Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, November 17, 1878, Page 11

. - THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE SUN'DAY NOVEMBER 17, 1878—SIXTEEN PAGES T “THE STAGE. RUSIC. AT TOME. THE OPERA. d sd: E",’;’vmnca 1 the present opera geason. Fad 008 Mapleson come to New York with hig . 4ad well sppoluted troupe, completely ® *din choras and orchestra as well 2s in 'ix._" 1t s probable that Strakosch would have o us Kelloge and Cary, and little ?e be- 0 ouid have had some balf-qbd.halt s T ones, and bussos, and the J bat unique and picturesque col- of lazzaroui that used to be calleda ghile Mr. Behrens would bave -dozed s desk for waui of something to ao. would have been the result of no competi- :osch fs altozether toblame wékber. 1t is a pecliarity of the American ko public that it eares very liule for o ole, for the nice adaptation and adjust- to%tel sl the per:s. and for that harmonious ch o Not that Str: whole mass from the prima donna e keledram toat produce a Given a bright te performance. oo e heag,of the comet, the tail may be s i and there will e littie complaint. 0f course. those who want to hear music for - s sake, who believe that everv note of the bss its importance, that the chorus, the ntation. and the mise en scene have un- oned relative talugs in maliee the work trical, will evowl st such a disjointed per- ‘mu gnd regard it simply as a concert in e, but it is monc the less true that the passgo to hear the staz. It matters little what $elorm may be o bow high the general ma- sizlsod dramatic standard may reach, they pay sberr money to Liear oue or two artists; in other sorts, thes pay for asensation. Al of which goesto show that there is & zood deal of hum- paginthe cant we hear about appreciation and edpation. Je may be thag Mapleson will have {omy the penalty of bringing a fully-equipped 1oupé to this country, and that he would have pademore moncy had be brousht Gerster and Aionie Hauk, supported them with cheap talent, ‘0d picked up bis chorus and orchestra in New York, but it hes bad good results nevertheless. {tbss epurred Strakosch up to the organization ot abeiter troupe than he has given us for maoy years. Mis solo talent is unquestionably Jzong, It wouid be difficult to head his troupe vith petter singers tpan Kellogy, Litta, Cary, 1rid Marco, for though the latter is light, she is aone the less ao artist who never gives offense. [Eospati, in roles with which he is familiar, is a cery effective robust tenor, and in the parely Jafian school takes 3 high rank. Pantaleoni is 1be best Iyric_srtist we have had on our stage forsears. 1t brings back the days of Amadio 40 Bellind to hear a baritone ot his breadth and diznity of style, intensity of dramatic power, and artistic care in vocal] on. It is refresh- ing to find one more an artist who not only can . sioz his aris when the time comes, but who phrases the smallest bit of recitative with the mimost care, snd who has ideas above his throst, Take tbe three roles in which be has_ appeared, ~ Remhart in the “Macked Ball,” Amonastro in ** Aida,™ Germont 1% Traviata,” all by Verdi, yet all widely dif- ferent from each other in siyle. When have they been better done! What do these person- * stions leave that one could desire? In what de- il of finish and symmetry are they lacking? Yz, Strakosch hsd dove nothing eise this sea- 2, he would be entitled to credit for making it public scquainted with such an admirabie rrist—a singer who can act, and blend voice ndaction,—especially in these days, when such tlyric combinatfon is so rare. Mr. Conly 15 not sgrestantist. We coubt whether he will ever 1¢, for Le bas uot had the artistic trainiug; stiil nuch is to be overlooked for the sake of such a rmoug, deep, sonorousvoice, f n concerted rbers with such telling effect, and always misble where it is most needed. Mlile. Galim~ derth, Mr. Gottsebzlk, and Mr. Adams evidently sving been secured more for purposes of relief Bureralar work, peed not be considers ile the remaining secondary parts call r no epecial mention. ~The largest vement is manifested fn the chorus :d orchestra. They ade large, well balanced, acelleat in attack, vizor, and_general style, god in tone, and well up in their tempos. "On Tuesday end Thursday evenings the real credit fix whatever of success was obtained belongs to The contrast between their work -and tieelovenly work of the choruses of the past tree or four years is too apparent to need men- o, ziven us *The Masked Ball” 7 Ajda,” “Traviata,” © Mig- wn," ¥0d “*Lucin. As this article is_written badvance of the latter performance, which wiil Eiroduce Mile. Litta to the operstic staze in 15 country, we can make Do mention of itin 2is place, but refer the reader o the eriticism vich will apoear elsewhere. Of the other vorks, “The Masked Ball » was_the most com- wete suceess in the strength of its cast and in e zeneral performance. Id. point of iact, it 1S the best representation‘that has been given bete for mauy yeers, * Faust ™ and “ Traviata 7 Etrodnced Mids Marco and the Swedish tenor, st Vestberz, whose merits and demerils bve been alread recognized in our dally motices. ‘ Aida mave s Miss Kellogg at her best, and we cannot remember Dier in awy other role where she has # thoroushly conealed herself and given an + -wtistic interpretation that was characterized by fenuine furce, diznity, and breath. The same qmdw opresented Cary in ove of her strong mles. and she was fully up to her customary ssudard, but beyond this she has had little to i except a dramatic scepa jn “The Masked 1" and her trivial part in *Miznon.” ¢ “The repertoire for this week gives us a novel- 15 -Bizet’s “Carmen,”—and more of the old vuks. There has been some public complaint. E‘_bxi:fiwd 25 to the injustice of the off-nights. complaint will not Lold good this week, as e no ofl-nights. That opera-Zoers may 0w exzctly what they are bariug for, we give S,"‘.?‘m‘"* with the principal artists: Mon- W, “Carmen,” with Kellozg, Marco, Adams, afll’mnlmm: Tuesday, “Martna,” with Lit- s \\:eslbgrz. and Conly: n(\'nchmsd:ny. mmnmm, " with Kellogg, Cary, Rosnati, 123 Cauffian;_ Thursday, © Carmen, repeat: i Friday, “Favorita,” with Cary, Rosnat, i ,eg'nl, and Conly: Saturdsy matinee, lk:n‘im' With Litta, Adams, Gottschalk, and Foly; and Saturday’ evening, * Mienon,” with Sopr%, Cars, Msrco, Wesiberg, Conly, and k. Aud then, good-by. CHARITY CONCERTS. v Fl be several chunty concerts. this i kwmm membersof the Strakosch troupe lake part. On Tuesday afternoon Miss ooz, Ml sing, for the benedit of the Central Elopeopdtic Dispensarr, at the parlors of Mrs. Fron Kelth, 94 Prairie’ avenuc, and again on u;l“rjlu'zmoou. 2t the parlors of Mrs. Georze ‘b e, 19 Prairie avenue, {or the benetit iy mommfi!iosplml. Oa the sume after- Theatrs E(" Will be a concert at McVicker's Good Shen b2 bencfit of the House of the Gatim epherd, in which Mile. Litta, Mlle. Behrene s Westberg, 3r. Coaly, and Mr. Bartlets’ wil] melie (;avin, and Miss Jessie ;. “‘_‘.n l:nb‘;ar'.mu is_probable also that~| troupe, ,;,',‘" take part fe, of the Weathersby HERSEEY POPDLAR CONCERT. (@fimfl{t;figm Lershey & Popular Concert” g T 5eason) was given last Monday enes toeo; Pall was fairly erowded, 2nd the b of piied thefr pleasure by the hearti- iy n.iir applause. * Mr. Eddy opened the By ih-Handel's splendid orzan Concerto sl ang fi',d Was followed by Miss Aenes Inger- ot ‘g, William Lewis, wwho eave an excel- +of 2 Ryt gadonof the Andante and Alicero Chicsgy [ g2 ot for piano and violin. The sire o dy Quartette—Miss Grace A. Hiltz, Bomperes CO% and Misses Mins and Pauliné * Orer gpaia? Burnbys «“Now the Day is vy p Xbumann’s “Tambouripe Girl,” and wpg Shall Befall Tuce, s o L€ hearty approval of the audience i ubmistakably shown by the burst of which {ollo‘-\l'ed. an encore b'lf‘i]ng vigor- “he - lu_response .they eave . g OB, Sweet Home,” fu & mmost eharmisg from Cogta's Mis Era 3, e versdid not appear, belog pre- B mnb)‘]fllnm 2nd Mr. §. G. Pratt, who was s oy :‘;)‘Ed 3 Y“melodie™ and Polonaise of Thogp: € latter contatninr some ver: poetic e Twcn 2rranred and skillfolly con- lette) B¢ pext number (oy the Lady Quar- -4 ““'nod§°"‘§i"”" of two sclections, Abt's o ird” and g new. quartette “This and M. Frog20b0sed exvrossly for the ladies by Bcboal eric Grant Glezson, of the Hershey 1d g Oth were sung with exceeding erace : eacs. Mr. Eqdy v a splendid {The ‘st of Lemmens' Fanusie fn E wminor wrnl). . While its representation of a ""“flm agliday festival—interrupted by ‘a Zivigg, “2d.the iymn of rejoicing and thauks- Datarg) when it “passes away, are cxtremely I musiagd Strikinely cffective. the whole work ey 'y of a very hizn order. In response N Tome g Mr. Eddy played an.Offertoire of “Canon sS logersolland “Mr. Lewis played a 20na” and “Tarantelle™ of Taf and & “mufl:a of Wienlawskt, all charming morceaus, e \Z 30 encore, to which they responded. concert closed with the “Swedish Peasants’ jage that competition is the Hfe of | oion and arerage excellence running throuch | Wedding March,” sung by the Lady Quartette. THE MUSICAL COLLEGE SOIREE. c’n.