THEATRE ROYAL.—THE STRANGER.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1603, 9 April 1879, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.—THE STRANGER.

In tl'e present day there is very little to be said in favour of the retention on the English stage of You Kotzebue’s melancholy play, “The Stranger.” Without beiiig worse in its tendency than many popular plays that arc constantly performed it is strange that with such a large number of better and more attractive pieces for managers to select from, this dreary exposition of woe should still keep a place in the modern British drama. Mr Oreswick’s acting as the Stranger was powerful and full of pathos, and the same may be said of the Mrs Haller of Miss Ashton, but unfortunately, the more completely the intention of the author of “ The Stranger” is realised, the more depressing is the effect upon the audience. Mr Creswick and Miss Ashton played the lact act, whore the reconciliation of the “ Stranger” with his erring wife takes place, with intense effect, and were called before tho curtain. The characters generally were well sustained, especially that of Francis, by Mr Burford, the Countess Wintersen, by Miss Solange Novaro, and the Solomon of Mr Sterling Whyte, Miss A; Mayor played the small part of the Savoyard, and sang the incidental song, “ I have a silent sorrow here,” very nicely. Tho performance terminated with tho nautical drama entitled “Ben Bolt,” in which Mr H. H. Vincent, in the title role , and Miss Novaro, as Alice, appeared to groat advantage. Mr Power was humorous as Reuben, and was well acted up to by Miss Bessie Vivian, as Mary, They introduced a duet, in the first act, with considerable effect. The other characters found capable representatives, who aided tho success of the piece. To-night Lovell’s beautiful play “ Ingomar ” will be performed, with Mr Creswick as Ingomar and Miss Ashton as Parthenia, To-morrow night Shakspeare’s play “King Henry IV.” will be produced, with Mr Creswick in tho great character of Sir John Falstaff, which should have the effect of drawing a crowded house.