The Nevada journal., 1855-08-10
THE DRAMA,

company has never visited this place with
IN the memory of its Oldest residents. On
Friday evening last the performance com
menced with Bulwer's beautiful play en-
TITLED the Lady Of Lyons the characters
OF which were admirably cast-Mr. Jas
Stark as Claude Melnotte, and Mr.. Phelps
as Col. Dumas. We cannot say too much
OF MIR. Stark as an actor; having that
happy gift of nature that enables him to
play every character as if real. His Claude
Melnotte cannot be beat Mr. Phelps still
retains his lofty position as an actor
amongst the citizens of Nevada. There is
no part that requires commanding ap-
pearance, with good elocutionary powers,
but we would most willingly see Mr.. Phelps
play i. His Col. Dumas was par ercel
lence. The characters of Beausant, Gla-
Wis, and Mons. Deschappelles were well
represented in the persons Of Mr. Wilde r,
Glover and Conner.
Mrs. Stark appeared as Pauline in
deed she was Pauline to perfection. Her
graceful form and commanding tone,
would say, that
Proud man shall be my slave.
Then, again, she is brought by ar.ifce TO
a scene Of humlleness, where we see her
shake off the pride of pomp, and melt in
to all q wDmau's Tenderness, still preferr-
ing the instrument of deceit rather than
the deceivsrs The struggle between love
and pride vas great, until adversely came
on the object of her doubtful passion, then
we know that she is a wife, and a proud
one. Her joy, too on his return from the
army-these are scenes where Mrs Stark
excels, in our belief, any actress of the
present day Mrs, Burrill as Madam Des-
chappelles gave very evident satisfaction.
Mrs. Woodward as the Widow Melnotte,
added new lustre to her fair reputation as
an actress.
The evenings amusement closed with the
performances of the Fairy Minstrels, which
makes very pleasant conclusion
Saturday evening.-The performance
this evening commenced with the beauti-
full play of the Stranger 1t were only
justice to Mr.. and Mrs Stark to say, that
they played the most prominent charac-
ters remarkably we'll. Mr.. Stark appeared
very natural as the monysylablc eccentric,
so natural, indeed, that during one of his
out-bursts Of grief not even whisper did
pass between the audience. The charac-
ter of the Stranger is most difficult one
to play, as it is much easier to affect the
gay, nay, even the rant, than to put on
SO much moroscness, and carry it through
five act play. Mrs. Stark appeared as
Mrs. Haller, ard We must say, never did
she appear more pleasing as an actress,
than she did as the penitent, con,ritc Mrs.
Haller. Mrs. Woodward as the Countess
of Wintersen, and Mrs. Burrill az Char
lotte, sustained their characters we'll.
Mr.. Phelps, as Francis, showed the force
of example and played the eccentric ser
want as we'll as it could be played. Mr..
Wilder as Count Wintersen sustained his
reputation as good actor.
Monday Evening The evenings enter
tainmcnt commenced with Shakspeare's
thrilling tragedy, Hamlet. The house
was crowded full to witness the perform
ance of this most beautiful gem of dramatic
gehius. Mr.. Stark, as Ham let, received
loud and oft-repeated applause. We have
seen Hamlet often played, and seldom, il
ever seen it better represented than on
this occasion. The method of Mr.. Stark's
madness as Hamlet, is peculiarly his
own, and comes nearer to our idea of what
1t should be, than any former representa-.
ton by the different stars of the age. Il
is needless to say that Leartes was well
played, for Mr. Phelps always plays we'll
The fencing between Hamlet and Leartes
possessed ali the refinement of the French
code of honor But the most striking
scene was that witnessed over the grave
OF Ophclia, where the lover shows himsel
more agrieved at the death than the brother
Mrs. Stark's Queen Gertrude was played
with usual good taste, evincing as mucl
grace under crown as under her we'll
merited laurels. In the character of Ophe
liza Mrs. Burrill shines most. She has :
sweet voice, and her plaintiff singing wa
much admired. Mr.. Wilder played thu
king The proud title of regality wa
well sustained by him. Mr. Conner a.