The herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1835-1837, 1837-02-04
Tableaux Vivans,
As erhibited at Mr.. S. Hofman's, in Baltimore
1927


As exhibited at Mr.. s. He6man's, in Baltimore,
JANUARY, 1897
This entertainment, my dear T., of which promi-
sed TO write you some account proved to be the mos
7echerche and enchanting one ever gwen In oAr COCO
city. On you, who have travelled much in forelgn
parts, where private theatrcals are not uncommon
the effect might have been less striking, yet could
not but wish for your presence to witness the bril-
liant representation of Gulnare in the prison scene
and of Laa Rookh listening to the tale OF teramorz
by your charming daughter. You would have felt,
in all its force the ecstacy ofusty grahfed paterna
pride or you have none OF that excessive phiio-Pr0-
genitipeness, which, make no doubt forms one OF
your numerous, and, excuse me- somewhat eccentric
chronological bumps!
shadow Of regret to our amlable and accomplished
hostess, it could only have been that her mansion
ample though be for ordinary parties, may not have
been sufficiently spacious for thlsone of unusual at
fractions, and involving peculiar arrangement OF
household ornaments and furniture. Besides, their
circle of friends large you know in the number OF
their family connexolA y widely extended beyond
that by their own amenity and hosptable qualities.
e In getting up the tableaur they were assisted by
their lovely protegee Miss t., and by several anna
teurs, especially our highly gifted townsman j. p k
whose counsels and classical taste often invoked
by his friends as well in graver matters of state
illustrate the fancfal creations OF kindred genius
from the pencillings of Crcassans eyelids the
deepest questions OF science and literature" Would
that could borrow his polished pen TO give you a
faithful sketch Of this beautiful advertisement
vel as it was intellectual.
The room in which the company was assembled
being lighted with gas was conveniently mbued with
the degree Of light necessary to give full effect
to the exhibition in the adjoining one =
Such lights as lovelsst maids,
Look oveliest in, shed their luxurious glow"
And it is not, you may be assured, easy to imagine
the enthusiasm of agreeable surprise and admiration
which was evinced when the rich damask curtain that
everhung the space of the large folding doors,
aJsanis Dams Intsrriep NTH the Queens'
There was, however, through the whole series of
enchanting scenes nothing that could leave room or
disposition for invdieus distinction. Suffice 1t to say
that in the arrangement and disposition of the lights,
on which much depended, with costumes in perfect
keeping, and an obvious comprehension, by all, of
their respective parts contributed the completeness
and the charm Of the illusion.
Ii would require much more practsed and flow
ing pen than mne with something of the genius that
portrayed the characters presented to do justice to
spectacle so distinguished this for taste and
good feeling. Al Zach elevation of the curtain, as one
tableau succeeded another, the whole company was
hushed into that silence which is the best expression
of wonder and delight; at every fall Of it that shut
each bright illusion from our brief and GREATNESS gaze
there irrepresslbe burst of admiration, mingled
with murmHrs of regret that manly forms, and hero
ines of such angelic beaE.y giving Ii to the finest
imaginngs of Byron and Scott, should thus ap-
pear but for instant and seem TO fit athwart
delighted vew each like the baselessiabrc," of
fairy and immortal vision!
You have seen, that in the order of representation
the first tabeau exhibited the celebrated and affecting
interview between Jeanne Deans ana the NkuCen.
The Queen was personated by Madame b., in rich
and gorgeous attire robe of regal purp Velvet and
blaze of Jewels; her raiD<racetuy gathered in he.
hand-she stood IN all the dignity and statellness OF
majesty. Her Lady of Honor, Miss t. H., with
vel and simple wreath of roses, her sweet compass
sionaie looks fixed the kne cling suppant, attract
ed universal attention. The Duke of Argyle, L. b. s..
in superb dress his cheek resting his hand look
ing has character admirably, whilst Jeane clad in the
tartan OF her country, with an eye OF mute and impor-
ing eloquence, more powerful than words, was exqui-
srtely represented by Miss Ii. G.
Second Scene-"C Conrad and G.lnare."-Conrad,
Mr. c., Of South Carolina ulnare, the talented and
bewitching Miss L. II was the prison scene
"No, It's earthly forn with heavenly face"
Ciulnare, in adress suit Of black velvet trimmed with
gold white satin bodice scarlet turban, arms cover
ed with bracelets Turkish pantaloon, and bright
dagger in ieweed belt with lamp in one hand,
she is seen bending over the Corsair sleeping in his
chains with the other stretched forth to rouse HIM
from his sumbers whilst the dilated and brilliant
black eye and startled EXPRESSION betrayed the fear
of interruption in her act of daring. Mr.. C. in very
superb Corsar dress whilst tranquil as helay, the firm
ly closed lip, marked decision of the mouth, and
slightly frownlng brow, made one almost believe he
might in truth, be he who left name
Linked 10 virtue and a thousand crimes"
In the second illustration of TINS scene he is aroused
and resting on his elbow steadfasty regarding Gull
mare, and
His eye seemed ,ubious lift Alright"
She stands now shrinking with fear at what her
small womans hand and wofnans heart had dared
do.
In the third tableau appeared the beautiful Miss NJ
w. as Medora, dressed in pure white muslin her long
fair hnir flowing on her finely formed neck and
shoulders
The sun hath sunk and darker than the Hisht
Sinks with it, b am uron the beacon height,
Medofa's heart--."
Her large soft blue eye raised with express
sion Of tenderness and despair, which most express
svely betrayed the feeling that for her. earth held but
him alone!
The fourth scene presented Rustic courtship- -
Miss H.t and Mr.. w. MI very apprately dressed
pretty young peasant gr, such as rarely found ex
cept in poetry romance, is seen sitting AT table,
with her levers picture in hand while IN the 9TH
er is held open letter. supposed TO be from him. the
contents Of which cngross her fixed atention-mean'
while, from half open door her lover Is seen peep
ing over her shoulder with surprise and pleasure plain
iy depicted In his cnance, yet looking as II nc
knew he was not doing exactly right OHe Of those
lovers peccados, that rarely give mortal offence to
the other party!
Next the curtain raised on "Gunare and Seyd."-
Gulnare, in his scene, the charming Miss NJ. G.. -
Seyd Col. NJ c.. in a Turkish Dress rich and perfect
in all its details brought with him on his return from
his extensive travels the East He looked so well
the stern dcspotic Seyd with extended finger and
lowering brow that one almost faneicd he gave audi
BILE expression to the thought
do miatust tlee woman