Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-05-12
AMusEMENTS.
Miss LeweIlyn's Debut az Ihe Mem.
phts Thenter.

more fashionable, attentive and critical
audience has not been assembled within
the building this season. All the seats
had been sold, and many who bought
tickets last night we're willing to stand
in the aisles. The young lady is quite a
f~avorite in a large circle Of friends and
aequaintances, and her debut upon the
stage with a view Of making hat her
profession has been a theme Of much in
terest in society for some weeks. The
character in which she chose to make
her first appearance is a very difficult
one, but she had presence of mind from
the first, knew her part well, and after
the FIRST act the sympathy and approba.
ton of the audience became so manifest
that the young lady was evidently as.
sured of success, at least for the evening,
The audience was composed mostly of
partial friends, and the strict attention
given throughout showed that they we're
taking the young lady's Measure for per-
manent success on the stage rather than
listening and watching for a momentary
entertainment. Miss Lewellyn has youth
and sufficient beauty to be attractive
anywhere, but it would not be fair TO her
to praise her Unfortunately or to Judge
the performance 81 last night by strict
rules of criticism. She more than real
lied the general expectations raised in
her behalf as was expressed in timely ap
plause and frequent floral offerings.
Everybody was highly pleased, and il
she never goes on the stage aztec to-day
except as an amateur she has certainly
cause to feel proud. That she is capable
Of close study and prolonged effort we
think quite apparent. 1t was not to be
expected on her first appearance before
the footlights, supported only by anna.
tours, that she would rival Maggie
Mitchell or Charlotte Thompson; yet
with the same training and opportuni-
ties that these have had she might attain
as high q place as either of them. Her
voice will need particular culture and
development. 1t is not deficient in
strength, compass or sweetness aud Aex.
Utility, aud yet is not under perfect con
troll. The most difficult part OF Fauchon
is in the earlier acts, where she is the
wild, unkempt girl, the object Of ridicule
aud persecution. This is a peculiar
character which few can act naturally.
Miss Lewellyn, while possibly nervous
and over anxious to keep on her slip.shod
shoes as we'll as to keep back a magnif-
cent suit Of hair which would fall over
her shoulders and her fine bare arms, got
through this with surprising ease.
After she renowned Landry" and be.
came the grown woman with a purpose
and a heart she had smooth sailing. The
reconciliation scene, where Landry"
rushes to her arms, aroused the sympa.
thies Of all present. This particular
anil trying effort had evidently been
omitted or slurred over in the rehearsals.
The more pathetic passages we e rem.
dered with considerable p tn IS and
effect. She vas called before he curtain
several times, and at the close of the last
act greeted with a storm Of ap o~lause.
OF the support it is unnetessI ry TO
speak at any length, as it was co nposed
entirely OF amateurs except Mr.. Rose p.
Thompson who enacted the part of "Moth.
er Fadet" so admirably that it suggested
many a regret that she had ever retired
permanently from the stage. She was
the only one on the stage who under.
stood the business, and was really the
manager. Miss Long as Mother Bar.
%beaud," and Miss Jennie Hunter as
"Madelon," the village belle, acquitted
themselves with a sprightliness and
ability and readiness that won frequent
applause. The dance around the may
pole was we'll executed. There was
some dragging and drawing, Of course,
but a lenient and partial public saw
nothing except to praise. Taken alto.
gether it was a most gratifying success
The recitation of "a Spanish Duel, BY
Miss Hunter, was a splendid piece Of
.elocution, and highly appreciated by the
entire audience, who remained to the
last. 1t remains with Miss Lewellyn
to decide whether she will 20 on in her
chosen profession. 1t has many attNac.
tons from the dress.circle or parquette
to the occasional theater-goer which are
rudely dispelled behind the scenes. The
road to success and fame in this linz is
long and rugged. Youth, beauty and
talent are not always guarantees of final
triumph. 1t requires all patience, in.
domnitable will and fortuitous circum.
Stances. An audience Of utter strangers
might not have been so enthusiastic
as the people last night who know
the worth and admire the courage of the
fair young debutante. Strangers must
be the ultimate critics. Hard study and
practice may bring her up to a high
standard of excellence. The ~sympathies
of Memphis will follow her wherever she
may 90. The difficulties eRd hardships,
the heart,hurBings, petty annoyances,
and sometimes grievous wrongs, uHkind
$3.50