Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-03-21
MR. BARRETT's CARETR.


Lawrence BaTrett.was born In Paterson, n. J''
April 4, 1888. His FIRST appearance was ID De-
trOlt In 1853 Us Murad in 1.-The french spy.
After a years experience In playing minor parts
he spent short season in Pittsburgh. he then
acted In St IOuis, Chicago, and elsewhere until
December, 1886, when he was engaged At
the Chambers-Street Theatre, Now YORK
whore he appeared as sir THOMAS OlI-
ford IN "Ihe Hunchback." He was en-
gagged by Mr. Burton early In 1897, ana acted
under his management for nearly two years, sup
porting Charlotte CUshman, Edwin Booth, ana
other prominent actors In 1898 he was engaged
for leading parts at ihe Boston Museuni' anu
later at the Howard AthenRum Of that city,
where he played with Miss Cushman, Barry
Sullivan, and L. l.. Davenport. On the outbreak
Of the war between tho states In 1851 Mr. BaIfetl
accepted n captalncy in the Iwenty-elghth Mas
sachusetts infantry and served with distinction.
AfterWard he acted M Philadelphia, Mt Washing
ton and then az the Winter Garden in New YORK,
where he was engaged by Mr.. Booth TO pay
Othello 10 his IagO. The elder Wallack cOnsld-
cred his impcrsOnatiun OF this character ihe
most striking performance he had seen IN
twenty years. Mr. Barrett then became assO-
ciated In the management OF the varieties inca
tire I'm New Orleans, playing leading parts ana
for the first time acting as RiCheleu, Hamlet,
and Shylock. About this time he met Edwin
Forrest, and was led 10 make careful study OF
the history and literature Of the stage, clrcuin-
stance which afterward was OF great value
20 him. In 1864 he purchased "hosedale
from Lester Wallack, and, after acting the
leading character In IL at New Orleans,
mado his FIRST tour az q star actor.
In 1867 he played with great success at Mo
Cures Opera House In San Francisco, where no
remained as manager Of the California Theatre
until 1870, when ne again appeared In New
York. Late In 1870 he played with Mr.. Booth IN
opposite characters at Booths Theatre. In
1S71-72 he managed the New Varieties Thea
tire In New Orleans, and In December. 1872, he
played Cassius TO Booths Brutus in New YORK.
During 1874 he made successful tours
through the United States, visiting the leading
cities.
The season Of 1875 began with magnificent
revival Of Julius Caesar" at Booths Theatre,
where he again appeared as Cassius and later as
King Lear. lie took the part OF Daniel bruce,
aud was the frs, actor to appear in Mr.. Gileerts
play Of that name In the United States. Later
he produced "Iorlck's Love" al the
Park Theatre i'm New York City
One Of his most recent successes was In Boxers
" Francesca de Bimini." which he brought out in
1882 at the Chcsthut-Street Theatre, Phiadcl-
phia. He acted the hunchback. LanciOtto, with
great intelligence and rare power. In the autumn
Of 1883 this play ran for nine weeks az the
presented on "A very complete scale and attract
ed much enthusiasm. Within the last few years
MIR. Barrett starred the country with Mr.. Booth,
the engagement being one OF the most success
ul In the history OF either actor. In 1867,
1881, 1883, and 1884 he visited England. and
during his last visit appeared In many Of his
prominent roles, which we're favorahiv received.
II s was the author of life Of Edwin o ylrcst.