Richelieu

     Wed. evening is a benefit for Mr. H. Bland.

     “Bulwer’s fine play of ‘Richelieu’ is still the attraction at the Winter Garden.  We have on several occasions referred to the perfect way in which it has been placed on the stage.  No production in our memory has exhibited so many excellences.  The scenery, costumes and appointments are simply perfect.  Poetry, painting, music, sculpture—in the fluent graces of the human form—should always impart, but seldom attempts.  Commendation does not end here.  The caste is equally worthy of praise.  Mr. Booth’s Richelieu is, to our mind, the best of his impersonations.  The sudden transitions of the character, displaying alternately the craft of the statesman, the fervor of the patriot, and the defiant pride of the Cardinal, are touched with consummate power.  Even that grim humor which history ascribes to Richelieu sits well on the sad and pointed features of Mr. Booth.  The scene with De Mauprat in the first act could hardly be given better.  It illustrates our last remark, and shows how quickly and artistically Mr. Booth moves from one emotion to another.  So in the third act, the opening soliloquy is spoken with a pathos literally overwhelming.  The whole of this act is superbly played.  Miss Eytinge, who is without exception the best leading actress now on the stage, was in no way behind Mr. Booth. Her indignation at the supposed deceit of her husband, and her scorn of the vile offers of Louis were told without stage stiltedness, but with a vast human sense of wrong which everyone could feel. In the ensuing acts her earnestness was entirely free from whimpering. It is certainly no flattery to say that the part of Julie has never been so well played in this city. The other characters are cast well. There is not, in fact, a noticeable defect in the performance. ‘Richelieu’ will of course be played until further notice.”