Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-12-25
AMUSEMENTS.
Leubrie's Theatcr.

Actricnne LecOuUretu, drama in which
Nine. Modjeska won her first grand tri-
umph as an actress, was produced at Leu
brie's Theater last evening, before criti-
cal audience, with that lady in the title
role To say that Mime. Modjeska is the
ideal "Adrienne" is but to repeat what all
the world knows. 1t was such perform
ance as one but seldom sees in Memphis,
and that those who were present
last night were able to appreciate
it is not only compliment to
Modjeska's power but a recognition of
the nice discernment of Memphis theater-
goers. The first act, in which she does
not appear, seemed little tame, and her
entrance shortly after the raising of the
curtain upon the second, was greeted
with a murmur of welcome. The manner
in which she moved about the stage first
fixed the attention. She seemed to glide
rather than to walk, to float rather than
to glide. Her step was grace itself. Her
face, almost classic in outline, was
divine in its purity, and the ex-
preston OF rapture with which she
repeats the lines it is supposed she is re-
hearsing, invests one with a feeling OF awe.
Like flash all is changed. The charm is
broken-not broken but changed. What
before seemed 4 halo is now a ray OF sun
light. Later on when stirred by love, by
hate and by jealousy the same wonderful
rapidity in the changes of facial express
sion is remarked, each as strongly por-
trayed as the other. Every syllable is dis
tinctly uttered, every detail conscientious
ly attended to. But it is for the
closing scene that Modjeska reserves
her deepest power. What a picture it
is! Her despair when she is forced to
believe that her love has been spurned,
the eager word of JOY with which she
greets her lover while the subtle poison
she has inhaled has already begun to steal
away her senses, the wall of agony as its
influence is more plainly felt, the fearful,
deadly fear and the struggle against the
inevitable, the awful cry for life life! that
she may but taste the cup of happiness she
feels within her grasp, is grandly done.
Not a heart in her audience capable of
feeling but joined with her in the appeal
for life, brief season more. The house
appears dark when the curtain falls upon
that sad scene. The play is one that
seems made foi Modjeska alone-a set
ting simply to display her own luster,
vet the setting too must he admired.
Maurice II. Barrymore, who plays
Maurice de Sake" gives it a weight and
force which demands recognition. He in
vests it with all the spirit and dash that a
very spirited part requires, and came in
last evening for his full share of applause
William +. Owen makes "Michonnet," !"
the prompter, one of the most striking
characters in the plot, as ii is doubtless
intended it should be. He started off last
evening little stiffiy, but all that he did
in the closing scenes was done well and
artistically. Miss George Drew, who
assumed the role of the princess de Bouil-
lon," is graceful and spirited actress. A
slight popularity of voice is the only
thing that detracts from her performance.
Frank Clements, who played the "Prinee
de Bouillon" and Forbes Dawson, the
"Abbe de Chazenil,' were principally re-
markable for their costly costumes. The re-
mainder OF the support was passable. Ca
mile at matinee, and T,relfh Night this
evening. Sale afternoon at the theater.