In addition to these economical reforms before the curtain, the
arrangements behind it promise to be equally.adapted to produce effec- tive representations of sterling works both dramatic and operatic : in fact, the experience of Mr. MACREADY'S management of Covent Garden is a guarantee for the completeness and good taste of the stage depart- ment. Judging from the announcements of the first three nights, and of the novelties and revivals in preparation, excellence and variety will be studied. The theatre opens with The Merchant of Venice; Mr. MAGREADY personating Shylock, and the cast including PHELPS, ANDERSON, ELTON, COMPTON, W. BENNETT, MIS. WARNER, and Mrs. 1Krsr.ry ; with a new pantomime, by Mr. H. YOUNGE, called Harlequin and Duke Humphrey's Dinner, or Jack Cade Lord of London Stone; of which Mr. C. J. SMrrH will be the primo buffo. On Tuesday, Mrs. INcrossuis comedy Every One Has His Fault will be revived ; and on Wednesday, The Two Gentlemen of Verona; Mr. MACREADY playing in both. In addition to the performers before-mentioned, Mr. KEELEY and Miss HELEN FAUCIT are among the other established favourites en- gaged ; Miss FORTESCUE will make her first appearance on a large stage, as Julia, on Wednesday ; and we hear that she is shortly to essay the part of Juliet. Several performers from the provinces will make their London debuts ; among them, Mr. HUDSON, Mr. HoLL, and Miss Elam. Messrs. H. PHILLIPS, GIUBELEI, ALLEN, Miss ROSIER, Miss POOLE, Miss GottEn, and Mrs. SEARLE, constitute the principals of the operatic corps. The announcement of HANDEL'S Acis and Galatea, to be fol- lowed by MILToN's Coma, and the intended revival of DRYDEN'S opera of King Arthur, composed by PURCELL, are indications of an attempt to reinstate genuine English opera on the stage : of the success of which, Mr. T. COOKE'S name as musical director makes us hopeful.
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