New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-11-25

ST. CHARLES THEATRE.

Lawrence Barrett commenced an engage
ment at this theatre ON Monday evening
last, and, notwithstanding the great attrac
tions At the other places Of amusement, has
succeeded in attracting to the "Old Drury"
more than fair share Of public patronage.
His fame as an actor was not unknown to
many of our citizens; but as he had been
absent from the city several years and had
been arduously engaged in his profession
all the while in various places and before
intelligent and refined audiences, that did
not fail to acknowledge his great abilities as
an actor, his old friends and admirers here
were prepared to find that he had made
progress. They knew his scholarly and
with the habits of the student and an ambi-
ton to excel in his profession, led them to
cherish the belief that he would finally hold
the first rank as "star" in the theatrical
armament. During his present engagement
he has thus far appeared as alfred Erelyn, in
Bulwers elegant comedy entitled Money"
as Hamlet, "a Rieheliea, and as Romeo.
His impersonation of the crafty and subtle
Prime Minister of France, during the days
of Louis KILL, was witnessed by large,
intelligent and fashionable audience, that
did not fail, by rounds of judicious applause,
to evince its approval of the manner in
which he rendered this most difficult char
actcr; character that was originally per-
formed by Nacready, in London, and after
ward by Forrest first in this country, by
request of the author.
1t has been said that ''hls personatiOn Of
fcient to vindicate his claims to a lasting
histrionic reputation" Be this as it may,
it is quite certain that no man with but or
dinary ability has any business to under
take the performance of this character with
the hope of success. 1t is not character
that ordinary minds, in the line Of the
drama, can sufficiently comprehend. 1t re-
quires intelligence, judgment, discretion,
| experience. taleut, good voice, etc, for an
actor to succeed in the character, as de-
| picteI in the strong and beautiful language
| of the man whose genius conceived it. A
man, to render this character acceptably to
refined and appreciative audience, has to
accompany the language with all the emo
| tions it indicates; and he can not do this un-
less he has intelligence to understand and
energy to ''suit the action to the word, the
| word to the action"
Mr.. Barrett has evidently given the char
acter careful study, and understands the
words that are put in the actors mouth by
the author He made the Cardinal of Wed
nesday night firm, revengcful, artful and
unscrupulous when these qualities were
necessary to overcome the deceit and treach.
| cry of those who were trying to supplant
his power, and at the proper times exhib-
tied a lofty love for the glory of his coun'
| try, and determination to have good men
in her service, both civil and military.
| Mr.. Barrett possesses good voice, and
his elocution is clear and distinct. His act
ing is natural throughout, and therefore
most effective-gaining his points without a
seeming effort. In every act interest centres
IN the Rich!teu Of Mr.. Barrett, and he holds
! the audience unclaimed until the conclusion
Of the play. His interview with julie d.
Mortemar, in the first act, is truly affecting
| and when she makes the request, "Do moi
rank De Aaupro: with your foes; he is not
know he is not: he loves France too we'll,
the crafty old Cardinal evinces that tender
regard for his ward that compels him to say
in an impassiOned tone, "Not rank De Mau
prat with my toes' So be it. I'll blot hin
from that list" Nor is his interview with
De Maapras, directly after, less interesting
and effectively rendered.
In the second act occurs another Of thos.
scenes wherein the actor rises to that grand
prominence that was intended by the au
thor. The attempt of the old Cardinal t.
WELD the sword is another good point made
and when he fails because Of tottering ag,
and want of strength, and sinks back, h,
feelingly says: "You see, a child could sla,
Richclieu now" And when Francois re
minds him: But nor at your command ar,
other weapons, good my lord" Riehelieu
grasping the pen, says: 'True. THIS! Be
meath the rule of men entirely great the per
is mightier than the sword"
But we have not space to follow Mr.. Bar
rett through the entire piece, and show W
the beauties of his acting. We must con
clude our notice of his Richclieu by Saying
that we regard it as finished piece of act
ing, Notwithstanding the hypercritica
might pretend to see faults in it.
! Mrs. Albaugh as Julie, and Mr. Norton a!
Checolier de Mossprat acquitted themselve.
| with credit
Mr.. Barrett takes benefit tonight, upor
| which occasion he will appear as Cassius, il
| Shakespeare's play of Julius Caesar,
played with great success by him in New
| York.
Yesterday morning Haryey NJ. Dibble