Original. THEATRICALS. PARK. The stage in its perfection is the embodyment of the ornaments of poetry with the simplicity of nature unadorned; or nature glowing with the refinement of the accomplished arts. These, in their union produce what is technically termed, stage effect: without them, or rather in the absence of their combined grace, mimic powers are expended in vain. They fail in their identity, they wholly fail in their attractive power on the mind, in leading it into the abodes of fiction, and deluding it with the corporeal semblance of things as they are passing in their earthy substance, pure of the dross of ordinary nature, and sublimed by the pathos of polished sentiment. The accomplished actor possesses all the qualifications of Poetry, Dancing and Music; without them, he or she, is not qualified. A poet, if not creative: at least so in the grasping powers of the mind, which should be refluent with the glowing beauties of study—quick in perception--ardent in depictive eloquence easy, natural and flowing as the thoughts of the classic pen by which it is for the time inspired. Dancing, as the art by which he is trained into the elegant management of his person, and contributary to that gracefulness and ease by which his action is to be guided. Music, as the means of guiding the voice through the mazes of verse-modulating-subduing or elevating, according to the passion to be expressed; and varying the cadence with harmonious effect. Without musical expression there is no charm even in private conversational powers. Without musical expression, oratory is nothing: the language may be good-argument powerful, but if the speaker fails in the management of his voice, his language will fall like icicles upon marble, and his argument drop like a transplanted shrub upon a steril soil, to wither in the sunshine. The charms of person unaccompanied by those requisites for stage performance which we have enumerated, can never be made to compensate for their absence. We might illustrate our position by reference to some of the most lovely women that ever graced the stage, or ornamented society; but who could never sustain even a moderate rank upon the boards-like beautiful visions they appeared, but like the gorgeous pageant they passed away filling the eye, but not satisfying the imagination. We cannot conclude our stage remarks at the Park without the introduction of another favorite child of the muse of the drama, of nearly equal excellence in another department of the art. Mrs. Keeley, formerly well-known as Miss Goward, of the English Opera House, is a charming little actress, full of life and animation-warm, spirited and exquisite in tenderness. Mrs. Keeley has been also educated for the stage, and we believe was a pupil of Mrs. Charles Kemble, the mother of Mrs. Butler, the most popular and powerful melo-dramatic actress of her day. Trained in a good school, with considerable genius and a rich flow of animal spirits, Mrs. Keeley has elevated herself to a distinguished position in her profession. Mr. Keeley is not the less deserving of popularity than his talented lady: His quiet, quaint humor has gained for him an enviable reputation in every section of the country he has as yet visited. Mr. Hill, better known as little Hill, the Yankee, after the fulfilment of several successful engagements in the different large cities of England, has returned to America. His success was complete and most flattering. Mr. Hill made his first appearance at the Park, in the drama of Caspar Hauser, and in the new piece of Old days in Virginia. The extravagant enconiums bestowed by the British presses on the repeated performances of Mr. Hill, show the estimation in which he was held, and his subsequent triumphant success over those obstacles, an American actor has generally to encounter in a foreign land-must certainly be a source of infinite pleasure to our countrymen, inasmuch as it is apparent, from the flattering reception of Forrest, Hackett, Barrett, and Hill, that a spirit of reciprocation in regard to American actors is prevalent in England. MISS EMERY.-A new candidate for histrionic fame in the These remarks have been elicited from us by the varied per- person of Miss Emery, will make her debut in a short time at the formances of Ellen Tree, in whom we find that union of powers, Park Theatre in the character of Bianca. Miss Emery is studyand that stage education, elevating her to a rank in her profes-ing under the care of Mrs. Vernon, who is perfecting her in all sion, eclipsing all of contemporaneous rivalry. Nature has those requisites so essential for a debutante to be acquainted richly endowed her in a mind glowing with poetry and imagina-with, ere she casts herself on the stage's broad arena. Miss Emtion-redundant in delineative powers: Art has endowed her with that ease and gracefulness of deportment, which may be more aptly likened to the poetry of motion, than the attitudinarian and voluptuous figurations of the mere dancer, while modesty detracts from the glare of the scene in