\e coneert given by the Chicaxo Musical olldve at the Union Park Consrezational Chureh last Monday cvening was a fine openin; of the season of this excellent institution. very lurge audience listened to some admirable music, and expressed its approbation fn an en- thusiastic manoer. The concert opened with wo of Bralm's popular Hungarian dances, plaved by the Misses Gertie Watker and Anna Culbertson in an excellent mavner. Miss Ada Somers sang Cowen’s “Better Land” in good style. Gade’s trio for piano, violin, and ‘cello was performed by Miss Julia Moran and Messrs. A. Rosenbecker and *J. Schroeder. The many Wwho have known Miss Moran as a vocalist, were. surprised to find her to he such an accomplished pianist. Mr. Schroeder, the ’cellist, fs Dot & stranger in Chicago, although he has mot beea- heard here since the ante- fire_daye. His playing caused considerable anxiety to bear him perform a solo. Great apulause greeted Miss Ettic Butler, whose sofo, Eckhardv’s ¢ Swviss Song,” haa to be repeated. Mr. Charles Wood, Professor of the orzan at the college, played two organ numbers. ~Bach's Fuguein E Flat and Thiele’s. Chromatic Fan- tasie. Miss Emma Shaw sang the **Nobil Donna” from the “ Huguenots.” She was in 2ood voice and sanz Roeckels * A Littie Mount- ain Lad” in response to au encore. Miss Mary Wishard played- Liszt's transeription of the * Prophet " in artistic style. i Two quartettes dedicated to the colleze, Thou Lovely Star’ and * Ave Maria,” by Otte b, were listened to with great interest. The gem of the evening was the performance of Ernst's - Airs Hongroise,” op. 23, by Mr. Ro- senbecker, whose plaving was musician-like and artistic. In nearly every respect, the soirce was 4 success that speaks well for the college in- straction and for the progress of its pupils. 5 THE ADT SOCIETY. This Society issued its first prospectus only about three weeks aco, yet its list of associate members is fast filling up. The rehenrsals of the Soclety are progressing finely, and under the leadership of "Mr. Georse Loesch this Society expects to eclipse the efforts of all societies which have vreceded 1t in Chicago in the rendition of music for male voices, and there seems to be no good reason why they should not da so, as the chorus is selected from our best known singers. To those of the public not familiar with the organization it may be re- peated that Mr. N, K. Fairbank is its President, and takesa Tively interest in fts welfare. lc is composed of (and limited to that number) tweu- ty-four active members, comprising such names as Barnes, Knorr, De Celle, Coflin, Smith, and Bird, in the first tenors, perhaps the stronzest combination of a lJike number of voices on this leading part that could possibly have becn made, while the second tenors may be found Howard, Dexter, Wheeler, Allen, Foote,snd Collins, The first basses, Towers, Goldsmith, Baoth, McWade, Baird, and Kimbark arc a guarantee that this part will not be wanting in timbre or quality. Tue second basses arc Sioan, Osborne, Lefler, Noble, and Hubbard; little need be said of the gentlemen on this part, as they will surely be heard from Wwhenever a concert takes place. The Society will give three public rehearsals . during the scason to its associate members, and will introduce the best solo talent aad Such other features as wi¥ make the concerts thoroughly enjoyable. Associate membership tickets (until they are all sold), can now be ob- tained by addressing the Secretary, Mr. L. D. Collins, No. 9 State street,’at Lyon & Healy’s ‘music store,'or of any of the active members. Price $5 admutting two persons, or 37 admitting threc persons. WHITNEY-ST. CECILTA-COUTHOUI ENTERTAIN- MENT. A erand entertaioment is projected to take place on the West Side about the 7th of Decem- ber, when the residents of that portion of the city will be treated to one of the old-time_con- certs such as has not been given in the Union Park Church for two seasons past. The attrac- tion will be the Whitney concert company (Fan- ny Kellog, Abby Clark, Fessenden, the popular tenor of the old Temple Quartette. and Whit- ney), the St. Cecilia Ladies’ Quartette (Fano: Whitney, Lizzie Hoyue, Mrs. Frank G. Hall, hod Mme. Kempton), together with the popular reader, Jessie Couthoui. With this array of artists the West Siders will be able to find in the one evening cnough entertainment to last them for a whole week. LOCAL MISCELLANY, The pupils of Mr. S. G. Pratt will give 8 re- ception Tuesday evening, Nov. 19, at” the piano wareroows of Messrs. Lyon & Healey, State and Mouroe streets. The Maric Roze concert , trofipe will eive a concert in this city Dec. 2,'in McCormick Hall, under the auspices of the Farragut Boat Club. As the Ernfits of theentertaioment are Lo inure to the benefit of this popular organization, there will undoubtedty be a Jarze attendance. A slight error occurred in our last Sunday’s notice of Signor De Camai’s pupil, Miss Emma- Roemheld. During the preseut montn, she is singing Gilda in *‘Rigolerto™ at Bozzolo. In January and Februury she will 8ing in the “Contessa @’ Amalfi " at Pavia for the carnival. Her stage name is Emma Romeldi. The first European news received here regard- ing Miss Faunie Blumenleld, the former pupil of Mr. Carl Wolfsohn, is of 2 very welcome na- ture. She was first admitted to the preparatory department at the Vienna Conservatory, bat, hier remarkable talents asserting themselves, she was at once promoted to the first cultivation class, which she now leads. Miss Annie M. R.R. Barnette’s second ** Mu- steal Afterno6n # will take olace on Thursday next at Reed’s Temple of Music, 191 and 193 State street, on which occasion the following pupils will sing: Alisses Eloise Sargent, Emma Cook, Edith Gridley, Azxie Andrews, Christine Drealton, and Mr. Ernest Sargent. Mrs. Cora E. Danicls, elocutionist, has conscnted to read a couple of numbers. On Monday evening at Flood’s Hall, Hvde Park, the Mendelssohn Club will give their first. reunion for this seasun, with an excellent mis- celluneous programme. The Club iS in better condition at present than ever before, both in numbers aud quality, the chorus mumbering 120 and the orchestra thirty-five. The Club also gives a grand eoncert in December, and at the sccond concert, some time in Febraary, swill give portions of Haydu's *Creation.” Two other reunions will also be given during -the season. -~ ‘We have received the following new music from William A, Pond & Co., through the Chicago Music Corpeny: “Soldier’s Song,” and “Chiquita,” by Alfred H. Pease; “Eeyp- tian March,” by Johann Strauss; “In Summer Days,” ballad, by Georze William “Warren 5 * Good-By, but for a Little While,” song, by Edward E. Rice; “Happy Grect.iu%'," morceal for piano, by A. E. Warren. _ Also; from"R, A, Sualfiela, New York: “I Wish 1 Was Some- body’s Darling,” and * Where Has Eva Gonei” by Charles Conway; “The Moonlizht Sleeps,” by Clifford Cox; *‘American Girls’ Waltzes,” and “Johnny Morgan Waltz,” and “Chimes of Normandy Waltz,’” by James J. Freeman; and “ Reflection Song,” for soprano, by J. F. Burrill. NEW YORK. MME. GERSTER'S DEBUT. From Our Own Correspondent. 3 New Yors, Nov. 14.