Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-12-08
WHITE .CnOok.
Something OF its objects and its His.
/ tOry-Tts Wonderful Success. etc.

Something Of its objects and it's His.
tOFy-Its Wonderful Success. etc.
We attended last night the last exhibit
ton, for the present, at least, Of the inimit
able burlesque, the White Crook. The
Summer Street Theater was filled to its ut
most capacity, as il has been every night
during its performance. lis success, while
it has been unexampled in the stage his
tory of our city, has not been beyond its sur
passing merits. As the present perfor-
nance has closed, We regard il as q beft-
ting occasion TO speak in general terms Of
the greet burlesque, Of its author, the no.
bic objects its managers have had in view,
and the performers of the various characs
tors. IL is not our purpose to anslyze the
parts of the play, nor TO individualiZe the
particular characters, but Ia glance at ii in
general terms as whole.
First then as TO the objects had in view
in putting il on the stage. The object is
one of the noblest that could commend
itself TO generous people; one Of the most
humane that could appeal TO our hearts,
and one Of the most practically benevolent
that could arouse the sympathies of the
human mind. The procurement of legs
and arms for our Southern braves who iost |
theirs TO uphold our "bonny blue flag" in
the furnace and front of the fight, where |
whole platoons of our sons and brothers |
melted away in the iron storm of battle, is |
an object that should stir up the warmest |
pulsations of every true Southern heart. |
Right bravely they fought when darkness |
and gloom oYerspread our sunny skies |
they went away from us erect in |
the strength of hardy manhood, and |
many Of them hobbled home with |
wasted strength, having left their
limbs where many left their liyes-on dis |
tant battle.felds. We shonld, as far as
may be, give back the limbs they gave for |
us. For this object, the proceeds of the |
White Crook will be appropriated, and |
those having it in charge will see that it is |
done.
We next refer to the author. "John |
Happy" is not only citizen of our town |
and State, but he is a writer well known,
and one who possesses exceedingly fine |
abilities in letters, and as journalist-he |
is withal, polished, urbane, generous
and high toned citizen. In the White |
Crook, he has achieved triumph of
which he may well be proud. Taken as |
whole, it is complete, and will add greatly |
to the authors extended reputation. |
Though many of its intrinsic merits con-
sist in its happy local and home hits and
illusions, the burlesque would defy criti-
cism anywhere and on any stage. Yet We
know that it was prepared in fragmentary |
parts, and thrown together during the
authors brief leisure hours from pressing
journalistic duties.
We now have something to say of the
performers. The amateurs" az they are
called, who baveso well played their parts,
are composed of the first young men ofour
city, we'll skilled in business pursuits, and
of culture refinement and high social posi-
ton. Their acting would do credit TO
older, more experienced and professional
actors. Their dancing cannot be surpassed.
while each and all parts assigned have
been well sustained. They undertook its
performance, animated by commendable |
pride, stimulated to success by the objects
they had in view. They have spared
neither patience nor nnwearied persever-
ance, nor expense, in insuring its sue
cess. The piece" was put on the
stage at very heavy outlay of expense in |
scenery, curtains and indispensable articles
to the success of the performance. These
have all been borne cheerfully and without
a murmur. Though the expenses connect=
ed with it have been, up to this time, near
Sl400, every dollar of it has been spent in
cur midst among our merchants, mechan- |
les and artisans, and those of our home
men who need it. 1t has not been carried |
out of our community as when spent on
perambulating parties.
The success of the play may be Judged
from the fact that the receipts have been, |
during the FIVE nights of its performance, |
two thousand dollars, and would have been
much greater had the theater been large |
enough to accommodate those who
wished to gain admittance. The per-
Torrance would have further run of sue.
cess, but the young men are wearied out
and have postponed for future occasion.
Now we suggest that this organization be
kept up, composed of the same amatuers,
and that it in one sense holds itself in
readiness to perform for benevolent pur-
poses. The winter is before us, and de-
mands upon our charity may be frequent
and imperative. These demands could be
met in no better way than through the
agency of this association, and at the same
time the most popular species of amnse-
ment would be afforded to our people. We
hope this suggestion will be considered and
acted upon.