The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-02-05

i 81 very large and intelligent audience
filled the Nstonsl Theatre on Monday evening,
to greet the first appearance Of Miss DAvsHroaT
in this city.
There was quite . sprinkling Of celebrities
present and more attractive still, dangerous
array Of fair fasss and bright eyes. distracting
the attention vi the spectator FROM the stage to
the boxes.
i After the performance had once fairly begun
however, the star of the evening was the cyno-
sure of all eyes, while as JULIA in sthe Hunch-
back" she exhibited the various phases Of SEN
timent and feeling, which can convert the giddy
girl into the high souled and devoted woman.
So perfectly did Miss DAVENPORT identify her
self with the character which she represented
that her performance seemed to the audience
not so much = rare sample Of perfect acting, az
the living embodiment Every change of the
speaking features, every meditation or infection
Of the soft sweet voice, every rapid change
from apathy to anger, from torpor to anguish
seemed not so much to spring from the cunning
skill Of the accomplished actress, as from the
heart. She was not only JULIA to the audience
she was SO 10 herself And herein, we think,
lies the guht charm of Miss DAvxHroRr's pecu-
liar style OF performance II is eminentiy natural
Her quick impressbity catches and reflects
the shades Of feeling the part requires, and
others are interested, because she evidently feels
that which she 80 well portrays Generally
speaking, It is great disadvantage for per-
; former to appear before an audience whose ex.
pectstions have been highly wrought by the rep
utation which has hearaldcd her arrival-but IN
this case, We think we can safely say on behalf
of the whole audience, that the reality surpassed
the promise. The performance of this lady, is
an intellectual treat-and her rare combination
Of qualities, personal and mental, account for
the enthusiasm which she has excited elsewhere
and must excite here in all capable of apprecia-
ting talent Of high order, aided by the attrac-
tons of a very striking and expressive face, and
great grace of attitude and gesture. The char
acter of JULIA, is very trying one, and we
have never seen more justice done to it than on
this occasion
4 AT first, as the giddy girl drawn into the vor-
tex Of fashionable frivolites, and afterwards
subdued by the discipline of affection to
"a perfect woman, nobly planned
AT once 10 comfort and command
she did her sex, in the person of JULIA, full JUS
tee.
We noticed, especially, the enger interest with
which the fairer portion of the audience watched
; and sympathized with her finer delineations of
; female character in both its phases-and their
delight and appreciation were written most legi-
f bly, on their faces.
We trust that JULIA will again allow an OPP
portunity to our bright bellies of the season, OF
learning the lesson 80 eloq uently and 50 grace
| fully conveyed on Monday evening.
Another thing enhanced the pleasure of the
performance Miss DAVENPORT was well sus
tanned by the company which really is decidedly
good one. Mr.. GILBERT, as master WAL
TER" performed that difficult part with great
Judgment. His voice, his reading, and his acting
. were all good AT a later hour in the after.
piece, he also exhibited the versatility of his
talents, by n display Of decided comic ability
CLrronD was personated by Mr.. FEsEo who
looked the character to perfection, and performed
il well too. Those familiar with the play know,
however, that this is character that does not
give much scope for the talents Of the actor.
MoDUs by Mr. WARD, and FATHoM by Mr..
VINCENT, relieved the painful interest of the
sterner scenes by some comic touches--thc lat
ter especially, has great command over the risi-
blcs of the audience.
The afterpiece also, was very amusing-and
from the interest displayed by the audience
throughout, and the high glee in which il melted
away homewards, We feel convinced that the
theatre is destined to be a great point of attrac
ton for the next two weeks, to which time we
believe Miss Davenport's engagement is limited
Last evening she was to have appeared in The
Lady of Lyons. Our engagements deprived us
OF the pleasure of witnessing her personaiion of
this fine character, but We i'll record frankly
our impression Of it, should another opportunity
Of seeing her in that character present itself
1 IL would he supcrfluous to urge those who
hay, already seen her, to 60 again--but for
those who have not enjoyed that pleasure, we
have penned these hurried lines, which do not
convey an adequate idea Of the living and breath
ing reality.
My Bull and Your OK.
The Baltimore Argus thus responds to some
allegations In the Patriot Of the same city, teach
;pr tho Frca.soil nroclivitas NJ THAR ra,,,o,.,