—Gerster made a brill- iant debut Monday night, as { telegraphed you briefly. Her immediate and uoequivocal suc- cess was won tarouxh pure merit, in the face of disadvantages. She was weighted by such advance praise and laudation as rendcred her audicnee at once! highly expectant and critical. Added to this was the sympathy created by her gevere illness, a chilling first. expericnce in a foreign land, and the fact that Mr. Mapleson was in large measure dopendent upon ber for the ultimate success or failure of his operatic venture in America. In these tryiug circum- stances, Mme. Gerster made her first appear- ance before as cultivated and brilliant an au- dicnce as ever represented the metiropolis at the Academy. In these circumstances she won, thrilled, and captivated her hearers.’ THE AUDIENCE was about as much of a study as the opera was that night. At differcnt stagesof the opera’s progress there scemed to be an attemot to re~ strain the enthusiasm that was. everywhere creeping to the surface, as though peonle were afraid the ovation would be more demonstrative and cmphatic than was becoming at a first hear- ing. But long before .4mina resched the allegro # Ah non giunge,” this restraint had deen cast away, and the manifestation of approval and delight was natural and full; while after the exquisite rendering of the pathetic “Ah non credeg,” and her still more effective expression of heartfelt bappiness in the allegro, there was an outburst of fecling that gave thorough evi- dence of the artist’s_power and the people’s veraict ip her fovor. The first applause.was a warm welcome such as New York accords every newcomer, anexhibition of generous and heart; feeling. The lasi applause was preater an more spontancous than the first, and was a rec- ognition of the rare artist. It was a-notewortny fact that people were in 1o hurry to zet away at the close, but tarried to talk over the event. Noteworthy again that Mme. Gerster was recalled three ties after the curtain bad fallen on the happy tinale or “La Sonnambula." Asarale, it must he con- fessed, even the fastidions opera-goers-begin to look after wraps and greatcoats during the clos- inkr scenc, 2nd maav arz rade enouch to denart. as if life depended on their making first exit. Hence it was significant that-the rule had a de- cided exception. Well, it is no wonder people were made to forget their usual habits. A TRULT GREAT PRIMA DONNA 1s one of life’s rarities. sinzers of the world may be counted on ono’s fingers, not alone sopranos, but the tenors in- cluded. A rare artist merits rare recognition. Again, an operatic representation complete in every part is almost as rare as great singers are. The presentation of * La Sonnambula” Mon- day night was the most perfect ever given in America. If Ihave heard that expression once, 1 have heard it fifty times, with no dissent. It 15 strong commendation to say of anything that 00 improvement in it could be sureested or de- sired; but | have heard that frequently suid also of Mouday’s periormance. The combina- tion was remarkably strong, and worthy of pres- ervation. Following was the cast: Elvino Sig. Campanint .Siz. Foli 2. Grazzi Sig. Bolli Ile. Kobiati Mile. Filomena gs 3me. Etcika Gerster The chorus and orchestra have been sufli- ciently spoken of hitherto. A prima donna ca- pable to arouse enthusiasm and move the mu- sical public as Patti and Nilsson and Lucea used to do was the only ""1"5 Ar. Mapleson wanted while Gerster was ill. Now that she is well, the company is complete. . My first impression of Sme. Gerster was re- ceived, by a happy chance, at retiearsal. The same chance made me witness of 4 SCENE such as was seldom, ff ever before, witnessed at an Academy rehearsal. Oue day Jast week, not knowing that- Mme. Gerster had recovered sufliciently to sinm, 1 was passing along the Academy corridors toward Mr. Maple- sow’s cozy box of an office. Suddenly there came to greet me the sound of orchestral musie. Sizoor Arditi was leading his musicians through the beautiful passage at the opening of the last scene of **La Sonnambula,” where the chorus kneel in fear and trembling as the white-robed and sorrowing Amina -crosses the plank over the stream by the will, and in safety descends from her perilous vosition, all tiic while sleep- ing, yet in sleep singing of her lost lover and utter grief. In. a moment there floated out through the haif-open doors of the auditory the clear and thrilling notes of a voice { had never heard pefore. I kuew the singer must be Gerster, and could not resist the temptation to take a stolen glance at her. She was appealing to Heaven for Eivino’s happiness, uttering that paibetie <last prayer of ay alicted heart. Ier face was not handsome, but it was heauti- ful. There could be uo doubt, after witnéssing ber expression, that she was feeling the sizua- tion, acting from the heart. As she sang the requiem over her faded bridal-flowers one old, gray-haired member of the orchestra put his handkerchief to his eyes, and all the players, keen and sympatbeticlovers of musicas they are, were visibly atfected. Andwhen dmina, wakened from her sieep by the replacing of the wedding- ring on her fluger, threw herseif into ber hus- band’s arms with the cry. “On giofa! oh gioial” the players rose and gave such a bravo as made the great empty auditory resound, while the chorus caught the Infection and joined inaround of applause, At the conclusion of the “ Ah! noo giunge ” there was another en- core that Muwme. Gerster might well be proud of. Soshe appeared to be, as she smiled and bowed ber thauks. + In conversation with Mr. Mapleson_later, he said therciras just such asceneat Her Majesty’s, in London, when the orchestra first heard Mme. Gerster. All his people .were raving about her, the more because of her winning ways ana generosity toward all with whom she came iu coutact. “The difference between Gerster and some other great singers 1 mizht name,” said the im- pressario, “is that she is not grasping, not one of the ‘ money-makers,’ as they are calfed. She is generous to a fault, and cares less gbout the money she earns than any leading artist I have had to deal with. She is constantly doing kindly acts among themembers of thecompany, isueveroverbearing or ill-natured, aud no wonder they all love her. ‘Why. L have known her to repeatedly visit and read to pooruirls in the chorus whe were sick, and to aid them as they required.” AMr. Mapleson added that the report at one time circulated that Mme. Gerster WOULD PROBARLY GO BACK TO EUROPE withont anpearing here arose no doubt from the fact that the manager of the Royal Opera- House at St. Petersburg bad made ovértures for” AMue, Gerster, offering to pay any price de- manded il Mr. Maplesos would send her to Russia, and arguing that the sea voyage would restore her health. Mr. Mapleson said he laid the propogition before AMme. Gerster, showing her the advantages offered, but she positively | refused to leave America, saying that she came over here to sing, that the people had been told she would certaiuly sing, and that she meant to keep the pledies made for her. ““That is exactly characteristic of her,” was Mr. Mapleson’s comment. The mavager then told me of his final conclu- slon to try an outside tour, as T informed you last Sunduy. Ris arrangements witn Mr. Me- Vicker were not quite compicted at that time, but practically so, and he said it was his inten- tion first to 20 to Boston, then direct to Chica- go. The entire company is to be moved, with a full orcbestra, thus securing to music-lovers in the West an exact reproduction of the operas which have been attractive without Mme. Gers- ter, and of the others which with her promise to put money in Mr. Mapleson’s pocket, notwith-" standing his coormous outlay. His nightly ex- peuses, he informs me, are from $3,000 to $3,500. JME. GERSTSR'S REPERTOIRE includes “Lucia,” * Rigoletto,” * Barbjerd,” *‘Talisman,” ‘‘ Lobengrin,” ¢ Leonora,"” *Queen of the Night,” and “Hamlet.” The list of operas to be ziven will be much enlarged now thac she isable to take her place. Miss Hauck certainly desérves great praise for hav- ing catried the season along week alter week, doing an amount of hard work that would wear out any ordinurily strong artist, vet keep- ing fresh through it all. It 1o shame to her 10 _be oyershadow- ed by a vyoice so pure and superb, and a vocalization §o_exquisite and fine as that of Mme. Gerster. * Patti never did anything so fine,"said a critic, as Gerster gave her thrilling tinale. And the judgment of that severe old critic, 8ir Michzel Costa, who