The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-06-04
New Haven.
Correspondence of the Herald

Correspondence OF the Herald.l
Sorry OF ELMs," May -, 1916.
Theatrical Exhibitions Fsrbidden-Ho,c Epaded-
P'iuate Iheatfcals-A Great Desire for Places of
An,usepents
Never before, Think, have taken pen or pencil,
to give to your paper the shortest communication
from this-the "City of Ems.' Yet some things
have transpired within few days Of so novel
character that can do no less than send you short
account, and let the guide people, as well all ac-
tors and actresses know that "a chiefs amang them
takin notes."
You must know that it is directly opposed to all
Connecticut law to have any theatrical exhibitions
within the confines of this State, either on land or
water But the theatre going spirit of New Haven
has become aroused and is now so eager, that 1t
can and will no longer brook this "bue," and plea
sure preventing law. IN t.s Yu.h .ee@a
"The Young Mems Institute"-an institution esta-
blished for the praiseworthy object Of Improvement
This Institute has been accustomed for several
years give exhibitions which ought TO be entirely
private, and exclusive of both sexes Such, how
ever is their idea Of their dramatco-comco talents
that they frequently convert the Exchange Saloon
into an legitmate theatre-lssue their hand-bills,
and attempt to gather an audience. To collect an
audience is the part the most easily accomplished,
tor as llntinaed, the people are tgerherce tor ex-
hlbitlons, which SAVIOR, however, little OF regular
theatre or circus.
Last evening "Wednesday they gave one. 1t was
the benefit Of no particular individual; but for the
benefit of all AT half past O'Clock, respectable
number OF the theatre going population OF the city
were assembled IN the Exchange. They were I'M
patient for the curtain to rise, and the boys who al
ways occupy the front seats at all public meetings,
here gave signs of their unbounded curiosity to see
what there might be behind that painted mountain,
by kissing, whlstlng, and other sounds, familiar
to frequenters of such places Of amusement
What do you suppose was the play! BE not
astonished! Twas no other and no less than the
Lady Of Lyons" by Sir Edward Lytton, Bulwer
Such was the presumption of these; youthful aspi.
rants for theatrical reputation and honors! Oh!
Bulwer! Bulwer! an evil night for your shade was
this Better had it been for you, that you had
written this piece. Well the curtain did rise, and
all its rich and splendid scenery. There was to be
seen snow and grapes, water and animals, stoves
and fans, promiscuousy daubed about. But what
called forth the admiration OF the audience most,
was two specimens OF nature seated on damask
sofa which seemed altogether out OF place and
now believe it was hair bottom sutfused with
bushes. These beings were none other than the
representatives of Pauline and her mama. You
can suppose less than that they ladies',
though ugly. But they were not-they were men In
would-be woman's shape. But why attempt to
describe them! They surpass description, and none
but house painter could have painted them. But
just imagine for the beautiful Pauline-an ugly, un
couth, gauky youth, of about five feet eight
inches, with hands SO large and red, that pair OF
white kid gloveswould have bushed to cover them,
but which were partly covered by brown linen. Her
feet oh Venus Oh, MUSES. if we had feet, what
pity! Her dress is easily described II was glazed
pink muslin, with, should think, black painted
border round the bottom. oh, We. gods, what
form what a neck and shoulders. Reader,
did'st ever see female fish-seler ? And oh, what
voice! Its tones were bewitching-and, oh, the
looks she gave him The character of Claude Mel
notte much better supported; and, indeed, may
say, very well acted. 1t was played by Charles
Rattle, an old stager, and who, we think, did him
self great credit in acting, but much dshonored In
being caught in such company. | imagine he
thinks it better to be the head of than the
tail of a lion AT any rate he was at the head of
mouse last evening" and very small one, too. In
a word, the whole affair was despcably mean, and
reflects much dishonor upon city, whose popula-
ton can pay five hundred dollars for music to be
played upon its green twice week. We admire,
however, the spirit that prompts the young men TO
attempt something of the kind, although they have
altogether mistaken their abilities. What -prac-
teal clerks and shoemakers conduct theatre
What would Macready, Forrest, or Anderson say
to this On the whole, there is affected spirit OF
opposition to theatricals in this city, that cannot
much longer resist the spirit Of the young for inno
cent amusements and why oppose it !! The young
will have diversion of some sort, and If they cannot
get it way, others will be devised. A place OF
amusement ought to be founded here; and, Judging
from the way exhibitions of all kinds are attended,
it would meet with good and hearty support
| had intended to have given you some other
news about town, but let it be reserved for future
communication. Very truly yours,