Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-04-04
AMusRMENrs

MEMPHIS THEArER-Thc Emer.
son Minstrels opened at the Memphi.
Theater last night to a good house.
To say that the entertainment was de-
lightfnl in every respect is hardly
strong enough to express the feeling OF
all who attended. There was more
novelty and real fun in the programme
last night than could be described in
a two column s%rticle. The sing.
ing was exceptionally fine, while the
jokes and interlocutory remarks were
nearly all fresh or nav to our people;
much that was said was highly anus
ing and created lively laughter. In
addition there are features about the
Emerson troupe that have never been
witnessed here. The antics of John
W. Morton, who plays on the end, are
ahead of anything yet seen in these
parts. As a kicker he can give Sol
denes celebrated timber jenny any
boot asked and lay her in the shade
every time. No such timber jointed
performer ever before threw himselfto
pieces all over the stage as does Nor
ton. He is certainly a trump card,
and is the funniest novelty that has
ever drawn breath hereabouts. Don
Ferreyra is another odd artist. He
can perform the sweetest melodies and
the most difficult operate airs without
any instrument whatever. The use of
his hands and voice is alone necessary
to render, in Aute-like tones, a num-
Der Of delightful airs, and he inter
sperses them with trills. runs
and variations that are as beauti-
full as they are surprising. His
performance of Home to our Noun
tains' from II T%rovatore, was exquis-
lite. Another artist is Sheppard, the
burlesque female delineator, who pos
sesseS a well trained voice, which he
knows how to handle to advantage.
Emerson himself has lost nothing BY
time and experience. He is the same
graceful actor as he was when he won
high favor here in years gone BY, and
there is nothing. he attempts that is
not well done. The Big -Four" as
they ~are.called, go through a myriad
Of twisty cOntOrtions and lofty filings
Of the most comical description. 1t is
rough work for the players, but mirth.
provoking to the spectators. No such
company Of minStrels has ever per
formed in this city.
The Emerson troupe appear to-
night, also at a matinee Tomorrow af-
ternoou, and their engagement closes
tomorrow night.
DIPLOMACY, which is to be pre-
sentod here by tho Wardc- Barrymore
party next Monday, is described as a
highly wrought drama of intense
strength and interest. 1t is one Of
SardOU S most celebrated compositions.
The part Of Count Orloff, which
was enacted by the lamented B. C.
Porter, is described as that of crafty
diplomat, which Porter illustrated
with fine effect. This character is to
be performed here by Mr.. Edwards. an
actor of acknowledged ability, who will
present it with equal interest to that
of his lamented predecessor wholately
fell the victim of a bloody desperado's
wrath. The character of Julian
Beauciere,' which Mr.. BARRYMORE
performed, will be rendered by Mr..
Frank Murdoch, a vigorous and pains.
taking actor, who has visited us before
and who is known to be fully equal to
its effective portrayal. Miss Cum
mings enacts the "Marquise of Rio
fares, a treacherous feminine, full of.
plots and reyengeful devices, while
that of Dora a sweet and winsome
character, is assumed by an equally
talented member. The company is
pronounced one of the best that has
visited the Southwest during the past
season and its advent here will attract
the attention Of our play.going people.