rarely ever had a good word foranybody, was epigrammaticenough to perpetuate: ““The purity of Lind with ths timbre of Malibrau.” H. G. IN GENERAL, THE THOMAS CIUMBER CONCERTS. The firss of the Theodore Thomas Chamber Concerts was given in Cincinnati last week, the programme including the Mozart Quartet No. 1, in*G; Saint-Saens’ suite for "cello and piano, op. 16; and Becthoven’s Quartet No. 91in C, 0p.59. The Cincionati Gazetle says of the con- cert: With the cxception of tfie suite for violoncello and pianoforte there was nothing new on the pro- gramme. - The Mozart Quartet and the Beethoven Quartet arc among the most familiarand best loved examples in this depurtment of musical lit- erature, and their performance last might had a chiaracteristic force that made a comparison of their style intcresting. The classical model for the type, as mahy would have'it, was eecn in the former; in the latter the perrnke was removed; o more heroic firain adopted; the four instuments were given a more ambitious taek, and made more perllous casuys: and with what effect? The ques- tion is not yet_determined, for every mew beauty born of heroic pains in the work of the later mas- teris. of neceesity, contrasted with the perfect Toveliness that marks cvery movement of the Mo~ zart work. Besides, therc is surcly nothing eu- perficial in feeling of the andante cantabile of the uarict in G; ndced its melody, as given by Mr. {iomas Inat night, with broad,’ earncst, religions cbaracter, might have come from the mind of the devoutly-laboring Beethoven himasclf, rather than from tne master who jotted some of his brightest ideas down while his companions in play made iheir shots at billiards. Afr, Thomas played first in' the Mozart piece, Mr. Jacobsoln in tho other. The chanee did not disturd the verfect balance of the combination, nor the naity in sentument, which_ two iere the chief points of excellence. A trifiing atiffness, voticed by the most critical In ths begiuning of the first numoer. rapidly wore away, and no trace was Jeft when the sublime Andante was a3 sublimely rendered. This and the slow movement in the Beethoven quartet were the brilliant featares of the evening, and they farnish an cxcellent test of merit, and give us reason for much self-gratulation in the possession of Mz Thomas and his col- leazues. The suite by Saint-Saens, besides serving 10 show the extraordinary morits of Mr. Hartdegen and the bright talent of Ar. Doerner, introducea itself to the public a8 a very strikinz and original composition. 1t a romantic, snd even an ortental tinge in parts, aud, while not always un- qualificdly pleasing, i3 always interesting. ) MUSICAL NOTES. Miss Anna 3. Hill has becn engaged by Max Strakosch, and expects to appear in the role of Aargherita, m “Faust,” when that opera is given in St. Lou % A novel feature in the programme of the next coucert by Mr. Thomas’ orchestra will be Bach’s coucerto for three planos, played by Mr. Andres, MMr. Sioger, and Mr. Schoeider. Hathaway & Pond, who recently en?zefl the Roze-Mapleson troupe for a series of concerts, have engazed Gilmore and his_band, with Levy, for a concert sour, beginning Jan. 6. Muile. Fiorentinl (Mrs. Jennings), who was prima donna at ber Majesty’s Theatre some sea- 505 820, and has since beén performing in Italy 8nd other couutries, was married to Siznor Bot- tesiof at Geneya last month, the well-known double-bass player, who, ;with Signor’ Piatti, the violincellist, were at one time in Costa’s The leading operatic | -chorus. -monstrous and _chimerical. Covent Garden band. Signor Bottesini wa musical director and conductor of the" Italian Overa-Ilouse in Cairo 5o long as the Khedive of Exypt had fonds to sustain :he theatre, The father and mother of Adclina Patti's Nicolini still keep an fon at Dinan, Brittany. Adelina was there a yesr 8go With her beau, and the pair were kindly received. They looked into the Jutehen where Nicolini usedto help alonz with the pots and kettles. Mr. Thomas has determined to give © The Messiah” on Christmas Eve, in place of the fourth orchestra concert. The entire orchestra will, of course, be used, and the Harmonic, Choral, and Miunerchor Societies united in the Mr. Whitney will sing the bass airs, Mr. J. C. Frver has been engaged as manager of the mew French opera troitpe, which will make a tourof the country with him. " The com- pany will appear at the new Gaiety Theatre, Boston, Dec. 9. It is rumored that this troupe will, during the season, give Bizet’s “ Carmen in the orlginal Freuch. On the 24th of October, Mme. Schumann ecl- ebrated the fiftieth anniversary of her first ap- pearance in public as a planist at a private con- cert given at the Gewandhaus of Leipsic by the vocalist Caroline Perthaler. Unon this occasion she played her husband’s concerto in A~ minor, his Romanee, op. 23, and Novelette, op. 90. A wealthy lady of Hibernian ‘extraction, liv- ing in 8an Francisco, seut for a celebrated teach~ er of vocal music, and at the interview with him said: “Isuppose, Mr. K., you're after plavine all thim instruments as I see in thim orchestral, matinees we're attinding at Platt’s Hall2? The gentleman replied that he was a_professor of singing and only played the piano; buc that if she would tell him what instrument she refer- red to he could easily procure ler the professor she was in scarch of, * Well, thin, that’s mojzh- tyzood of ye, anywny,” sh¢ repiicds “but I disremember’ exactly the name of the iostrn- meat. It's brass, 'm thinkine, and shoots in and out, and I belave mi daugh'er said it was a thumbone. She has a beautiful arm, has my daughter, and the Instrumens wonld display if, @’ye see, overy time she pulled the “pipe of the thumboneout far and wheu she shut it up again. I'd havea dress made, d’ye mind,”—but the Iady was alone; all that reached her ears ‘ere thestilled cacchinations of a flabergasted tenor burrying wildly down the garden steps con strep- ito allegro moito furioso. THE DRAMA. CHICAGO. A LIGNT AND FROTHY WEEK. 11 there was nothing specially new or true to be scen or heard on the stage this last week, it didn’t much sigvify, as the play-going peopld appeared to bave made up their minds to take a rest, and allow the opera to have a show. Out- side of opea, the theatres have been devoted to the lght, frothy kind of entcrtainment, various- Iy known as burlesque, farce, extravaganza, variety,"snd mammoth. The *mammoth” shows, strange to say, are usually the fimsiest of them all, consisting of jig dancers, song-nnd-dauces, banjo strummers, rope- walkers, and the ‘like. Toe only thing 10 be said about them is that they appear to al- ford unbounded delight to the class of peovle who patronize them. A young lady was taken %o task oue day by her guide, philosopuer, and friend,—the minister of the church she attend- ed,—for going so much to these frivolous enter- tainments. “What real enjoyment can you possibly find in such things?” said he. *‘Is there anything fntellectual fn it} is there any instruc- tion to be found In it1? She replied, *1 sup- pose not; 1 never stopped to think of that. But tell me, don’t you like to have your back rubbed when you are tired? Well, there’s- nothing in- tellectual or justructive in that, but then you like it all the. same. I go to the theatre for the same reason that you agk yeur wife to rub your back—because you like it.” We don’t know what answer the parson made tp this sandy explanation, but weimaginethe yougs lady was in the maln right. The majority of theaire-going people go there simply to be amused, or to gratify an appetite for excite- ment, just as the majority of people drink beer —uot because it is nourishing, but because they don’t know what else to do with themselves. Your “unco guid” folks are ever and again raisiog the cry of depraved opublic taste when the town becomes overflooded with this variety trash. But they secin to forget that the stage of to-day is supported, not 25 0f 0ld, by an exclusive class, but by the mass of the people, and that tnemass donot go thither for instruction but for pleasure. In- structive entertainment is sought for elsewhere, and so the theatre degencraces naturally into & caterer, and the writerof plays has to follow in the same path, snd taink not so much of * mag- nifyine his oftice,” as