The New York Herald Newspaper, August 20, 1868, Page 4

3 MUSICAL AND THEATRICAL. Preparations for the Approaching Season. What We Are to Have, How We Are to Have It and Where We Are to Have It, New Theatres, New Plays and New Operas, ‘The regular musical and dramatic season which is ebout being inaugurated in this city promises to be the liveliest, most profitable and most enjoyable that New York has ever been favored with since it was first settled by the Dutch. We are to have more the- atres and other places of public amusement and are to be given a greater variety of performances and entertainments than during any one season since our “beautiful httle village” assumed the title of a city. Our managers have at last apparently realized the important fact that in order to succeed in their managerial labors they must present to the public something that is worthy of their patronage. Clap- trap and mere side-shows have had theirday and must now give way before the advaucement of in- tellect, science and liberality. Our managers are aware of this and are now making her- culean efforts to maintain their positions by a liberal and judicious outlay in the production of good scenic effects and by the employment of the best talent in the market. Musical and tneatri- cal managers alike have been scouring the world for “stars,” and the public, at the proper time, wili doubtless appreciate the efforts that have been made to court their favor. In this city alone, not to mention Brooklyn, there will be over twenty theatres in full blast at one and the same time, azd at each of these establishments will be offered different attractions, That the public May the better judge of what is in store for them we submit the subjoined account of the various pre- parations now being made at different theaires for the successful carrying on of the tall and winter theatrical and operatic campaign. The Theatre Francais. Since the French theatre was closed by the farewell Performances of Madame Ristori extensive and ex- pensive alterations have been made in every part of the edifice. In fact it may be said that the entire in- tertor of the theatre has been removed to make room for new floors, which, holding their respective seats, will now comfortably accommodate upwards of two thousand auditors. The substantial changes made are very valuable improvements upon the stage, in the auditorium and upon the exterior, and the im- Portations from Paris’of artists, scenery, decorations and all that constitutes the mise en scene show that Mr. Grau has determined to make the theatre ‘the most attracttve and fashionable, as it will be the best appointed estaplishment in the United States. ‘The cost of the alterations and improvements in the Duilding will not fall much below $30,000 when the Steam -heating apparatus, upholstering and other ad- tmirable fixtures for the completion of the house are Mnished. The capacity of the house will be realized ‘by the classidcation of various portions of the audi- tortam:— ‘Twelve prosceninm boxes, five seats each...... 60 Fifty-two private boxes, four seats each. 208 Parquet enlarged, reserved seats. 700 Dreas circle, reserved seats. . 460 Hone circle...... TOtAL.....0ssecsesecescressceececcerecereccsee 2218 The character of the improvements will be most readily comprehended by a full description of the changes which have been made. The parquet has been extended back to the very front wall of the building. at each corner of which are two exit doors eight feet wide, besides staircases leading to the entrance doors. Passing through wide doors, which also lead to two other exit doora, the café is entered. It has a breadth of forty-five feet and runs beneath the pavement in Fourteenth street and below the grand entrance doors leading to every part of the house, The entrances, it, will be observed, are direct from the street to the boxes and parquet, the latter being reached by the two stair- eases seven feet in width. The lobby is spacious and convenient and will give a more cheerful aspect to the house than it hitherto pos- sessed. The boxes are now open, having a prome- nade behind them, which will be far more pleasant for everybody than the disagreeable, close boxes, which made this circle gloomy in former seasons. ‘The lowering of the dress circle has been secured by making the altcrations to which we have referred, and it will contain excellent sofa seats, handsomely upholstered, which, with the new pitch given to the floor, will make it as desirable as any part of the house, Itruns back to the front wall and under it 1s a lobby which allows visitors to pass freely from one tothe other side of the house without disturbing the audience. Here, too, will be the private offices of the director. An advantage gained by the lower- ing of the dress circle is that noticeable in the family circle. It has been brought down about five feet, and the steep pitch that it had formerly has been obviated by @ floor that has an agreeable incli- nation, each seat being made very comfortable and confmanding & good view of the stage. The number ofexit doora from the boxes being five, and four from the parquet, the house can be cleared of its auditors at any time with rapidity and perfect safety. ‘The ventilation has been carefully studied, and all the experience of the past has been applied to render the house as acceptable in this respect as it can be made by science. The improvements made upon the stage are correspondingly important with those In the front of the nouse. It has been lengthened, made several feet deeper and about eight feet wider, so that greater scenic effects may be produced. The dressing rooms are made more capacious ‘than they were last year, and the communication made with the house in the rear has been such that several valuable rooms have been added for the con- venience of those connected with the stage. The Scenery will be of the most brilliant and effective character. The largest portion of it, for the prodac- tion of the new operatic pieces, one of which is to be represented in the latter part of September, has been painted by several of the most celebrated scenic artists of Paris at @ great expense, while the in- voices of costumes for the operas show that the public may