National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-01-15
SEEING MCCULLOUGH.
"vIRorNIusu AT THE NATIONAL.
An Ovation to the Trsgedian-The Biggest House
Ever known at That Place Of Amusement
Miss Calhoun at FOrd's Opera-House
The Attractions Tonight.

Standing room only" was the placard IN the
ycstibule of the National Theatre last night at
eight o'clock and Notwithstanding this announce
ment people would buy tickets and the crush
in the auditorium was greater than has been seen
in Washington for many year. The only two
houses comparable TO that of last night that we can
remember was during the engagement of Christine
Nilsson and at performance of Mlgnon by the
Kellogg English Opera Troupe about three years
ago.
A noticeable feature OF the audience last night
was the large number OF our best citizens, VINO
were present with their families Members OF
Congress were scattered around in the orchestra
like piums in a Christmas cake, and there was
hardly one ofthcm who might not have pTohted
from listening TO John McCullouShs superior eio-
cution. The attention given to the stage was
something remarkable the freedom from CONVEX
Sati0n during the time that the curtain was up
and the critical discrimination in the bestowal OF
applause showing the intelligence OF the vast con-
course of people.
The drama of " Virginius," by Sheridan Knowles,
is one of the most beautiful reading plays IN lne
whole range of dramatic literature, and 1t IS also
one of the most difficult of presentation: Tor us
purity of dictiOn, its stately, elevated action ana
freedom from anything of the clap-trap order re-
quire not only principals who possess more than
ordinary talent, but also a general company
that can appear in classic costumes With
out exciting the derision of the gallery
the contempt of the orchestra. company
competent 10 meet these requirements Mr.. McCul-
Tough has organized, and it is no embroidery OF
the truth 10 say that the play of "Firginius" has
HeNef DeeH pIcSSuteu city LilC
general excellence, the same evenneSs, or the same
freedom from blemish as it was given at the Ma
uonal Theatre last night. The title role Is one
which demands talents of the highest order. The
moving therein of parental love is one of the holt
est and pureSt that the dramatiSt can employ, and
its treatment by the actor must rise fully to the
elevated plan of the author. To say that every re-
quirement of this most exactng character fully
and effectively met by Mr.. Mccullough in perform
ance last to do him simple justice. His noble
physique, clcarcut features and manly bearing
peculiarly fit him for the proper presentation OF
the highest order of dramatic characters and in the
role of lirqiniUs he stood forth in full and exqui
site relief He looked the Roman, and he wears
the classic Oga as if ii had come to him as birth
right. In every phase of the character, whether as
the citizen, 1.-The warrior. the father, filled with
patcrnal affection or torn with anguish when he
learns of the plot against his fair and innocent
daughter, or the avcnger not only of his personal
people. Mr. Mccullough seems 10 stand forth the
perfect embodiment of the authors ideal.
The enthusiasm of the audience most
marked, each "StrOng point, to Use the profess
slOnal parance, being loudly applauded, while the
fall of the curtain the signal for wild out
the end of the third act Mr.. Mccullough was
obliged 10 respond to q double recall.
word of general commentator for the entire
company is justly deserved, while especial men,
ton should be made of Miss Kate FoTSythe, whose
Virginia was gracefully aud effectively rendered,
laurels TO those already bestowed upon him here
for his correct, Intelligent, and effective acting.
Tonight Mr.. Mccullough will appear as Richard
~. The repertoire for next week will be as
follows: Monday and Saturday nights. The Glad-
ator:" Tuesday, :" Hamlet, Wednesday, "Vir-
" Richelieu;" Saturday matinee, The Lady of
Lyons"