The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-04-24

Mr. Buehanan ana the Frugsdy "C1eaana.''
THEATRE-C&cINNA.-W are pleased to OBJ
serve that Cgcnnam is to be repeated this even
ing at the theatre. This new tragedy is the pro-
duetion Of Isaac c. Pray, Esq. This performances
Of Mr. Prays is exceeding meritorious; 1t Is OF vast
Importance to our increasing American dramatic
literature. The author, unlike the great majority
Of modern dramatists, has refrained from making
his principal hero the spouter Of coarse patri-
otism and empty volubility; which, however popu.
lar they may be with tho superficial, always fall
glatingly upon experienced, we'll tuned ears.
The plot Of "Cecinna" is simple and complete;
its incidents are numerous and touching; and its
language is chaste, poetic, and occasionally grand
and powerful. Indeed, we think our talented coun-
tryman has succeeded admirably in his efforts to
produce apopular acting tragedy; he has also added
much to our improving national drama. We are
pleased that public taste in our city demands repe-
tition Of this plays it speaks well for dis
elimination and good taste in genuine dramatic
incident and literature. The hero Of the play finds
in Mr.. Buchanan an able and truthful representa-
tive; he conceives, embodies, and parsonates the
lofty Roman in . mastery manner.--Putsbnrgh
Journal.
TnE New PLAY CEcINNA.-We had the plea
sure Of seeing the new American production, "C1-
CHINA, performed ut our theatre on Saturday even
ing last, and were very agreeably disappointed.
True, We had, previously, seen numerous long and
able critics upon the merit Of the new pluy, in the
Eastern press, but we attributed much Of the COM
mendaton bestowed upon it to the partiality of the
commentators for American genius. The author
Of "C@cinna' is gentleman Of rare literary attain
ments. His play, in cur opinion, is the best effort
of American genius; it combines beauty of language
with purity of sentiment, and both are rendered
more attractive by numerous striking and affecting
incidents. Mr.. Forests Gladiator" Meta
mora" and Jack Cadc," are, perhaps, more
terrible in stage effect than is " Cmcinna;" neither
Of them, however, is to be compared to it
effort of true American genius. The former Ameri-
can plays very powerful in their effects-so is
anything that Forrest expends his immense melo-
dramatic powers upon; but the whole three COM
bincd do lot contain as much genuine poetry and
lofty sentiment, as are to be found in Mr.. Pray's
production Pittsburgh Chronicle.
THEATRE Tho new Roman tragedy Of GO Ca-
CHINA" attracted crowded audience, aud The mana
ger deserves well for the admirable manner in which
It was placed upon the stage; seldom have we seen
such gorgeous dresses exhibited in any piece of the
season. and the denoucment Of the first act, where
the frail bark is tossing amid the raging waves Of
the Ionian sea, truly grand. Mr.. Buchanan
fully justified the warmest expectations OF his many
friends, by his mastery performance Of the Roman
Consul. We are glad to see that our worthy mana
ger, in compliance with public request, has induced
Mr.. Buchanan to proong his stay one night longer,
in order to afford many who unable to attend
on Saturday, the qualification of witnessing one of
the best Roman tragedies Of the day.-Patsburgh
Di1at,h.