Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-06-27

last, Mrs. Stone made her first appearance be-
fore Prov idence audience, in the character
OF Belvedera which character size ably sustain
cd, and elected the unanimous applause of the
audience. Mr.. Forrest, as Jaftier, was excel
lent--we never saw part better sustained, and
at the risk of incurring the displeasure of
contemporary, we shall remark, that Venice
Preserved, is one of the most interesting Dru-
matick performances that was ever offered to
an enlightened audience. The Language, with
the exception of those parts which have been
very wisely cut out, is not only chaste but ele-
CANT and pathetic, and whenever it is spoken
correctly, as it was on the occasion to which
we alude, il fails not TO elicit the better feel
ings and admiration of the audience. Mr. Will
son, as Pcrre, was perfectly al home, and
gave us fresh evidences of his histronc tall
ents. We have rarely seen the part better
done.
On Friday evening last, Mr.. Forrest perform
ed at our Theatre the exceedingly arduous and
difficult part of Richard the.Third, to a very
fashionable, though a somewhat thin audiences
But not at all disconnected by the meagreness
OF the boxes, he went on with his part, and
personated the hump-back tyrant in a manner
which Kean could not excel, and which would
have been credita lie to the talents of Cooke.
Like all the great master spirits Of the stage,
he did not operate his magic upon the audience,
till the third act, when he burst upon them,
and almost chilled the very blood Of them, by
his delineations of the ferocious and tyranical
Gloster. The interest of the play was consid-
erably marred, by the ridiculous blunders of
the supernumeraries, and one or two of the
new fedged actors, who have come out to
seek the " bubble" fame.
In the short. but interesting part of Rich
mond, Mr. Wilson was at home, but as the
" soldiery'' which he had attached TO his
cause, were not well trained, he was verv
much annoyed, and in one or two instances
we perceived it was difficult for him to refrain
from laughing at the ludicrous department. Of
his army. For our part, we wished he would
KICK the whole army off the stage.
On Monday evening, Mr. Forrest took bis
benefit, when was presented Shells pathetic
play OF Damon and Pythias, Damon bv MIR.
Forrest, and Pythias by Mr.. Wilson. At an
early hour, the house was crowded to excess,
and we venture to say, that the Providence
Theatre never contained a more brilliant and
fashionable audience. The ladies', as if deter
mined to patronize Mr.. Forrest, made their ap
pearance, and more brilliant constellation of
wit and beauty was seldom ever Witnessed
OF Mr. Forests Damon, it is sufficient to saw
that 1t was faultenss, as was the Pytbias Of
Mr.. Wilson, who on this occasion afforded a
specimen OF hne acting, which is not often met
with. The audience, for some time, seemed
to be at stand to decide upon the merits of
the two actors, and there was such chain of
events, slch similarity and nobleness of
friendship displayed by both, that it was diff
cult to decide, which had the strongest claims
to admiration. Mrs. Stone, as Calanthe, met
with decided appropriations; indeed, she was
exactly the Roman virgin" that Shiel would
hold up to the audience.
At the close of the play, there was general
call for Mr.. Forrest, who, though much fatigued
with the performances Of the evening". nj last
came forward, and thus addressed the audi
ence:
e" Ladies and Gentlemen:-T Though much
fatigued by the labors of the evening, I obey
your call, and assure you, that for the mauv
and brilliant evidences you have given me Of
your appreciation and respect, you have NV
sincere thanks.
This is the first season that ever had tho
honor of appearing before Providence audi
ence; and though, since / have been with you
the Theatre has not been, from some cause 10
me unknown, so fully attended as anticinoted
still, the silence and attention that has been
evnced by those who have bonored II with
their presence, has been far more grateful 10
my feelings than the vain, empty, and iniudic-
ious applause and noise Of the million"
To this speech, wo are sorry TO say, somo
gentlemen have taken exceptions, though we
are at loss to discover, how the language Il
contains, can be construed into an insult, offer
ed tho public. For our single selves, We con-
slider il one Of the most chaste and handsome
compliments ever offered 10 Providence au-,
dicnce.