expect to witness a costiiness in this department such as never before has been seen in this country. The greatest activity still prevails in every part of this elegant theatre. Mr. Grau himself, from seven o'clock in the morning till evening, personally superinten: # every alteration, suggesting such changes for the cow/ort of his audi- tors as his judgment may deem necessary. The acoustic properties of the house and the ventilation have been carefully studied and improved upon. The artists engaged are all of high rank, and most of them come highly recommended from Europe. Among them are the following:— Mile. Rose Bell is the famous opira bowffe chan- teuse, She has lately made the most brilliant repu- tation by her inimttable personation of the Grand Duchess and by the creation of the heroine in “Fleur de The.” She was at the Grand Opera for three or four years, but when Offenbach became the rage she deserted the Grand Opera to become Mlle. Schneider's rival in the works of that popular composer. She has been the great star for several seasons at Brussels and Bordeaux, and at present is turning the heads of the good people of Marseilles. The enthusiasm created by her performances there ts said to have been immense. As a vocalist and an actress she is equally brilliant and of such a character as to make her a favorite anywhere. Millie. Fontanel is described as being a bright, sparkling little woman, full of glee, with a charming voice, very expressive features, a talented comédi- enne, and has given delight to the auditors of seve- ral Paris theatres, At the Fantaisie Parisienne she created recently the chief character in “Les Deux Ariequing,” @ very successful operetta, She has created also the Grand Duchess in many provin- cial theatres, ile, Victoria Maurice is sald to be a good comédi- NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 1868—TRIPLE SHEET. enne, possessed of an excellent voice and fine tal- ents, a fascinating singer and one of the most at- tractive acquisitions to the company of Mr. Grau. Mile. Rose Taillefer, who is at present at the Paris Varieties, 18 described as a pretty, youthful brunette, & pupil and friend of Mule, Schneider, and has a fine Volce, She is a most lively and piquant actress, Mile. Adrienne Ligny is @ beautiful young lady, with an admirable voice, and is @ very charming little actress. Mile. Elisa Gubetta is sald to be a pleasing singer, With 9 fresh voice and gifted with mischievous and bewitching face. M. Julien Carrier will be the chief tenor of the company, and is so well known that any attempt to briefly describe his qualities would fail to do to his merita. M. Beckers 1s from the Opéra Comique, in Paris, where he is justly regarded as the great General Boum in the opera of the ‘Grand Duchess.” It was his talents, that shone recently so conspicuously in London, where by the side of Mile, Schneider he dt vided the honors every evening. M. Bourgoin is an artist of rare comic powers, which, it is said, he knows how to use for the plea- sure of the public. He hasbeen a favorite in several of the Paris opera houses, and for the last three years has been the principal feature at the Boutfes Parisiennes. He possesses a very pleasing tenor Voice and is an excellent actor, M. Goby is described as a good actor, also with a tenor voice of the most agreeable quality. M. Bataille ts one of the best Paris comiques, and has been very popular for several seasons in some of the principal réves of Offenbach’s operas. ‘There are also other artists for the small réles and @ superior male and female chorus, so that nothing will be wanting upon the stage, particularly when the arrangements for the costumes and scenery are considered. The scenery and costumes both come from Paris, and the latter are szid to surpass in ele- gance and brilliancy anything of the kind ever.seen upon the stage in this country. The grand season of opéra bouffe will be inaugu- rated at the Theatre Francais about the 28th of Sep- tember, with “Genevieve Brabant” as the opening piece. The cost of placing this opera upon the stage -will be nearly $20,000 in gold, the scenery alone cost- ing fully two-thirds of that sum. The public, there- fore, will be on the qué vive for the announcement that the new company are to make their début in the new house that has been prepared for them through the activity, cuterprise and business tact of Manager Grau. Niblo’s Garden. “Barbe Bleue” having proved such a decided suc- ess at this house the management haye determined upon keeping it upon the boards until after the election at least. In view of the fact that this same piece, owing to poor management, was nothing bet- ter than a miserable failure in Paris, and taking into consideration the care, trouble and expense that have been bestowed upon its production in this city, too much praise cannot be accorded to Mr. Bateman for the liberal and magnificent manner in which he has placed it upon the stage, and to whom the Ameri- can people are indebted for whatever excellence and success opéras bouges have as yet attained in this country. Mile. Irma and M. Aujac, with the other members of the superb company now perform- ing at Niblo’s, are strong cards, but will be rendered doubly soin the fall, when Mr. Bateman contem- plates joining his extra troupe, of which Mile. Tostée is a member, to the one now performing at this es- tablishment. With this combination Mr. Bateman intends to give us the grandest season of opera bouse that we ever yet enjoyed; but at which theatre this delectable dish will be served up to us has not as yet been definitely settled upon. Instead of tying us down to one opera for months, it is the intention of Mr, Bateman to vary his programme as often as possible, and to afford us an opportunity of seeing and hearing Mile. Irma and Mile, Tostée in the same réles on alternate nights, He is provided with a full repertoire and will give us the best works of Offenbach and other opéra bouyge authors. Every piece will be produced in the best possible style, and neither expense nor trouble will be spared to make it attractive and popular. The company at present performing in “Barbe Bleue” will hola possession of Niblo’s until October. ‘The extra troupe meanwhile will give