to constitute it a legitimate tragedy; and one may therefore look in vain for those poetic beauties in Oraloosa, which have contributed not a little to make The Gladiator so permanent a favorite.
Dec. 19th.—O'Keefe's comedy of "Wild Oats" was performed this evening, in order to introduce a new debutant, Mr. J. Mason, in the character of Rover. So little pains had been taken to trumpet forth the name of this gentleman, that a very thin audience was collected on the occasion; and probably, on the rising of the curtain, no one expected the high enjoyment which was in store for him. That Mr. Mason is an actor of no ordinary rank, appeared fully by his performance. The part was most happily chosen, as it gave him an opportunity of displaying his powers in the delivery of some of the finest passages of our dramatic poetry, and at the same time of showing his merits as a general actor. The various quotations of which the character of Rover is made up, were given with extreme beauty, especially those of a pathetic nature, into which Mr. Mason threw a degree of feeling which was irresistibly touching; as for instance in that fine scene where Jim rushes forward to defend his father, Rover quotes some lines applicable to the situation, and then, his own situation forcing itself upon him he moanfully utters—"I never knew a father's protection—never had a father to protect!"—The wooing of Lady Amaranth was well done. Mr. Mason's gentlemanlike and modest address especially shine in scenes of tenderness: his voice, though not possessed of much strength, is so well modulated, and its flexibility so well managed, that any deficiency in power is made up by the skill with which it is used. His face is capable of much expression, and his figure well formed. His performance of Rover throughout was lively and spirited. He filled up the character to our entire satisfaction, and to that of a most enthusiastic auditory, in whose favor he completely established himself. Mr. Mason will become, we doubt not, a general favorite among us. He will be a most valuable and important auxiliary to the company, in a department, too, in which there has for a long time been a most glaring deficiency.
In English Opera there has been but little done at the Park until within a short time, there having been so many other sources of attraction and profit. We note, however, that Miss Hughes is now playing, but we are sorry to say to houses by no means crowded. This may easily be accounted for. The Italian troupe is now regarded as the legitimate operatic company; and the great body of our amateurs is to be seen on opera nights within the walls of the Richmond Hill. As the termination of the Italian company's engagement has now arrived, English opera will again, we trust, delight us, as in former times it was wont. Miss Hughes is a charming songstress; and we are sure that now, when the Italians have left us, the sweetness and richness of her voice, and the inimitable grace with which she warbles forth her notes, will be appreciated, and ensure for our homely opera that applause, which until of late it has enjoyed.
Dec. 28.—Since the above was in type, Mr. Charles Kean has commenced a farewell engagement at the Park, prior to his return to London, where he is said to have formed a most flattering engagement at one of the Metropolitan theatres. To do the performances of this excellent tragedian justice, however, we must defer noticing them to our next number.
Bowery.— At this theatre, since the commencement of the season, theatricals have been well attended to. The manager has catered actively for the taste of the public. Not to mention our native actress, Miss Vincent, of whom we shall on some future occasion speak more at length, we have observed that Booth has lately concluded a most successful engagement at this theatre, in which he performed his most celebrated characters. Mr. B.'s professional merits, in a peculiar range of parts, notwithstanding his varying style of playing them, are so well known and appreciated, that it were superfluous for us to enter into a detailed criticism; though were we disposed to do so, our limits, which are already exceeded, would forbid it.
⁂ Upon arranging the matter in type, it was found necessary to omit some Statistics and Miscellanies, prepared for this number; but which must now be to the next.
Errata—Page, 31, for Monboddoniano read Monboddoniana.
