Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-09-18
MCCULLOUGH.
Ope ming ofthe Season of the Dis linguistic
Tr.nnAfun 1t NInhf

ope ming ofthe Season of the Dis 'inguished
TrIgedian Last Night.
The term "a large and fashionable au-
dience"has been applied so frequently, and
for that matter, so indiscrimately, in re-
ferring to first night performances at the
Opera house, in times past, as to become a
trihe ~hackneyed and distasteful. With re-
gard to the opening performance OF
the Mccullough engagement last night
however, the homely phrase is certainly
applicable, at least, as 10 its numerical
bearing, and if it abatod any in the tckle
and shifting quality called fashion, which
after all is something unreasonable in its
preferences, it more than made up in ap-
probation. Certainly a mere enthusiastic
audience has not graced the Opera house
for 6 long time, and this at least
vas the better compliment to the actors.
The play was Sheridan Knowles splendid
bat sombre tragedy of "Yirginius," with
Mr.. Mccullough in tho title role, Edmund
Collisr, as Appius, Joseph Haworth as
I%cilius; Miss Willett as Virginia, Mrs. Au-
a tolerably good support throughout.
In bis portraiture of the Roman father Mr..
Mccullough gives a moro finished per
fornauce than upon the OCCASION Of his
form.r appearances in this city. AS a
whole the picture is more eubdued AID
better modulatsd; it is psrvadsd by a
quiet intensity with more reposs
and lass tendency to ant
The improvement ia more motto,
able perhaps in the tender passages-the
scenes with Virginia, and we have never
seen shs power of inspiration more clearly
depicted on tho human countenslce than
that when Illuminated the face of the
actor in the fourth act, after
the decree of the tyrant Appius,
seals ths doou of the fair Virginia. AS
ihs latter clings to his form and appeals
with all the force of Innocence, not TO be
separated from her natural protector, the
hc oio emotions struggling in his soul are
plainIy depicted in his coun
ten.nce which expresses fear.
terror apprehension and doubt 81
to yhat course to pursue in the sudden
ALL nrrible sIigsnoy. Suddenly as If by
a f. the faca becomes illuminated by a
sud / resolve; between loss of homer and
disx ace there 10 n alternative, death,
2uI 40 0uES ITO thCuSDs WILL SfAm o0o
terrible satisfaction.
After this act he was recalled twice, "a
he nas indeed at the close of the third
act. Che mad scene was dspisted with
naur,. Andernses and in this respect the
imp sment wal observable throughout.
a. v inius Miss Willett was truthful, and
lo,i, awhile che imprrted,a glrlish graos
the character very charming.
llrs. Foster, played admirably the role
of S~ervia, Der bearing and manner being
exactly suited to the part.
M. Haworth made a good Icilius, bat
he might have given the lover with more
warmth. The Appius Of Mr.. Collier was
well enacted also. and aside from a ten
dency to soar in the heated passages be
was admirable. Messrs. Price and Langdon
also gave their parts with satisfaction to
the audience.
drawback to the engagement consist
ed IL the inevitable late corners, who
shor d understand that it is bad form to
como struggling into a theater for nearly
an hour after the curtain has gone up on
the fret act. Another nuisance consisted
in letting the drop down on the acts while
the actors were still speaking.
Tonight "Richel1eu" will be given.