Literary cadet, and Saturday evening bulletin. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1826-1827, 1826-11-04
THEATRICAL,

Mr.. MAcREADY.-Since this gentleman has
been in the United States, he has excited unusual
interest and the press has been active TO al
vance his prospects. The New-York manas ement
which is always active, when theatrical talent is
thrown into the market, TO gain crowded houses,
made Of every art and address, to gull the peo-
pie into belief that Mr.. MACREADY was net only
an actor Of unparalleled talents but Of the first
Of scholars and most accomplished gentlemen of any
age. In this they partially succeeded; they gulled
the natives, and, for time, the very arches Of
Heaven echoed with the praises Of MIR. MACREA-
DY.
Although we do not set ourselves up AS the ablest
Of dramatic censors, we shall venture our reputa-
ton, as critics. by saying that Mr.. MAcREADY falls
far short Of that exalted reputation which partial
friends have given him, and that, actor, he is
decidedly inferior to KEAN, CooPER, CoNwAY,
BooTH, or HAMBLIN. We have seen him the last
week I'VE visited the Boston Theatre with high
wrought expectations, and sorry we to say,
hat we were sadly disappointed.
MIR. MAcREADY is not man Of genius, and in
attempting TO pourtray the passions, he moves on
with stiff, studied scholastic rule, rarely, if ever
giving vent 10 those bursts OF real passion which
distinguish the declamations Of kEAN, and which
have gained well-merlled fame 1pr CONWAY,
COOPER, AMI HAMBLIN. The whole of his per-
iorInances, iii play much Of the scholar--they show
,hat his acquaintance with the hstrionic art, has
been formed from long and attentive study, and
that he is utterly incapable Of embojyins the cha
racier he assumes he Is cold, dull and formal
|! is true, that ho sometimes displays degree of
feeling, so necessary 10 give effect TO the cx,rlions
of the actor-but they are, like angels visits, few
and far between" Ills readings are Chaste and cor
rect, but they mere readinss-they partake not
of those qualities which alone give effect TO the
drama. That he is a well trained scholar, no one
whc has seeu him viii deny and that he is strictly
gentleman. in private life, all who acquainted
with him will readily concede but that he will ev
er succeed in rendering himself popular in this coun-
'ry. is a proposition altogether problematical.
Ills acting may, for aught we know, be pecu-
lIary adapted to the ta.te of the British metropolis,
but it is not calcula ed Tor this climate. We want
the fire and genius Of kEAN--the dignity OF Coo. g.
PER-the chastity of CONWAY, and the classical
performances of IIAMBLIN; and as long as these
favored sons Of genius remain with us, Mr.. Ma
CREADY will remain comparatively Ia the shade.
What we have SAID concerning this gentleman,
has been induced by spirit of candor and frank
ness, and not by disposition to inure the feelings
prospects of our hstronic adventurer and visitor.
The opinions we have expressed, are our opinions
only-they may differ with those of thousand 9TH
ers. and if they do, shall remain perfectly salts
fed.
We were gratifel to see our old friends, KiLNER,
FINN, CLARKE, REED and WILLIAMSON at their
rosts, receiving merIted applause for their unwea-
ned exertions to Please. Mr.. FIELD is evidently
improving.