The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-12-09

advanced, and we have thought it would be in
teresting 0 our readers to take retrospective
and prcs, oective view Of the theatres concerts
operas &c, &c. to see what has been doing,
what is being done, what is going to be done, and
how the cash accounts will probably figure up.
The public amusements of great city are
among its most important institutions. They as
sist IN forming the mind of the young, either for
coed or bad-they influence the trade of the me-
tropolis-they give support, directly and indi-
rectly, to thousands of worthy citizens and cit-
zenesses-they attract strangers from all parts Of
the country-they make brisk traffic in dry
goods Opera cloaks, lorgnettes, ice cream, fans,
.jewelry, bouquets, bon bons, liquor oysters hum
bags, and various other considerable and incon-
siderable trifes. We have now about twenty
places Of public amusement aristocratc and de-
mocratic-good, bad, and Indifferent. Among
these we find an aristocratic Opera House, eight
regular theatres, and two democratic Ethiopian
Opera Houses holding theatrical licenses. Each Of
these establishments has style of entertainment
particularly its own, and regular paying aa-
dience, which is not often attracted to any other
house. These theatres are nearly all new, and
are the finest in the world; about two millions of
dollars are invested in them, in buildings lands
decorations, scenery, properties and costumes
The nightly expenses Of the Opera never fall be-
low one thousand dollars; those Of the theatres
will average three hundred dollars per night; and
it is remarkable fact that while actors salaries
and all kinds of labor have risen from thirty
to one hundred per centum, the public has
steadily resisted any attempt to increase the
price Of admission to the theatres. We
have heard that ten years ago the
joint salaries of the three most popular artists at
Mitchell's Olympic amounted to twenty-six dol
lars weekly. The same artists now could not be
had for less than ten times that amount
The theatres have followed the uptown move
ment. But short time ago the principal houses
were the Park, in Park row, and the National, in
Leonard street. Neither Of those theatres now
exist. Down town we have only the Chambers
street theatre and the Broadway-the last named
establishment being closed for repairs Broad
way, between Howard and Amity streets, now
presents one blaze of light on every evening
Here are seven theatres, all within stones
throw Of each other, all new, or nearly SO, and
all making tremendous display outside and in.
Just now they take great deal Of money, and
their prosperity will continue till after the holt
days, when the hard times must come, with
sleighing, balls, parties and other gaieties which
divert the attention of the resident playgoers,
while the influx Of strangers does not commence
la.il April, when there is another good season OF
two or three months, and then the season is over.
During the hard times somebody must go to the
wall, and we may have a smash up on Broadway
equal to that of the great bear of the Stock
Exchange.
The present season commenced auspciously,
and such is the cosmopolitan character of our po-
pulation that the theatres suffered but little from
the excitement of the Presidential election. Max
Maretzek was first in the field, opening the
Academy for Italian Opera on the FIRST Of
September, continuing through that month
being ruined, Of course snubbing the directors
by the directors-then going to Boston for
three weeks. where he was ruined again
then coming back here, with n. lie Count
de Stankovitch as director somebody ruined
again, and the season 10 close on Wednesday,
when the troupe 60 to Havana. As the Cubaus
have bad no Opera for three years, Max expects
10 get some of their doubloons The career OF
this company is about at an end in New York /:
Thalberg and the Opera made too much luxury
for the musical public, and ii adhered to THAI
berg as the freshest novelty. Every little while
somebody makes great success in New York
and carries Off loads Of dollars. EllsslcT dill So
Jenny Lind did 50, and now Thnlbcrg has done
% His success is pure art success, and he will
leave an opening for new Opera company, for
which the materials ar; at hand. Nine. d'Angi
is one OF the very finest lyric artists that has
crossed the Atlantic. Mr.. Narctzek Is entitled to
The credit Of having given MS two new operas
4" Ia Travia,a" and l. 'Etolc du Nordr-a great
achievement, which was not properly rewarded
by the public.
an the regular theatres Mr.. Burton's lev house |
threw open it, doors 10 the public early in Sep
TENDER. Mr. Burton had n powerful company
and expended q large amount Of money in stock
ing his theatre. His efforts we're, aud still are
amply rewarded by the public. Mr.. Wallack's |
theatre was open during the summer, under the |
Of Mr.. Stuart, and after a short re-
cess, opened for the regular season under the |
same direction. Mr.. Wallack having relnquishcd |
the house Cor one season, in consideration of a
handsome bonus. Mr.. Stuart Immediately added |
some popular artists to the company, secured |
some Iactive stars, and so far his enterprise |
promises well. Miss Laura Kcene opened her
new theatre-a beautiful little box-on tine
.pto Of nlor. haa al f,,l
every hight, and from present appearances has a
fine season before her, although she commenced
rather late in the day. Niblos Garden Is the |
only theatre that has, SO far held its popularity
through all seasons. II has not been closed |
during the current year, and the Ravels have |
played a continuous engagement Of three hun
6red nights. Thalberg has also given his con-
A.. NJ N