New York Tribune

LOCKE RICHARDSON'S MACBETH

Mr. Richardson's recital of "Macbeth" was heard with deep interest by a numerous assemblage yesterday morning, at the Union League Theatre. It was, indeed, almost a crowded house. Such an audience has seldom been seen in this theatre. Mr. Richardson gave the substance of the play of "Macbeth" within two hours. His elocution, in the longer speeches, was remarkably fine, and his interpretation of the frenzy of Macbeth, in the banquet scene, and the remorse of Lady Macbeth, in the sleep scene, was admirably true and strong. The weird atmosphere, the dark splendor, and the massive physique of Macbeth were obviously beyond the reach of the artist, except in suggestion. But this should not be a surprise. Macbeth has always far transcended the efforts of most actors. Mr. Richardson's commentary upon the piece was marked by fine intelligence and much felicity of phrase. He discriminated the characters with keen intelligence, and shadowed forth the action with intense and always right emotion. An embodiment of Macbeth that should follow the lines traced out by him would be exceedingly strong. His presentment of the witches was grotesque rather than terrible, and therefore was defective. The special skill of Mr. Richardson is in character and humor, and, accordingly, such a bit as the Murderer, in the banquet scene, becomes, under his treatment, a gem of art. Mr. Richardson was frequently and cordially applauded. He appears again next Saturday.