of producing just the kind of dramatic fodder that will zo down easicst. ‘There is no lonzer any distinction betiween comedy and farce, such as there was in days when social strata were more ac- curately detlned, as in dress or man- ncrs,l{lp to the time of Cumberland there was a clear line of demarcation between the two formsof comic delineation. **Comedy,” says Dryden in one of his prefaces, “consists, though of low persons, yet of natural actions and characters, such immors, adventures, and designs s are to be met with in the world. Farce, on the other side, coosists of forced humors and unnatural events. Comedy pres- ents us with the imperfections of humab na- ture; farce entertains us with what is The one causes Jaughtsr in those who cao judge of men and manners by the lively represcntation of their folly or corruption; the other produces the same effect on those wio can judge of ueither, and that only by its extrava- pances. . . . Ao short, there is the same dIf- ference betwixt farce and comedy as betwixt an empirique and a true physician. ~ Both of them may attain their ends, but what the one per- forms by hazard the other does by skill. And a8 the artist is often unsuccessful while the mountebank succeeds, 80 farces more commonly take the people than comedies.” ‘This seems a fair enough definition which may help those wholike to prateof * the legitimate to understand what they arc talking about. The comedies of contcmpotaneous' life cannot be like those of two hundred years aco, beeanse the social condition under which they were writ- ten no longer exist. What we call_comedy to- day would have been called farce then. “Our Boys” is o farce, and so areall the so-called | comedics of the present day—* Our Bachelors,” “Hurricanes,” and the thousand-and-one pro- ductions of a similar order which afm, not to depiet contemporary life, but wmerely to pro- duce merrimeutyby contriving ridiculous and impossible situatfdos. 1 This tendency is cqually manifest in the more recent burlesques, whicd scem to be for the mos* part mere contrivances for the exhibition of tumbling clowns and prettily-draped n{‘mnhm Physical skill, or well-proportioned charms, take the piace of art even in this lower order of comedy work, which, some twenty years ago, employed artlsts of real ability. It is a notable fact that very few peopic wno sttend these ex- travazanzas are even heard to express much disappointment if there is poor singing or poor music 5o long 8s the girls are vretty enough sud the clowns make sufliclent noise aod grimace. What we are coming to in the futureof course no fellow can find out, bat it would surely scem that the public would some time grow weary of this perpetual fooling,—this bur- lesquing of burlesque,—and seek . a more rea- sonable sort of enjoyment. The only thinr that could be called an event this last week In the dramatic affairs of Chicago was the production of Ar. Dalzell’s comedy of & Ju-Jubes,” which is & reasonably zood per- formance of an emphatically English type, and appealing In its hunor distinctly aad exclusive- 1y to ‘an English -taste. It is dignified by the name of ‘‘comedy,” but it is in reality a farce. This is not said by way of aisparage- meat, but only to g]m the performance in its proper catezory= Some of the situations are cleverly conceived, and there is an abundance of fun' throughout the two acts to keep an au- dience in a roar. N ‘the Colville Folly Company close their en- agement at Haverly’s this evening. it has Eaen a successful one so far, and the production of several burlesques has served to make the public acquainted with the “tricks and the manners 7 and the faces and forms of 3 com- pany ot very pleasant pcople. The Academy of Music, the Metropolitan, and Hamlin’s have been occupied with variety busi- Tess, some of it being of a very agreeable and enjoyable kind. LOOAL NOTES. : The Balsbury Troubadours bave done a fine business in Milwaukee during the past week. Dave Hanchett was in the city during the pass- weck engaging people for his new piece, entitled ¢ Bed Rock.” He starte on a tour from Indian- | apois. The Roze-Mapleson concert troupe sre ar- ranging dates for a trip through the Northwest, making Milwaukee, St. Paol, and Minoeapolis the principal points. At the Academy of Music a good variety programme i3 offered for the week, including Howard, Dore, and Ion, the acrobats; Lulu Delmay and Archer, singers; the Richmond Sisters, Blanche Selwyn. Leonzo and Ryan..8an- ford and Wilson, Eloise Allen, Ned Barr, Be siltotl, ete. & now lozal Gfama wil T ore: | lons e it suted, writen by Hugh Far, called “ Darley Miss Lina Tetteoborn, with her highly edu- catel dog Suyiee. s now To the iy, Froving & 1] ation to i e v Millevender of Gormansompr” o o the The Union Division Temnerance Reformers yive their frec musical aud _iiterary_entertain- went st Union Park Hall, No. 517 West Madi- son street, Tuesday evening. The Lineard companv start on a Southern four to-morrow. Mrs. Alice Dusnlog Lingard and Georze DeVere zo to England to look out for some fresh talent and new picees! ’ J. B. Dickson, Manager of the Grand Opera Hlousc, Indianapolis, iS about organizing a party to produce the spectacular’ play, *The Green tHuntsman, to take the road about Dee. 1. . The atiractions for the week at the Metrapol- itan Theatre are: Scanlon and Cronin, in Irish vomedy: Neil and Eldridze, dialeet; Kate How- d, Muller and Maree, Dick Rowe, Cincinnatus, IHarry Stanwood, Rinchart and dogs, Martino illusionist, and ofhers, in a variety bill, Nieks Roberts’ “ Humoty Dumpty” troupe ap- pear at Haverly’s to-morrow evening. The com- oany contains two Grimalais as Clown, Ida .\Euussey as Columbine, Charles Constantine a3 Pantaloon, Ravel as Harleguin, and other talent, including the well-known Siecrist children. At Hamlin's Theatre Wagner and Cotton’s minstrel company will eter upon a second week Lo-mOrTowW cvenine. A number of new specialty artists will anzment the troupe, among whom are Carroll and sons, Yeating and Sands, Wing- fleld and Grezory, and George Ii. Eawards, An -entire change of proiramme 1s"announced. Mr. Haverly having purchased Mr. Harring- tow’s interest” in the Haverley Theatre, toe lat- ‘ter gentieman relinquished his position of As- sistant Manager Jast Monday, and the vacancy has been filled by the appointment of Mr Charley Andrews, the Treasurer. Mr. Andrews is one of the most competent and enterprising Young men engazed in theatrical manazement. ¢ has hosts of (riends who will rejoice to hear of his promotion. Mr. Charles R, Gardner, whilom of the Acad- emy of Music tu Chicazo, appears to -have be. come nvolved in some_ trouble in New York, The Dramatic News publisiies the statement of a young actress, which charges Gardver with conduet unbecoming a wentieman, and for which the brother of the youne lady, il she has one, should at ouce go and lash him from one end of the continent to the other. Those in Chicago whéare familia® with the story of the & Dead room * on Halsted street will bardly be sur- orised to hear that hie is at his old tricks again. Eliza Weathersby’s Froliques will be_the feature of thie weelk at Hooley’s Theatre. Their new musical -sketch, * Hobbies,”” written by the author of “The Mighty Dollar,” is said to be an exceedinzly clever bit of work, and the performance Lias been hiehly applauded. The The compavy includes N. C. Goodwin, Elma Delaro, Miss Jennie Weathersby, Mr. Harry Phillips, Mr. W. J. Stanton, anu others, com- prisiuz a neat little comedy party. Goodwin wives durine the picee imitations of well-known actors, and the cotertainment is prefaced by u” farce called “Under the Rose.” & GREEN-ROOM GOSSIP, Signor Salvini, it is reported; 13 engoged for a professional tour in Russia. John Brougham is proud to say, *“No actor or actress Was ever tricd for a capital crime.”