performances in the principal cities West and in the Canadas until they are recalled to form the grand conjunction. The regular dramatic season at this establishment remains for the present indefinitely postponed. Booth’s Theatre. This splendid dramatic temple, which is to be de- voted exclusively to legitimate business, a full de- scription of which from an architectural point of view was published in the HgRALpof Sunday, De- cember 1, 1867, is rapidly approaching completion, and, it is thought, will be formally opened by Mr. Booth in person about the ist of December. It is not necessary that we should enter into an extended or technical description of the building, as we have already given due prominence to its architectural beauties. It is sufficient to say that interiorly, although not so large in the auditorium as many other similar houses in the city, having seats for only sevenieen hundred spectators and ‘‘standing”’ room for probably about eight hundred more, this theatre will probably be the most elegant and com- fortable in the city, The chairs In the orchestral circle and stalls, the dress and family circles will be of iron, with movable seats, having a new patent back so curved that the occupant will experience no fatigue from sitting for the space of three or four hours. From the entrance to the stalls to the foot lights there will be an unobstructed view, there being no pillars or columns placed to support the dress circie immediately overhead. Another advan- tage which sudience and actors will have is the eaay, graceful lines of the different tiers, ao arranged ‘that every auditor can see on and be seen from every part of the stage. The upper gallery, or amphitheatre, will be neatly and substantially finished. On each side of the stage are to be erected five proscenium boxes, that ‘will equally, with other parts of the house, command a full view of the stage. The building is to be heated by steam, a furnace and boiler for that purpose having been placed under the sidewalk in Twenty- third street. The scenery, &c., will be moved by a hew process which is intended to do away with manual labor. The carpenter's shop will be in a vault under the street, and the painter's gallery, dressing rooms, storehouse for scenery, properties, &o., are to be in an adjoining building constructed for these uses. The walls, instead of being frescoed or lath and plastered, will be covered with a new preparation called ‘Italian marble oc- ment,” and which when hardened will give to them the durability and appearance of marble. The foor- ing of the vestibule and passage ways is also to be of a beautiful mosaic, exceedingly rich in colors and figures, These are all modifications of the original plan, as published in the HgeRaLp. The company is not yet fully organized, but we are at liberty to make the following announcements:—J. Henry Magonigie is engaged as general manager, and Mark Smith as stage manager and leading old man. To these we add Misa Mary MoVickar, daughter of Manager Vickar, of Chicago, as leading juvenile lady; Mirs Fanny Morant as leading heavy lady, Owen Marlowe, McKee Ranxin and Augustus Fenno, Academy of Masic. ‘The Catacombs, amid all the life and activity that at present prevail in theatrical and musical circles, Temain with closed doors, and look as gloomy and forsaken as a fashionabie city church in midsummer. No note of preparation for the coming campaign is heard, nor is aught to be seen save the solitary watchman, who prowis about through the dark and deserted passages of the dismal barn with a reticent air and the most lugubrious of expressions. Mr. Maretzek 1s said to be out of the metropolitan fleld, and is at present forming a German epera troupe, with which be intends to travel West, So there ig no chance of him favoring New Yorkers with opera this season, Mr. Strakosch is in Europe, where he is likely to remain for a year or two at least, and we therefore can expect nothing from him, Having nobody of our own to whom we can look for grand operas we turn across the broad At- lantic to Mr. Mapleson, who, it is reported, intends to visit us this fall, with Tietjens and Kellogg, and who will take up his abode in the Academy of Music if the directors and stockholders come to terms. If they do net do so, and that without deiay, there is every reason to suppose that the doors of the temple will remain closed throughout the eutire season. Pike’s Opera House, ‘This magnificent theatre 1s to be given up to spec- tacular, sensation and leg dramas, and will open on the 1¢ of September under the management of Mr. J. De Pol, of “The Devil's Auction” celebrity. Mr. De Pol has gathered his new ballet troupe from the princtpal theatres in Europe and intends to astonish New Yorkers with something in the way of ballet to which they have heretotore been strangers. We are assured that they all rank as queens of Terpsichore and that ‘the European theatres have been deprived of thetr favorite stars only that these enchanting fairies might charm the sliful public of New York.” It certainly behooves the sald ‘skilful public” to be charmed if they cap. Among the chief danseuses 1s Amelia Morosini, who fejoices in tne sobriquet of “The Coquette of Egypt,” who upon leaving Con- stantinople to come to this country was escorted to ‘the boat by a large procession of her admirers, each bearing a lighted torch, and a military band playing @ farewell serenade. weare to have another new sprite of the ballet in the person of Miss Vitaly, @ young lady wiio is highly spoken of and is but twenty-two years old, besides Eliza Blasina and & host of other light-footed damsels, many of whom are already favorites in New York. The season will open with the spectacular drama of “Undine.” ‘Wood’s Museum and Theatre. ‘This house, formerly known as Banvard’s Museum, has been entirely reconstructed by Manager Wood during the summer recess, and is now one of the most magnificent and instructive places of public amusement in the country. Tho main entrance, originally at the extreme north end of the building, is now in the centre and about thirty feet wide. There is a lecture room under the auditorium of the theatre proper, capable of seating at least eight hun- red persons, where all living curiosities, such as