The New York herald., 1877-11-30
AMUSEM ENTS.
THE FIFTH AVENUE rHEATRE-"GuY MANNER
ING."

THE FIFTH AVENUE rHEATRE-"GuY MANNER
ING"
The large audience which assembled at tho Fifth
Avenue Theatre last evening. IN spite Of the bad
weather. attested the interest that had been aroused
by tho announcement that Miss Mary Anderson,
the young tragedonnc, would play tho part OF
Meg Merrilics In "Guy Mannerng." Alter
tho Interpretation by Charlotte Cushman Of
this great character, after tho years OF
study and practice bestowed upon 1t BY her aud the
extreme refinement to which she subjected it In the
cruciblo OF art, was certainly bold undertaking for
a girl only eighteen years of age, who never saw
Charlotte Cushman but once, and who commenced her
dramatic studies but four years ago. appcar IN the
presence Of critical metropolitan public and invito
comparsoc; but sne did and bravcly, and
IL the expressed admiration OF that public was SIN
cerc she ach loved success In Meg Merres she sur.
pas all her previous efforts In this city. Indo
novel in make upo and yet a wlcrd horrid snanale.
toothed wretch, with y voice now harsh, cracked
and disagrecable as an old hag could use, and
again tender, gentle and pathetic as II camo from
o heart full OF mothers love, the actress showed
conception OF the ideal that phrascd ilself In the
reality, and produced an impression that Will be
membered by all who last night came within
its influence. Naturally, hor performance was
not without IT'S faults There were times when her
gestures seemed TOO Wild and uncanny even Tor a
witch, and when the youthful lungs would assert
themselves in almost the rant OF tho meiodrana
concealed that should havo found the scvercst
expression, and now and tnen therc were
lingering attitudes which did not comport
with tho nervous, restless, vigorous character
of the old witch. The part however Is that ad-
mits OF much freedom OF action and affords u real
genius like that of Miss Anderson scope for the display
OF novel elects In other words u Is untrnmmelled
by the ordinary stage rules and admits OF action
uine surprise to the audience. aud which
compelled spontaneous and enthusiastic applause was
tho song which Meg MerriIies sings 10 young Bsr.
tram. IL was without orchestral accompaniment but
contralto, iuli Of expression, now ring ng ike a
trumpet and again soft Hs whisper, that
sounded through tho vast asscmbagc and held
II us siont us if II were listening for m
art gwl not Abe gainsaid. Sne has n large con-
stituency OF friends who predict for her a noble
future She has succeeded In dividing critical opin-
ion with reference 10 her merits, and thus demon
When girl Of eighteen years cnwrap
the attention or an audience, and whilo IN
It's presence retain an almost breathess interest,"
such as every ono has seen attend the elocution OF
noting cause higher than mere nrt. II is Kind Of
genius, however,, that welcomes Improvement, that
grows with years and cxperencc and IL TO be hoped
that the young actress, OF whom all kindly
praise OF her friends into the idea that she has
reached the acme OF her career a resting place IN
her famc.
The support given to Miss Anderson was very fair.
Dando Dinmont was acceptably represented ny Mr.
J. B. Stndcy, who played the snmo part with Miss
Cushmap. aud Sir. Tom Whifcn mado good character
part OF Dominic Sampson. Mr w. sutherland
Colonel Manncring, Mr. Charles Morris as Henry
Bertran, Mr.. Frederick Chppendae as Bailic Muckie-
thrt, Misses Nina Varian ana Lizza Rich, Clara
Rainford, Blanche Gaton and Mrs. Louise Eldridge
likewise deserve mention Tor the careful performance
OF their respective parts.