Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-07-27
From the Family Journal
First Appearance on any stage
BY ONE OF THE SMITH FAMILY.

In former number of the Family Journal
| related "Why | am Bachelor | have
now another confession to make, and were il
not that my name, although an illustrious
one, is rather common, and that there are
more people in the world by the name Of
John Smith besides myself | might hesitate
in making the public my confidant
Well, then, l will at once make a clean
breast of the matter. | have appeared on
the stage. Don't imagine, gentle reader,
when / write these words, that am not con-
scious of the enormity Of my offense. Alas
only know it too well.
When | think that /, John Smith, 'ex-
grocer, was ever blockhead enough to ap-
pear before a theatrical audience my cheeks
blush with shame, and such an appearance
but let me not anticipate. My object, dear
reader, in telling you the whole matter. is to
obtain your sympathy, and must beg besore-
hand that you will not laugh At NE have
already gone through the terrific CrV1esnl o.
laughter, and ought by this time, to be sreelei
against it; but it is tender, sore point. sDi
were | not certain that the readers OF the
Journal are kindly disposed and VII make
light of my misfortHnes. | would proceed uo
further.
After my want of success in love, as pre-
viously told, grew unsettled, and wandered
about the city for days without any particular
end in view. | verify believe | knew every
clerk in the Broadway stores, for was ac-
customed to go and price articles in every
establishmenNnot with the intention OF
buying any thing but simply to kill time.
One day, in the course of my peregrinations,
| was attracted by large bill outside the
Broadway Theater.
Now, had never been inside theater in
my life. had always despised actors and
plays. | was now, however, attracted by
the large capitals, and stopped TO read the
bills. / learned by them that the play of
Richard III was TO be performed that night
| do not know what evil genius possessed me
but determined that would see it.
went, and was delighted. 1t was a new
world to me-the lights, the music, the COM
pany, all served to intoxicate me- even before
the play commenced. But when the curtain
rose, my enthusiasm was worked up to the
highest pitch. did not understand the Ian
guage, but | understood the fighting; that
was glorious. The great American actor
performed the part of Richard, and it did my
heart good to see him rant and roar, and
fume and fret. Now, that is my idea of good
acting--he exercised his lungs and made the
whole house ring with his stentorian tones.
But "Richmond' came on the field, aud then
my delight reached its climax. Obi how
Richard" and Richmond" fought How they
ran about the stage-parried here and thrust
there And then when the hunchbacked
tyrant received his mortal wound, and "went
into his furry" as your contributor, Dick
Span Yarn, would say, what shout shook
the house-it was glorious triumph.
/ went home that night an unhappy man.
felt must distinguish myself; | was not
content to remain plain John Smith. pined
10 be Richmond" | felt blood-thirsty.
wanted TO kill "Richard' wanted TO receive
the plaudits of the audience. could not
sleep that night. rehearsed over and over
again that combat-that glorious combat.
rose in the morning unrefreshed, and
longed for the night TO come, that | might
again visit the theater. It came at last, and
saw me in the place had occupied the pre-
lvious evening. Ny excitement was as great
as on the first night; and | returned home
detected and low-spirited. Come what might,
1 was determined 10 perform the part OF
Richmond"
The next night l summoned up courage
enough 10 call on the manager and lay my
case before him.. When stated my wish, he
stared at me, and then burst into fit Of
laughter When, however, limited to him
about paying for the privilege, he stopped
laughing and shook me by the hand. II was
finally agreed that for $50 was 10 perform
Richmond" that week.
That very nightI set about studying the
part, 1t was not very long one, and soon
succeeded in committing il to memory, The
rehearsals followed, and the manager said |
acquitted myself admirably. became quite
proficient in my fencing, and had not doubt
whatever as to my success.
Z AT last the eyentful day arrived, and had
I the satisfaction Of seeing in the morning
papers statementto the effect that the part
of "Richmond' would be undertaken by an
emateqr, hs hrst appearance on any stage
How passed through that day i know not
y kept fepeating 70 myself my part the whole
time until became what IL callad nword