Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-01-20
ADJUSTMENTS.
Booth as Richelieu.

Alter anlnterval OF fourteen years
the accomplished tragedian, Edwin
Booth, reappeared in this city last
night before an immense audience in
Lytton Bulwer's celebrated historical
play Of "Richelieu." The anxiety to
witness the renowned actor in so
prominent character, may be in
ferred from the fact that visitors
came from more than a hundred
miles, by railway, to attend, and many
through delayed trains arrived too
late to witness the play. Others
who purchased reserved seats at
dollar and half in the family circle,
were, through confused numbers, un-
able TO get their proper places, and
then contented themselves in some
instances uncomplainingly by standing
throughout the performance, entirely
forgetting their, discomfort, SO abb
sorbed were they in the events on the
stage before them. So large, so fash
ionable and so cultivated an audience
as the one collected last night has not
been seen at our theater since Barry
Sullivan acted his great character of
Richard III" Ladies graced the
auditorium from the row of seats
next behind the Ochestra all the
way back to the last row Of the
dress circle, near the doorway,
and along the walls, while in the upper
tier the fair sex were likewise numer-
GUS from the first to the last row.
Mr.. Booth and his supporting com
pany appeared under disadvantages,
which were not apparent to the spec
tators, and in the finished presentation
of Bulwers greatest drama few real
lied that the performers were all
tired out through the efforts of a rapid
twelve hour ride, frem Louisville,
way around by Nashville on special
train. They arrived at seven last
night, worried aud worn, yet an hour
later were before the f0otlights with
no outward signs OF fatigue. The
only fault to be found. if it could he
termed fault, was the long wait be-
tween acts, which to those compelled
to stand through the play, was worry
ing, and this delay made it midnight
before the spectators could reach their
homes. A lapse of over a dozen years
between Mr.. Booths visits causes all
such little shortcomings to be forgot
ten. By many familiar with Mr.. Booth,
"Richelieu" is not regarded as his best
character Indeed, some claim that his
equal 10 it, finds a counterpart
in several of his contemporary artists,
and especially in that of Mr.. Barrett
No elaborate analysis Of his concep
ton can be given here, however it will
be enough to say that he is stately
and scholarly Richelieu. While he
differs from other actors considerably
in enunciatiDg and emphasizing par
ticular passages, his illustration is as
finished a piece of acting as it is posi-
Bile to imagine. That his efforts met
the hearty approval of his audience
last night, was fully demonstrated by
the hearty manifestations of approval
at various periods. The great actor
was called before the audience
at the end of every act save
one. The usual dramatic points
made in the part, and always looked
for by the play goer, were especially
effective, and his genius shone forth
without blemish to mar the scene.
Miss Bella Pateman in the part of
Julie, the ward of the willy statesman
of former generation, is most &C
complished actress, and ably assisted
the renowned star. Miss Eva Garrick
as Marion de Lorme, had but little to
do, but did that little handsomely.
The part Of Francois, usually
allotted to a feminine. was
neatly and effectively pictured by
Mason Mitchell. Edwin Cleary,
stage manager for the company was
quite effective as the weak minded,
!, vacillating and often duped Louis
XIII, King Of France, while Mr..
Robert Pateman was quite handsome
as De Beripghen, and Mr.. N. A.
Whitcar was excellent as De Mau-
pratt. The conspicuous part Of Bara-
das, the plotting Spanish courtier who
, figures so prominently in the efforts to
9 crush Richelieu, was the tamest repre-.
E sentation of the evening. Mr.. Barton
8 Hill, who carried it, appears to be Z
we'll practiced actor and he rendered
his lines without prompting, but hii
! manner and action failed to impress
4 the audience with the same degree o
y interest that others have done befcr'
i him. Perhaps he will appear to bet
ter advantage in other parts. To
night Mr.. Booth will act BetucciO
e the Jester, in Tom TaylOr's absorbin
Z r uTLo Eoaps Rovonoo ~ 7