Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-11-02
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1o'rIight and every night thereafter
until the result of the contest is fully
known. A irst-class reader, with
clear resonant voice, has been secured
for the occasion.
RICHARD OF GLOSTER.
A highly cultivated, critical, and
very large audience assembled to wit
ness Richard III, "at Leubrie's thea
ter last night. Standing room was at
a premium, and the gathe ring doubt
less Outnumbered any previous night
of the season, Mr.. Keene made his
debut before the Memphis public
under the most fattering auspices,
being supported by a well constructed
and talented dramatic company.
Conspicuous for excellence may be
mentioned Mr.. Frazer Coulter, in the
character of Richmond, a vigorous and
well rendered part in all save the
fencing scene; also Mr.. Chas. Webb,
a finished S~haksperian artist of many
years experience, who did the role of
King Henry vi in a very superior
manner. Another superior dramatic
rendition was that of Buckingham by
Mr.. Frank Roche, a fine actor, who
more than a dozen years ago played
through a season here in leading char
a%cters, when stock companies were
popular, and when Mrs. flanagan
was the leading lady of the
troupe under the late Captain Stein
kuhl's management. The Queen
Elizabeth of Henrietta Vaders was
another part exquisitely rendered.
The fair lady was the subject of I'M
qualified praise from all quarters, and
she made a profound impression upon
every attendant. The Duchess of
York, by Miss 0ctayia Allen, is also
worthy of complimentary mention.
The title role, however, was received
with only moderate enthusiasm.
Shakspeare's ideal Richard has had
many interpreters, and all differ to a
greater or less degree. That Of Mr..
Keene is widely dissimilar to those
who have preceded him, but he last
night spoke the lines correctly and
with sufficient effect to receive a call
before the curtain at the end of each
act. No attempt is made to,day to re-
view the performance Of length and
it is merely sufficient to
say hal Mr.. Keene, while for many
years an actor, is a youthful Richard.
He has only recently become d star in
Shaksperian roles, and in a very brief
period has received lavish eneomi-
ums from the most cultivated audi,
enees and iaest critics Of the country.
Many who Witnessed his acting last
night speak glowingly of the pleasure
they experienced, and their verdict is
perhaps worth as much as that Of
Others who express themselves as
somewhat disappointed. Mr.. Keene
has a promising future before him and
he may yet win a place as high on the
dramatic ladder as that occupied BY
Barrett aud others Of equal celebrity.
The tragedy of Richard will be re-
peated tonight, and durmgt the course
ofthe evening the election returns
viii be read to the audience. Bull
wer's great play of "Richlieu' has
been substituted for FJulius Caesar"
on Thursday night.
THE THEATER FfEND.
Last night at the theater during
the performance of Richard" anum-
Der who occupied seats in the dress
circle we're excessively annoyed by a
party of cha.terers who lined the wall
in an erect position not far from the
p%roscenium on the right hand side
facing the stage. At several peri
DDS the giddy gabblers SO worring hat
a few Kisses were necessary 70 cause
them to realize with what esteem they
were held by those who went to hear
and witness the play. 1t was evident
that the performers we're also har-
assed by the featherheaded fellows.
During the play of "Yirginius' last
winter, Mr.. John Mccullough stepped
to the front Of the stage and told a
number Of people in the auditorium,
who behaved similar as did those last
night, that the majority Of the
audience were there to see and enjoy
the play and not to hear discussions.
he said if the talking party did not
appreciate the play, it would be a IA
yor to him and the remainder Of the
audience, i fthey would take their de-
parture. After this speech on the
part Of the great tragedian his audi
ence we're not interrupted by talk
ing of the stage. The same rebuke
woudhaye squelched the bad hammered
party last night
OLD PICTURES