Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-03-17
AMUSRMENTS.


MEMPHIS THEATEE. = Last evening
Francis Bangs made his debut before
the Memphis public in the semi.histori-
cal play entitled La Marseillaise. Mr..
Bangs essayed the role of Jean La.
Croix," the Soldier and Pensioner of
1871, the Deputy of 1893, and the old
Veteran of 1913. In the above role Mr..
Bangs was effective and highly dramatic.
His interview with " Rouget de Isle"
the author Of La Marseillaise, and also
his meeting with the sans culottes, were
good pieces of acting. The play is of
the sensational and emotional school,
and depends immensely on stage
business for successful presentation.
Notwithstanding several rehearsals,
the company, in many instances,
had to be prompted, and that
in SO frightfully audible and loud
manner as to be heard through
out the house. Many of the actors lost
the cue, while others, waiting for it to be
given, had to stand and say nothing.
The singing Of that wonderfully stirring
and thrilling battle hymn, La Marsel-
laise, was not good; it was weak and
thin, but the strengthening Of the chorus
with few well.trained voices would
make it acceptable. The play on the
stage worked badly, but tonight we look
for a marked and decided improvement
in general stage business, which will
make La Marsellaise not only presenta-
able but popular. Mr.. Bangs is fine
actor, full of FIRE and action, good
reader and most worthy gentleman.
He deserves good houses during the
week.
FOOT LIGHTS.
The stage managers were not emf
neltly successful in moving scenery last
right at the theater. Their efforts and
failures to slip wings and ring down the
curtain were laughably absurd. Much
more attention should be paid to scene
effect than has been done heretofore.
The scenic business during the present
season has been woefully deficient, in
fact, execrable.
Outside of Mr.. Bangs, the only person
well up in her part at the theater, last
evening" was little Miss Nelly Mason.
This clever little girl is eleven years
of age, and goes through her parts, be
they long or short, like veteran act
ress. Miss Nelly was born in this city,
and took up Mason as stage name.
Supernumeraries on the stage occa-
sionally become enthused, and in conse-
quence, very dramatic. Last night a
powerful.looking Soup" armed with a
musket and playing the part of sans
culotte, took deadly aim at Mr.. Bangs
at distance Of about three feet, and
pulled trigger. The load of powder,
paper, smoke and flames went slap bang
by Mr.. Bangs head, warming up his
left ear considerably. The irate actor
made slash at the sans culotte with a
long sabre which would have settled his
hash did he not resort to the Zouave
drill and catch the stroke on the barrel
of his musket. Soups" should go
through their parts tamely and solemn
ly, whether the role be toting musket
or carrying off two chairs and table.
WIRES OPERA HOUSE, Manager
White has brought out twenty splendid
stars, who appear nightly at his Jefer-
son street Opera House. The pro-
gramme of entertainment consists of
vocal and instrumental music, fancy
and clog dancing, specially acts, COM
edies, etc. Strangers visiting the city
will find Whites Opera House pleas