Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-01-04
Amusamenfa.

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be pstrOuized in Memphis was clearly
apparent ct the theater last night on the
occasion Of the first appearance Of that
eminent actor Barry Sullivan. We do
not recollect to have ever seen so cult.
Vated, fashionable and critical an audi
ence at the theater on Monday night as
appeared in the dress circle and par
quette last evening. 1t was a well.mer-
tied compliment to the greatest Of living
Shskspearesn actors. The play selected
for the opening night, Richard III, is
popular for many reasons. The splendid
soul-stirring scenes and situations, the
impressive dialogues, the fine soliloquies
and the attractive dramstis persona who
appear to bring back 10 life a most sttrac.
tive period Of English history-the wars
between York and Lancsster-all go to
create the most lively impressions upon
the mind, while the grand character of
the tyrant, Duke Of Gloster," great in
ambition, to which ambition hs sacrifices
the lives of all who intercept his march
upon the throne, is so wonderfully Dor.
trayed by the immortal Shakespeare
that the tragedy holds audiences spsIl.
bound for hours, until silence is lost in.
the tumultuous applause that breaks
forth at the death Of Richard" in the
combat between him and Richmond"
on Bosworth Field. OF Mr.. Barry Sal.
livan's portrayal Of the great role at the
thester last night, it may be pronounced
as beyond criticism, and worthy Of all
praise. 1t was an accurate historical
conception Of the part, dressed to per-
lection, and presented with consummate
art and dramatic ability. To point out
its beauties would be like gathering a few
rose-buds in a garden filled with the rarest
flowers. Every action, every sentence,
word and gesture was thoroughly dra-
matte and fascinating. The role as pre-
sented was complete, well rounded IN
and historically natural, and as the play
progressed, Richard kept on advancing
with reality, Sresking from one step to
another in crime until at last he reached
the great object of his ambition, the
throne of England. The scene with
Buckingham, wherein the cruel tyrant
breaks to Buckingham bis desire to have
the young princes in the Tower murdered.
was a most finished piece Of acting, as
was also his rejection of Buckinghsm's
suit for power, because the latter refused
10 have the young princes b%utchered.
The entire play is q study when pre-
sented BY so great an actor as Barry Sui.
livan. The last act, the battle and death
of Richard, is popular with galleries, but
to our mind it does not compare with the
preceding acts Of the drama in point Of
merit. 1t is, however, a fitting
close to a wonderful dramatic
production wherein the villainy of the
ambitious Gloster is continually unfold
ing, and eliminates in his own destruc.
ton. Mr.. Sullivan was the Richard
that Shakespeare pictured; it was the
tyrant King as he walked upon earth
and played his part. Mr.. Sullivan was
cleverly supported by Mr.. Cathcart, es-
pecially in the combat scene. The other
roles were fairly sustained by the sup
porting stock company from the St.
Charles Theater, New Orleans. Mana
ger Brooks presented the piece effec-
lively, so far as setting" and costum.
ing are concerned. Tonight Mr.. Sulli.
a will appear in that ever popular
drama entitled Hamlet the Dane, and
Of course he will appear before a crowded
and fashionable house.
MYERS OPERA HoUsE.-Th popular
place Of resort is open nightly under the
management of Mr.. Eugene F. German.
A varied performance is presented each
evening by the members of the variety
company. Tonight Mile Barretto, va
riety artist, will appear, and an Indian
drama entitled "0sceola." will be pre-
sented by the company.
TIE FEMALE MNsTRELs. - Nine.
Rentz's Female MiustreIs perform at AS,
sembly hall tomorrow and Wednesday
evenings, January 4th and 9th. The
agent, Mr.. Sherman, authorizes the as.
surance that these entertainments are
free of anything gross or improper. In
addition to the minstrelsy performance,
e famous Can-Can troupe will appear on
the boards, and give selections from eel.
ebrated ballots.