Dancing fa Life, a new and amusing petite comedy, has
been produced at the Olympic this week. Though smartly written by KENNY, capitally acted by LISTON, and KEELEY, and tastefully got up by V ESTI:IS, it did not meet with the success it deserved; in conse- quence of the second act not realizing the promise of the first. The title is taken from the incident in the second act, of LISTON and KEELEY, who as father and son have given offence to a prince at a ball, being commanded to continue dancing, under pain of imprison- ment, in order to prevent their communicating the cause of offence, which is the promulgation of the secret marriage of the prince. This was a ludicrous scene; but not equal in drollery, setting aside its ex- travagance, to the scene in the first act, where LISTON is seen as-an ex-diplomatist, playing the part of a modern Cincinnati's, and devoting himself to philosophy and floriculture. KEELEY'S impatience of paternal restraint, his description of the horrors of a hothouse and the drudgery of digging, and his style of giving vent to the feelings of love and ambition that fire his bosom, are infinitely droll. LisToses acting was throughout admirable ; but his dress and manner in the last scene were in the tidiest vein and the most finished style of the old comedy. The ball-room scene was very elegant, and the ladies' costumes were splendid and characteristic. It was rendered dull, however, by the dancing being made to clog the business of the drama ; which always spoils scenes of this description. What can be more tedious than a company of actors and actresses with nothing to do, and endeavouring to behave like ladies and gentlemen OR the boards ? Why not let the dancing continue, at the back of the stage, all through the scene; the music playing softly behind the scenes, and the dancers moving with light and gentle steps, as in a quadrille upon the carpet ; while the actors on whom the plot depends are discussing their business audibly enough in front? The effect would be annimating and real, as well as novel. VLSTRIS, to whom the stage is indebted for many, elegant im- provements in minor points, should make this experiment.
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