fat women and babies and giants and dwaris, will be exhibited and expatiated upon by talented lecturers, The auditorium of the theatre is reached from the second corridor, and is beautl. fully and tastefully fitted up and upholstered. The stage is a large one, being well adapted for the proper production of spectacular pieces, It is 65 feet deep and 65 feet wide. The proscenium is 42 feet high and 43 feet at the opening. The flats are 21 feet high and 31 feet wide. In the stage department all the latest improvements have been made, here are four private boxes on each side, also two private boxes in the first circle, besiles two rows of balcony chairs. There will be a parquet, dress circle and family circle, the upper circle that formerly disfigured the appearance of the house having been removed. Tho theatre will ac- commodate about 2,300 persons and will be one of the neatest and largest houses of the kind in the city. Many curiosities have already been placed in the various corridors and additions will be made different collections from time to time. on Among the living curiosities are the Siamese ‘Twins, whose engagement ia for a short time prior to their departure for Paris, where they are to undergo the process of separation. Another freak of nature that will be on exhibition is the ‘‘baby woman,” Sophia Gantz, who is said to be as fully developed as a perfect woman, although but an in- fant in years, In addition to the above will be added the usual amount of giants, dwarfs, fat women, boys, girls, &c. The Musuem will open for the season on the Sist inst., with Miss Maggie Mitchell as the leading star in a new piece. Miss Lydia Thompson, the English burlesque actress, will follow with light comedy and burlesque pieces, which are expected to have & pro- tracted run at this establishment. Miss Thompson ‘will be accompanied by the following artists:—Miss Ada Harland, from the Strand theatre, London; Miss Pauline Markham, from the Queen's theatre; Miss Lisa Wilson, from Covent Garden, and Mrs, Harry Beckett. Miss Marriatt, the great tragic actress, has also been engaged, but will not appear before the latter part of next January. Upon the matinées we are to have the Royal English Opera Bouffe troupe, known as the Louisa Pyne Comany, with the Misses Susan and Bianch Galton in the leading parts and Mr. Whiffen as tenor. Wallack’s Thentre. “Firefly Lotta” is drawing so well at this estal» shment, under the able management of Mr. Moss, that it will probably be kept upon the boards for another four or five weeks. After its withdrawal the regular season under Manager Wallack will at once inaugurated, but with what particular play ia not known, Many new pleces—some of them very good in their way—have been submitted to Mr. Wallack as novel and startling plays for open- ing with; but as yet he has not determined upon any particular one for that express purpose. Many new plays, however, will be brought out during tho fall and winter, and that carefulness and libcrality that have always characterized this house in re- ward to scenery, costumes and artists will be as strictly adhered to in the future as heretofore. Standard comedies, with new sensa- tional dramas interspersed here and there, will be the general order of business at this establishment, the entire company of old favorites remaining, with the exception of Miss Fanny Morant, who joins Mr, Booth’s company, and whose place at this house will be filled by Miss Emily Mestayer. Olympic Theatre. “Humpty Dumpty” will here hold possession of the boards until October, when he makes way for Mr. Joseph Jefferson, who will give his inimitable performance of “Rip Van Winkle,” and whose en- gagement will extend over a period of six or eight weeks. After Mr. Jefferson a new pantomime will be brought out, which for scenic effect and fun and in mechanical ingenuity will, it is thought, surpass anything of the kind ever before attempted. The tricks and scenery for this piece are now being prepared. For Mr. Jetferson’s “Rip Van Winkle” an entire new outfit of scenery will be painted, and the masterly acting of the dreamer of the Catskill dreamer will be better seconded by scenic and carpenter effects than ever before. Mr. Hayes, the lessee of the theatre, hus renewed his lease for three years and will retain for the coming season his present company almost entire. Mr. C. W. Tay- leure will remain as business manager and Mr. Geo. L. Fox as stage manager. The pantomime of “Humpty Dumpty” has been performed one hundred and ninety times and has netted for the Olympic man- agement upwards of $70,000. There will be no in- terregnum in the seasons at the Olympic, but prior to the opening of the regular season on the ist of September it will undergo a complete renovation and be extensively repainted, Broadway Thentre, ‘The present week will terminate the Irish drama for the present at this house, and on next Monday evening Mrs. General Lander will commence a short engagement, appearing in the rite of Mary Stuart, which will be followed later by her great impersona- tion of Elizabeth, The Florences will follow with new @ttractions, and after them Mr. and Mrs, Basney ‘Williams will appear in their new play, entitied the “Emerald Ring.” A strong company has been en- gaged for the fall and winter season, and many of the old favorites will remain to delight the havituis of this popular house, Here, too, we are given to understand that the greatest care and attention will be given to scenery, costumes: and the goneral mounting of all pieces, and are fur- thermore promised a succession of both novelties and stars such as have never before been presented at any single theatre in one season, Joho Brougham’s New Theatre. This house was formerly occupied by Christy's Minstrels, is located in Twenty-fourth street and im- mediately adjoining the Fifth Avenue Hotel. The entire structure has been rebuilt, with the exception of the front wall, and even that is to be subjected to some few alterations. When compieted the house will contain @ parquet, dress circle and family circle, The entrance will be on a level wita the street, through a handsome vestibule, with a sepa- rate entrance for family circle, The dressing rooms will be below the parquet, and the space below