Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-05-05
The Musical and Dramatic Talent
Of Memphis, as Developed
the Last Few Years.
The Most Difficult Operatic and ORA
matte Compositions Produced
with the Skill of Profess
SIGNALS.
Brilliant Successes and Bright Prospects
for the Future.

VI AVNaA tolOhe. AhScc hdNt tdOh bAOuSul
out the most cultivated and critical audi
ences, and while it was not expected that
amateurs would be judged by or come up
to the standard of professionals in every
respect, there was a gratifying absence of
the deficiencies and causes W hich might
have provoked criticism or married
the enjoyment of the public.
The display of musical and dramatic tall
ent was as surprising as pleasing because
it has not heretofore been so concentrated
and brought out in solid array, and for
the further reason hat We have been in
the habit of looking to travelling compa-
mics organized in the East for good music,
finished acting and we'll mounted pieces.
Recent presentations on the amateur stage,
however, demonstrate the fact that we
have not only a large proportion of native
talent in our midst, but that it is being
most assiduously cultivated by those who
love true art for its own sake. This
has been utilized for noble pur-
poses; and a spirit of ~selfculture,
of confidence, and of ambition have
been stimulated in. many who hitherto
were known aud appreciated only in a
more limited circle. Those who so kindly
and generously rendered their services to
the public on several occasions have be-
come in a certain M public property
As individuals they have been improved
and brought out in a most favorable light,
securing recognition and winning praise
which must be most hattering. We find
that we have the resources in our midst
to produce the most difficult operas and
at least a light and pleasing class of
dramas in a manner rarely witnessed out
side of metropolitan cities and centers of
culture and art. No city in the South
compares with Memphis in this resi- Get.
Hereafter we will not feel so entirely
dependent upon professional artists and
companies, especially in the long inter-
regnums between seasons. Our people
appreciate broad, aesthetic culture and are
ever ready to reward genuine merit with
generous applause. There is a fine field
here for the development of genius and
good taste, and to this. fact may be attribu-
ted the painstaking efforts TO excel which
enabled so many af u local favorites
recently to acquit themselves SO hand
iomely. The people are ready to encour-
| age laudable efforts 70 excel in whatever
improves, entertains or ennobles, and
they have certainly rendered unstinted
praise where it was deserved. Refinement,
talent and a taste for tie liberal arts have
received an impetus in Memphis which
cannot fail to produce a lasting and bene-
fetal effect upon the community.
LOVES SACRIFICE.
This standard and charming drama was
produced by members of the Bluff City
Grays, aided by their lady and gentle
men friends, at the Memphis Theater
on Friday night, the 18th of April,
and also at the matinee the following af-
t%ernoon, in thepresence Of large and fash
ionable audiences. The time for pepera-
ton was limited, and even if it had not
been we should not measure the perform
anee by the severe standards Of criticisms.
As but few of those announced in the cast
had ever appeared in front of the foot
lights the event was looked forward to
with anxiety by their friends ahd
much interest by the public. The former
were delighted; the latter highly enter
tanned and more than satisfied. The piece
was well mounted, the situations all natu-
raj and well set, and there were as a rule
no bitches or prolonged pauses, and with
an exception, which was rather a happy
hit after all, the actors adhered to the
text and carried out their parts to the life.
The attention was close, the applause
spontaneous. To at least one Of them who
appeared on the occasion, it must have
suggested new possibilities and other
triumphs.
Mrs. Raines, in the role Of Margaret, 81
surpassed the highest expectation of her
friends. She possesses a clear, flexible
voice of great pathos and power. AT one
time she drops to the sweet measured
cadence Of Mrs. Scott-Siddons, and again
rises 20 a strength aud fire comparing
well with the best tragic queens Of the
stage. Hers is no common talent, and If
has evidently been carefully trained and
developed. Had she chosen the stage for
a profession her success could not have
been a matter Of doubt. Her 1.-THE, grace.
full figure was shown of 10 advantage in a
rich and appropriate dress for the charac-
ter. Her reading was correct and i%ucisive
her action spirited, and she kept the larg,
and appreciatiye audience inteRtly inter.
ested from first 10 last. Not a word wa
lost. The reading Of Mr.. Hunter Rainc
as Mathew Gilmore was In excellent taste
and spirit, and whilehis youthful face wa
against the age Of the character, he was
dressed correctly, was in good voice and
acquitted himself with great credit. ",
il a good elocutionist and takes 10 thu
boards with case and readiness. Nia
May y. Taylor, who comes of o gihe,
family, as "Hermine dc Vermont, mad'
a dashing ladys maid, and by her yersa
tility and sprig) times, won frequent ap
plause. Mis, F5ut ~ Jenny also nc
quilted herself admirably and Mis- Rob
inson came in for a fair share u Applause
Nr. Carson made d good hit a. w.
gene de Lorme" He po,seees d IN.
voice aud figure and decided talent. Mr
John Cameron enacted the difficult par
~ - Paul IaGoutn voFy uoafly. And "A