The Trinity times., 1855-04-28
0ut-of- -the-way Aspects of Life.
Bcesticks Goes to the Bowery Thcatre.

I've been to the Bo%ery Theatre the
realm of orange peel and peanuts-the legiti-
mate home Of the unadulterated, undiluted
sanguinaly drama-the school of juvenile
Jack -Sheppardism, where adolescent 'shoul-
dershitters' and politicians in futuro take their
first lessons in owdyism--where the seeds Of
evil are often planted in the rough bosom OF
the uncared- for bog, and developed by the
atmosphere of this moral hot-hosse, soon
blossom into crmo---where, by perverted
dramatic skill, wickedness is clothed in the
robes of romance and pseudo-heroism 30 en-
ticfngly as to captivate tire young imagina-
tion, and many mistaught youth goes hence
into the world with the firm belief that to ri
val Dick Turpin or Sixteen String Jack is
the climax of earthly honor--a place where
they announce grand benefit five nights
in the week, for the purpose OF cutting OFT the
free list, on which occasions the performance
last till the afternoon Of the next day-where
the newsboys congregate to see the play, and
stimulate, with their discriminating plaudits,
the star Of the evening. For this is the
spawning ground of theatrical luminaries un-
heard OF in other spheres; men who, having
So far succeeded in extravagant butioonery
or in that peculiar kind Of serious playing
which may be termed mad dog tragedy, as to
win the favor Of this. audience, forthwith
claim celestial honors, and set up as stars
And star benefit-night at this establishment
is treat the beneficiary feass the whole
company after the performance, and they
hurry up their work as fast as possible, SO as
to begin their jolliicatlon al the nearest tav-
ern; and they have preliminary good time
behind the scenes with such viands and pota-
bes as admit OF hurried consumption. So
that " hile the curtain is down, Lady Mac
beth and the witches may be seen together
drinking strong beer and deVourng crackers
and cheese; and after Macb,th has murdered
Duncan, and MacduH has finished Macbeth,
they all three take 'whiskcy skim and
agree to go fishing next Sunday; the 'Stran-
GER plays a pathetic scene, rushes from the
stage in passion OF tears, and is discovered
the next minute eating ham sandwiches, and
drinking Scoth ale out of the boltle-or Ham
let, after his suicidal sohloquy, steps oil, and,
as tke curtain descends upon the act, dances
a hornpipe with ballet-girl, while the Ghost
whistles the tune, and beats time with the
oyster knife.
But the Bowery audiences are, in their
own fashion, critical, and will have every
thing, before the curtain, done to suit their
taste. An actor must do his utmost, and
make things ring again; and wo be TO him
who dares, in leroeious struggle, bloody
combat, or q violent death, 70 abate one sng.e
yell, TO leave out one single curse, or omit the
1.-THE Of customary contorlion. lie will
surely rue his presumption; for many com
batant has been forced to renew an easily-wOn
broadsword combat, adding iicrcer blows and
harder stamps and many performer who
has died too comfortably, and too much at bis
ease TO suit his exacting audience, has been
obliged TO do it all over again, with the addi-
ton Of extra jerks, writings, ilounderings,
and high pressure spasms, until he has died
the death set down for him.
An actress, to be popular at this theatre,
must be willing to play any part, from Lady
Macbeth to Betsey Baker--sing song,
dance jig, swallow sword, ride bare
backed horse, fight with guns, lances, pistols,
broadswords and single-sticks--walk the
tipht.rope, balance q ladder on her nose,
stand on her head, and even throw a back
summerset. She must upon occasion play
male parts, wear pantaloons, smoke cigars,
swear. swagger, and drink raw whiskey
without making faces.
The refined taste which appreciates these
qualifications is also displayed 10 the selection
Of dramas suitable for their display. Shak-
spcare, as a general thing, is too slow. Rich ,,
ard III might be endured, Il they would bring
IN d hose when he colls iol It, and let nm