which she moves, and mellows its brilliancy to exquisite softness and the tenderest expression. Ellen Tree is a model in herself-she is no copy. Original in her own conceptions, she executes faithfully and without reference to any other standard. She never fails in eliciting the beauties of her author, while she never appears to aim at the effect to be produced. Those passages of peculiar brilliancy which now and then flash with vividity in the pages of her author, are not obtruded with artful prominence-disturbing general effect for the mere purpose of temporary applause they beam upon us like beautiful lights, in perfect harmony with the whole, and in good keeping with general effect. We see Ellen Tree, and the oftener we see her the more steadily do we become her admirer. Like a beautiful volume, she lies open before us—full of beauties-warm with imagination-redundant with poetic excellence; every time we peruse it we discover some new and brilliant thought which before had escaped us; some elegant flight of genius tracing its lines upon the heart, imprinting it on the memory, and improving the standard of our taste. It has been objected to Miss Tree, that she wants dignity, or rather weight. It is an objection started by the expiring remains of the old school of drama, which could fancy nothing excellent ery is enthusiastically fond of the stage, and will, we predict, become one of its brightest "stars;" not, however, immediately, but after passing the ordeal of several strict stock engagements. We are of the opinion that it is in the power of no human being, however possessed of talent, to commence at the height of a profession and occupy a prominent position for any length of time. They must step by step attain its eminence-becoming, in their gradual ascent, familiar with the business of that art they have adapted as a profession; and then, in a brief period, the full developement of their powers will burst forth, likened to the faint outlines of a richly colored painting. Miss Emery's person is dignified and handsome, and-consequent to her extreme youth, rather fragile. She has for the last four months occupied herself strenuously to the studying of several characters, which she will perform previous to assuming a station as a stock actress. Bianca, Juliet, Therese, Evadne, Julia and Marianna, are among those she is perfect in. We have witnessed repeatedly her rehearsals of entire parts, and assure those who place but little faith in debutantes, that the perfection she has already acquired, is surprising. Miss Emery is literally a novice-she has not for years been preparing, or anxiously looking forward to the night that would usher her forth to the gaze of an audience. She has only for a few short months entertained the remotest idea of the stage. No flourishes of trumpets precede her in the hazardous undertaking; no loud heralding of fame proclaims her talents of a superior caste: She is not the child of tuition-but emphatically that of genius. Miss Emery's conception and knowledge of parts have not been beaten into her, as are the lessons of a child-she has acquired them naturally, and has become identified in her representations, with all those characters with which she is familiar. additions have, however, been made, and it now assumes rather more of a respectable rank in the theatrical hemisphere; Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, Mr. Howard and Miss Cushman, are among those added to the company. Of the latter lady we have before expressed our opinion, and a reiteration of those favorable im The simple fact of Miss Emery being the protegee of Mrs. Vernon, is a sufficient guarantee that she is well studied in the profession she is about assuming. Mrs. Vernon was the success-pressions of her as an actress of rare merit, would be useless. ful instructress of Clara Fisher, and raised her to that high pinnacle of perfection she attained while in this country. BOWERY. The success of this establishment is the natural result of the exertion and liberality of the manager and lessee to obtain the suffrages of the public. All that taet and energy could effect has been put in requisition; and at the present moment the Bowery Theatre is one of the best conducted in every department on this continent. The order and regularity maintained before the scenes; the admirable arrangement of the green-room; and the taste displayed by the dramatic caterer, could not fail to obtain the great popularity so justly due to each. Engagements have been effected with many well-known stars, who will succeed each other in quick succession. Mr. James Wallack, Mrs. and Miss Watson, Miss Clifton, Mademoiselle Celeste, the Ravel Family, Mr. Abbott, Miss Horton, Mr. Balls, and Mr. Mrs. and Miss Barnes. And if we are correctly informed, Mr. Hackett has made liberal offers to the Italian Company, now performing in New Orleans, for their services, which, if accepted, will be the means of making the National once more fashionable, if not a source of great profit. La Somnambula.