Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-02-24
From tae Ness York Psst.
THE BOZ BALL.


The fete AZ the Park Theatre, last even.
ing, is described as one Of the most mag.
ni6cent that has ever been given in this
city. The gorgeousness OF the decora-
tons and the splendor Of the dresses, nc
less than the immense tbrong, gliitering
with silks and jewels, contributed TO tae
show and impressiYeness Of the occasion.
II is estimated, that nearly three thousand
people were present, all richly dressed
and sparkling with animation.
The doors Of the theatre were thrown
open at huff pas, seven O'Clock, and such
was the eagerness to get in, that IN less
than an hour, the whole area Of this I'M
mense building was densely crowded
Great pains had been taken in the prepar-
alton OF the theatre, and the lobbes, halls.
saloons, boxes and grecn.rooms, were
each tastefuly ornamenied with festoons,
wreaths, garlsnds, portraits and statues.
The seats oil the first tier were covered
with white muslin, trimmed with gold, and
the columns lestooned with fine drapery
the second tier was ornamented with n
series Of medalions, rosettes and silver
stars, representing the works Of the dis.
tingulshsd guests Of the eyening-ihe
centre ornament being head Of Mr..
Dickens, surmounted by an eagle hold.
ing laurel wreath; in the middle OF the
theatre was the orchestra, containing
twenty-five seat, covered with muslin and
gold, and hung with wreaths while the
stage part ofihe room represented large
and magnificent chamber Of carved and
gilded oak. with deep gothic windows
on each side, and lofty fretted CELL
ing. The whole appearance of the
theatre was striking beyond description.
Mr.. Dickens and his wife entered the
theatre about nine o'clock, and after
proceeding TO the back par, Of the stage,
was introduced by the mayor, TO those
who wished TO speak with him. " Mrs.
Dickens" SAYS The reporter OF the Ex-
press, lis fine looking English woman,
and appeared much to enjoy the honors
given her husband. Soon after entering
both participated in the dance in the CO.
tillion, in tho centre Of the room. Mr..
Dickens was dressed in suit of black,
with gay vest, and Mrs. Dickens in a
white figured Irish tabinet, trimmed with
mazarne blue flowers a wreath of the
same color around her head, and with
pearl necklace and earrings. Her hair
was curle1 in long ringlets."
Between the different dances, the ta-
bleaux vvanis were exhibited at the back
Of the stage. A curtain. painted like the
frontisplece Of the PIckwick papers. was
drawn up at the sound Of u gong, when
the artists procured for the occasion were
discovered 10 attitudes and positions de-
scriptive OF several familiar passsg from
Mr.. Dickens's works. These were:
l. Mrs. Leo Hunters dress jeuner.
2. The middle aged lady in the double
beddcd room.
3. Mrs. Bardell faints in Mr.. Pick
wick's arms.
4. Mrs. Bardel encounters Mr.. Pick
wick in prison.
s. The red nosed man discourseth.
6. Mr.. and Mrs. Mantillini in Ralph
Nickleby's office.
7. Oliver Twist at Mr.. Mayley's door.
3. Little Nell, her grandfather, the
military gentleman, and Mr.. Sums un.
expected appearance. l..
8. Little Nell leading her grandfather.
10. The Strangessscrutinizing Barna-
by's features in the Widows cottage.
IL. The Pickwick Club.
IL. Washington Irving 10 England,
and Charles Dickens IN America.
The festivities, which passed off with
much good feeling, were continued TO
late hour in the night.