Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-08-04
AN EPISODE In HAMLET.

Remarkable Scene in n Toronto
TheateK-The Blonde Representa-
tive has n Public WrRnRle with
the PersOnatOr of LRertes.
Toronto Globe. July 27th.l
The performances at the Royal Opera
House last evening were of a somewhat
diversified character. Mr. Charles Fech-
ter, who has been fulfilling starring
engagement since last Thursday, was
announced to play Hamlet, the part in
which he has made his name best known
to the public. The play.bill further
stated that the parts of Laertes, Hora-
ito, Polonius and Ophelia would be filed
by Messrs. F. G. Bangs, II. Langdon and
Vining Bowers, and Miss Lizzie Price,
respectively. These artists have accom-
panied Mr.. Fechter so far in his Cana
dian tour, and have always been billed"
in star" type. 1t is necessary to state
these facts to explain what follows A
considerable audience had assembled in
the theater and had waited in silence for
some time for the commencement of the
performance. Soon after 8, however,
the gods" began to manifest their i'm
patience, and the signs Of Olympian
anger at the want Of unpunctuality in
creased until $3.50, when the orchestra
entered amid storm of applause and
performed set of waltzes. Another
pause ensued, and the occupants of the
gallery grewvery demonstrative. Shortly
before 8 o'clock the curtain rose and a
portion-a very small portion--of the
first scene was performed. The bell
rung and the curtain fell. 1t was pretty
evident by this time that there was some
thing wrong. At length Mr.. Fechter,
dressed for Hamlet came to the front,
and commenced speech referring to
his wrongs in Montreal when his
attention was distracted by some.
thing transpiring behind the curtain.
Referring to this, he mentioned the
name of Mr.. Bangs, who Immediately
stepped forward habited as Horatio
Then ensued scene between these two
gentlemen, in which Hamlet accused
Horatio, my good friend" with having,
on the eve of the rise of the curtain, re-
fused to play his part unless he received
his arrears of salary, and HorGtio re-
torted that Hamlet could have paid him
if he wished. The sympathies of the
audierce were strongly with Hamlet,
and Horatio was not allowed to defend
himself. Mr.. Bowers, as Polonius, made
his appearance after considerable wrang-
ling and uproar had taken place, and
expressed his perfect confidence in the
Prince Of Denmark. Horatlo refused
to accept the testimony of the "wretched,
rash, intruding fool and more words,
words, words, ensued Miss Price then
entered and declared Horatio unworthy
of belief, and very animated perform
ance ensued, amid the shouts and Kisses
of the house, who we're vociferous for
"Fechter," and refused to hear Bangs
After several of the parties had again
and again made their exits and en-
frances" the audience declared their
willingness to hear the play with the
parts of Horatio and Laertes read, as
the gentlemen cast for those parts de.
clined to play. The performance then
proceeded, though Mr.. Fechter twice
offered to return the money and play to-
night. 1t would be unfair, under the cir
cumstances in which Mr.. Fechter and
the company were placed, to attempt
any criticism, as the piece was cut, the
actors were excited and everything was
upset. The audience encouraged the
actors by incessant applause, and re-
peated calls, and no further Interrupt
tions occurred. Hamlet is to be re.
peated tonight and Mr., Fechter, who
has certainly been unhappy in his ar
rangements so far, has taken steps to
secure a good company to support him
in the performance.
--ud. -sor-.nN-
nn.,ln.. D..1 d.. IL Al i.