American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-10-10
For the Baltimore Clipper.l

midst OF popuIous CITY.
For the Baltimore Ciipper.l
MEssEs EDIToRs: During the last week
great expectations had been raised amongst the
pIay-goers, by the report in circulation of the
extraordinary degree of magnificence, with
which the Life and Death OF King Richard the
Third, would be put upon the boards Of Old
Front. And feeling ''i' tn vein" on the first
night of its representation, we embraced the
opportunity offered of seeing it. We were
much pleased to find, that the announcement of
the manager had not been exaggerated Gas is
usually the CASEY but was produced with every
possible advantage ofscenery and costume, and
efficiently sustained throughout, in all its parts,
by a most excellent company. The dresses are
unusually rich ard becoming; the costumes, the
scenery the banners, and the decorations, are
all in style of unWonted magnitiCence; and so
correct that the most fastdous could not find
occasion to sheer. Mr.. Burton merits consid-
cradle credit, for the admirable manner in which
he has brought this piece upon the stage, by
which he evlnCCs an ability that at once estab-
fishes him as one Of the first American Mana
gers, and his great exertons, as well as the
enormous expense, which must needs attend so
grand and imposing spectacle, will no doubt
be properly appreciated and literally patronizcd
by all lovers of the Legitimate DRAMA
Mr.. Wallack, Jr., was decidedly successful
in the character of Richard, if we are to Judge
from that "stillness Of attention. exhibited by
the audience, which, in the language of Garrick,
is the "hghest tribute an actor could wish for
or receive.n 1t is scarcely possible to form q
higher conception of the character of Richard,
than that given by Mr.. W., and we cannot i'm
agine any character represented with greater
IiStt NOT -,
every part. He is bold in outline and accurate
in detail, both in conception and embodiment;
and his representation is marked in this, as well
as every other character, with originality and
correctness The manner in which he displays
the lofty, mpetuous and commanding; the
naughty, violent and subtle; the bold, treacher-
Gus and hypocritcal tyrant, stamps his concep-
ton OF the royal usurper as original and natu-
rail-
Although he lacks the physical powers of
Booth, yet he is far more refined; and in many
parts produces decided sensations, where Booth
fails to create any effect whatever in fact he is
deficient to that great delineator of Richard,
only in those passages which require an exh-
bt!on oil powerful physical ability.
lie is more bold, varied, and original than
Scott or Adams in the same character; and inn
parts in his representation more Of the dssem-
bier than kean. The courtship scene with
Lady Anne is an admirable exhibition of
smooth and smiling villainy. He seems, like
the first tempter, to approach his prey, secure
of the event, and as if success had smoothed
the way before him. Mr.. Booths manner of
representing this scene is more vehement, hur-
ried, and full Of anxious uncertainty. His
manner of bidding Lady Anne farewell is a par
tlcularly happy and natural thought; and the
precise expression which he gives with so much
effect to that part where he says "No, to
Whitefriars, there await my coming" is as new
and original as it is correct and natural
He gives the two last acts of the play the
greatest animation and effect. The last scene,
where he is killed by Richmond, is the most bril-
liant Of the whole, in which he proves himself
one Of the most finished and effective actors of
ton Of Queen Elizabeth is faultless piece of
acting, and so true to nature as to leave lasting
impression on those who are so fortunate as to
witness it. We can conceive of nothing grand |
er than the tower scene, in which she is sepa-
rated from her children, and which, by her ad- /
mrable style, is rendered irresstably affecting.
OF Mrs Burke's Lady Anne, it is unnecessary
to speak. Her mastery and beautiful manner
of acting is too well known to need commenda- !
ton here.
Mr. Bowers, as Richmond, was favorably
received. He is pleasing performer, and a |
valuable acquisition to Mr.. Burton's excellent
and well selected company. In conclusion, we |
would say TO all, that to see the tragedy of
Richard as produced by Mr.. Burton, is an event
in ones life not easily to be forgotten.
.. ..# G#t#s#.