The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-02-14

MR.. SOTHERN AS LORD DCNDREARf.-Ine
Theatre-going public ofsRicbmond have
had no right to complain this season Of the
rich repasts that have been spread before
them. But it is not too much to say that
they enjoyed last night the richest feast OF
the season.
The worldwide fame OF Mr.. Sothern as
Lord Dundreary attracted for him an au-
dience as brilliant and as large, and possibly
Ithe.largest OF the season-eyery seat in the
dress-circie, orchestra-chairs, and parquette
being taken, and there was also a respecta-
BILE attendance in the galleries.
The version Of "Our American Cousin !"
presented last night differs in many respects
from any other ever before performed in
this city. That OF last night was pronounced
by old play-goers to be the best yet seen in
Richmond.
Mr.. Sothern, as the central figure, fully
justified the great expectations that had
been formed OF him, and kept the house in
a roar OF laughter and applause. His audi
ence was in hearty sympathy with him from
the rise to the fall of the curtain, and this,
together with the full and beautiful audi
ence, inspired him with an honest endeayor
to create a favorable impression on his first
appearance.
The Richmond public have witnessed
with satisfaction the efforts OF several pre-
vious Dundrearys, notably the late William
Wheatley, Wilkes Booth, young Charles
Walcet, and George Parkes, and it is No
disparagement to them to say that the re-
membrance OF their meritorious efforts
must, il it be a recollection ut all. be but the
faintest memory. Sothern has so inter-
woven himself with the character that its
assumption by others cannot be called an
imitation, but presumption and work OF
supererogation.
In answer to enthusiastic applause the
curtain was raised at the end OF the second,
third, and fourth acts, and the reading OF
Brother Sans letter in the latter act re-
ceiyed four encores. Theremainder of the
cast was as follows: Sir Edward Trench.
ard, Mr.. 81. G. Curley; Asa Trenchard
Mr.. Edward s. Marble; Abel Murcott, Mr.
George F. DeVere; Binney tbe butler),
Mr.. George Holland; Buddicomb DUN.
dreary's valet, Mr.. John Mcdonald; Lieu.
tenant Henry Vernon R. n, Mr.. Harry
Lacy; Coyle "a lawyer, Mr.. Fl. Pearson
Florence Trenchard, Miss Agnes Proctor;
Georgina, Miss Mabel Jordan; Mrs. Mount
chessington, Mrs. George f. DeVere; Mary
Meriditb, Miss Alice Mansfield; Augusta
Miss Katie Wilson.
Mr.. Sothern was most acceptably sup
ported, but some Of the cast deserve more
than passing notice. Mr.. Marble as Ast
Trenchard, was most excellent, and de-
served and received enthusiastic applause
Mr.. Holland as Binney, Mr.. Mcdonald az
Buddicomb, and Mr.. De We're as Abel Muir
colt, were also we'll received. The ladie:
are all beautiful, their toilettes were ex
uuisite, and they rendered efficient aid II
making the evening an agreeable one.
The play is really an eXtrayaganza-is III
some places nonsenslcal, and IN other:
rather broad; but its coarseness is in ;
great measure relieved by the good nature
and seemingly ignorance OF DundrearI
himself. The ladies in the auditorium Vlet
with those on the stage in the beauty O
their toilettes, and many gentlemen were IL
full dress. The stage, as usual on the occa
sion OF such plays, was magnificent!y
mounted, and the stage accessories were
perfect.
The orchestral selections were good, ant
Professor Peters fourished his new bator
with his usual skill. Tonight Mr.. Sotherr
appears in his last, and said to be his great
est, creation, The Crushed Tragedian. Or
Saturday grand Dundreary matinee vii
be given at O'Clock p. NJ.
The pleasure of most Of the first act wa
marred last night by the coming in OF per
sons after the rising OF the curtain. L
every one would be in his seat promptly
| at 8 O'Clock it would conduce considerable.
to the general comfort.
To the ladies last night the dancing at tn
end OF the third act afforded the creates
enjoyment, and they Joined in the genera
desire for the encore.