the stage will be reserved for machinery, Many im- provements are to be made in the stage department, and the back of the stage itself will be furnished with large iron doors to afford an easy ogross in case of fire. The ventilation will be excellent and the whole edifice will be covered with a Louvre roof, The auditorium wil! be lighted with a superb chande- lier, and the interior of the theatre done up in white ‘end gold, with here and there large crystal mirrors. | nis win be one of the neatest and most beautfful of bijou theatres im this city, and will | have cost when completed in the neighborhood of $50,000. An excellent company have already been engaged and the different scenes are now being painted. This house will open some time in October, and will produce during the season comedy, vaude- ville, operetta, farce, burlesque and drama. Mr. J. Schonberg is to be stage Manager, and Mr. Echardt leader of orchestra, Now York Theatre, ‘Those charming and enterprising young ladies, Sophie, Irene and Jenny Worrell, reopen their popu- ler dijou of yhouge on the jst of October with an English of “Barbe Bleue.” Barbe Bleue, or, in thé vulgate, Blue Beard, will be impersonated by Miss Sophie, Boulotte by Miss Jenny, and the Princess by Miss Irene, The company at this house will remain in every particular as it was last season, when “La Belle Héléne” was so successfully pre- sented. It 1s the intention of the management during the season to offer the patrons of the house English ver- stons of Offenbach’s opera bouge, and in doing so will follow closely in the footateps of Messrs. Bate- man and Grau. The house itself will be thoroughly renovated, but no improvements of a strikiag character intro- duced, Bowery Theatre. The “Old Drury,” as it is familiarly called, under the able management of Mr. William Freligh, is awakening to a new life and a renewed activity. ‘The house {g to be thoroughly repainted and reno- vated and put in @ proper condition for the fall campaign, and for this purpose will close its doors on Saturday next, when they will remain closed until Monday, the 3ist inst, Novelty is promised to succced novelty in rapid succession: at thia establish- iment, and there will be a galaxy of “stars”? who will allow resplendent in comedy, drama and pantomime, and who, no doubt, will hold the east side audiences enthralled throughont the entire season. Tragedy is to be entirely tgnored here, unless some heavy trage dian comes along who will be satisfied with some- thing less than all the profits, A grand pantomime is now in active rehearsal and will be brought out early in the season, and which, it is sapposed, will sweep everything before it of a like nature in regard toscenery, costumes and acting. Mr. Butler, the great pantomiuist, has been engaged to do the leading part. Stadt Thentre, Bowery. Immense preparations are making at this popular German theatre, the largest of its class on the West, ern hemisphere, preparatory to the opening for the falland winter seasons on the Sist of August. A new drop curtain is almost completed, which, when hung, will add greatly to the attractiveness of the house. It represents a scene in Switzerland, Ona cliff overhanging a beautiful lake stands a cottage, in front of which in the foreground is a flock of sheep driven by a shepherd. In the distance are the spires of the Alps, springing far above the sur- rounding verdure-clad hills, their heads lost in the clouds which gather in heavy masses around them. ‘The painting is striking, and has been executed with great care, The redecoration of the house will cost the managers not less than $5,000. For opening nights, and probably for the greater part of the winter, the proprietors and general managers, Messrs. Hamann and Rosenberg, have, besides organizing a first class stock company, which will compare favorably with any in the im- perial theatres at Berlin, Vienna or other European city in which German ts the vernacular, engaged a number of eminent actors from those capitals and St. Petersburg. Among these are Henri Henrichs, who arrived on Monday evening in the steamship Saxon, and who makes his d¢but on the Ist of Sep- tember in the drama of “Duke Albrecht,” to be im- mediately followed by plays from Shakspeare and Schiller, “William Tell,” “Macbeth,” ‘Egmond,’ “Othello,” &. The Countess Von Berndorf—an eminent tragic actress, who made a sensation last winter at St. Petersburg by her wonderful imper- Sonation of Joan of Arc in “The Maid of Orleans,” and which so pleased the Empe- ror Alexander that he presented her with @ coronet and other ornaments in gold and dia- monds, valued at upward of $10,000—appears in Oc- tober. Mr, Haase, an actor of great eminence, will succeed in March Herr Honrichs, This last named personage is guaranteed for thirty nights a salary of $1,000 per night, in addition to which, after all ex- penses are paid, the managers divide equally with him the profits. Among the leading actors and actresses of the company we are at liberty to mention Miss Singer ag first and Miss Irschik as second tragédienne, Miss Schermann as leadipg lady, Miss Hamer as first and Miss Schmidtz as second soubretto; Messrs. Jen- dersky (stage manager, from the Imperial theatre, Vienna), Dombroskie, Hermann (comedian), Knowr (frst old man) and Kolmar (second old man). Thentre Comique. This establishment opened for the season on Mon- day evening last under the most flattering auspices, Messrs. White & Spencer are the lessees and proprie- tors and Mr. William Horace Lingara the stage manager. The performances are to be conducted after the style of a vaudeville and varieties theatre, nd every kind of negro minstrelsy upon the stage Gispensed with. Mr. Lingard himself, Mr. Joseph Emmett, Miss Alaco Dunning and Mias Lizzie Will- | more will, for the present, be the principal attrac- tions, but later in the season other European artists will be brought out at this house, whose success under the new regime is already established. Tony Pastor's Opera House. ‘This is the fourth season under Tony Pastor, John F. Poole, acting manager. During that time upward of one hundred and twenty new pieces have been produced, many of them proving exceedingly suc- cessful, ‘The Opera House was reopened for the