Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-02-18
New MEMPHIS TnrArnn.--A large and

New MEMPHIS THEArER. large and
lss=sl;;; a:snss =ss delighted ;s;.h the
Merchant of Venice last night. We
never before--even when Charles Kean
was here--saw il mounted on the stage
in better style or performed more aecu-
rately. All in the cast seemed to exert
their utmost skill in the rendition oftheir
characters. The "Shylock of Mr..
Mayo was faultless the "Gratiano" Of
Hamilton, a sparkling gem; and Malm-
burg's picture Of "Bassanio," what we ex-
pected, a faithful and good one. Each
of these gentlemen received loud and
prolonged plaudits, which expressed the
full satisfaction and appreciation of the
audience. 1t pleased us exceedingly to
find Mrs. flanagan SO perfect in "Portia."
We we're harsh enough not to expect so
grand portrayal of one of the bards
grandest conceptions; but We candidly
confess Mrs. flanagan actually charmed
US with her graoefulness and pathos.
Verify we have seldom seen better
"Portia on the Memphis boards; and
we say this in justice to lady whom we
hastily prejudged as not being able to play
the part we'll, but for whom, nevertheless,
we entertained, and still entertain, the
highest respect as an actress. We would
fail to express the pleasure Of the public
if we did not mention the superb manner
in which Mrs. Cline performed "Nerissa."
1t was truthfulness throughout. This
lady draws a very clear contrast between
the pathetic and the comic; and what
ever she undertakes she finishes with the
most charming grace, nairete and spark
ling spirit. She is not only consum-
mate actress, possessing an intellectual
countenance,a tuneful voice and silyery
laugh that pleases every one, but a
woman Of genius that never appears
overstrained or unnatural on the stage.
To. night Mr.. Mayo appears as Richard
| the Third" with Hamilton as Rich
mond," Malmburg as Buckingham,
Miss Viola Plunkett as Lady Anne,
and Mrs. flanagan as the Queen
For the matinee on Saturday, Don
| Cesar de BazGn.
ALL kinds of Foreign and Domestic
Wines and Liquors q. L. Podesta d Co.'s,
| 236 Front street l25-l6o
AN OLD AcroR GoNE.-Sol. Smith, q
A well-known actor, died in st. Louis on
Sunday last, in the 68th year Of his age
In 1919 Sol. worked as printer in Nash
vile, and in two years after he started
paper in Cincinnati called the Indepen
dent Press. He relinquished the publ
cation business in. twelve months; and
gathering together dramatic company
started in the theatrical line at Licking
ton, KY. Thereafter he followed the pro
fession of manager and actor for thirty
years. In the winter of 1928 be played
| in Memphis and other towns on the Mis-
sissippi river. He grew up, we are told
with the theatrical spirit of the West ans
expanded with it. He became powel
in the Thespian world, and his expe
rience of the stage extended over nearl,
half century. As an actor his fort
was comedy, and he belonged to the oil
legitimate stock of comedians, of whom
so few are left to grace the stage. As I
social companion his temperament wal
genial, and be possessed most kindly
disposition. He was also humorist O.
no mean pretensions, and his contribu'
tons of this character to the press are
widely known and greatly relished. HI
could tell good story and embellish i
with quaintness of style that was sure
to win the applause of his hearers. As
recreation, after his retirement from thu
stage, he prepared and published vol
ume of photographed characters, en-
titled "Theatrical Management in the
West and South for Thirty Years"
!" Life's but walking shadow, poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is seen ne more.