AMUSEMENTS.
The audiences at City hall last night was very small—much less than Manager Wood had a right to expect from our citizens. He has struggled hard to bring the legitimate drama to our city, and if ever pluck and energy deserved recognition, Mr. Wood certainly is entitled to it. An announcement was made from the stage about 8:30 o’clock, that in consequence of the illness of Rose Watkins, and the inclement weather, there would be no performance. A severe hoarness, caused by the sudden change of weather, prevented Rose Watkins from appearing. Her physician stated that only a brief rest was required to restore her voice to its former sweetness, so that she will positively appear to-night, when her benefit takes place. As the fine company now playing here gives but two more evening performances, and a family matinee, on Saturday, our citizens should avail themselves of the opportunity of witnessing some of the best dramatic entertainments that can be seen anywhere in the country.
BENEFIT OF ROSE WATKINS AT CITY HALL TO NIGHT.
This estimable lady and accomplished actress takes a benefit at the City hall to-night, being the last appearance but one of herself and troupe in our city, and we think our citizens will show their appreciation of her rare talent by crowding the hall to repletion. As we are shortly to have a new opera-house, every encouragement should be given to first-class artists, to induce them to visit our city, and Rose Watkins is one of the brightest lights that adorn the dramatic profession, having won the highest honors of both Europe and America. During the past week, this lady, by her matchless impersonations, has largely contributed to the intellectual amusement of the large numbers who have attended the performances of the excellent company now playing here, and the patrons of the drama have an opportunity of reciprocating the pleasure afforded them; for nothing so gladdens the heart of an artist as the appearance of a full house on a benefit night. A splendid entertainment is offered in the beautiful play entitled “True to Herself,” with the beneficiary as the Heroine, Molly Bawn, in which character she sings several of those exquisite ballads which she warbles so charmingly. The play is one of those intensely interesting domestic stories which never fails to touch the heart, while the feelings are absorbed in watching the unraveling of a plot which culminates in a scene that excites in the mind of the spectator a sense of mingled surprise and admiration. Harry Watkins appears as Davey O’Leay, one of those characters in which pathos, and comedy are equally blended—a style of part that his comsummate artist excels in. all of the fine company are included in the cast; therefore, readers, secure your seats at Gibbs’, and give Rose Watkins a bumper benefit at parting.
Daily Arkansas Gazette (Little Rock, AR) January 24, 1873