-We understand that this magnificent opera by Bellina, is in active preparation at this theatre with all the original orchestral accompaniments, as written by that great composer, which have not as yet, been heard in America, as the parts were supplied by Mr. Bishop for the London theatres, and sent here by Mr. Price. This will indeed be a treat of the first order. Mrs. Watson is to sustain the interesting character of Amina, and we have no doubt of her complete success, as she possesses every requisite for the correct execution of that exceedingly difficult music, her voice being full, clear and melodious, with an extensive compass and power, not surpassed by any vocalist we ever heard; she is in fact the only person in this This theatre has always been celebrated for the splendor of its pageantry, the first dawn of which was afforded by the glories of Mazeppa, and which has been consumated by the exhibitions of Mr. Cooke's Equestrian Company. These are the ne plus ultra of gorgeous spectacle: and we should be surprised, indeed, if thousands did not flock nightly to witness them. The Last Days of Pompeii, which had so unexampled a run, has been revived with all its splendor, and cannot fail to be as attractive as on its former representation. It may not be uninteresting to mention, that the original copy of this drama was destroy-country who should attempt it. Mrs. Bailey, late Miss Watson, ed with the theatre-two parts only having been saved; these have served as a basis upon which to re-constuct the piece, which Miss Medina, the unequalled dramatist, has succeeded in making the counterpart of the first. plays Liza, and will give an effect to the two very beautiful Cavatinas allotted to her, that has not before been imparted to them. We are extremely sorry to learn that this will, in all probability, be her last theatrical engagement, as it is her inten MR. HAMBLIN.-We find in the London Metropolitan Conser-tion to devote her time to private tuition, for which she is so vative Journal, the following remarks on the performances of Mr. Hamblin. Although not agreeing entirely with the writer in his views of Mr. Forrest's acting-still we have ever considered Mr. Hamblin more chaste and dispassionate in his conception and delivery than Mr. Forrest: "Fortunately for Osbaldiston, of the Covent Garden, he has had Mr. Hamblin during Macready's absence, to rescue his house from the censure and neglect it otherwise has richly deserved. It deeply grieves us to think, that a gentleman like Mr. Hamblin, should have suffered under the disadvantages of such reckless mis-management; and with the bill-puffed melo-dramatist of Drury-lane, (Mr. Forrest,) against him, we are only surprised that his late performances have been so well attended, and given such general satisfaction in this Metropolis. eminently qualified. A gentleman well known and estimated as a musician, and an unequalled artiste on his instrument, the Contra Basso, will make his first appearance on the stage as Count Rodolpho, and report speaks highly of his powers as a vocalist. The gentleman alluded to is Seignor Casolani; he is already a great favorite with the public, and will, we are sure, meet with every encouragemert in his arduous attempt. Plumer's voice and figure are well adapted for Elvino, and we hazard the prediction that he will do ample justice to the charming and thrilling music belonging to the part. Mr. Plumer has been before the public so little in characters calculated to elevate him in the estimation of the musical world, that his talents and execution as a musician are but little known and less appreciated. PAGANINI. This far-famed phenomenon on the Violin, we are happy to state, from the best authority, is now on his way to this country. He has hitherto refused the most liberal inducements to cross the Atlantic, from Mr. Price and other man "But to compare Forrest with Mr. Hamblin, is ridiculous. The one has no excellence beyond large calves, a Mezzo-Indian cast of physiognomy, a stentorian voice, and most brutal misconception, and utter ignorance of Shakspeare's works. Mr. Hamblin, on the contrary, has shown, in his very able perfor-agers. Mr. Watson has, however, succeeded in engaging him mance of Macbeth, and Coriolanius, that he justly appreciates the great poet; perfectly comprehends the spirit of his writings; and can forcibly and finely express what he has carefully and calmly studied. Indeed, Mr. Hamblin, will return to America, with the satisfaction that he has gained the suffrage of a great part of the British press, and the thinking part of the British public; for his delineations of some of the greatest parts on the stage, are highly creditable to its present candition. We have too few good actors not to prize properly a performer like Mr. Hamblin." to perform at a series of Concerts during the whole of his stay in the United States, and will no doubt commence in New-York. Paganini has astonished and captivated the hearts of all Europe, and we sincerely hope for his safe arrival. ON DITS.