Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-01-06

lovers OF the drama and the hypercriti-
cal as well as critical critics of the city.
Indeed, the elite and fashion Of the city
were present 10 witness either the failure
or success Of the entertainment or dra-
matte venture. There are some Incl
dental drawbacks to ell amateur per-
iormances, such as long waits between
acts, bad grouping Of the dramatis per.
sor@, awkward entrances and exits,
breaks in dialogues, prompting, Awk-
ward gesturing and poses, etc., but We
have seen all these things, even in com
panies of stock actors upon their first
appearance in new dramas, and it must
be admitted that on last Eight, and much
to the establishment OF the dramatic
critics, fe yer of those almost unavoid-
able imperieclions we're apparent than
has been usual in this class of amateur
dramatic entertainments. The leading
as well as the minor parts we're remark
ably well sustained By the amateurs.
Mr.. Allea, as Marquis de Champey,"
gave a careful, studied and pleasing in.
depreciation Of the role. At times he
was not sufficiently forcible or emotional,
and occasionally, especially in the love
scenes, rather tame, but take it all in all
it was a very clever and creditable per-
Torrance. Mr.. Carnes, as "Dr. Dem
srets,"" played his part most creditably
and effectively, displaying considerable
dramatic talent, and a fair knowledge OF
what is known 10 the profession as
" stage business AS DeBevannes "
Mr. Warren appeared to advantage and
drew forth the applause Of the audience
by his very fair rendition oil the Dun.
dreary.liks role. Mr.. Smith, as Alain "
the servant, was very good, and although
it was a minor part, be received dessrv-
eddy many appreciative responses in the
way of applause from the house. Mr..
Trezsvant as Nouret, the Notary" and
Mr.. Proudft as the Breton Shepherd"
had but little to say or do, but that little
they did properly and well.
Mr. Lamb, as " leading old man" had
a difficult and leading role to present,
that OF "Gaspar LaNque." His inter
probation Of the role may not have been
up to the usual professional standard,
but it was quite effective as an amateur
effort, and was spplAuded, especially in
the death scene.
Mrs. I. D. Radcliffe esssyel the role of
Madame Laroque," and succeeded in
giving it a nice Interpretation, a little at
fault and Unconditional occasionally, but
yet with considerable freshness aud nat.
uralnesS. AS Marguerite Miss Mag
gle Apperson had the leading female
role, a most difficult position to occupy
in a drama. That she acquitted herself
most creditably was the general verdict,
but there was more in it than that, appa-
rent to our dramatic critic. In the
opening scenes a little embarrassment
and sense of being in a strange position
were discernsble. but the applause of
the audience disposed Of all that in a
short time, and as the play passed Oh
she becsme more at home and entered
into the spirit of the part. In the Tower
of Elfn scene she displayed consider
able talent, and in the closing act or
tableau she was fully equal to the emo
%tionsl, pathetic and dramatic situation,
and deFervedly received a round of
hearty applause from the audience.
Miss Matte Folwell appeared in the
role Of Mile Helonin," the adventures
and goyerness. 1t is a difficult part, and
calls for good acting on account Of its
varied and changing situations. Miss
Folwell spoke her lines with clearness
and correctness as to emphasis and other
elocutionsry rules. Her action was ap-
propriate, and she made a good impress
sion upon the audience, who responded
in fitting tributes Of applause. At times
she displayed a dramatic talent most
commendable and certainly unexpected
fron amateurs who do not often appear
before the iootl'ghts.
The dual role, Madame Aubrey" and
Louise Yanberger," was interpreted by
Miss Mary +. Taylor, and certainly in a
aud pleasing manner tina. was
and praiseworthy, which fact
the audience did not isil to discover and
greet appropriately.
The cOstpues of the DRAMATIC peruoue
were remarkably elegant aud appropriate
but few ansehronisms in that respect be-
ing apparent. In the Tower Of Elm"
scene by moonlight a charming hidden
quartette was sung by Measrs. Perring
and Refs and Mesdames chapsky and
Miles, and this musical adornment added
no little to the effect CT the play, and
especially of the particular scene. The
play was appropriately presented with
all the necessary scenic and other effects
by the theater management.
In our criticism we have Kept in view
the fact that w we're dealing with anna.
tours aud not with professionals. Many
Of the amateurs being unaccustoened to
appearing on the stage, did not pitch
their voices in a sufficiently high key,
and consequently at timei It was Diff
cult. nav. almOst impoaaihla IN baar tba