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Show THEATRICAL. On Friday and Saturday evenings of last week, our theatre-goers had a fine treat in the performance, by home talent, under the management of Mr. (Mister) G.J. Bywater, of the thrilling, powerful, historical drama - "Jack Cade" and the roaring farce "Slasher and Crasher." On both evenings the house was filled, and on Saturday evening it was crowded. On this evening the performance was an improvement on its previous presentation, and was one of the very best ever given in this city by home talent. Mr. (Mister) G.J. Bywater in this title role gave a most powerful impersonation, even surpassing, as we think, his splendid rendition of the character of "Damon" which we have hitherto regarded as his masterpiece. In some of the scenes his acting rose to the fiery grandeur of the true tragedian; particularly was this the case at the close of the second act, where "Cade" is informed of the cruel murder of his mother by "Lord Say," and where he takes his fearful oath of vengeance. At this juncture Mr. Bywater gave a burst of powerful tragic acting and elocution which many a star might fall short of, and not lose his laurels. Nearly all the other parts were well sustained. Messrs. A.W. Jones as the blacksmith "Worthy" and John Rozsa as "Mobray" did very well. Harry Brown as the priest did first-rate, as did N.W. Kimball as "Jack Straw." Mr. J. Gardner made his first appearance on any stage as "Dick Pembroke," a bondsman to Say, and made an extremely favorable impression; we hope he will appear again. Mr. Jos. (Joseph) G. Bywater gave a fine impression of the cruel, imperous tyrant, "Lord Say." Space will not permit mention of the other characters, though they all deserve praise. This is especially so of Miss Haws, Miss Davidson, and Mr. Matthews In the farce the honors were divided between John Wilson and A.W. Jones, in the title roles, both of whom were in their element, and did first-class. We enjoy seeing these two gentlemen in characters that come in their time. |