season on Monday, August 3, the house in the meantime having been newly painted, decorated and reconstructed generally. The opening attractions were a sensa- tional drama called the “The Peep Showman,” John- ny Thompson, Ethiopian comedian, and Miss Jennie Engel, serto-comic vocalist, as the stars, three new songs by Tony Pastor, and the usual mélange. The business since the reopening has been very large in- deed. Mr. Pastor's arrangements for the fall and winter season embrace engagements with most of the stars of the variety and minstrel business, the production of a number of attractive pieces, among which are a new local drama for next week, a grand fairy bur- lesque now in rehearsal and a gorgeous Christmas pantomime, for which preparattoas have already been commenced. New fork Circus, The headquarters of this institution in Fourteenth street are at present closed, and manager, horses, riders, acrobats and clowns are meandering through the State on the line of the Central Railroad. Several new additions have been made to the company, and after it has exhibited in the principal towns and villages along its route it will return to the city and open at the old house ina blaze of glory and span- gies, This will probably be about the Ist of Octo- ber, and until then we must content ourselves with- out the horse drama, Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels, This troupe will open on Monday next at their re- constructed temple, with the new sensation bur- lesque of “Barber Blu.” This piece has been in re- hearsal for a long time and will be produced in magnificent style, with splendid chorus, gorgeous costumes and new scenery. During the summer vacation of the troupe their hall has been entirely remodelled, and not a vestige of the old interior re- mains. The auditorim is divided into orchestra chairs, dress circle, balcony chairs, gallery and four private boxes, richly decorated in relict, The cetl- ing is beautifully frescoed, and several large win- dows have been introduced, thereby improving the ventilation, The hall is now one of the neatest and most comfortable of its kind in the city, and gor- geous crystal prismatic illuminator, costing $15,000 and containing 2,200 variegaied prisms, will decorate the entrance. Bryants’ Minstrels. This old and favorite company are snugly en- seonced in the new hall in the Wigwam of old Tam- many, and ere already doing a good bysiness, They | | will adhere strictly to the legitimate business of min- strelay throughont the entire seagon, and will intro- duce many new songsters, and eccentric delineators of the Ethiopian type, All their extravaganzas and negro sketches Will hereafter. be of higher order, and the performances will close with original bur- Jesques, one of which is now tn active rehearsal, and was written by Mr, Joba Brougham especially for With @ new rausical burlesque on the original “Barbe Bleue.” All the.old favorites will remain and a few new additions will be madeto the company. The burlesque will cost “between $5,000 and $6,000 to bring it out, which is more than the entire cost of all the buriesques that they have placed upon the Stage for the past three or four years, During the summer vacation the hall has undergone a complete Fenovation, and has been newly painted and car- peted. The title of the new piece is the “Barber Brown, or the Pacific Sloper,” and will doubtless Prove @ trump card. ve Collins’ American Mascum. This Teopens on the ist of Septem- ber. It closed on the 15th inst. for the purpose of finishing in a permanent manner the lecture room, in which entertainments of a pleasing character will be given, and the halls of the Museum proper finally arranged. We have not yet been adviaed ap to the character of the company en but pre- sume it will be of a superior order. Academy of Music, Brooklyn. Unless Grau, Bateman, Mapleson, Maretzek or some other enterprising tmpresarto takes upon himself the responsibility of awakening the echoes in this cobweb-covered Tomb of the Muses we are afraid its doors will not be moved ereakingly on their rust- eaten hinges for the next twelve months, We are informed that no positive engagements have yet been entered into by any manager for a “brief sea- son” in the fail or winter. The stockholders are la- boring under the delusion that Maplegon will make @ “night” for their especial delectation, but whether he will or not will depend on what assurances of success are held out to him, There will be no regu- lar seadon at the “Tomb of the Muses,” and there never will so long as {ts destinies are in the hands of a board of old fogies who know as much about opera as a cat afflicted with kleptomania does of the sev- enth clause of the decalogue, Park Theatre, Brooklyn. This favorite place of amusement, uader the per- sonal management of that most amiable and accom- plished lady, Mrs, Conway, reopens for the fall and winter on the 15th of September, The@eason will be inaugurated by Mr. E. L. Davenport, who will possibly make his début in Macbeth, The com- pany, with the exception of Messrs. Chippendale and Andrew Queen, will be entirely new. The names of the ladies and gentlemen of the new stock have not yet transpired, Mr. Eberle will be stage manager for the next year, in place of Mr, Conway, who, tt 18 understood, is desirous of devoting himself more to the immediate lines of his professions ir «ps *ew" The Park theatre is now occupied by Kelly & Leon’s Minstrels, who are ranning their travestie on “La Belle Héléne” to large audiences. The Park theatre, between the Ist and 16th of September, will be thoroughly cleansed and repaired, Hooley’s Opera House, Brooklyn. The fall and winter campaigns will open simub taneously at this and Hooley’s Opera flouse, Phila- delphia (formerly the Seventh Street Opera House), on the 7th of September—at the first named house with a new burlesque and at the last presenting a new sensation drama, The Philadelphia theatre will be under the command of Mr. Hooley’s experienced Meutenant, Cool White, while the old establishment Will be in the hands of Mr. McDonald as stage man- ager. Several important changes are to be made in the present company, and Mr. Hooley, who is now in Europe, but expected in this city in a few days, it is