Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-05-30
VISIT TO NETWORK.
CONTINUED

Leaving Chatham Garden, we proceed TO
the Lafa, otto Theatre, tn. third in age, and
first in capacity, third in interest, and second
in success. This establishment was built bv
Mr. Charles Sanford large dealer in theatri-
cal stock, for the purpose OF getting up melo-
dramatic performances, in connexion with
equestrian feats, and for a while, the project
succeeded to admiration. But its novelty soon
gave way, and the public voice being in favour
OF the legitimate drama, the ring was Destroy
ed, and a capaoious pit erected in its place,
and thence forward the Lafayette was fre-
quented by the lovers Of the Drama; and all
traces Of the ring were abolished
This establishment as we said before, is devot-
ed to melo-drama: The principal performer, is
Mr.. Burroughs, gentleman we'll known to the
public, and esteemed as chaste and correct
actor, in the particular department to which
he confines himself and is decidedly successful
and popular. Next to him, is Mr.. Dinneford, a
very respectable actor, and who is distinguish
ei Tor his zeal, industry and perseverance.
The last season, Mr.. and Mrs. Duff were at
tached to tho company, during the vacation at
the Chatham; and as they are both well known
TO the public, as professional individuals, and
the latter, as one of the first actresses ofthe
age, we do not deem it necessary to speak of
them particularly, or to offer any remarks rela-
tive to their acting.
In low Comedy, Mr.. Somerville, now of our
Theatre, and formerly Stage Manager of the
Lafayette, took the lead, and was highly es-
teemed, and deservedly popular HIS Paul
Prys, Cracks, Tony Lumpkins, Nipperkirs, &c.
are admired by the Ncw-York audiences; and
we think he will soon become favouritc in
this quarter. Mr.. Thayer, of the Chatham,
was at the Lafayette the last season, and took
the light Comedy department. We spoke OF
him on former occasion, and here we leave
him; for the sake Of going down to the Bowe-
ry, but before we do SO, we must remark, that
the old men at the Lafayette, are ably sustain
ed by Msssrs. Walstein and Diyne.
THE BowERY THEATRE, is the largest
Dramatic establishment in the country, and
from its opening, has been unusually successful.
Its exterior appearance is very imposing; and
no pans or expense have been spared to render
its interior elegant and attractive. II has now
been under way about eight months, and if re-
port tells the truth, has yielded an almost
exhorbitani revenue to its proprietors and
Manager.
Charles Glfert, Esq. is the Lessee and Mana
ger, and the stage business has heretofore been
confined to the management of George Barrett,
Esq. gentleman well known in this town; and
who, as an actor, is quite respectable. He
takes the lead Of the light comedy department,
and in Justice TO him it must be said, that he
acquits himself very advantagcously in most OF
the parts he assumes, though it is nevertheless
certain, that he sometimes undertakes that
fails in Tangent, Gossamor, and Doricourt
and although his Jeremy Diddler has been quite
a crack, we cannot admire it, The company
alta ched TO the Bowery is very strong and nu-
merous; and after Barrett we have John duff
and Charles Young individuals who at one
time stood high in public estimation; but who
are now declining. Mr.. Duff is a man of in
disputablc talents, and there was a time, when
he promised to maintain the first place on the
catalogue Of American actors; but reckless OF
MS own best interest, he has pursued a course
Of professional conduct, which has lessoncd him
in the eyes Of the public, and his former fcnds,