New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-02-24
MR.. DAVENPORT AT THE BROADWAY
THEATER.

Thf neritorious actor ID now in the midst Of profit
able engagement at the Broad way Thester. ID ring
the present week he has appeared Hamlet, Ohello
BIuius, and St Nero in play of that NAME That
bis rendering Of his characters is pleasing 10 the pub
lie generally, is proved by the sometimes III timed
ard LiuderiDg sppause elected by his efforts ani by
the many favorable criticisms which have followed
his appearance in the principal cities Of America aud
England Possessing flexible voice, expressive
couDteDance, fine figure. and well-developed limbs,
be lacks no physical gu ALLEGATION requisite in cue
cessful performer. His long dramatic experience has
rendered him perfectly at home upon the stage, AMI
easy, Dstural, bDd graceful in his movements; and
has freed his style of those Objectionable msunerisms
which often blemish the earlier efforts Of theatrical
aspirants.
Mr.. Davenport ia by means actor OF the imfu'-
sive order; precise in his enunciaon and studied 10
his attitudes particular in the stage business and con-
sctItous perfect in the text his performan ces are
rather finished specimens Of gentlcmanly art than
exhibitions OF vehement passion and excitement.
His articulation is unu-ualy distinct and gener Ally
most commercially deliberate being never go hurried
ss to become confused or indstinct and never sink
ing to th4 low pitch Of uniDteig blity which leaves
the auo lei in doubt whether the actor has Jrgo
lis author is only trying TO produce novel and
startling effect and quenty uncertain whether
to hiss him for presumed delinquency, applaud him
for supposititious excellence.
Although the greatest part Of Mr.. Daverports per-
foimsnce lie 80 s1bdued as to be natural or at lie ss
probable, there is occasionally noticeable slight ten
dency to rant in some passionate speeches, requiring
an unusual amount Of vebemence in the expression
his voice very loud and atural tone for
feveral ttntences together producing monotonously
dissgreeabe feet, shich sensibly tbs fitness Of
the scene and could cetaiLly be avoided by person
Of bis taste and Judgment; this ia particularly Observ
able n some of the more violent passages in hello,
and Bru'us. There s, however in his acting 30 little
10 condemn, and so much that is highly commenda-
bic that his general style may be conscienously
commended as a model for that numerous class o. mis-
guided actor, who seem TO imagine that the more
noise and blusier they can accomplish, the more
truthful aid effective will be their presentations. Mr.
Davenport possessed natural an unusual share of
dramatic ability and talent; he received the ad-
vantsges Of excellent educ i.on and he has super
added to these long years of thorough careful study
sDd laborious aDing and IS the result, he appears
before generally refined and finished artist.
His col cepion Of character is accurate and truthful
he sez,s upon the distinguishing peculiarities of
part, and seldom misses the effective means of go
realizing his ides to the appreciation OF his
6uoitors.
He possesses aso versatility Of talent which is
unusual, and seems a. homo in widey-divergng
ranges of oharacter-in tragedy melc-drams and
comedy-in of which he degenerates into
oiocriy. Although he plays Otheo well, be can also
sirg good comic song and the fact that he lie salts
factory Hamlet is inconsistent with the certainty
that be is capital forn-ppe dancer In fact, VIII
liam lin Black Eyed Susan, where Re has occasion to
display bic sstatory accomplshmensl one of the
best ihrgs be does.
People who affect the blood-andhunde style OF
acting may consider him sometimes deficient in vgor
ard force; bit those who can appreciate and enjoy
ni.hed elaborate and artistic rendions of dramatic
character cannot do better than to spend evenin
at the broadway, with Mr.. Davenport.