New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-03-01
BROADWAY THEArER.

Last evening, at the Broadway Toes,er, Mr.. Ds.
vepport produced, for the frst time In Amesica, .
tragedy written for him by j. H. wilkins, the author
Of " Civilization" entitled " The Egyptian Tho
scene il laid in PALMYRA, the city of the celebrated
Zenobia, at the time of its conquest by the Roasna.
under the Emperor Aurelian. Several histsr'cd
characters Of celebrity introduced into the play.
and az the theme 10 the siege OF magnificent city BY
an overwhelming foe, and fierce resistance BY .
mighty army, led by proud, impsrious Queen there
is ample material upon which to found play Of
great interest. A the design Of the author was to
make his tragedy not 90 much mirror OF historical
facts a. vehicle for the display Of certain abilities
Of particular actor, We may say that he has per
formed his task we'll. He has produced good act
ing drema-one which well cslcu sted to show the
peculisrities and bring into view the most noticeable
beauties Of Mr. Dsvenpors style, and one in which
this latter gentleman will win deserved applause. Tho
plot is not intricate aud may be told 10 few words
Palmyra il besieged by the Roman army, who send
an embassy to the Queen Zenobia with conditions 81
surrender which are scornuly treated by the Quees.
ard the CONN andsr Of her forces, Zsbdss, the
Egyptian, Mr.. Davenport Prior to their return to
ter Emperor they win to their interest Antiocsus.
vbe il associated in command with Zabdas and who
proposes to bis superior to surprise the Queen apt
beirsy the city to the enemy. This scheme Is indg-
pan,ly rejected by Zabdss and Antiochus then
leagues with him HUju,, Senator Of Palmyra, to
assist him in bis plans.
Julia, the daughter.of Zenobia, is beloved BY
Gracious, a Roman lord attached to the Palmyrsn
Court (sboee passion she returns and alec BY Fab
dss and Antochus-this latter personsge indisg his
suit hopeless endeavors to assassnste Graechus, and
then makes bis escape to the Romans. The danger
within the walls is meanwhile discovered, and Hujus.
the traitor dies by the dagger Gracious survives
his wound and Zabdas, discovering that Gracious 10
preferred by julia resigns his claim TO her. and they
proceed to the temple to be welded; when suddenly
the city gates are forced, the temple Is entered the
Oreen is seized and the Prn Julia dragged from
he altar BY the Romans headed by the trescherous
Antiochus They are, however, for this time re-
pulled. ard AntiochHs taken prisoner; but he soon
makes bis escape, aided BY more reachery. The
Romans are again led by him, and succeed in cap
turing the city and carrying the Queen captive 10
their Emperor. During the battle Antochus is slain
BY Zabdas who received not to yield retreats to DE
| templs ard dice by bis own hand. As Mr. DaveH-
port was measured for the part Of Zabd~, it is not
.urprisipg that il should prove toersble it, Iths
par recurring good deal Of energetic action, and.
although Mr. Davenport physical abilities arc some
times talked severely be plays most satisfactorily.
and in spirited and effective manner He was en-
Enthusiastically applsuded and was called before tho
curtain at the end of the third fourth, and dffh
acts severay.
Madame Ponisi, as Julia, and Mrs. Abbott a. 10
nobis, were both excellent
Mr.. LsffDgwen played Huju', the niser, with
great deal of care and determinations he wa we'll
" made up" was perfect in the text, and showed 10
tendency to rant; bis whole performance was Ger
taiply de- serving Of much credit.
Mr. Lanergan, a. Gracious, was moIe subdusd
than il ordinary with him, and WA therefore mach
more pleasing TO the audience biz manner 10 greatly
improved within few months but there 10 still rsoD
for corrections and Embellishments.
TIE compsny bad evidently bestowed much carefal
study upon this piece, ard the performance went
much more smoothly than is Usual 10 first represents
tons.
Mr. Davenport announces bis Benefit for Friday
evening, when Mrs Fanny vining, from the Drury
Lane 1ester, London, viii make her first appear
auce In America.