Cleveland daily leader. [volume] ([Cleveland, Ohio]) 1865-1873, 1866-04-28

ACADEMY OF MusIc.-It is matter of COM
mon observation that the taste of the day
for the drama runs almost exclusively to
that class of productions that are sensational
in character, and it is the experience of
Theatrical managers, the country over, that
the dramatizatiou of q romantic story, |
having perhaps no other merit than the
possession If a few unnatural characters or
a series of stealthily contrived murders and
other mishaps, carefully wrought out
through an intricate plot, is a never-failing
success in a pecuniary point OF view, and
will draw thousands, where the inspiration
of Shakespeare would fail to attract hun
dreds. And in further evidence of this,
every new aspirent for histrionic honors
makes his first s.ep-out as a ''star" with the
label of some grandiioquently titled play
written expressly for him, or dramatized
from chat famous Mercury story" There
| are q few Instances where an acknowledged
master Of the works of the great authors,
| like Edwin Booth, will fn1reward for years
Of ardent study in the higher walks of the
drama, but such exceptions are extremely
rare, even IN the great cities, where large
floating populations create an inexhaustable
/ supply OF amuscment-seekers Thore is Of
| course a cause or causes for this taste, and
We think it is mainly found in the love of
our people for novelty, and a morbid apPe-
tite for those outward effects that crafty
ONLY the senses and do not trouble US to
think. Il is the taste upon which Ledgers
and dime novels prosper, while the crea-
tons Of solid worth go & begging.
But as we have above remarked. there
are gratifying exceptions to this quite gem
eraI rule, and it is a pleasure to know that
Cleveland occasionally affords an example
and atttests her appreciation Of what is tech
nically denominated the Legitimate"
drama. One of these examples was offered
last evening in the large and apPreciative
audience that witnessed Mr.. Proctor's ad-
mira1le rendition of Macbeth"
Wehove never seen that grand old tragedy
so we'll put on the stage in this city as was
the case last evening, and the rendering of
the "Thane'' we have never seen equallei
hcre-the playing of Kean being utterly
insipid beside it. The power and force and
dignity Of the character were all truthfully
presented, and with decided effect upon the
audience. Mrs. EllsIer's Lady Macbeth"
was well conceived, though lacking in
power. Mr.. Nagle's "Macduf7 was especi-
ally commendable for fine acting. In the
general effects of the play, everything
moved with precision, and the performance
was harmonious throughout.
This evening "The J~iObenainosay" will be
presented, and those who have not had the
good fortune TO see Mr.. Proctor in this char
acter should avail themselves Of the chance
tonight. II is one of his best efforts.
ANArEUR CoNCEE1.-A great treat ia in
store for music-loying Clevelanders. On
Thursday evening next, May 5rd, Miss
Nellie Vaughan, Of this city, whose musical
taste and ability are recognized wherever
she is known, will give a concert at Brain
ards Hall. Miss Vaughan, as soprano, will
be supported by the most brilliant of our
home talent. Mr.. Alfred H. Pease, whom
we still claim as 4 Clevelander, though his
recent residence in New York, and his con-
cert-giving tours, have esta blished for him
q national reputation as a pianist, will ap-
pear. Professor Geo. W. Brainard will also
preside ct the piano, and John W. Morgan,
ESQ President Of the Musical Conservatory
at Oberlin, at the organ. Mr.. W. n. Per-
kins, who, in his brief residence in Cleve-
land, has acquired a most enviable fame as
a vocalist, will appear as tenor. Mr. F. B.
Steadman and Mr.. D. 0. Cole, violincellist,
make up the list. We are assured that the
mere mention of the names of these we'll
known a%n,ateurs is a sufficient guaranty to
our citizens of the treat in store for them,
and that the concert on Thursday evening
will be attended by g throng such as seldom
gathers to listen to an G~HGteWr entertain
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