New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-04-11
Benefit Of Lorraine Rogers.

has such a series of successes crowned the
efforts of actors as has recently been wit
messed within the walls of that beautiful
temple, reared by enterprise and energy to
the divinity Of the stage. The histrlonic
events Of the last two weeks at tie Farle-
ties are simply corrOborative 81 the tact
that if the popular mind is slow 10 pe
moved to Acknowledgements OF merl', IL IS
sure, when stirred to start its activities into
full and generous play, and y'eid 10 the
influences that seek to conquer us pre)u-
dices or rouse its apathy with the grace OF
an adversary whose heroisnl Is unaffected
by the too common humiliation OF defeat.
They also demonstrate the inherent virtue
of patient and persistent effort, and elo-
quently assert the legitimacy OF claims
urged before tribunals where justice sits in
judgment.
The late substantial triumphs of the Va
rieties. however, were not wholly unantici-
pated by those who fostered faith in the
ultimate consummation Of worthily ambi-
tious ends. Despite the cant OF sensation
aiism and the proclivity Of popular tastes
to the spectacular and meretrlcious element
the age has developed in the drama, we have
never thought the sentiment extended be-
yond the reach of regeneration and reform.
Those, too, who knew Mr.. Barrett, and were
capable of sounding him to his lowest
Depths must have been impressed with the
conviction that, allied with his genius as an
actor, were powers which, invoked ny occa-
sion, could discover equal caibre and
strength. A man of study and culture,
blending theatrical experience with
knowledge of its acquisitions and details, 1t
was natural to conclude that IN his position
as manager he would gather about him
spirits of kindred type and character.
Among these, none are entitled 10 more
praise than Mr.. Lorraine Rogers, and con-
scouentiy, Ike those who are eminently de-
serving of laudation, few have more modest
ly and faithfully discharged their arduous
duties. Posted in responsible and trying
situation, subject to the caprices OF the pub
lie and the diversity of natures forced III
continuous contact with him, he has in
variably preserved dignity of bearing and
tons of everyday association.
The business manager OF a theatre Is no
sinecure Office. AS long as the machinery
works well, your engineer plays an I'm
portant part, but once let m:shap accrue,
from negligence or accident, and the respon-
sibiity OF his position is as readily dscerned
as it is sensibly felt.
Contending with difficulties undrea med
of in the philosophy OF the public Exclusive
of the close and spirited rivalries OF other
theatres in our midst, he had sedulously
striven to surnount them, and by devotion
to the interests Of the Varieties, manly
assumption OF its demands, ana firm re
solve to further the ends and aims OF its
institutions. he has not only removed the
clogs and drawbacks from his way. but
touched. as proven by the ovations Of the
past and present, the eliminating point OF
success. That his benefit, announced tor
Monday evening next, Will add fresh Iea1
to the chapet OF an already Weil-earned
and goodly repute. we are persuaded to the
extent of withholding a special appeal to
the public. The Streets OF New York,
presented last summer with so much eclat,
at Niblos, has been selected for tie occa-
sion. and in conjunction with new scenic
effects and stage accessories, IN short, COM
pete and beautiful paraphernalia, on which
the handicraft of the Varieties artists has
been diligently engaged, Mr.. Barrett Will
enact the role OF Badyer, a personatlon
atfording fine scope for the exhibition OF his
versatile powers.
The play itself is one OF the most c!eVei
melodramatic performances ever put on the
stage, so far as its local poCtraitITes ard
natural transcripts are concerned. 1t EN-
bodies some touching points which, al
though not verging on the strictly pathe tic,
involve a degree Of emotional feeling and
humanitarian sentiment, and is replete with
scenes and incidents Of the most thrilling
and exciting character. II has never been
produced without what is termed, N the
atrical parlance, "a great take and held
the boards VIGOROUSLY through consecu
tive run Of weeks il New York last season
We predict splendid house for Mr.. Ro
GERS benefit, and, in venturing the auSu!y
take the public esteem in which lie is Leld
nc our most promising and reliable oracle