Villagers. The scene culminates \a front of the publjohouse kept by Filey. Here, in addition to the characters mentioned, a blind shipmate of Evans named Joe Chirrup (Mr Douglas), and the barmaid Elfie (Mrs Walter Hill) join with the villagers in rejoicing at the chemist's success. Dm lug this scene one Sidley Despoar (Mr Clinton', a literary and scientific person given somewhat to art studies, and another individual of questionable character named Sadlove (Mr Hill) enter. 1 he latter has a weakness for waxwork exhibitions,’though he had previously been unfortunate enough hy that line of business. 'I he next scene a woodland view, in which 'Sadloye suggests to the artist the advisability of plundering Fp ev of his wealth, whioh is supposed to be secreted under the floor and about the walls of his bedroom. The suggestion seems to take » fleet, but meanwhile Filey returns from Winchester, and declares that the gems are valueless, and threatens to punish the clumist by imprisonment, if ids claims are not satisfied within twenty-four hours. At this declaration Dceppar and jJob. Evans become sq a in oted that they resolve on obtaming the money required by the chemist, by any possible means, and thereby winning the hand of Hose, ’ifio one, however, is influenced by pa:-sion, while the other is actuated by pure affection. Bob Evans accidentally meets tfadlove, and suggests the idea of robbing the Inn, Both retire thinking of the matter. Tho most excßing scene of the drama is then presented. A sectional view of the public-house is presented, showing two floors. The lower contains the bar and an outer room, and the uppier Filey’s chamber (supposed to contain the gpjd) and another room, Elfie Joe t*rs epgayVd 'in the bar reading, while Filey retires and gloatsover his sains. Meanwhile $ pcmoif very like Bob Evans enteya, and silently, though observed by Hfie, ascends tho staircase, enters the inner room, seizes upon a bag ot money, but while pocketing it, aomo of°the coma fall to tho floor, and rouse the miser.

An encounter follows, in which Fileyis killed. •The robber escapes unobserved. The noise, however, above, arouses the occupants of the bar to action, and the murder is discovered ; but, immediately after, Bob Evans enters, and is charged with the crime, while Elfie falls in a fainting fit. Days are sup* posed to pass, and the next scene opens in the sitting-room of the chemist, where Elfie is lying ill, surrounded, by the chemist, Toe, and Rose. It made known that the chemist s debts have been paid by Deepcar, and that the object of the latter is to secure the hand of Rose. But howandwherehe got the money, is perplexing, because it was understood that he was poor. The suspicions of the group are, therefore, aroused, and Elfie resolves to solve the mystery. Bob Evans immediately enters, and is denounced as the murderer. He pleads bis cause, and is believed by his old mate and Elfie, but rejected by Rose. The scene then suddenly changes to the wax figure showroom of Sadlove, where Elfie, with Joe Chirrup, while secreted, discover that Deepcar, disguised by a mask having the likeness of Bob Evans, committed the crime, for the sole purpose of obtaining money to pay the chemist’s debts and thus pave the way to obtaining the hand of Rose. In the concluding scene, as a matter of course, Deepcar is charged with the crime and arrested, while Bob Evans and Rose are reconciled, much to Elfie’s disappointment. Being told, however, of Joe’s love for her, she determines to give herself to him, and the curtain drops on one of the most singular dramatic representations we have yet witnessed. The piece was exceedingly well mounted, some of the scenes being exceptionally well executed. Absence of space prevents our noticing the individual performance of the actors, suffice it therefore, to say that the performers individually and collectively were at home in their parts, played well, and were frequently, enthusiastically, and deservedly applauded. The drama will be repeated this evening, and we commend the entertainment to the public.