UTC
The Liberator
"J."
Boston: 14 December 1855

  MRS. STOWE'S DRAMA. Tremont Temple was thronged on Thursday evening of last week, by a brilliant audience, to listen to the reading of Mrs. STOWE'S Anti-Slavery Drama, by Mrs. MARY E. WEBB. The drama follows very closely, and often literally, the author's celebrated and world-read 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' and cannot fail to deepen the impression made by that remarkable book wherever it is heard or read. The selections of Mrs. Webb (for the drama is far too long to be given in full at a single reading) were made with good taste and judgment, and well displayed the general scope of the drama and the manner of its execution, as a work of art. We have heard but one opinion of the reading, and that of very great gratification,—which, indeed, was abundantly evidenced by the frequent applause, and by the close attention which was paid by the vast auditory (many of whom were standing) throughout the reading, which occupied an hour and a half. The only portion to which we could take exception was the renderingof the language of Cassy, which we thought would have been deepened in its tragic power, if given in a more energetic and impassioned manner. This, however, was but a trifling matter; the whole effect of the reading was excellent, and we congratulate Mrs. Webb on her eminent and very gratifying success.

  We learn that on Friday evening last, Mrs. Webb read the drama at Worcester, to an audience of 1300 persons, and at Plymouth on Saturday, to a large assemblage, giving universal satisfaction. We trust that through this new medium, the story of 'Uncle Tom' may find access to thousands of hearts, and so hasten the day when the millions of whom he is the representative shall shake off the fetters of cruel bondage, and stand erect in the dignity of that freedom wherewith God has endowed all who bear His image.—J.