The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-05-12
STARS IN THE DRAMATIC FIRxAnKkT-The

grand opera having departed Tor Boston, there has
been an increase Of favor towards the performances
of the acted drama and the presence of several
distinguished performers in the metropolis fur
nishes themes for fashionable and literary circles.
Miss Julia Dean, whose improving style is full OF
promise, has closed her engagement with more
success than profit, after having been honored
with a magnificent benefit, that will stimulate her
to great efforts II is said that she purposes visit
ing England to undergo the rigid ordeal, which
once passed. leads on TO fortune. We trust that
she will not find that this step has been taken at
too early period in her histrionic career Her
talents and accomplishments will undoubtedly Sc
cure much favor for herr but earnest and definite
purpose an individual style seems to be wanting to
promote that success which we should be happy to
see attending the efforts of any American actress
Miss Cushman, who arrived in town last night,
will appear at the Astsr Place Theatre tomorrow
evening. She has been absent about four months,
and in that period has performed about fifty times,
realizing probably fifteen thousand dollars. This, in
itself, is great triumph; but when We consider
that il is success purchased at intense cost of pre-
paratory labor, after numerous disappontments and
numberless dscouragements, il is no more than so
Industrious, energetic, studious and so gifted
a lady, merits. Fifteen years ago, Miss Cushman
appeared at the celebrated Mrs. Woods benefit, in
opera. She was highly successful as vocalist
and actress, that occasion; but subsequently
lost her voice at New Orleans, from the folly of
her teachers attempting the common, but danger
Gus, task Of changing her confratto voice into
soprano. Then remember her at the Park
Theatre as Nancy Sykes, electrifying the town and
paving the way to renown, by Aldabella, which
dimmed the star Of the night. Her truly legitimate
triumph in London, next marked her progress
She appeared at the Princess Theatre with Mr.
Forrest, as Emilia, in " Othelo," and in the last
scene the house arose, at her do not, gentle
men ~ as they beheld the mantle Of Siddons falling
upon her, in the magnificent attitude Of earnest
imprecaton which she then assumed. From that
momcnt-from the spontaneous burst Of applause
of three thousand spectators, she found herself on
the most exalted eminence. She had appeared to
support Mr.. Forrest, in an humble part, and she
eclipsed the great tra gedan in single line. This
is the true history Of her progress, and it is
couragement to the fant-hearted, and to those who
think that stars necessarily eclipse everything
Genius they cannot eclipse.
Mr. Buchanan has, also, arrived in this city. He
is, perhaps, the most judicous young candidate for
his,ronic honors now before the public. Having
a fine person, every requisite of voice and feature,
great mental cultivation, vast energy Of character,
and modesty tempered by discretion, his advance
ment will be rapid. He has devoted years to close
study and observation, and has had successful
practice in the South and West, to learn the details
which practice alone supplies His trumphs have
been less chroncled, but not less substantial than
those Of persons more widely known. The patron
Of the drama in New Orleans, he is widely known
as the intelligent scholar, the polished gentleman,
and original actor, with high purposes in
respect to the Anne mean stage. He is one Of those
who will grace the profession. We gladly second
his objects, and hope to see him advance TO a posi-
non among us, as he has at the South, where he
may give lustre to bis own fame and to the drama
Recently, at Memphis, in Shylock, one Of the
auditors sprang upon the stage and took the knife
nom his hands, with which he was about to cut |
the pound Of flesh the curtain falling amid the
confusion occasioned by 90 novel q proceeding.
The fact, however, recorded by the ewspapers,
is criticism upon the performer; and we shall not
rest satisfied till we have had another opportunity
Of seeing Dir. Buchanan, whose amateur perform
ances some time ago, in this city, gave such pro-
mise Of q brilliant future. PROFESSIONALLY, we
shall find many faults in his style but there is
something inviting in the freshness Of an original
mind exercised upon q great art, and we have a
desire TO witness the improvement, if not the Sn-
ished artist br. Buchanan, II report speak
truly, is powerful rival TO the stars OF the day.
Besides these, there are now in the city other
stare, of various ranks-Miss Davenport, q very
popular actress Mrs. Fsuen. who has Just finished
an engagement with some success Mr.. Couldoek,
an intelligent performer; and many Others, who
visit us to give taste Of their quality. At Niblo's
Garden, and a. the Astor Place Theatre, some new
faces will be seen, this week. Mr. Niblo's man.
ayers will take a right course. They will throw
the worn-out dramas of the day to the dogs--give
the public new plays, Of the right kind Of interest
to the American mind-wil do something for our
dramatic literature, and leave the absurd traditions
which have Kept the stage waiting, while every
thing els, has gone ahead At the Broadway
Theatre, too, several grand new plays are in pre-
partition, TO displace the stereoyped entertainments
which every new star is hind enough TO renew,
for the comparisons OF the public, dangerous to
their own fame, and the ruin Of manager,, omi.
nous Of seasons closed 10 the hard-workins per-
formers. Novelty is an improvement