Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1865-05-03
Np AND MRS. CHARLES KfAN.

AFTER an absence Of many years from America
MFR. Charles kean the last Of the great English
actors and his accomplished wife, made their first
appearance asst night at the broadway theatre. in
this city, before large, fashionable and highly ap-
preciative audience. Although the house was not
crowded to excess, it was comfortably and suflici
emily filed The pieces selected for representa-
tion we're Sha6spere'S tragedy Of Henry the VIII,
COMPRESSED into three acts, and Colman's popular
comedy OF the Jealous Wife. As Cardinal Wosey,
in the first piece, Mr.. hean exhibited some of the
most finished aud perfect acting that has ever been
Witnessed on any stage. His style was vigorous
and Intellectual as we'll as chaste aud polished to
he highest degree. Some Of the most touching
passages Of the tragedy were iranscendartly grand
and utterly sets rivalry on competition al def
ance Mr. kean is indeed the last of an iilustri-
ous race OF actors whose accomplishments have
made the drama famous in their own country and
throughout the world. He stands to-day confess.
edly without peer in his profession in Europe
Mrs. Kean was very effective ia the art of Queen
Catbsrine and frequently moved the audience to
tears by the deep pathos and tenderness which she
threw into her words. In the scene in court with
the King and Cardinals she was greeted with
warm aud cordial applause.
when the curtain fell, at the close OF the TRACE
DIV the audience loudly called for the distn-
gnished artists. Mr.. kean then made his appear
ance. leading his wife by the hand. The applause
was thereupOn red0ublcd, and some ladies' threw
blauets Of flowers at the feet Of Mrs. keaD. She
gracefully acknowledged the compliment and re-
tired: but, on Mr.. kean attempting to follow, loud
cries of Kean," g Speech &C., arose. Mr..
Charles kean responded 20 The invitation in the
following words
LADIES AND GFNTLDtEN.-Accepb pray, the
warmest thanks Of Mrs. kean and myself for the
cordial recepton and for the brilliant assemblags
with which you have this evening honorcd u.s.
We return 10 this great city under the influence Of
strong and various emotions as orr visit brings to
ms a train of thoughts and feelings recall
ING many interesting associations and awaken
inT many grateful rememhrances. Tears have
ELAPSED and not a few &C my early scquain-
tances have passed away, since, almost at
the commencement Of my professional career,
landed, a friendlesS youth, on your h0sptabC
shores, there to receive that applause and encour-
apement which kindled within me the first glow Of
hone that might one day attain success. That
career is now drawing to q close, and once more
come among you, for tn fourth and last time, ac-
companied BY my wife, whom, as Ellen Tree, you
regarded wi so much favor and encirced with so
many friends, 10 bid farewell, before we shake of
the care and toll Of public life for the calm enjoy
nnent of rest and retirement Ladies and gentle
men, once again permit me 10 offer our heartfelt
Acknowledgements.
The atterpiece was admirably performed, giving
Mr.. aud Mrs Kean q tine opportunity TO show their
talent in comic parts. On the whole, the perform
ance was a perfect success in every Way I.
Herald