Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-10-18
AMUsENTENTa

PIXIES sOPERA-HoUsE-Nrs Bdtsmdn's Plan
Of SeJ.-A few days ago we gave some
what lengthy notice Of this play, which Il
now having most successful run at the
Opera-house. II has achieved an extended
reputation, and deservedly so, but we will
not criticize it here; for both its faults and
its merits are easily discovered.
The manner in which it is mounted at the
Opera-house is worthy the play, the estab-
lishment and the manager. In regard TO the
scenery, appointments and furniture, great
care has been taken, and, although some ofthe
characters might be dressed in better taste,
the liberality Of the manager may be seen in
every act.
A vein Of satire runs throughout the play.
and causes kind of sympathetic cynfcism
in the spectator, which, in its turn, suggests
a thousand humorous things, and gives birth
to witticisms of which the authoress per.
chance, had never dreamed. This, perhaps, il
the chief merit of the play, for ii seems to
owe its popularity not to what it is. but TO
the sympathy it arouses.
The generous, self-sacrifcing "Mary Apex -
who gave her fortune to her bankrupt father
and, after the money had been drawn from
the bank by forged check, told the first lie
other life to screen her unfortunate brother
and his unscrupulous and extravagant
mother from the punishment they so Justly
become acquainted with her.
Driven from her fathers house, and COM
PEELED to resort to an attic, in company with
her faithful old nurse; loaded with the in
justice which is ever the fate of generous
souls, and tortured by q continual miscon-
strucSioH that is put upon her acts by a
parent who can not understand the nature
he wrongs so cruelly-why should not SYM
pathy be awakened in the hearts of all who
Wlfnnc1 n INN ,As e
acter2
The ruling motive in the life of "Mrs
Apex, may be easily understood, and "John
Unit" "the human cocoa-nut," who is an
honest dog, like Diogenes, and bites, is well
contrasted with his feminine enemy, "Mrs.
Radius" whose sarcasm, like his biuntness.
rsnkles as a poisoned arrow wherever it
strikes, and makes every one uncomfortable
with whom she comes in contact.
The manners of these people are what
might be expected from pdrUenus; and the
vulgarity with which Mrs. Radius came in
contact at her mothers clearinghouse, or
that which Mrs. COdliver could not avoid in
the little doggery that made her dear de-
parted rich, shows through the gaudy dress
and affected politeness that Mrs. Bateman
cast about her characters and forms an ad-
mirable satire upon that much-too-plentiful
commodity-an upstart aristocracy.
We have not pretended to criticize the
play, or express an opinion in regard to the
acting; but our readers will doubtless be
well repaid by visiting the Opera-house
during the run of Self. When we remem-
Der, however, the exquisite manner in which
Mr.. Mortimer portrays the fop, we wonder
why he was not cast as "Cynosure," and are
only reconciled for his loss in this character
by the fact that "Charles Sandford" would
not have found so excellent representative
in the company.
NATIONAL THEATER.- Colleen Baum, we
understand, drew full house, last evening,
but as we did not witness the play, of course,
we can not speak of its merit. 1t will be re-
peated this evening.
CONCERT FOR TIE BENEFIT OF THE HoME
OF THE FR1ENDLEss.-Many of our citizens
will no doubt remember the excellent con-
cert given by Madame Rive and her pupils
last June; among the noticeable features of
which was the performance of overtures on
six pianos. We understand that she has
kindly consented to repeatthe concert some
time during the latter part of next week.
for the benefit of the Home of the Friend
less; at which time overtures on eight pianos
will be performed by twenty -four young
ladies. She will be assisted also by her sis
ter, Mrs. Henrietta Staub Kitchell, and we
trust that this benevolent movement will be
ably seconded by our citizens, in aid of this
really deserving institution.
SMITH & NIxoN's HALL.-The continued
success of Thiodon's Museum of Arts is the
best evidence of its popularity. 1t will re-
main on exhibition at this establishment
throughout the week.