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Letter to Editor
June 12, 1794
Gazette Of The United States And Daily Evening Advertiser
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
A theater enthusiast writes to Mr. Fenno expressing disappointment in the performance of 'The Mourning Bride' at Mrs. Whitlock's benefit, citing poor memorization, curtailment of the play, and audience disruptions, while praising actors like Mrs. Whitlock as Zara and noting an unfair reaction to Mr. G.
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Full Text
For the Gazette of the United States.
MR. Fenno,
As a friend to the Theatre, and an admirer of the tragic powers of Mrs. Whitlock, I gave my mite last night for her Benefit.
I went with the expectation of seeing that excellent tragedy, the Mourning Bride, performed, with at least, that justice, which the thing itself, merited, and, to which they, were fully competent: But, I was exceedingly disappointed-not so much from a want of just conception of their parts by the players, as from an almost unpardonable inattention to the commitment of them to memory, which some of them discovered; and I suppose it must have been owing to that, that the piece was so much, curtailed, and appeared in so mutilated a dress, that one who had never seen nor heard of the play, would conclude it to have been either a very lame design, or had great injustice done it in the exhibition. I do not mean to enter into a detail of the merits or demerits of the several performers;--I would only hint, that among those who performed with their usual judgment, (for merit must have its reward) were Mrs. Whitlock in Zara Mrs. Morris in Almeria -Mr. Whitlock in Manuel -Mr. Green in Gonzalez. And here I observe, an apology, or at least an explanation ought to be made to M. G. for the unexpected hissing and laughing thro' the house, at the height of an interesting scene: It was occasioned by a trifling incident, but such as will always in such places have the same effect it was not Mr. G. He was performing well-and received the marks of approbation from his audience.- Mr. G. deserves great credit for the decent respect he shewed at this disagreeable juncture, not knowing but he was the cause of this disorder.
The sudden "indisposition" of a principal performer had a very extraordinary effect upon the Audience-we must not murmur at the act of God-but we pray (if it is the will of Heaven, that such indisposition should seize some of the company) it may be those whose popular constitution may not be so robust as that of the Gentleman alluded to. Sudden attacks upon such constitutions are frequently fatal-therefore, it might be advisable to call in the assistance of another Physician to that of Dr. Cleveland,
Z.
MR. Fenno,
As a friend to the Theatre, and an admirer of the tragic powers of Mrs. Whitlock, I gave my mite last night for her Benefit.
I went with the expectation of seeing that excellent tragedy, the Mourning Bride, performed, with at least, that justice, which the thing itself, merited, and, to which they, were fully competent: But, I was exceedingly disappointed-not so much from a want of just conception of their parts by the players, as from an almost unpardonable inattention to the commitment of them to memory, which some of them discovered; and I suppose it must have been owing to that, that the piece was so much, curtailed, and appeared in so mutilated a dress, that one who had never seen nor heard of the play, would conclude it to have been either a very lame design, or had great injustice done it in the exhibition. I do not mean to enter into a detail of the merits or demerits of the several performers;--I would only hint, that among those who performed with their usual judgment, (for merit must have its reward) were Mrs. Whitlock in Zara Mrs. Morris in Almeria -Mr. Whitlock in Manuel -Mr. Green in Gonzalez. And here I observe, an apology, or at least an explanation ought to be made to M. G. for the unexpected hissing and laughing thro' the house, at the height of an interesting scene: It was occasioned by a trifling incident, but such as will always in such places have the same effect it was not Mr. G. He was performing well-and received the marks of approbation from his audience.- Mr. G. deserves great credit for the decent respect he shewed at this disagreeable juncture, not knowing but he was the cause of this disorder.
The sudden "indisposition" of a principal performer had a very extraordinary effect upon the Audience-we must not murmur at the act of God-but we pray (if it is the will of Heaven, that such indisposition should seize some of the company) it may be those whose popular constitution may not be so robust as that of the Gentleman alluded to. Sudden attacks upon such constitutions are frequently fatal-therefore, it might be advisable to call in the assistance of another Physician to that of Dr. Cleveland,
Z.
What sub-type of article is it?
Informative
Social Critique
Provocative
What themes does it cover?
Social Issues
What keywords are associated?
Theater Performance
Mourning Bride
Mrs Whitlock Benefit
Actor Critique
Audience Behavior
Play Curtailment
What entities or persons were involved?
Z.
Mr. Fenno
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Z.
Recipient
Mr. Fenno
Main Argument
the performance of 'the mourning bride' was disappointing due to actors' poor memorization leading to curtailment and mutilation of the play, and audience hissing from a trifling incident unfairly affecting mr. g.; praises mrs. whitlock, mrs. morris, mr. whitlock, and mr. green for their roles.
Notable Details
Mrs. Whitlock In Zara
Mrs. Morris In Almeria
Mr. Whitlock In Manuel
Mr. Green In Gonzalez
Hissing And Laughing At Mr. G.
Sudden 'Indisposition' Of A Principal Performer
Dr. Cleveland