Daily national Republican., 1863-10-07
OPRnlNa OF Growers NEW
THEATRE.

A great social a. well as theatrical event
occurred last eveuing-the Inauguration OF
Growers new theatre. The house was COM
pletely filled from floor to ceiling, and the per-
torrance of the play, written for this occasion
(and otbsrs) by william Shakespeare, gave the
vast audience the greatest satisfaction. There
was . remarkable absence Of millinery and
crinoline In the audience; partly, we suppose,
because Othello 10 not favorite play with the
ladies, who do not like 10 See one Of their sex
unjustly smothered with q pillow, and partly
because the gentlemen feared to trust their
wives, daughters, and swcethearts in q new
building until It's strength had been thoroughly
tested. The private boxes were occupied b,
the President and his family, and Mr.. stod.
dard, his Private Secretary, members Of the
Cabinet and other distinguished persons. Dur
ing the evening the audience found 1t difficult.
between the acts, to repress the enthusiasm
that their consciousness Of the presence Of Mr..
Lincoln stirred within them, aud once or twice
they came near ignoring the drama altogether
and turning the affair into an ovation 10 their
President-a proceeding that would have been
highly dstasteful to him, as he came there to
sec Shakespeare play, and for nothing else.
fthe theatre we have already said, in sub
stance, that Its plan is the greatest good TO the
greatest number In the matter Of seeing and
hearing with comfort whatever Is doing upon
the stage. The auditorium lights up with
beautiful effect, and from all parts Of the house
the audience have fair view Of the stage.
The actors in the play last night say that the
front Of the house presents a fine view from
the stage.
The new scenery and the new drop and ac
drop curtains, painted by Mr.. D. A. Strong
the proscsnium, and oil the scenic accessories
sre cspitally done. There 10 harmony abou
tho whole which Is seldom found In modsrI
thestres. The house will seat comfortably, il
the permanent seats, $50 persons, and will
extra seats will accommodate over 1000 person.
with view Of the stage.
The actors last night did their best, and
Othello was performed excellently well. Mr..
Davenport as Othello and Mr. Wallack as Iago
rendered their parts intelligently, and with all
the enthusiasm tempered with enlightened judg-
mcnt that charscterizes their acting In general.
Susan Denim looked lovely as Desdemona, and
acted the part In its true spirit Mrs. Farren as
Emelis was perhaps . little too deliberate In
rendering some portions of the last act, bu
on the whole her part was well performed
Charles Barron did Casio finely, and Bra
bsntio by Ben Rogers, and Roderigo by J. L
Barrett were well represented. The Duke o
Venice was personated BY Z. B. Willisms ii
the absence Of Mr.. Bokee, who had been cas-
In the part. williams did II well. The mino
characters were respectfully sustained, and Sc
the piece went OF admirably.
The o.ly thing that marred the performance
was the hssthenish conduct Of boys In the gal
lery, who must be taught to keep still. How
ever, on an opening night perfect order car
hardly be expected In Washington, where
handsome theatre 10 such q novelty that
makes the Juveniles wild.
Manager Grover was called out ~ the clos
Of the play and thanked his patrons In q brie
spssch for their liberal attendance. Mr.. Daveu
port and Mrs. Farren were called before th
curtain, and there were loud calls also for su
san Denim. Mr.. Wallack responded to . cal
and made handsome speech, and then tn
audience retired, well pleased with the entir
entertainment.