The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-25
Br ooklyn Academy or Music.

On Monday night under the resolution OF Tho
Board OF Directors, the arrettDavenpor combination
opened this house for series Of dramatic performances
Notwithstanding the ncemency Of the weather tho thea
ire WAS crowded in every part the upper gallery present
ne for tho first time since the building has been used
we'll filed aspect In despite Ut the apprehensions Of the
arocratsc pretenders who opposed the hiring OF the
house for theArics nothing could be more
orderly or than the conduct OF the audience
was composed fcy she most part Of the class Il
citizens who patroniss the Philharmonic concerts whilst
the addition Of others, who could afford 70 pxy che
parquetts and balcony prices made difference in the
general demeanor Of the people assembled which was
lust a. quiet and well behaved % that OF tour se on
opera nights.
The play was "Hamlet," with the following nns
cast:-Hamiet, Mr.. E. L. Davenport; the Ghost,
Nr. J. W. Walsck; Polonius, Mr. Mark Smith;
Grave Digger Mr. Thomas Placide; IAertes, Nr.
J. h. Allen; Gertrude. Queen Of Denmark, Mrs
J. W. wallack Ophslia, Mrs. Julia Bennett Barrow.
On Mr. Davenports mpersonation Of Hamlet IL is MOI
necessary for TO enlarge Il familiar pub
lie that criticism upon would be supsrnuous. Sufcs
n to say that there the English or Americas
stage who gives finished graceful ntsrprsta-
the character The Opheia Of Mrs. Julia Bennett
Barrow is also very good showing careful reading and
correct appreciation Of the ncetcs Of the part The
other characters equally well sustained In their
way and altogether the representation Of the piece was
the best we have for years. Mr.. Davenport was
enthusiastically appauded throughout, and was called
before the.curtain at the conclusion Of the piece
Last night the best comedy in the English language
Sheridans School for Scandal, was the hitting sequel
TO the tragedy Of the previous evening. The racy,
pquant wit Of this celebrated play was admirably de-
veoped by powerful cast who performed the several
parts s Of those pieces which require not single
star or two or three good actors TO make tell de-
mapds number Of first performers TO do justice.
II il Also drama Of high life, and requires actors and
Addressed NJ refined manners 20 hit OF the delicate points,
Tia dro,nnt;s D,rsono were:-Joseph Surface Mr. j. W.
Walack Jr; Charles Surface, Mr. E. L. Davenport; Sir
pstar ras,ie NJ Mark Smith, Sir Oliver Surface Mr.
cooros Andrews Crabtree, Mr.. T. Placide: Sir Bens-
min Hsarhte Mr. J. H. Allen; Careless, Mr. Lanpdon:
Moaes Mr. 81 o. Seton; Lady Teazle Mrs Julia Bennett
Rsrrov: Mrs Candour, Mrs Brougham Lady Snesrwsll,
Miss Irving Maria, Miss Climber.
Tho performance kept the house In continual roar
where All acquitted themselves well Il is almost in
vidos TO make distinctions but justice requires TINT
should psrticuarse the splendid acting Of Mrs. Julia
bennett Barrow ~ Lady Teazle, Mrs. Brougham Mra
Candour Mr. f. L. Davenport Charles Surface and Mr.
Sir Peter Teazle was we'll rendered BY Mr.. Smith,
and Mr.. Andrews . very good Sir Oliver.
The role OF Lady Tcaze, BY Julia Bennett Barrow,
elected unboundsd applause. Il was charming piece Of
acting but scarcely less deserving Of admiration the
Charles Surface OF Mr. Davenport The piece was
plete success
The result Of the nights performances WILL No
trust convince the directors that they have made no
mistake in yielding TO the public wish In opening the
Academy TO the drama. Morally, well pscuniariiy.
think they will be benefited by 10 snd they must
convinced that the dangers which they sppeshsAAsA
,xsted only in their own imaginatioas.