Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1858-03-06
ID soro-Tbis - American play. oEiginaI

De SoTo-This great American play, originally
written, we believe, for Mr. MURDOCH, was produced
for the first time in this city, on Thursday evening,
t. full snd fashionable house. The history OF
this daring Spaniard, urged on by the restless
spirit Of adventure that fred the soldiers Of the
days Of Ferdinand and Isabella-his undoubted
bravery and unfagging zeal-the determined fOrti-
tude with which, despite danger from myriads Of
waksful foes that lowered unseen around his path
way, and TIE murmurs and discomfort Of his follow
ers threatening daily to break out in open revolt,
he pursued his Perilous march from the green and
sunny ssyannas Of Florida, TO the great Sire Of
Waters" ct point which, in Difference to the vani-
ty Of our kinsfolk Of Memphis, we shall cOncede
10 be opposite Presidents Islsnd-POssesses
deep tnge Of romantic interest and has formed the
theme Of many song and story The dramatist
has seized upon the rich materials Afforded by this
history, and skillfu'ly interviewer them into play
which, if not wholly free from faults in the opinion
Of those who would be thought severely critical, We
regard as one Of much merit and teeming with rare
beauties.
Like "stsr" pieces generally, there is wanting
that sDsuness so to speak-that well sustained inter-
est in each part that would be necessary to OOnsd
tute it great drama. De Soto is the main and al-
most absorbing character Of the play, in whom
ceDers all the interest Of the audience except what
is naturally felt for the fate Of the fair and unfOrtu
nate "child Of the wilderness" The dramatist has
done very little in the lay Of establishment for
Utah. It is the old, oft told story Of parents mas
sacred by Indians, children borne of to captivity
and reared for immolalon last upon the altar Of
the chieftain's savage passions. The author has
put single pretty speech in the mouth Of Tlsea
l5osG-where lie unfolds to Utah the story Of her
birth, and declares his love Yet so great is the
opportunity afforded for the display Of scenery,
tableaux, stage effects aud the other adjuncts of
spectacular drama, and so well we're these things
gotten up, that the piece received with frequent
Outbursts Of hearty and prolonged applause. No
performance we ever witnessed seemed to give more
universal satisfaction TO the audience.
Mr.. MURDoCH's representation Of De Soto WIS
very effective. As Utah, IL is scarcely necessary to
say, Mrs. CRISP made all that could be made Of the
part while Mr., FTzGERLD's rendering Of Tusea-
I5osa was greatly assisted by his fine size and per-
soual appearance. And without desiring to par
tcularize, we may say in simple TRUTH that all the
parts were well sustained and for first perfOr-
NANCE the piece went very smoothly. We should
not, however, in this connection omit to award to
the accomplished scenic artist Of the GAIETY, the
need Of praise justly due him for the important
part which he contributed to the interest Of the
piece. He is truly most valuable acquisition to
the management Of the GAIETY, which, under the
magic touches Of his pencil is fast becoming one
Of the handsomest little theatres in the country.
At the conclusion of the piece, Mr. MURDOCH
was called before the curtain and returned his
thanks to the audience for the many kind indiCa-
tons Of their appreciation in a few well timed re
marks, in the course Of which he spoke earnestly
and hopefully Of the speedy Inauguration Of an
American drama. the abundant materials for which
are to be found in cur early history and national
progress. In common with Mr.. MURDOCH, we hope
the day may not be far distant when the attention
Of authors shall be directed to a field so rich in
promise to the dramatic talent Of our country.
Tonight Ma. MURDoCH makes hisfarewel appear
ance as Beverly in The GGusgfsr, with Mrs CRISP
Hrs BsDsrlcv to be followed by the first, second and
fifth acts of De Solo, embracing all the scenery tab
leauz professions, &c. OF this magnificent spectacle
All who desire see this great actor, will embrace
this the last opportunity. Let there be a crowded
house