-A new drama from the prolific pen of Louisa H. Medina, entitled the "Water Spirit," is to be produced at the An English gentleman is preparing a drama, in three acts, for the same theatre; the subject of which is the "Early days of William Shakspeare." The piece, from the well known talents of the author, and his knowledge of stage effect, with that of the facts on which it is founded, will, we are confident, be possessed of no ordinary degree of interest. Mr. Earle is eminently qualified for the task he has assumed, and will impart to it great depth and vigor of language, based on incidents and information, of which Mr. Earle is the sole possessor. NATIONAL. There appears to be a fatality attending this beautiful and comfortable theatre. What it is, we are at a loss to discover. The season is an inauspicious one for theatricals, without a doubt-but why this should effect the National more than the other houses, we cannot conceive. Mr. Hackett, the manager, is an enterprising and persevering man; he has had, we are aware, and so should the public be, many unforseen diffi culties to contend against. He assumed the control at a period when the theatre was at its lowest cbb-totally devoid of attraction, and encumbered with a stock company, many members of The "Duchess de la Valliere," is announced for representawhich it would be a libel to term performers; several valuable tion at the Park. Miss Tree personates the heroine. Mrs. Honey and Charles Kean will be the principal stars at the National Theatre, the ensuing season. Original. LITERARY REVIEW. THE Boston publishers have recently issued a series of Experiments of Living, the first two of which are very excellent; but the others, as is usually the case when imitations are pushed too far, are poor and trashy in the extreme. The first, entitled Three Experiments of Living, has reached the fifteenth edition, a popularity unparalleled in so short a period since its first appearance. The advantage and comfort of "Living within the means;" the imprudence of "Living up to the means;" and the miserable folly, and inevitable wretchedness that ensue from "Living beyond the means," are brought home to every capacity by the progress of a story illustrating the conduct and condition of a family in each of these experiments. In the "Sequel to the Three Experiments of Living," the same author has taken up the same family in the condition to which they were reduced by recklessness and extravagance; and, by the exercise of the domestic virtues of patience, frugality and content, has shown how every privation may be borne, and every difficulty be surmounted. Writers who devote themselves to benefit their fellow-creatures by standard works of this nature, are deserving of all commendation; and in this instance the laborer has been amply rewarded. The Boston publishers are Messrs. Whipple & Damrell, and their New-York agent is Mr. Samuel Colman. The art of letter writing is the most essential qualification to either male or female in this refined and intellectual age, when people's correspondence is sought for after their death, and when every one who possesses the epistolary favors of Mr. Alderman Snooks, or Mr. Counsellor Spriggins' makes a point of delivering them to the expectant public after the demise of the illustrious functionary. This is a letter-publishing generation par excellence; and it behoves every person, who wishes to stand well with posterity to attend to the Duke of Buckingham's aphorism, "Nature's chief masterpiece is writing well;" by which, as the learned commentator observed, the mere act of penmanship is not intended, but the force and originality of the thoughts and sentiments, and the polish and grace of the style. Grown-up ladies and gentlemen, whose education has been neglected, would not find it amiss to consult a little book published at Boston, by Mr. Colman, the title of which is, "Emily and Charles; or, a little girl's correspondence with her Brother," in which the art and mystery of letter writing is developed from first principles to a perfect specimen. last number of the Classical Family Library, the re-publication of which in this country is one of the best things the Harpers' ever undertook. We do not see, however, why they should rigidly adhere to the translations made use of by the London publisher when there are better ones in existence. For examPle; why should the tame and spiritless version of Anacreon, by in whom the poet of Teos lives and speaks, and who thereby gained his title of Bourne, be preferred to the exquisite one of Thomas Moore, "Anacreon Moore, To whom the laurel does of right belong. He won it well, and may he wear it long." The Pindar is translated by Wheelwright, and as a whole is the best extant in our tongue; but two or three of the Odes have been done by West, and as many by the late Bishop Heber better than any in this collection; why not substitute them, and give us the most faithful and vigorous rendering of the author possible? It is not by a servile adherence to the London copy that the value of the work is enhanced: