The New York herald., 1874-10-25
Booths Theatre.

An overnowing house last night assembled 70
greet Miss Cushman on her appearance as Lady
Macbeth Although novelties had been promised
by the management, the chief attraction for the
public was the actress whose genius makes her the
central figure whenever she walks the stage.
1t may be well doubted therefore. whether
the Shakespearan music and the chorus OF the in
eyitable hundred voices, more less, in the witch
scenes added any real attraction to the perform.
ance. For our own part. we could have been con-
tent to adhere to the traditional three hags, who
were very much more dramatic than the crowd OF
chorus singers, dressed In dominos, who jossle
them on the stage in the revival. II the music
were OF lighter kind it might be welcomed as a
relief from the intense gloom of the
tragedy; but it certainly not very we'll
calculated to do so. Its Introduction has, how
ever, the merit OF being an honest endeavor to
present the great English dramatst with COM
peteness. and from tais point OF view deserves
applause. We may well doubt, however whether
those who present him just as he was are his best
friends. Judicous pruning is rather an advan-
tage even to so great an author as Shakespeare.
The choruscs were given with excellent effect,
but 1t cannot be said to heghten IN any way the
dramatic eject or the tragedy. The management
deserve much credit for the completeness OF the
mise en- seine and the general correctness OF the
sJumes In the role OF Lady Macbeth Miss Cush-
has the widest scope for the display OF the ex-
celence OF her method. There Is a spontanelty
and electric sympathy in her manner which in.
clines US forget that II is but Illustration OF
that highest art which conceals the art and i'm
poses on the audience the belief that what they
see is the outcome simply OF nature. There is in
her conceptions OF passion ,es eoidness and and
action and admirable delivery. Every line is
repete with thought. and bears witness to the
ripe intelligence OF the actress. Her conceptions,
too have something grandiose in them and are
stamped with creative power OF no ordinary
/ IL nfnrfn hat NM in
tensity and vigor sh0u!d survive at the close OF
long career But the truth IS time has dealt
ever ravages he has committed have been more
than repaired by the maturity OF intellectual
study. The great secret OF MISS Cushman's sue
due to the fact that she never ceased to be
student in the best sense OF the term. It
who aspire to Ill her place would re-
member this, for no amount OF natural
talent can replace the culture and learning, with
out which none can hope to acquire permanent
tame on the stage. The converse OF this proposi-
ton is Illustrated by Mr.. George vandennoff, whose
the old sock ana ouskln school, and ap:
fails 10 excite sympathy, though the reading can
not fail to attract attention.. Mr. warie, on the
e' the part ' Of lacann which won a. for him the
applause OF the immense audience. This
sSor has Il. voice sy bright ssss ssUse
nexlbe ana sympathetic Its tones go directly
to the heart and excite sympathy, while his
manner Is bold and STRIKING. without any marSed
tendency to exaggeration. 1t only needs some
role TO iall In his way winch will allow him 10 use
these qualities to the best ADVANTAGE to secure
OF the day. Indeed, goodly number
OF the stars have made fortunes
with abilities not at all equal 10 his OF the rest
OF the cast little can be said. The company, with
out being strong. Is eicIent and tnat is all that
Is needed. Mr.. Connolly, the musical director. de-
serves much credit for his admirable and appro-
pirate selection or music. Miss Cushman Will
continue to appear as Lady Macbeth during the
ensuing week. On saturday evening next "Guy
Mannering" VIII be put upon the stage. 1t Is
probable, however, that one OF Shakespeare'5
PLAYS will be produced Tor the last night oil Miss
Cushmans engagement.