. Lulu Richmond, of the Richmond Sisters, had an attack of hemorrhage or the lungs in Mon- treal Jast week, and is eeriously ill. The Vokes Family in Encland now have a London Comedietta Company with them, which enables them to give the whole entertainment of the eveutng. J Robert Stickney has just returned from Europe, where he performed for two weeks. He is organizing & cireus, with which e proposes to travel through the Southern cities. Jobn Gilbert, whos benefit is one of the pres- ent subjects of green-room talk in New York, made his first appearance on thestage as Jagfier, in Otwas’s ** Venice Preserved,” at the Boston ‘Tremont Theatre in 1323 Leonard Gfover’s Combination played “Qur Boarding-Holise”” before the inmates of the Hospital for the Insane at Columbus, O. Since that time almost every immate has been sent home labeled, **A perfect cure.” Al, another! this tiine with a thrill of terror init. We now learn thag* Lotta's carrlage, while Iately crossing a raiffoad track fn Massa- chusetis, cleared a railroad train by only two feet.” Aud so thie ood work goes bravely on! “Mes. Dion Boucecault is not coming to America,’” gays an Eastern paper. The fact bas been announced again and azain, but it is well to keepitdn mind. She mizht come upon us unexpectedly some day, and “Joy is danger- ous.” 8. W. Piercy met with a_mishap recently in falling ou the stage iu_Jun Francisco, whieh da- prived him of tbe use of his arm for a time. He Das declined the position of leading man ac the California Theatre, and is roing to star in o play of his own. Mr. Sotnern is announced to appear at the Park Theatre, New York, at Christmas. The paiuful pews of his sudden illness was happily foltowed by that of his partial recovery, and it is understood he will be sble to fiil all his American engazements. Little Lotta is not behind ber advertising sis- ters in the profession. She wearsa dress which, it 1s claimed, cost just $12.86, with no nothiozs to the tails of the fizure to make it look impos- ing. It was designed by herself and not by Worth, Lotta deserves a medal. ~ . A new play by Mr. Bronson Howard, entitled #Qui Vive,” bas been accepted by the Waltack’s Theatre mansgement, and will e produced in thecourse of the seasou. This play has been gencrally confounded with a new Irish drama by Mr. Boucicault, now under consideration at the same theatre. . Lco, the trapeze performer, met with an acel- dent recently 1n a Denver thentre which nearly nearly set the place on fire, and from which he escaped with slight iojury. The rope broke, and Leo turned a double Summersault, bratsing his knee, spraining bis ankle, and setting the production of ; Richeliew, in Lytton’s play, and it was afterward considered one of his greatest triumphs. A list of the parts with which he was familiar, and fn some of whigh be was great, would be almost. incredibly long. With v:}unl success he played Sir Giles Over- reach, Bottom. Sir Peler Teaz'e, Lovd Ogieby, ercutio, and Macbeth. He was esteeméd on upapproachable Sir Pertinax cSycophant, the h_esl, Ja'wolio on the stage, a irreat Justice Shallow, an_excellent Falstafy, while his King John and Hubert were remarkable verform- ances. One of his favorite parts was Joseph Surface, and his skill as & comedian was filus- trated by hlgo‘,unlm personation of the part of Baillie Nicol: Jarvie, in which he delizhted Spectators by dancing a jiz. e was a pru- dent mar, aod boasted o his old aze that alter long vears of hard work, he had always been able to pay his debts and bring up his large family in something more than comfort. Nat Goodwin is a_Boston bog, having been born at the Hubin 1855. He began his career as a dramatic reader, in which he was suceess- ful. He first went on the stage in New York, where he accepted a week’s enzazement to give imitations of actors, and remained nine months. He bezau on a salary of 3502 weelk, and was gettiog $200 when he quit. He next devoted bimself to the study of trazedy, and debuted, after o year's study, in a play called “ The Bottle,” in which he failed trously, and alter which he joined the Evangeline combina- tion. The rest of nis biozraphy is known by the public. He has been on the stage ouly four years, but is recoznized as one of the best comedians in the profession. - NEW YORK, THE NEW PLAY AT THE STANDARD. 3 Special Correspondence of The Tribune. ‘NEW YORK, Nov. 13.—Henderson has struck oil at the Standard Theatre with his new play, * Alrpost a Life, of which I zave you a syaop- sis two weeks ago. I am glag of It, for two or three reasons. In the first place, Fenderson is.| 2 plucky manager, who hus made fortunes and lost them with equal calmness. He gathered to himeelf, years ago, a big stack of ducats asa ‘eireult”? manager fn the East. Then he leased the Opera-House in Providence, where be is said to have parted with §50,000. After that he came to New York, ana seeing, as he thought, bonanza in Josh Hart's Eagle The- “tre, reached out and scooved it lu. His first venture this season gained tne distiaction of being the most colossal thing in the failure line ever scen here. The sccond attempt was not much better, and Emmett jumped in to vull the business up. His engazement closed last Friday night, and the following evening the new play was produced. Everybody was there, and pretty nearly everybody said before- ‘hand that the piece would be a failure. That is one of my reasons for beiog glad that it is a success. When a lot®of actors, litterateurs; and other first-nighters set out to damn a play in advance, it soaks my soul in balm of Gilead tosee’em “get left.” THE HOUSE WAS PACKED 4 to the doors when the cartain rolled up on the first act. but the silence in front was rather ominouns. The play went ulong at a slow gait until Charles Le Clercq came on, and by his marvelous personation of the fdiot Colinette started thtide of sentiment to the rizht-about. From that point on to the final scene the piay “went™ with ereat approval. To Mr. Le Clercq the management is indebted, more than *10 any other member of the company, for the success achieved by ‘““Almost a Life.” He1s, beyond all question, the best character-actor in the country—not excepting even F. F. Mackay. Aud yet this is the first real opportunity he has had to show what he caw do, slthough he has been in America 8 number of years. He is a brother of Carlotta Le Clereq, and crossed the water from England at the same time she did, supporting Fechter. New York has not seen such a wouderfal piece of acting for many a vear. Coiinette {3 the most utterly repulsive character { cver looked at; and yer Le Clereq has such power that he cafries” the snectator with bim just as if the hideons imbecile were the central fizure, about whom the sympsthy naturally gathers, All New York is” talking about it, and Le Clercq ouzht to be contented over his final, though tardy, appreciation. Among the ottier members of k. HENDERSON'S COMPANY who appear to good _advantage ace Ben Magin- ley. . A. Weaver, B. T. Ringeold, Gi Levick, Rose Osboroe, and V| 3iaud Grauger s overweighted With too much Part and too many good clothes. If this mill- inery scheme goes on much longer manazers willbe oblized to unuouace, * Seventcen new* diesses will play the parc ot Camile this eyen- ing, supported. by Miss Maude Granger aud an cflicient company of costumes.” The fact is, this over-dressing Is getting to be played out in New York. The people who o to the theatre are begnnning to flud out what the actors them- selves have known all slong, that vo actress who depends en! upon her salary can afford to wear five or six new costutnes in every plar, when those costumes could uot have been bought for less than $400 or 3500 apicce. And the - aforesaid people are beinning to wonder where .the money cowes from topurchase thesedresses which, but for some mysterious income, would be bayoud the reach of the uctresses. Iam not speaking with reference to auy particular one in this city just at present, but-tnere are scveral “ in my Mind’s eye, Horatio (of Thomas, or whoever reads this), to whom it will apply. The matter must end in one of two ways: Either those actresses who lJive entirely by their art will ve crowded out of New York altogether, as they are out of London, or else the women who wesr thousands of _dollars’ worth of clothes on salaries of 350 or $75 a week will have to pull oat. WALLACK’S SEASON. Some of the newspapers are.trying hasd to cover up the fact that Wailack bas for several weeks been a¢ his wits" end for some kind of a new attraction. It certainly is not pleasatt to admit that the theatre which bas lonz been re- coguized os she leading place of amusement in New York, if not_in America, is{n_a bad way. But