Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-01-22
WASHINGTON NEWS AND GOSSIP


all over this country for years past, was most
forcibly realized last night by the crowded au-
dience OF intellectual people for the most part,
that on that occasion witnessed the representa-
uon OF Dion Bourcicault's master piecc-IHe
L,fe of an Actress-incomparabl the best
play that has been written in the English Ian
guage in the last quarter of a century. We
speak of it here as a whole-as a histrionic
work of scenic effect, of Addisonian literary
finish, of elegant and classic wit that would
have graced the pen of Laurence Sterne of
e1emplihcation of the manners and passions of
the society of the times not to be surpassed by
Charles Dickens, and of pathos that invariably
draws tears from all susceptible hearts beating
In unison with highly cultivated minds-as
literary composition.
We repeat, We know nothing histrionic of
this era that will compare with it-nothing. As
presented last night, before such an audience
as We mention above, it generated such flu
rore of appreciation as was never previously
manifested in a place of amusement in this
city, except on the night of Jenny Limbs first
appearance here. In truth, the piece was so
artistically and truthfully rendered in all its
many characters, as that we hardly know whicr
OF the actresses and actors deserve most praise :;
all being apparently perfect in their apprecia-
ton of their several roles.
Mr.. Bourcicault's representation of the diff
hcult part of Grimaldi, was Undesirable in
Its effect To be appreciated, it must be stu
died In person No one present last night failed
TO comprehend that, as author and actor COM
bined, he carries in his mind jewels of artistic
value indeed, rendered far more brilliant than
those of his contemporaries by the long course
OF patient study which has enabled his genius
to revive in these times-in the plays of the
day-the wit, the literature and the chivalry
OF the drama of the age of the Spectator, with
out Its obseenity-itS trick of wandering to
the qualification of the grosser passions of frail
human nature.
We recollect his wife first season in Ameri-
ca. Child, almost, as she then was, she hardly
gave promise of the rare qualities as a define
ator of the most delicate and touching senti-
ments that warm up the female heart, and
when shedding genial influence upon our
less susceptible and fercer natures, of the 9TH
er sex, keep bright the links of the chain of
thought and association which assimilates the
era OF childhood to the purity of eternal bliss
that the genius AID patient cultivation of her
husband have developed in her to a degree so
remarkable. She is no longer the petite fe-
male bufo that delighted the pit in years
past, with the quizziealities of her jocuar capa-
bilities-but the finished actress-delineator of
divine sentiments, which, as she renders them
remind men Of strong thought absorbed in the
struggle for supremacy in life, of the contnu ed
existence of the almost forgotten golden ele-
mepts in their nature, which when pc rmitted
to exercise their legitimate functions, smooth
the rough path, and enable those to enjoy a par
adise of thought whose will is strong enough to
close the door, at times, upon the strifes, the
jealouses and the trials of every day outer life
Throughout the piece, as represented last
night, the enthusiasm Of the audience actually
ran ahead OF the play. Thus, even when the
imaginary audience behind the scenes cheered
the fair debutante, the audience before the cur
tain were so infected with the imaginary senti-
ments OF the unseen, as that every throat and
every hand were eloquent with loud and long
applause.
But have little more space for this subject
to-day.
To Mr.. Ettynge, the stage manager-as well
rs to all the other gentlemen and ladies who
participated in setting before the Washington
public the remarkable intellectual treat en-
Joyed with such gusto last night-many thanks
are due, for his part ofthe entertainment The
task Of drawing out and harmonzing the capa-
cities Of the others was most difficult and del
icate one, and bis success in it deserves due an.
probation. With the single exception of lack
OF proper attention to costume on the part of
one or two OF the ladies and an Ontre vest that
made Its appearance in the picnic scene his ar
rangements were all as faultless as the acting
of Mr.. Bourcicault and his wife
II is to be presumed that The Life of On
Actress will be repeated here over and over
again during the balance of the engagement of
the latter, for we feel assured it may cram
the house dozen nights.
This evening, Mr.. Bourcicault repeats bis
favorite character Of Sir Charles Coldstream. in
his own Used Up part and piece of rare
merit indeed As played in the Washington
theatre afew nights since, the house was kent in
. roar OF excitement So with Mrs Bourcicaul,
also, in Bob Nettles-the afterpiece Itisyery
certain that those who would attend this even
ing, should go early, if hoping to find even
standing places.
The PROJECT CONCERNING TIE AppoRrrox-
hEsT OF CLERKS AND MEssEsGERs.-Web have
no idea that the bunk um scheme of Mr.. Smith
OF Illinois, to change the manner of the selec.
u0n oil clerical employees and messengers of the
GENERAL Government can poasibly succeed. In
enec'' IL Is mere revamping of the similar
Pi'Jec' mat passed the House at the last ses
eion' and failed to get through the Senate
.nere a large majority were against it. The
TACT that such schemes are seriously uroed
proves the general impracticability Of bs.tv
and inconsiderate legislation, as we'll a, ,hs
TACT that honorable members recognise Oh.
nanefui power and influence of the small noIi.
te'ans OF the iand-the seekers after small
places under the Federal Government-vh"..
name is, now, Legion. We have often arou.S
to prove that nine-tenths of the corruntion :,
public affairs grows out of the increase of N.
mania for small Offices or places under the Gov.
eminent, which has already peneratad . 80.