At the French Plays, novelties and old favourites alternate in
such quick -succession that we can only chronicle the changes that have taken place. The versatility of AL Lafont, and the extent of his range of parts, have been more conspicuous this season than last; his transitions "from grave to gay, from lively to severe," have been incessant. His personation of two characters,—a hasty, eccentric old man, and his silly son—in Pre et Fils, elicited his mimetic powers, and also that force of expression which he dis- plays only on rare occasions. He appears to prefer, as the visitors may do, perhaps, those characters in which the easy levity of the man of pleasure or the mauvais sujet predominate; and the careless gayety, address, and goodbumour that he exhibits in such pieces as Le Lansguenet and Le Ser- ment de College—both new this season—make his animal spirits exhilara, ting as well as amusing: the veteran comedian renews his youth in look and manner. Mademoiselle St. Marc is become an established favourite, as she deserves to be; devoid of display, affectation, and co- quetry, the genuine and unobtrusive excellence of her performance, both of lively and serious characters, combine with her charming voice and agreeable person to produce an effect of the most pleasing and satisfactory kind. Herself in the first bloom of youth, her histrionic powers are only in the bud; but in this early stage of development they are admirable and - delightful. Madame Croset and M. Cartigny are too well known to need
• eulogy, while their aid is too effective to be left unrecognized.
Previous page