but, by rejecting an inferior version, and replacing it with the true and genuine spark, kindled at the pure flame of the never-dying lamp of genius which illuminated antiquity, and whose reflection now beams upon us. The same remarks apply to the Juvenal and Persius, forming the xxxv. number of the same collection. Any person who knows any thing of English literature is aware of the superlative merit of Gifford's Juvenal, and the energetic and terse fidelity of Dryden's Persius; yet here we have Dr. Badham's translation of Juvenal, and Sir William Drummond's Persiusboth elegant it is true, but immeasurably inferior to the others. A publisher should have some knowledge of the literature of his time; and ought, at least, to know as much of the merit of the books he re-prints as the dry-goods dealer does of the bales and packages he imports. In the cessation of publishing in New-York, the Boston book sellers seem to have taken the lead; we have already noticed some of their publications, and we conclude our monthly record with the productions of that press. A volume of "Twice-told Tales," purporting to be by Nathaniel Hawthorn, has been is sued by Mr. John B. Russell, for the American Stationer's Company, and contains some very absorbing narratives which will well repay perusal. To a country editor they would be invaluable, as they would form an excellent store-house from whence to draw the subject matter for the literary department. The name" Twice-told Tales" intimates, we presume, that this is their second appearance, and that they have already been before the public, although they are new to us. The same association at Boston has also given to the world an elegant volume, which should be looked upon as a companion and manual for every young lady entering upon the busy career of life, as it contains instructions and advice upon every subject interesting to the sex as relates to their accomplishments, health, duties, and moral and intellectual culture. Unlike the generality of didactic works of this class, its style and matter are eminently pleasing, and it may be read for amusement as well as cultivation. Its title is the "Young Lady's Friend,” and it well deserves that most appropriate designation. The Harpers' have re-printed in one volume, and in a neat manner, Mrs. Shelly's recent production, "Faulkner," which will meet with as many admirers as readers, and these latter will comprise every person of taste and feeling. It is a novel of private life, in which a story of absorbing interest is skilfully told; where the incidents follow and grow out of each other as strictly natural consequences with all the precision and order of an epic poem; and where the characters are as correctly conceived as they are gracefully pourtrayed. There is a pathos, and tone of saddened emotion vividly apparent throughout the volume; tender spirit dwells within its leaves;,and we welcome with delight the apparition of such a brilliant and golden beam athwart the dull and drab-colored atmosphere of our contemporary literature. The hero is a man of vigorous intellect and acute sensibility, whose passions have been the cause of an event which to others appears as a crime; and our sympathies are enlisted in his sufferings, and our interest painfully excited by the admirable chain of events by which the mysterious cir-prietor has enlisted is more varied and entertaining than Blackcumstances are evolved. The canvas is crowded with figures of surpassing loveliness, characters of every hue, and scenes of beauty in every clime; and we cordially recommend Faulkner as the best, as it is the latest of the works of the same mind that produced "Frankenstein." The same publishers have re-produced an edition of Mr. Simms' singularly powerful tale of Martin Faber, which is too well known, and too properly appreciated to require any description now. This story, and other shorter sketches are contained in two volumes, printed uniformly with the recent works of the same writer. A translation of the Odes of Pindar and Anacreon forms the ENGLISH PERIODICALS.-The English Magazines for April have been received, and are unusually rich in interesting matter. The New Monthly Magazine and Humorist, edited by the punning and facetious Theodore Hook, vindicates its former high reputation, and with the bright array of talent which the pro wood, which has been on the wane since the death of its liberal and spirited originator. The New Monthly for April contains an engraving of the younger D'Isræli, which is an exquisite personification of the author's brightest creation, Vivian Gray. The all-engrossing Gurney Papers are continued, and Miss Landon, Capt. Marryat, Leigh Hunt, T. H. Bayley and the Topographer of Little Pedlington, have all contributed in their choicest vein. The World of Fashion, specially dedicated to the ladies is enriched with a myriad of delicious figures in the fashionable costume of the month. This Magazine is like a tulip-bed. The others are unusually brilliant, but we have no room to particularize further. |