The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1858-11-03
Theatrical Excitement in Louisville.
The RenMehampe TRAGEDY.

There are few of our readers probably, who
are not acquainted with the particulars of
the Beauchampe Tragedy bloody tale
of real life, chrOnieled among the horrors of
Kentucky history. 1t is the foundation of
one of W. Gilmore Simm's best novels, but
has never, we believe, been dramatized until
recently, when Mr.. John Savage, of Wash
ington City, undertook the task for Miss
Avonia Jones, talented and rapidly rising
young American actress. The name of the
play is 'iSybil, and, duringa recent engage
ment of Miss Jones in Louisville, it was
brought out there. A correspondent of the
Washington Union gives the following ac-
count of it:
We have had quite theatrical excitement
here, caused by the new play of "Sybil,
brought out by Miss Avonia Jones, and writ
ten, believe, by Mr.. John Savage. now of
Washington. There is doubtless an analogy
between the incidents of this play and the
assassination lin l825) of Col. Solomon P.
Sharpe by Jereboam 0. Beauchamp to avenge
foul wrong done Beauchamp's wife be-
fore he married her. But this is only the
foundation of the most thrilling drama of
our day and time.
1t so happens, however, that the relatives
editor of the Journal, and no sooner did he
compliment the play, as it was to be PER
formed that night, than there was a sensation.
Governor Morehead telegraphed from Frank
fort to stop the representation, and Col.
Sharp. Jr, telegrapned that he would at once
leave for Louisville to avert this stain on the
honor of his family. This was on Thursday,
and 1T was currently reported that there
would be an armed demonstration of opposi-
ton to the play. Miss Jones substituted
the bride of Lammermoor The house had
been crowded, but half the audience had no
desire to witness Lucia, and retired
That night, on dit, there was C0nseH de
Theatre, Prentice acting as mediator; Col.
Sharp demanding that the play should be
suppressed, and Mrs. Melinda Jones. in her
way, pleading her daughters right to play a
drama based upon historical event. More
over, she said that it should performed ON
Saturday night, and she WAS as good as her
word. Of course the announcement created
a sensation.
Such packed house was never seen here,
and there must have been some apprehen-
sions behind the scenes, for the stage mana
ger looked as though his last hour had come.
and the poor fellow who personated Col.
Sharp seemed weak in the knees with fear.
Miss Avonia performed her part faultIessly,
as if unconscious that there was a single
spectator. The play is replcte with dramatic
effect, and was well acted, yet there was
dead silence until Sybd presented pistol at
Co.. Sharp, her scducer, when there arose
yell of "kll him /! 'shoot himln and from
thenccforth there was no sympathy for
Sharp.
Of course the play was brought before the
public, and has filled the house night after
night. Every incident of the event upon
which it was based has been recalled; an
edition of :" the confession of JcTeboam O.
Beauchamp, executed for killing Colonel
Sharp, J has been sold, and wherever Miss
! Jones goes hcnccforth, the public will insist
upon seeing her SyJH!