Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-01-29
A Grand success.

As might have been expected, the drs-
matte Entertainment by some OF our we'll
known amateurs, announced for last even
ing at Masonic Hall, was very largely at
tended, and by an audience which, for ap-
probation of the legitimate drama, has
seldom ever been equaled In the city.
This large assemblage was q compliment
not only to our amateur talent, but also
creditable to our citizens who responded
SO nobly to the appeals of charity.
The first piece selected for the evenings
entertainment was the fine old comedy Of
ga Breach of Promise, with cast of
characters that We venture to say, was
never excelled in this country. The per
sonation of John Sudden, an eccentric, VIZ
vacious bachelor, whose second thoughts
are best, was entrusted to Mr.. w. N, who
played q star engagement on former oc-
casion in one of the leading characters Of
the noted White Crook. He dressed the
character to perfection, walked the boards
like an old stager, and from first 70 last,
acquitted himself In q manner that was un-
exceptionable in every respect, and at the
same time, receiving that applause
that is due the actor of talent
Mrs. Trapper, charming lady, with a
temper of her own, also three mar iags-
able, but unmarried daughters, was
enacted by Mrs. ]. D. H., who, from the
very beginning, entered into the play with
that spirit that insures success. She wss
easy and graceful in her stage movements,
and we intend it as compliment when
we say, that as leading lady, she is far su-
perior to many who have walked our
boards a. professionals. The scene be-
tween Mr.. Sadden and Mrs Trspper,
where he gave notice that he wanted an
active partner for life, and she responded
bv saving that she had been taken by sur
prise, was the very reflection Of reality,
and brought forth plaudits loud and long.
Jabbsr, bachelor who is invited every
where, and aspr res to be ''the great erea-
ture of society," was represented In the
most faultness manner by Mr.. ]. b. G. He
had an interview with Mr.. SUdden, in
which he made decided hit.
As we proceed with the plot, we must of
course introduce Celeste, Mrs. VIM
eldest daughter of Mrs Trspper, highly
devoted to albums, autographs and poetry;
Isodora, Miss u. B., her second daugh-
ter, literary and romantic; and Matilda,
Mrs. s. P. McG., daughter No 3, quite
ready to marry, bat cannot 60 out and
seize gentleman by the collar and say,
''Sir, YOU shall marry me" all of whom
were up in their parts, and rendered valid
able aid in the under-scenes. Sudden's
second, sober thoughts, when be plainly
and firmly approached Mrs. Trspper on the
subject of that alliance, were expressed
before the three girls. Then followed a
scene. Mrs. Trapper was not to be
trifed with il that way, and with re-
venge in her eye, held up the marriage
contract before Suddens glance. Mrs
Trapper was furious The daughters were
confounded at the SlLddsp-ness In the
change of hitherto amicabie relations
Mr.. Sudden retires upon an easy chair,
which contained the bridal bonnet. Jab-
Der had been invited there Just IN time to
witness the denOHeRent. The tableau was
complete, and the curtain dropped upon
a scene that would have electrified Lon
don audience in the palmiest days Of the
drama.
But we must not forget Gibbs, Mrs.
Trappers footmsn, by Mr.. E. @. He turn-
ed out to be a conspicuous part OF the piAy
before the final act was reached.
1 May Sudden was personated by Miss ).
F. in good style, and Cecil Oxford, q nice
Young gentleman in love with Mary Sud
den. was well rendered by Mr.. ]. g.
/ But Mr.. Hudson, (alias TrsPper,) q gen
tIeman recently from Ohio, q. S. by ii. T.
NJ. must not be left oat, or it would spoil
the play. His make up was attractive,
and he filed his part of the bill finely.
| Last but not least, We must say word
| for Jessie, Msry's waiting maid, full Of
| music. and would sing song, but there Is
| none in the part. She convinced every
| body. however, that if she could handle
the KEYS on a piano forte as she did
| the brush on Suddens back, that she
would be more successful than Jsbbers
| q-Aat rehesrsals on the fageolete.
Having ended our review of the first
piece, we can bat Just add, that the com
| edy as a whole, was grand success, and
| highly appreciated by the audience.
At the close of the last scene in "a
Breach of Promise" the applause Of the
| audience was loud and long continued.
| proving their hearty appreciation OF the
performances and the ability displayed IN
the presentation of the various characters
| Indeed. if we are to Judge anything Of the
| merits of a play from the interest manifes-
ted BY those who witnessed It. 1t Is EVIL
| dent that few stock companies have been
| AZ heartily encored as was these amateur
actors and actresses last night just after
1 the fall of the curtain. The applause con
| tined till the curtain rose and the COM
pliment WAS acknowled by the appearance
Of the entire company who made their bow
and retired.
After a short intermission, during which
some yery fine music was given by the
Post Band, the curtain rose, and the ex-
trsyaesnza ''ARegular Fix" was presented
The scene OPENS in the parlor or drawing
room of the residence of Mr.. Surplus, Mr..
WN "a lawyer with a clear head, at
whose house it appears thst bail bad
been given the night before. Mr.. surplus
house maid, Matilda Jane, Mrs W.
In. ! enters. and after declaiming against
the frequency of her masters balls, sudden
, ly discovers Mr.. Hugh DeBrass, nr. J. b.
IO.) a London highhyer, indifferent &c
tailors' bills, fast asleep in chair, doing
|, off the effects of his last nights potatlons
Mr.. Surplus housekeeper, Mrs Car
r ter" Mrs. s. P. McG.,) enters, and If
| sstonisbed at what she sees The play
progresses until Mr. Surplus, the owner o.
, the mansion, appears, and desires TO know
the name of his strange visitor, Nj De
Brass The latter gentleman, anxious tc
, | depart, but seeing a Sheriff at the door,
} enters into long conversation WITH MI
' Surplus, frequently commencing his re
marks with, amidst the gathering thun
j | der clouds, and such high-hogn language
I | Without describing the extravaganza II
' detail. we msy remark that it has hspp!
| Termination, and that Mr.. DeBrass find
4 himsels a baronet, with seven THOUSAND
D | Wounds a year. In this play, Mrs. j. ID
e | 81. appeared to advantage as Mrs. Surplus
, | and also Mrs. s. P. MEG. as the house
3 keeper. Miss NJ B. acquitted herse
Q we'll as Emily, the adopted daugt
; ter of Mr.. Surplus. Indeed,
: who took part in this second Performan1c
a | appeared to advantage in their respectlV
a roles. The amusing scenes presented dGl
q ING the succession Of events by which dl
J, | DeBrass got into "a regular fix aforde
= | a vast amount of entertainment, and weT
: ! superior in many respects to the closln
farces often presented by those who regJ
Iarly tread the boards
= In conclusion we must not forget To
d fine music discoursed by our now Justl
b | celebrated Post Band, who kindly volul
a | teered their services on the occasion
; Their instrumental performances were fr
q uuently spplauded, and they would put
o the blush many an orchestra OF create
v seeming celebrity but far less real merit.
Mechanics and Manufacturer.
Il &C. 80