Text: H. C. Watson (?), Literary, Broadway Journal (New York), October 18, 1845, vol. 2, no. 15, p. ??

[page 232, column 1, continued:]

The Drama.

MR. MURDOCH. — Our readers will recollect the commendation bestowed by us on certain Shakespearian recitations at the Society Library in the spring of the present year. There were not a few persons of discrimination and taste who discerned in their deliverer, Mr. Murdoch, the elements and capabilities of a first rate performer. Their faith will be dashed or confirmed by the results of next Tuesday evening, at the Park. Mr. Murdoch on that occasion presents himself in Hamlet, and will contend for a position among the tragic actors of the day. In our judgment, while allowance being made for difference of years and opportunity, he will fall behind the greater names of his art, he will triumphantly overleap many performers who have borne the palm and made conquest of popular support.

We do not name names, but we shall be glad to see our AMERICAN taking the field against all comers; we are satisfied, from what we know and have seen of the man, that he will acquit himself honorably. He appears at a period when the public are, so to speak, in expectation: the tide has at length turned in favor of home talent, and they are ready to welcome any one who may justify their national hope. Nationality at length steps forward to plant its standard in Literature, in Art, and on the Stage. Mr. Murdoch is destined to be one of its best and most resolute supporters. He comes at a time when he is needed. It is a long day since the American stage has presented to the public a native-born performer, whom [column 2:] they could receive and adopt. Unless all augury derived from youth, person, voice, discipline and experience prove false, he is destined to become not only their child, but their favorite, and it will give us great pleasure to see him measured not only by the side of competitors, heretofore, from abroad, but keeping the field against all new-comers. We look for the prosperity of the drama here, at home. The hope of the drama is as great — greater acording [[according]] to our notion — here in New-York and in America than anywhere on the face of the globe; and we venture to predict that a school of dramatic writing, and a succession of performers, eminently national, having the color of the climate and the heart of the people in them, will ere long appear.

We look toward the drama, therefore, as a form in which the national spirit shall early show itself, with great anxiety. We are determined to watch its promise, and to give it every aid in our power. It is on this account that we dwell on this first appearance of Mr. Murdoch; and in his reception we expect to be furnished with an evidence and confirmation of our hopes. He presents such claims, and has every circumstance that can attract and interest the public in his favor, so clearly on his side, that we are sure we cannot be mistaken in predicting a reception in every way flattering to him, and honorable to American feeling and-pride of country.