thought, will bring with him some talent and many hew attractions. —_— > Brooklyn Opera House, E. D. This neat little house will be opened as a variety theatre—probably somewhat in imitation of Tony Pastor’s—on or about the 15th Of September. Ita lessee is Miss Denvil, who will a'so manage the general business. The company ts not yet fully or- ganized, but will be before the close of the month. Miss Denvil has hit upon the right thing’ this time, and if she can get a compary to second her efforts she need not entertain @ question as to the result. The people of Williamsburg want variety, and plenty of it. OBITUARY. Benjamin W. Bonuey. On Tuesday, aiter a short iliness, Benjamin W. Bonney, ex-Judge of the Supreme Court, died at his residence in this city. Last Friday night deccased, while attending a meeting of the Union League Club, was taken with an attack of paralysis, and so seriously was he affected that at the time it was thought advisable not to remove him. He, however, rallied and was taken to his residence, where he died. Deceased was born in New Hampshire, about the year 1802, and was at the time of his death about sixty-six years of age. His parents, though humble, were enabled by their industrious and thrifty habita to provide their son with a good common school education, and in after years he turned the knowl- edge he thus uired to account, and taught school in the city of Hudson, in this State. leisure hours he assiduously applied hit study of the legal profession under Van Rensselaer, Acquii @ good knowl ww he came to this cit; opened & law of ‘was successful in enterprise. Some years since he embarked tn Lappe tony after + lg igh Boge cessful attempts to secure the posit Judge of the Superior rt he was appointed Governor Morgan, in 1860, a8 Judge of the Supreme rt to fill @ Vacancy. pd he occupied with honor to himself and to his prot lon. was the boast of deceased that he was a ded of the oldest New England families, w— 1 adhered to republican. principles, @n amiable abd worthy ‘steman. a Benjamin F. Smith. The death of Brevet Brigadier General Benjamin Franklin Smith is announced to have taken place at Fort Reno, Wyoming Territory, on the 18th inst. General Smith was born at Trenton, N. J., im 1831, and entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1849. On leaving he was appointed second Heutenant of infantry, did garrison and active duty, and was engaged in several skirmishes with the Indians, In 1866 he was appointed second leuten- ant, and during the Kansas disturbances, in 1856, which he had « hand in quelling, he was romoted to the first Heutenantcy of his iment, je served during the late rebellion from 1861 to 1806, On the 14th of Muy, 1:61, he was appointed in command of his regiment during the Tennessee campaign. From October of the same year until the May of the following year he served a8 colonel of the First Ohio Volunteer sacgyes in the march to Pittaburg Landing. He was also ge ‘at the battle of Shiloh, April 7, 1 and in the ad- Vow uy ‘ny ae on ome * the nm month. He was brevetted major for gailani conduct at Shiloh, From the the Cumberland he was ordered to at of the Potomac, in which he served in most of the promi- nent battles of Virginia. In September he was ap- jointed to the command of the One Hundred and 'wenty-a'xth Ohio Volunteers: March 26, 1865, he was brevetted brigadier general of United States Volunteers for galiant and meritorious conduct be- fore Petersburg, and in the month follow! was brevetted colonel in the regular army. He was mua- tered out of the vyiunteer service Jane 25, 1965. In 1660 he was made fnajor of the Twenty seventh in- fantry. General Smith was well liked, always con- sidered @ brave and efficient officer and was unl- versally esteemed by those who knew him. He was only thirty-seven years of age When he died, AN ALLEGED Imrostor.—A man claiming to be Generai Proctor Smith, formerly of General Lee's staff, some time since stopped at Buck's Hotel, on Pratt street. He displayed @ considerable amount of tmouey at first, but subsequent resorted to a lar system of borrowing frond the quests in fis house, and finally suddenly decat leavi landiord and all minus the sums he owed them. Since he left it has been satisfactorily ascertained that he was not the party whom he represented him- Self to be, and that he came from the neighborhood of Hampton, Va. One of the modes by which he Worked upon the confidence of the guests of the house and others was the picking up & destitute Woman in the street, the woman having 4 child, and who said she had come from the South and was in search of her husband. This woman he brought to the hotel, ot Ag Tig RT ly take un interest in while pretending very gencrous, managed to leave others to bear all the expense —ualimors Auquet 1h TROTTING AT THE FASHION COURSE. Enea A trotting mateh for $1,000, two mile heats, in har- ness, between Mr, Peter Dubois’ brown mare, Fannie Sprague, and Alex. Patterson’s chestnut gelding came off yesterday afternoon at the Fashion Course. ‘The mare won the match in two straight heats, in capital time for one of her age—5:09%, 5:00. Fan- nie Sprague 18 but six years old and ig one of the most reliable creatures that ever appeared on the turf. She never made a break in the race nor in the scoring. The gelding appeared to have more speed than the mare, but he was badly sadicted to breaking, and this he does at times with- out any cause for it, His breaks yesterday lost him the race, He is a very handsome horse, and his style of moving 1s perfect, His galt much resembles that of Ripton. Nothing is known of his pedigree, however. It is said that he came from the Shenandoah valley and has been until very recently driven to a milk wagon in Williamsburg. There can be no doubt of the good breeding of the horse, as he can stand any amount of work without flinching. Should he ever learn to trot steadily few horses will be able to beat him at ny distance. The mare is well bred. She was sired by Peter Voorhees’ Abdatiah Chief, her dam - ‘Abdallah mare, She 1s ffteen hands and half and finely proportioned, She has not fine trotting action of tl ding, but neverttieiess ehe gets over the ~” fonea rate, and can stay A distance. ‘cho was the favorite before the start at one hundred to sev- enty, fine performances at Narraganset this summer her backers in sustaining her thstanding the reports about the great ees, It was stated oe race th he had trot atrial in 5:07, with three , & few days agos but this did not intimidate the backers of the maré in the least, A great deal of nonay was wagered on time that 6:10 would be beaten. The attendance Was small, not more than one hundred persons being present to witness the race, The track was in eod condition and the weather delightful. THE RACE. Hreat.