Page images
PDF
EPUB
[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][graphic][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][graphic][subsumed]
[subsumed][merged small][graphic][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][graphic][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][graphic][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][merged small][merged small]

THEATRICALS.

PARK.-Mrs. Gibbs and Mr. Sinclair, since our last, have passed through a short engagement, with but little success. They would have been more successful, perhaps, had sufficient aid been received from the stage-appointments, which were scarcely in keeping with the position of the house-certainly, not in rivalry with those at the other theatres. The chorus, too, was deficient in strength and numbers. The principal pieces in which these vocalists appeared, were, "The Lord of the Isles," "The Cabinet," and "Midas." The former had the longest run, and deservedly so, for much of its music is characteristic and pleasing. The ballads, interspersed throughout it, have a charm which can never vanish. Mrs. Gibbs sang with her usual taste, and Mr. Sinclair generally acquitted himself creditably. It is but justice to Mr. Richings, to say that his performance was very acceptable, and that his song, in the second act, was given with delicacy and feeling. In "Midas," Mr. Sinclair appeared more advantageously than in either of the other pieces. He seemed more at home, and, on the whole, sang more faithfully than in the other plays.

At the benefit of Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Freer, from the minor London theatres, made his first appearance as Richard III. We have had no opportunity, as yet, of deciding fully upon his abilities; but, it seems to us, that he is much more fitted for the higher walks of tragedy, than many whom we have witnessed making the attempt.

Miss Clifton has played an engagement of three or four nights to much smaller audiences than could have been anticipated, notwithstanding her personation of Anna Boleyn, in a new tragedy of that name, which was represented three nights. The play is a singular mixture of good and bad.

In the danse, Monsieur and Madame Taglioni have created quite a sensation, and the audiences have improved wonderfully. They are very clever. Monsieur Taglioni is a spirited and graceful dancer, and even a remarkably elegant one. Madame Taglioni exhibits an ease of style which captivates, | but there is scarcely that gliding from grace to grace, which constitutes finish. Her attitudes, however, are striking and beautiful, and her elasticity of muscles is admirable. ballet chosen for their first appearance was "La Sylphide," a beautiful piece, which, we were happy to see, was produced with new scenery and machinery, adding much to the general effect.

The

NATIONAL.-We have not much to say upon the performances at this house, as, in the line of novelty, little has been brought forward-the protracted engagement of Miss Shirreff and Messrs. Seguin and Wilson having caused them to usurp the boards almost entirely. Miss Shirreff has appeared in Cinderella, but not with that eminent success that distinguished her previous efforts. "The Mountain Sylph," " Amilie," and "La Sonnambula," have been frequently performed, and the audiences, for the season, and considering the length of the engagement, have been fashionable and large.

Near the end of the month, several benefit-nights occurred, which were gratifying to those for whom they were appointed. Among these, was that of Mr. Williams, who introduced, on the occasion, Mrs. Seguin, Mr. Freer, and the public's old favorite, Mr. Browne, the comedian.

The management of the theatre has been conducted in the same style of liberality as hitherto; and little has been wanting, that could satisfy the public, or aid the performers, appertaining to the business of the stage.

BOWERY.-This magnificent edifice has been opened with a success unprecedented in theatrical annals in this country. The theatre receives much aid from its scenery, which is truly beautiful-no expense, apparently, being spared to give the eye perfect satisfaction. "Nick of the Woods," a new drama, written by the late Louisa H. Medina, was first produced ;|| since which, "Ernest Maltravers" and Mazeppa" have been revived. The two former, in addition to the interest excited, in consequence of their splendor as scenic representations, have borrowed lustre from the acting of Mrs. Shaw, who has, also,

[ocr errors]

played Constance, in the "Love Chace," with her usual spirit and elegance. Mazeppa" has attracted large audiences. It was produced with all the aids of new scenery, machinery, and costume, with Mr. Woolford in the chief character-which he is well skilled to sustain. We learn that "Macbeth" is in preparation, and that it will be produced with the aid of gorgeous scenery and dresses, in a style worthy the conception of the author. "Macbeth" is capable of being made the most unequalled spectacle in the language, and we have no doubt that this attempt of Mr. Hamblin, to do justice to the legitimate drama, will be crowned with reward.

EDITORS' TABLE.

TO OUR READERS.-We have the pleasure of announcing the names of several new and regular contributors to the "Companion," for the present year. Articles from one or two of them, it will be noticed, appear in the present number. From England, we have Miss Mary Anne Browne, of Liverpool, the sister of Mrs. Hemans, and the authoress of "Ignatia and other Poems," and Mrs. Hofland, of London, widely known as the writer of "The Son of a Genius," and other popular works. Of our country, we have Mrs. Ellett, the authoress of several volumes, and B. B. Thacher, author of "Indian Biography."

NORTH RIVER STEAMBOATS.-As this is a season when many ladies are in the habit of passing up the river, and as there are many boats plying upon the stream, it becomes a question to ascertain which is the most suitable boat among the many steamers. There are several opposition boats, which ply from the city to the numerous towns on the river, which, from the low price of passage, and the scantiness of the accommodations, are scarcely fitted to carry ladies, who seek for retirement from the crowd, and those comforts which are generally found in good

boats.

Although it is difficult to decide which is the best boat, we think there can be no disappointment, if those belonging to the old line are sought, as they are skilfully managed, and no efforts are spared to render them pleasant to those who patronize them. The old line of boats has long been celebrated for attention to passengers and safe navigation, and the public can gain nothing by an opposition which seeks to deprive true enterprise of a fair emolument, which it would be sure to demand, could it be installed in the same degree of public favor which it is its attempt to gain by a temporary appeal.

A monopoly should, indeed, be checked when it fails to satisfy the community; but, a casual opposition, which seeks to make up, by hook or by crook, an average amount of receipts, is not worthy of regard.

PLATE OF SUMMER FASHIONS.-Full Dress.-The head will be much ornamented with pearls and other jewelry. The robe consists of white muslin over pale pink satin, the waist cut very low, rounded at top, and very fully draped; the sleeves short and tight, ornamented to correspond with the flounce, which is frilled and gathered in a knot at the side, fastened by a bunch of flowers and ribands. Cord and tassels. It should be observed that the waist is trimmed with folds, disposed in circles, which serve to set off a good shape advantageously.

Promenade and Carriage Dress.-White brocade robe, striped; the skirt is trimmed with two flounces, festooned with a color to correspond with the stripe; low waist, trimmed with blond; puffed sleeves, with deep ruffles; gloves, or sleeves entire, fastened by bands at the wrist. Mantillas of straw color, shot silk, or white wrought muslin. Cord and tassels. Hat, small Leghorn, chip or shirred, small brim, with sprigs of flowers inside, and roses without, or ribands.

Evening Dress.-Pearl gray pou de soie, waist made high behind, very low in front, disposed on each side in folds. The front of the skirt in two loops, with a rose in each. Cord and tassels. The sleeves are made full, trimmed with blond lace. The head is ornamented with flowers, the hair brought low upon the cheeks, in broad braids, fastened at the temples.

[graphic]
« PreviousContinue »