Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1885. Excerpt: ... CLOSING SCENES. DECEMBER 7th.--Mr. Irving's engagement, which began on November ioth, was ended last night. It has filled a period of four weeks and it has been prosperous to the actor and advantageous to the public. The pieces presented were, with two exceptions, those in which Mr. Irving and Miss Terry had been seen before. The novelties were "Twelfth Night" and "Hamlet," Mr. Irving presenting Malvolio and Hamlet, and Miss Terry presenting Viola and Ophelia. Mr.Wills's drama of " Charles I." had a single representation. The attendance throughout Mr. Irving's four weeks has been large. The several plays produced by him have been set upon the stage in a careful manner and with as much correctness in dresses and scenery as is ever desirable in these matters. Mr. Irving has had the sagacity to employ scenic artists of the highest order, and to enlist the services of a stage manager (Mr. H. J. Loveday) of ripe experience and great and peculiar talent and energy; but it would be a mistake to suppose that Mr. Irving's renown rests upon stage pictures or stage management. To the illumination of the plays by adroit devices of treatment he has given thoughtful and thorough attention; but it is as an actor that he has made his fame. Comment upon his recent performance of Hamlet has already been as far enlarged as is desirable; but that performance, for example, whatever may be its blemishes of elocution or its questionable expedients of stage business, would suffice to show him possessed of the intuition of genius. It has aroused controversy. Mr. Irving's personal peculiarities invaribly do that--for even when he is walking quite in the beaten track they are so marked and singular that they distract and perplex the general observation. But adverse criticism of Mr. Irving's acting, such as is...
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