The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-08-30
THE HOLLLDA Y STREET THEA TRE.-MR
ED WIN BOOTH

~ e.
ED WIN BOOTH
On Monday last Mr.. EDWIN Booru commenced an
engagement at the Holiday Street, which thus far
has proved a very successful one, and which will
| continue through the present week. Although we
have torborne any notice until now of the perform
ances of this very clever and promising young ac-
| tor, it has not been because we are insensi-
BILE either to his merits artist, to his claims
as fellow-townsman upon the support and sympa-
thy Of our Baltimore public. Mr. Booru is young
mana native of this city, and an actor of rare
promise. Elsewhere his performances have called
forth the most favorable opinions, and we are glad
to see by the cordial reception which he has met at
the Holiday Street, that he is not without honor,
even in his own country. The range of characters
in which he has appeared during the past week,
has been extensive one, embracing that of
Richelieu, in Bulwer's play of that name,
that of Idyo, of King Lear, of Sir Giles Ocer-
reach, of Richard Ill., in which part his acting re-
called at times that of his lamented father, of Sir
Edrard Mortimer in The Iron Chest and of Petrucho-
In each and all of these varied and altogether dis
similar characters he acquitted himself with credit,
thereby showing how large share lie has inherited
of his fathers versatility of genius. His forte, how
ever, is decidedly tragedy, for which he is well
fitted by the physical advantages he possesses of
good presence, a sonorous and flexible voice. and
wonderfully expressive eye. In short, Mr. BoorH
promises well-excecdingly ell,-and it only de-
ponds upon himself how far that promise shall be
redeemed, and the favorable impression which he
has made be confirmed by his in after years.
To that success, indispensably prerequisite
patience and perseverance. The foremost rank in
the arduous profession of GARRICK, and of EDMUND
kEAN, is not to be attained without long and la
borious study. The inspirations of genius are
worth great deal, but there unhappiy not
wanting too many instances in which those inspira-
tions have been lost or clcuded by the inability
indisposition of their possessor to lower himself
to what he might be pleased to call the drudgery of
the profession. We would advise Mr.. BoorH to
eschew the study of stage-models, and to use the
traditions of the green-room which have associated
the practice of particular actors with the represen
tation of particular characters, only hints for
his guidance, and not rules to be observed. Care
full study of his authors, and above all, of Ma
ture- the only model and teacher worth following
is all that is necessary to ensure that complete
success, of which we already find, in the excellence
of his present performances, such pleasing augury.
Mr.. BooTH has been well supported, during his pres
ent engagement, by Mr.. FoRD's company, which
in addition to the merit of being new, possesses the
further recommendation of being decided improve
ment on the old. Although in the present connex-
ion we had only intended to speak of Mr.. BoorH,
we cannot close this notice without word Of com
mendation for Mr.. WRIGHT, the new stage mana.
ger, and who by the way, must not be con-
founded with the well-known actor of the same
name Mr.. WRIGHT brings with him to Baltimore
great experience and high reputation in his spe-
cidtite of stage management; and that his reputa-
ton is not undeserved Is proved by the smoothness
and regularity with which the business of the
goes on, and by the attention which is paid to those
minor accessories. of the drama, which have been so
lamentaby disregarded on stage, of dress, stage
appointments, &c. Under the competent direction
of Mr.. WRIGHT, doubt not but that the rawness
and awkwardness incident at times to the working
of new company, will soon wear off, and that the
Holiday Street will be found more deserving than
it has been for a good while back, of the patronage
of our play going public.