New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-01-31
.ANUSEMENTS.
Harietiea Theatre.

"A large duflleUCo Vi TCuueu anu cultured
people assembled at this theatre last night,
tor the double purpose of paying their
tribute to Mr.. Lawrence Barrett, on the
occasion of his benefit, and to witness his
acting for the first time on any stage, OF
the great character Of KIsg Lear. With
the acting of Edwin Forrest powerfully
grand and perfect III its way. and also that
of Charles kean, full Of tenderness and
beauty, still fresh in our memory, it seemed
bold step for osr young tragedian to an
nounce himself as ready to add LeGr to the
list of characters already submitted to a
criticising public. 1t is part which no
actor living can expect to master at once,
for it's portrayal calls for the highest powers
of histrionic art. Lear is study, showing
the workings of an insane mind. His was
madness more of alteration than chaos
of mind. Mary Of his speeches are deliv-
cred as If he was unconscious Of those
about HIM. II shows rapid transition
from full life TO second childhood. His
temper shows a sweet image of what his
children should be, turned to inward bitter
ness. a fathers tenderness made hatred.
But even i'll his mad scenes he is every
inch king" a childish gladness shows
in his eye, and on his mouth rests pieteous
smile.
To say that Mr.. Barrett played this great
character WE'LL which he did do, is high
praise. In the first act he appeared
slightly nervous, and his utterances were
perhaps little too rapid. This over, he
wanders forth as the friendless old man,
and almost perfectly identified himself with
tie character In a hasty notice it is i'm.
possible to do the actor full justice. He has
played Lear to the satisfaction OF an audi
ence that assembled to criticise, if not with
satisfaction to himself Mr.. Barrett is a
close student in his art He will yet be
great as Lear. The support was generally
good. Mr. Norton succeeded wei! as Edgar,
and Miss Louise Hawthorne played the suf-
fering Cordelia with becoming dignity.
Mr. Sutton was excellent as the faithful
Kent.
The Marble Heart" will be played to-
day for the matinee, and in the evening
Richard I'LL" will be performed.
st. Charles Theatre.
Lotta's benefit occurred at this theatre
last night, and the house was immense. The
little lady appeared to the best advantage
as Zip. Incidental to the performance was
the presentation to Miss Lolita of a fine
table set of silverware, which came to her
through the favor of her many admiring
lady friends. just previous to the third act
OF the play the curtain rose and discovered
the articles to be presented arranged on a
table on the stage. Colonel r. n Ogden
then stepped forward, followed by the little
star, and in few well chosen remarks, in
which he recounted her trlumphs, and told
of the esteem in which she is held by her
New Orleans friends, of all ages and condi-
tiOns, bade her accept the tokens of friend
ship from grateful hands. Miss Lolita, who
rarely loses her self-possession, seemed for
a moment unable to reply, but managed to
say, as If from her heart, that all she could
express was her best thanks to her lady
tFleQ6S Sha aIan hp rad tba
boys and alluded to them as her staunch
friends, and said, "God bless them,
Matinee to-day, as usual. Reserved seats
can be secured.
The Opera House.
To-day at the matinee performance will
be enacted the five act drama La Grace de
Dieu." This evening occurs the third rep
resenration this season of Meyerbeer's
grand opera "L'Africaine..