the fact remains, nevertheless. It is gotori- footlights ablaze. Mrs. Jobn T. Raymond’s success in Burnett’s play, *That Lass o' Lowries,” in Philadelphia is s8id to have been so emphatic that she will return there on the 18th to pln{) another en- gazement with the same picce. On the 25th of this month she will appear at the Broadway ‘Theatre in New York. An adaptation of the same Spanish play which Mr. . D. Howells has recently trans- lated and adapted for Lawrence Barreit, was rescoted at the Fifth Avenuc Theatre, New ork, several seasons azo, with Mr. Louls James mow of the Boston Theatre) in the leading role. t was then called “ Yorick.” Fred May, the young man who fought an al- leged duel with James Gordon Beonett, is go- jog on the stoge, it is said. He is young, hand- some, and can wear on the stage'the costumes of to-day without unfamiliarity with them. In such parts as were assumed by Montazue ne would be to the female mind frresistible. He las been a clerk in a dry-goods storc. Robson and Crane are appointed as the com- sne Drontios In ** The Comedy of Errors ™ at the - Park Theatre, New York. The picce has not been seen on the New York stage since the days of John 8. Clarke, at the old Winter Garden. Clarke, with W. 8. Andrews—and also the poc- ular and lamented J. G. Hanley—were then seen as the Jromios. The apnearance of Rob- sonand Crane in New York, will, uf course, be welcomed with reacwed interest. A Pafis actress, whose facc is her fortune, was recently engaged in one of the small thes- tres. ‘The day after her engazement was sigred she recelved notice of a. rehearsal. She replied: * It is impossible for me to rehearse duripg the day. I bave not the time, for I do not leave bed till ndon, then bath, breaktast, ‘bair-dresser, and maotua-makers keep me busy tull it is time to go to the Bois de Boulogme. 1 wish you would distribute my ealary, if 1 bave a salary (which I forgot 1o ask you), among the dressing-maids of your theatre.” Col. Ingersoll is preparing a series of lectures on Shakspeare, to be delivered a year from the coming winter. “ [think Shakspeare,” says the Colonel, ‘the preatest genius the world ever produced. I have often thought that if the Al- inigbty had wished to makea revelation to man, and had waited until the time of Shakspeare, and had atlowed bim to write it, no one would ‘have ever denied its inspiration, because thereis more poetry, more tenderness, more elevation of thought, more practical wit, more morality, ‘more real propheey in Shsksoeare’s works than inall the so-called ssered writings in the whole world.” ¥ Samuel Phelps, who died in London. recently, was one Of the most versatile actors of his day. His first appearance in London was made at the Haymarket, where he plaged Shylock with great suCcess, impressing those who saw him as an actor bound to win distinction, as he had intel- lizeuce, power, and originaiity. When Macready Icased the Covent Garden Theatre, Phelps was engaged to support him, and‘he appeared in a Jong succession of Shakspearean parts. For nearly thirty years as manager of the Sadlers Wells Theatre ho. produced nothing but legiti- mate plays, except an oceasional boliday panto- mume, and he never would play fn_trifling_or merely fashionable pleces. in March, 1839, be created 8 great semsation by Lis - o ous that the play with which the'season dpened was o rank failure; and it is equally well known that the old comedies which followed nave not been patronized with saflicient liber- ality to cover the expenses of the theatre.: In fact, I have been wnformed, mpon authority which i3 of the nizhest order, that since Mr. Wailack gave up his former plan of producing Mr. Boueicault’s new play, he has been scratch- ing around for something new In a way whicn speaks volumes for his agility, and shows that youthful energy doesu’t always desert a man,” even in advanced aze. in snort, Mr, Wallack bas rustled about until ho bas succeeded in layiuz tn enougn plays to last him ail winter: [u'the first place, be bought the New York right of productioa for “Qur Club,"” played last year in Loudon. Then he rushed ou to Bostou, where an adaptation from the German comed{ *Meio Leopojdt » was be- ing played at the Museum, under the name of . .fiy Son.” This, too, ne gathered in. After that he came back nere and bad s talk with Steele Mackaye, which ended in the provisional parchase of a drama from the pew of that Del- sartian disciple. But that Mr. Wallack is going to produce Mackaye's play at oace, or that be lias been making inoney this season, or that his company is nearly 23 8Lrong as in years past,— all that 35 untrue. “Our Club™ ‘will be pro- auced first of the new plays, * My Son » second, and Mackave’s plece third. Either George Clarke or Charles Barron will probably bave & part in the first play. They wanted Clarke, but were scared by the salary be demands for shorteén- gacements, aod for the time, at _least, gave bim up. The stage manuger was sailing toward the telegraph office to try and catch Barron, the last time [ saw him. ALLEGED GOOD THING. Ibesrdazood thipgsaid about Wallack the other day,—at least it will be zood{to those who know about his infirmities. In the oflice of Morris Simmonds, the aramatic awent, hangs a steel cograving which represents Lester when he was a young man. The most noticeable thing about the picture is the halr, which covers the head and tace in great bushy musses of hirsute splen- dor. Among a party of actors who were looking at the engraviug was oncold gentieman, noted in the profession for the brizhtness of his sayings. He was asked if he kuew who the picture represented. “Knowit} Why, yes. That’s Lester Wal- lack.” 3 ‘Then he pausd 2 moment, resdjusted his eye- glasses, and continued, quietly: “When that picture was taken, Wallack was all hair and no head. But now, egad, he’s all head and no hair!” GEORGE ENIGHT HAS STEUCK THE PUBLIC noexpectedly hard with his *‘Otto,”—which only goes to show how uncertain a thing the public is. *Last year, you remember, Mr. Knight tried to star with the same play, but the people wouldn’t bave him at all. 1iis broken Dutel was just as rood thea as it Is now, and bis songs and dances were quite a3 well executed at that. time as they are at present. But the people wouldn’t come to see bim uoder aoy conditions whatever. Yet this season, with the same plav, the same dialect, the same songs and dances, and the saue—n0, 3 Worse cotnpany, he has had aninterrupted success. His first &p- pearance here last weck was to a fairbonse. By the third night the auditorium was packed to its utmost; and that’s the-way it has beeo at every verformance since then. ‘The people have gone wild over him, and the manazers of the Broad- way are so surprised and tickled at the result that they have heen trying desperately to bu Oft the sttraction whica was announced to fol- low next week. They hadn’c succeeded, up to last accounts, but there is no_tefling how their oft-repeated and tempting offers ma¥ yet resuit. It is even sald that Mr. Edear is willing to forego bis owy Metropolitan debut in King Lear and Ofhello for this purpose. But the success of the plan yet rests in the hands of heaven and Mrs. Jobn Raymond’s manager. DERR MORITZ, THE HUNGARIAN TRAGEDIAN, - is nere. It will be remembered that he appear- cd in London last winter. He came, backed ‘up by something less than a cart-lodd of letters : from differcnt parcels of Royalty, scattered over diffcrent partsof the globe, and, on the strength of those creaentals, sccured an opening in the world’s metropolis. Whether he played Othelio three consecative nights, or four, I am uncer- tain. But his career ended within n week, any- how. His fricnds say it was luminous, though brief, and that he retired through bhaving atep~ upona sword which bad been left iring ° upon the stage, thereby cutting his foot terribly. His enemies say his engagement in.London was = adire failure, and that the sword story is the outzrowth of the manager’s brilliant imagina- tion, which discerned through that tale anop- ° portunity for his declininy star to set peaceful- Iy. It impossible to tell which nar- | rative is correct. For instance, two_ of my personal friends who were in Lon- don at that time—onc of them 2 journalist and the other an actor—tell totally différent thinas, ‘The journalist éays it was a glorions smccesss the actor says it was an awful swindle, and that such people as attended the performances went - there to guy. [ don’t know which of them is correct, but I tell the tale as'twas told to me. Herr Moritz is going to act in New York. His manager s William Stuart,—old Willizm Stuart, who used to run the old Winter Garden Thea- tre, on Broadway, and who subsequently built the Park Theatre. g He'sa funny old chap, is Stoart. McKes Rankiuv tells a story abous taking him to the theatre once to sce a play in which he (Rankin) was interested. Stuart went calmly to slecpin the lirst act, and never awoke until the curtatn fell on the last scene. Then he shook himself, sailed out into the aisle, patted Rankin on the back, and sald, tbickiy: “Splendid plece, Mae, perfectly splendid. Nover eojoyed a play 60 much in my life. [Pause.] Is it & comedy or a metodrama AT THE UNION SQUARE THEATRE . they are about ready to bring out Bronson How- ard’s ** Lillian,” under the name of *The Bank- er’s Danglter,” Mr. Howard has rewritten his comedy. 