The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-10


opinion on the Missouri compromise, the Gads-
den treaty, and Dr.. Olds' new postage bill
THEATRES IN NEW YoRK-THE EVENTS OF
TIE PAST SsAsoN-The regular theatrical sea-
son il over, and actors and actresses, descending
from their mimic thrones, are preparing for
jaunts to the country or the seaside, there to
enjoy the usual summer vacation-six weeks or
theresbouts. The season just concluded has
been one Of extraordinary prosperity-play
were never before so we'll presented in this
city, and the people have literally patronised
al the theatres. The character and standing
Of the profession have materially improved, and
great many Of the old prejudices against the
players and the play house have melted sway
before the sun Of liberality. People have come
TO believe that man Is not necessarily hber-
tine and drunkard because he 10 an actor, and
that it is not impossible that an actress may be
as eminently distinguished for her perfection in
the important parts Of wife, sister, daughter or
mother, as she Is celebrated for her delineation
it's arms to receive the sons aud daughters Of
Thalia and Melpomene; they are no longer iso-
lated outcasts-they feel that they have some
thing to hope for beyond the footiights and
that they are as welcome in the drawing-room
as in the green room.
These facts considered, few remarks con-
corning last seasons business may be found in
teresting at this time.
During the last ten months, we have had six
regular theatres open in this city, viz: Burton's
theatre, Wallack's theatre, the Broadway
theatre, the Bowery theatre, the Nation
al theatre and Barnums museum. The gross
expenses of these establishments exceed nine
thousand dollars per week, or three hundred
and sixty thousand dollars for the season of
forty weeks. As every manager, with one ex-
ception, comes out Of the season with hand
some balance on his bank book, We may safely
estimate, with the opera and ballet, that over q
half million dollars have been expended for
amusements during the past year by the citi-
Gems Of New York and the strangers within her
gates. Employment has been given 10 fifteen
hundred persons, at salaries ranging from ten
to eighty dollars, and, by one theatre large
sum Of money has been paid to "stars-" It Is
fact worthy Of notice, however, that at
this house three spectacle pieces were
played to greater houses than those given
to any star, with the single exception
Of the gentleman who claims to stand
at the head of the profession in this country.
This is the most palpable rebake to the " star
ring" sy stem that it has ever experienced.
We give below . sketch Of the doings Of each
theatre during the season, placing them in the
order in which they opened.
Mr.. Burton opened his theatre in Chambers
street, ON the 10th Of August, with most ex-
cellent company. Certain improvements had
been made in the auditorium, and the uniform
rate Of fifty cents admission was fixed. 1t il
understood that the price Of admission 70
this house next season will be increased to
seventy 1--WE GENTS During the season about
fifty new pieces were presented, and several
Shaksperian plays, including "The Tenn
pest" "A Midsummer Nights Dream" and
1.-THE Comedy of Errors" These pieces
were put upon the stage in splendid style,
and were capitally acted. No stars were
allowed to appear at this house during the
season. In consequence Of large amount Of
building going on in the neighborhood, which
made Chambers street almost impossible, this
theatre was closed on the Gath May, after .
most prosperous season. A portion of the COM
pany have since been playing at Montreal, and
the manager is enjoy ing the sweets Of country
life at his delightful residence at Glen Cove.
The Broadway theatre was opened on the
10th of August with Mr. Sisbee the Yankee
comedian, as q "star." He was not very sue
cessful, his style being too broad. In the
course Of the season, Mr.. Forrest, Mr.. Anderson,
Miss Davenport, Miss Julia Dean, and Mr..
and Mrs. Barney Williams played engage
ments. Mr.. Forests engagements were very