The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1870-03-09
AMUSEMENTS.
Production OF eLurline' Mt the Acade-
mY-A MAGNIFICENT Spectacle.

AMUSEMENTS.
Production OF eLurline" MT the Acade-
my-A Magnificent Spectacle.
Despite the drawbacks of the Lenten sea-
son, the admirably managed resources OF Mr..
Ford continue TO crowd the Academy nightly
with fashionable and appreciative audiences.
Before noon on Monday, nearly every reserved
seat in the house was engaged. and the postpone
ment until last evening stimulated popular curl
osty to an extent which sufficed to I'LL all vacan-
cies.
Whatever critics may say about the dramatic
merit of spectacular exhibitions, there can be no
question but that the public like fine scenic effect,
light and diversified action graceful and beautiful
tableaux, and thoroughly arranged mechanism.
Where the eye and ear are both charmed and fas-
cinated, and the great end OF popular entertain
ment is thus achieved, it is mere caving to pause
to analy- sources OF the pleasure. III suon
cases. at least the old test Of success must decide
merit And "Lurllne'' last evening was most
complete success in every particular.
The play opens with scene In the oanquetlng
hall Of Sir Rupert's castle on the Rhine. Tne
Knights are about separating for their various ad-
ventures and pledge each other according to
knightly custom, In parting bumper. Ine
drinking song and chorus were finely rendered.
Sir Rupert, (Mr. Chatterson, is then told the le-
gend OF the Lurlieberg, and resolves TO seek tne
Lurlie maiden in her coral caves.
The tableau, In which he first meets with Lur-
line is OF great artistic beauty, and the scene
gave an opportunity for conspicuous display OF
Mrs. Oates remarkable vocal powers. Her song,
"Come. Love- with Me,n with which Lurline Woos
her earthly lover to her bower, was most charm
inply given, and was applauded to the echo. In
the next scene the whole OF the enchanted ferry
land below the magic Rhine is thrown open to
the view of outside mortals, with an effect GER
tainly surprising anything which Charleston has
yet seen. Too much praise, indeed, cannot be
given to the evident care and elaboration which
has been bestowed on the scenery OF this part OF
the play, and II the scene.shlfting last evening
had been accomplished with the ease and swift
ness which practice will probably insure tonight
there would have been nothing lacking to its
completeness.
From this point the niss.en-Scene shifts from
the castle to fairyland with bewildering eject
until the whole is crowned with the really splen'
did transformation scene which closes the spec
tace, and which is miracle Of CLEAN and glitter,
and well managed perspective.
We have only space for brief notice OF some OF
the many details Of the operetta, which call Tor
special mention. The grotesque dfaolerfe OF MI
Aliens makeup as Amphibio was beyond praise,
and he did some Of his best and most effective
singing BY way Of contrast with his demonlacal
aspect. Mr.. Beall made his debut here as
Schnapps, and established his reputation at ence
as comedian and "a facial artist" Mr.. Chatter
sons singing was, as usual, correct and melodi
GUS; and the new acquisition, Miss Gilmer, made
pleasing impression.
Miss Pauline Hayden, as usual, looked lovely
and played with spirit. OF the Japanese and the
Tumbleronicon it Is needless to speak, as we could
only repeat the praise which we have SC often ex-
pressed.
Altogether, the first representation OF Lurline
more than equalled the very great expectations
which had been formed Of 1t, and the opera can
not fail to enjoy as long run as Its pantomimic
predecessor. We say, again, that the scenery,
dresses and general stage effect are on scale OF
greater brilliancy than anything heretofore
known on Charleston boards. The piece will be
repeated this evening.
Wymnn, the Wizard,
opens his wonderful and bizarre entertainments,
at Hibernan Hall, this evening. 1t Is just as im-
possible to describe and explain what he does as
to say what he does not do. Hankyp panIy tricks,
ambtdextrous feats, acoustic subtletles, poly
phonism, lre.moving and speaking automata,
yentrlloquisl eccentrIcitIes-these are but few
of the attractions. Besides he scatters among his
audience gifts OF greenbacks, dry goods, fuel,
furniture, groceries, &c, with reckless prodi-
gallty, at which regular dealers may well stand
aghast. How he manages to afford 1t, unless he
produces his gifts by the art magic, passeth COM
prehension. But he does do 1t. Go and see him.
Binoptric Lanterns.
There will be an exhibition Of these beautiful
Views at Holmes Lyceum tomorrow evening"
for the academy Of Mr.. c. H. Bergman. The
scenes about sixty in number, represent Confed-
crate war views Arctic aad European scenery,
and specimens of natural history. They will be
worth visit.