—The mare won the inside ponnese The was very even, but in a short time the ‘ding took the pole and led around the turn two ngths. He was ly three lengths al wl bh thirty nine seconds, ving dows, joing down retch th trotted very fan passing the hall: in 1:15 The gelding still led by ww and a lengtl AS soon as he got on the Flushing end, and while leading about three lengths, he broke up, and before he recovered the mare was two lengths ahead of him. He soon shut up the daylight; but at the three-quarter pole he agua broke and lost three lengths more. Coming up homestretch he trotted very steadily, gail Tradually on the mare, The latter passed the st jwo lengths and a half ahead, making the first mile in 2:36. Going around the turn the gelding again broke up, and the mare waa six li ‘3 in front at the quarter pole. The gel trotted very fast down the backstretch, as at the -mile pole he was at the mare’s wheel. As soon as he lapped her he broke again and lost five lengths. It now seemed that his chances for the heat were Lapeedell iprons Not so, however; he dasned after her around the Flushing end and up the homestretch, and when one hundred yards from the stand her, was leading haifa length when feet from Seay ba ng naa a st ale mi rs aia the heat in 6:09% Heat.—One hundred to fifty was now laid onthe mare. Both horses appeared fresh when brought on the track, At the tuird Crug © ey aoe away together, but the speed of the soon took him-to the front and he led a and halfaround the turn and was two lengths and a hi in front at the quarter pole 1 He opened the gap down the backst end of the old stand was four lengths ahead of mare, At the half-mile — he broke ap and th¢ mare showed her head ‘front at that, point ts 131634. Sapigeict wea six lengths behind whenhe began to He gradi gained on the mare on the Flushing end and up homestretchy but before he caught her he i the — mare b and lost considerable ground, be! ht behind when the mare Sian tne Aer . ling closed ver; tty sume. of the lost asks ing sone down the toh, the mare halt-mile pole about five lengths, On end the gelding was forced, and made a brillian burst for a short time; but when close up to t! Mare he left his feet and floundered about unt! she was half a dozen lengths clear of oe heen tS en with vantage. ing was again le and making another t effort, it iooked that he on the mare that if he the manner kept his feet he would make the matter very close atthe finish, At the mile distance stand, however, he threw the last chance away by again bi and the mare came in a winner by four le a 2:34 and the heat in 6: ‘The following is @ SUMMARY. FAsHIon Course, L. I., WEDNESDAY, August 18, Match $1,000, two mile heais, in harness. Joun Murphy entered br. m. Fannie spraguo. Alex. Patterson entered ch. gelding —.. TIME, iM. THE NEW HAMPSHIRE HORSE FAIR, MANCHESTER, August 19, 1868, The second day of the horse {fair opened fair, but breezy, with a few flying clouds. The first sport ‘was a trot for four-year olds. There were four ene tries, namely:—Little Jim, of ‘Concord; Draco Mare, of Lake Village; the Connor horse and Young Rocke@, of this city. Little Jim had the pole, whioh was soon won by Rocket, who distanced all competitors and won the heat in 2:55, taking the full puree, ‘There was but one entry for the contest for draugh® horses, and he was withdrawn, : There were five entries of gentlemen's horses, Thes@ were examined and exercised, and purses were awarded as follows:—Lady Cariton, 3 Peter, $ Smith Mare, $15; the Farmer, $10. closed programme of the forenoon, and the course given ap for a show of fancy horses by all who aired sy at fe notes air tis afernoon, Vis oa factag Taaten ore Vi t— a trot by horses thi ve towed tasiae contestants in the entered a ‘The third heat was won by Mountain and the fourth heat and race by White 2:44%. The ‘ards were made as follows:—' ‘BOOK NOTICE. THR NATURAL WEALTH OF CALIPORFIA : COMPRISING EA y HISTORY, GBOGRAPBY, TOPOGRAPRY AND Scenery, AGrioutruRs, Mini By ‘Titus Fey Cronise, San Franciseo : Hi. W'Ban- This is @ handsome octavo volume of seven hun- dred pages and full of valuable information upon tie numerous subjects of which it treats, Oélifornia tg ‘@ wonderful country, and, in fact, so is the whole of our vast territory stretching along the Pacifico back to the Rocky Mountains from the confines Mexico to the British possessions. There was lately published by authority of the government another valuable work on California, and on its mineral wealth in particnlar, by J, Ross Browne, Now we have this one of Mr. Cronise. «ll goes to show the interest taken in that portion of the Sistes and ite extraordinary ag A | Progress. In the early settlement of California by mn now only twenty years ago, it was suj th State was only valuable for ite mineral wealth. the products now raised there it will be seen erroneous were these original impressions. T' are almost fabulous, when it is cont that they have been brought out by the labor of @ comparatively small community, for the population of California at the present time does not exceed, robably, haifa million, Besides the gold product, ‘he wheat crop alone last year was w much as the gold. There was surplas what was heeded for home consumption to two hundred and twenty-three in value to thirteen muliions of doliars, ‘The vin' yielded over three millions five hundred sponse? gallons of wine and four hundred tho long of brandy. The wool clip was nine millions ve hundred thousand pounds, Silk, Gam, wotecc®, cotton and hops, besides other things, are being cul- re iat al mi a | value of property of two handred and twenty-one millions of dollars, What sui twenty years! Yet this is for when the Rail Pacific py begins to an