Text: Edgar Allan Poe (?), Literary, Broadway Journal (New York), August 30, 1845, vol. 2, no. 8, p. ???, col. ?

[page 124:]

The Drama

UNDER this head there is but little to observe. In New-York, during the last fortnight, the theatres, without exception, have been unusually well attended. At the Park the present company is by no means strong. Mrs. Mowatt concluded a short engagement on the 23d; playing Pauline, Gertrude, in her own “ Fashion” and other rôles. Her audiences were large and highly respectable. The enthusiasm [column 2:] was unabated. She is evidently improving, and that rapidly. We have no hesitation in prophesying for her a brilliant future — if she be but true to herself. Her worst mannerism is an audible drawing in of the breath. Her action is uneqaulled [[unequalled]] in spirit and grace. Some of the intonations of her voice, are rich beyond expression, and have an obvious effect upon the finer spirits of an audience. Her elocution is of a noble order. She is much better supported than formerly by Mr. Crisp. He also, has improved. We noticed this, especially, in the greater dignity which he gives Melnotte while personating the Prince. It was his fashion, once, to play the part, at this point, as if a brainless coxcomb were the author's intention. Mr. Bass is a great acquisition to any theatre, and we are surprised to see the coolness with which so truly admirable an actor has been received. His Damas was Nature herself. The part could not have been more truthfully done. Miss Fanny Gordon is a fifth or sixth rate performer, with whom we were not particularly pleased.

On Monday last, Mr. Hackett made his bow to a Park audience as Falstaff. Of course he was warmly received. The boxes were thoroughly filled, and with a judicious audience.

In looking over the play-bills of the Park for the coming season, we were surprised not to find the name of Mr. Murdoch. For several months it had been understood, through the city, that he was to perform here at a very early period. We now learn that he will not appear till towards the close of October — on account of Mr. Simpson's foreign engagements. Mr. Murdoch is an American, has noble views of his art, and has labored diligently in its acquisition. He has omitted nothing in the way of self-discipline, and will inevitably rank high.

At the Bowery Mr. J. M. Scott has been playing his usual characters with success. This theatre has great capabilities which it is a pity were not improved. The stage appointments want richness, but we presume it is the intention to remedy this evil in the end. Much of the forest scenery is ill conceived. Light is undoubtedly wanting, on the audience, and color in the pannelings of the boxes, as well as the ceiling. The general coup d’œil of the theatre cannot be compared for an instant with that of the Park, yet its capabilities, we say, are greater. A trifling outlay would render it the handsomer theatre.

At Niblo's the audiences have been, as usual, large and respectable. In the performances no particular variation.

The Chatham Street has been doing very well with Mazeppa.

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Mr. Burton of the Walnut Street Theatre offers a premium of One Thousand Dollars for the best original American Comedy.

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Signora Suarez, one of the stars of the Teatro de Tacon, Havana, took a benefit on the 4th inst.

S’ra Corcuera, another star, was to have hers on the 11th.

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Mr. Arrilla, director of the Equestrian company which arrived from France at Matanzas on the 30th July, died on the 5th of August, of the yellow fever.

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The dramatic company of Senors Robunos gave a great representation in Puerto Principe, for the benefit of the sufferers by the last great fire in Matanzas.

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J. M. Scott, has the agency of the western theatrical circuit, which comprises some thirty or forty theatres. It is said that he will take about two hundred actors and actresses with him.