1 believe, since it was pliyed at Hoo- ley’s, five-or six years ngo, with Charies Bishop, Eliza O’Connor, J. W. Blaisdell, and Sydney’ Cowell in the cast. The charucters have been somewbat remodeled 80, as to suit tae present compauy, aud Eam told_that the story ftself Das been strengthened. 16 it is as well played bere as it was at flnole{'s:it ought to make a Dbighit. At the sawe time Snook and Palmer send a part of their compauy over to Philudel- phia to play ** Mother and Son? for e fortaivkt. “They think that as_Thankseiving-Duy comes in one of the weeks the city will stand an enzage- ment for that length of time. Otherwise they wouldn’t play more than a week. The New - York managers dov’t like to rush the country towns too hiard, vou see. AT THE FIFTIT AVENUE, 2 Booth bas begun bis engagement, which is to cover five wecks before Mr. Jefferson begigs. The opening play was ** Hamlet,” and afforded the critics a chance to pitch into the stuck com: ‘pany employed by Fiske & Harkins to anextent which makes fosiders wonder what's up. Every- - lmdy gets ashot in the dailies,—even Booth don't cscape scot-free, althouzh he was louz2go accepted as the best Lamlel we have. These . w York critics are zettinz some queer notiona into their hesds. They would rowel Shakspears il they dared. 1 wonder if Modjeska hasn’t turned their headsa little? Since she olayed Juliet they have all concluded that nobody. ever knew how to play it before her. For my part, [ shall be elad to see Neilson come back and ren~ der the reguiation Jutie. Modjeska plays parts of the piecens though she thought Shakspeare’a greatest heroine was a soubrette. [n the bul-- Couy Scene she introduces some hide-and-seek business with foraco around the corner of tha balcony which would make Lotts envious. o~ deed, I'm oot so sure but that’s what makes lit- tle Skeesix burlesque the tall Camilie, Modjeska, is grest in the society drama. That i3 conceded by - almost everybody. But her Juliet did not make 4 deep impression here, and was withdrawn bes ° cause the people wouldn’t have Frou-Frou busi- Tess in the legititate, and stayed away. They - tall me at the Fifth Avenue Theatre that the- differcnce between the management and Neilson’s agent does not result from her refusal to play at thut bouss, but from their own’ re- fusal to pay her the terms she wants. 1P SHE GORS TO BOOTA'S, it will be because Booth’s is a ‘‘snap” theatre, open at any time to any ‘party who pays . the reat of S%X a week in advance. Neilson’s agent i3 a fellow who used to be cunployed on tha Zimes as the alleged aramatic editor of thar Jjournal. And it Was because be paid too much. nttention to the business of Miss Neilsor and some other actors aud_actresses, at the expensa of bls own duties, added to the facts thet hg. was in the habit of boasting of his relations with those actresses, abd that the mapagerial purse liad greater charms for -him than the players,— it was all this which ledto his being * fired oat™ - - of his iiterary position. Neiison atili employs him, however, possibly upot the old tncory that %Charity covereth a multitude, etc. D JOSH JANT GUES TO CALIFORSIA next week with a big variety company. Joshis. one of the oldest variety manazers in Ameriea, - and has made more money at the busiess thay any of the others.. .He used to do “straighi®: busiuess (that is a mysterious term of the pro- fession, indicating thAt he was not 8 soug-ana-® dunce man), and afterwani bDecame o manuuer ju a small way. Then be went to Bostou and started on his own hook in opposition to John Stetson. Tney both made lots of weslth, and Josh carne back here, opened the Theatre Com-' ique, and “knocked the town.” e made, it fs saud, $100,000 a year, over all expenses, as long a3 he beld tbat house. Then Josh thonzht tue- business was going up-town. So he built the Eagle Theatre. It'did nov pay from the flrst, aud he let it to Mr. Henderson. But-Mr. Harp' was not the man to lie 1dle—Ob, no! Dan Bry- ant’s old opera-house was empty, and Josh tackled it. Result—big business for a couple o weeks, aod then an awful tumtle. He now. takes his company away, subletting the theatra to Tracy Titus and nis new opera party. 1 uu~ derstand that Hart is goine to appear himselt beiore many months, ina new plav which ia to* be brouzht out. The character, though 2 seg- - ondary one, has been written cspecially for hiwm, aud be i likely to make o hit i it And speaking of TIE TITUS OPERA COMPANT a moment ago reminded me that they opened atthe St. James Monday night. The prima donaa Is Catherine Lewis, who 13 a sister of Jef~ freys-Lewis. She came bere from Calitornia, and was cagerly zobbled up by Mr. Titus, whose speculative eyes saw prospeciive ducats in her. He was wise in his sclection, for she bas already become a favorite. The opera chosen for the opening was the “Bells of Coneville.” The little theatre was packed to its ntmost, and when Miss Lewis, as Leopolette, Lounded upon the stage, the people saw a sbiort, stout, Juscions little body, full of gnimat spirits, with hair 1all- ing in_heavy masses almost to the gzround,—a smooth. syimpathetic voice which was highly cultivated,—and a fgure which made every bald head in the auditorium shine like varnish. Hss Lewis saog and kicked up hee heels with pleasing success uatil the last act, where she introdaced the.t Drinking Song ™ from * Girofle-Giroffa.” ~That settled it. - Tha audience clapped, staaped, and yelled the best they kucw bow. ' They made ber siug it over 7ain until she had no more breath lcft before they would les uponher. Then they wera satisfled, and she was a favorite. Heary Peakes sang Gaspard with great success, and was called before the curtain. ~_Laura Joyce was also well received, and Mose Fiske furnished a vood deal of fun asthe Baili, At the close of their engagement here the party will take the rond. And go you will probably see them in Lhicago. JOHN s’CULLOLGH plays next_week in Brooklyn, and two weeks later at the Grand Opera-House In this city. His business is stlll biz through the provinces. Cincinnat! is the worst place lx% bas struck 50 far. Dut even there his receidts were larzer than what a good many **bang-up” stars think they're doiug well todraw. ~ ITuvRLEL. e —— LOVING FOES.” They tell me I should love my foes, And. I my lert cheek they should smite, 1 must not dare return tkelr blows, But meckly let them strike my right, ‘But will these saintly creatures stop When both my jaw-vones they have smashed; And will they let my carcass drop ¥ Ere It is into jelly thrashed ? **Forpive thy foes.” Christ's words sublime, - Tried by ths centuries of time— Around_them Mercy's light doth play, ‘And drives the demon Hate away. But 1—not cast in saintly mo Belleve in Joatice calm znd c¢ £o, when my foe strikes me, 'tis plaim - " 1'Il sarely strike him back again. ¥ 1le who can s00n forgive & wrong. Is neser in affection strong; i ¥rom friends with tearless eye he'll part, i ‘And cold as icebery i his heart. . % ‘Bat he whose Aale kaows no ceotrol, ¥ill ove with sl his beart and soul, Give me the maz, where'er 180, .. | Who loves his frieaa and hates his fos. . . Novzuzzz, 1878, Losxnr ToRERY,