The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-12-11


Mn. McKEAN BucHANAN.-This gentleman appeared
at the St. Charles Theatre last evening in the character Of
Hamlet His friends had spoken avorably of bis histronc
talent and our expectations somewhat excited by the
praises we had heard bestowed upon his acting. The Hamlet
Of Mr. Buchanan ddno dsappoint-nay if ans thing sx-
ceeded what disposed expect from him in this most
difficult and profound of Shakspearean characters.
Although do think the character Of Hamlet well
adapted to display of Mr. Bueanans physical and mental
powers, still do him the Justice to say that some of
his readings insight than into the nature of
the pneey Dane. Mr. Buchanan's figure is too firm and
for the rather feeble and heitang Prince who can
hardly bring himself the point of avenging murdered
taher; and his counenance well calculated to express the
fmer and vigorous passions, is scarcely capable of
assuming the eontenpave look, which we fancy must have
been the habitual expression of the phosophc Hamlet Be
sides this, Mr. Buchanan seemed have slight cold which
made his voice husky and ndnci when rose into the loud
oHes and his rapid uterance at such times caused the
audience to lose parts Of the play. Future experience will
we hope, enable Mr. Buchanan correct this aut Of rapid
utterance
It cannot we think be Denied after the representation of
last evening" that Mr. Buchanan has talents emneny fitting
him for the stage, and if he regularly the sock and
buskn he will undoubtedly take high place in the Amer
drama His Hamlet not at all inferior to that of For
rest; and this saying little when consider thar Forrest
has been long engaged in the study and practice of his pro-
fessOn With a little training study Mr. Buchanan may
place his natural powers under such control make him
very effective and accomplished dramatst He has two ele
mens essential the stageboldues Of thought
and noble enthusiasm for his art With these, and his ad-
United iaen he will be enabled to accomplish much. His
bodne and sefreance kingy apparent in bis read
ngs Of Hamlet the Liberties which he took with the common
editions Of the poet not few in number nor slight in
meaning
II only the interest feel in the career Mr. Buchanan
that induces cntcise his acting freely. Considering
his Hamlet fully equal, superior, that Of Forrest
I'VE the Hamlet which Forrest gave us when he was
here last and just below that Of Charles Kean Hamlet
was the only character Charles Kean could play we can
encourage Mr. Buchanan to peTsevee in the profession for
yvhic he that he
reap those rewards Of honorable and exalted reputation
for which the soul Of the artist hrss the hart uanteth
after the brooks One pregnant piece Of advceand
it is almost always needed by the beginners the STAGE no
what their genius-may be found in the words Of
Queen Gertrude PoOHus; More matter with less art
Mr. Buchanan called before the curtain the conclu
sion Of the piece, and expressed his thanks for the knde
with which he he'd been received by his friends. He appear
tonight Claude Ielnote, which character he acquire
considerable reputation among the frequener Of the Honi
| Association last Spring.