Arkansas State Gazette

THE LITTLE ROCK THEATRE.

A young friend, under the signature of "Placide," has sent us a new criticism upon the performance, few evenings since, of that beautiful melodrama, "The Lady of Lyons," by the excellent theatrical company now in our city. We regret that its length precludes its insertion in to-day's Gazette.

We were present and can, likewise, add our commendation to the general praise which has been awarded to Mr. and Mrs. Durivage. Mr. and Mrs. Leicester, and Miss Verity, for their just conception and fine personation of the characters they severally represented. Mrs. D. in "Pauline" satisfied all who were present that she possesses high claims as an actress. The struggle between her filial love and that constancy which belongs to the sex, was a superb piece of acting, as was, also, the recognition scene, after Claude's "return from the war."

If Mrs. D. would abate somewhat of her violent gesticulation, in scenes that rather require the subdued tone of deep feeling, the most fastidious critic would be at a loss to find fault with her playing. When as "Julia," in the "Hunchback," she was called upon to express the pride of a woman spurned, her majestic yet graceful carriage, brought to mind Virgil's description of Juno, who "walked as stately of the Gods," and yet was slighted by the inferior Deities.

Mr. Leicester on "Claude" and "Master Walter," acquitted himself with great credit. He has the talent to conceive the character he is representing, but when he attempts a touching passage, the feeling he throws into it seems a little strained, and not the genuine expression of a sensitive nature. But he repeated "Master Walters" story to "Julia" finely, and especially that passage beginning, "When the engineer rears," &c.

In the ordinary characters of female life, such as we meet with constantly, Mrs. Leicester is very good. She sustained her part admirably in the mother of "Pauline," and in "Helen," in the Hunchback.

But the acting, most true to nature, in that of Durivage himself, who, in low comedy, is hard to beat. His very face indicates the comic genius, the moment it is presented to the audience, and the man must be a misanthrope, indeed, whose risibles were not excited by his personation of "Fathom."

Then, between the pieces, those who are fond of sentimental song, a la Russell, or of a Scotch air, cannot fail to be entertained by Mr. Bainbridge.

Altogether, Messrs. Oliver & Allen have procured a fine company for the intellectual amusement of our citizens during the Christmas holidays, and when it is considered at what exertion and expense they have been selected, we sincerely hope they may receive substantial proof of the liberality of our citizens.