New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-09-26

WALLACK'S NEW THEA1ER.

|
of such entertainments make the heaer center OF
wit and amenity and where good taste may be shown
in all that is done on the stage as it is shown 20
abundantly in the form and furnishing Of the house.
There was nothing in all the brilliant events of last
evening not pleasant and proper They revived an in
tees which was Tagging and suggested in their happy
train all humos that make naturally the bright side OF
life and all graces which soften ts roughontlnes
There were restored the memories that lie in the shining
ras ofthe beautiful art Of acting and none ofthem were
blurred by regrets over present decadence. IL seemed
in that bright scene that the MUSES. celebrating
their own high festival and that claiming each the
ripful province and the Just symbos surprise and de-
light were moving them 20 unwonted reyes IL II too
much to cav that viewing the low estate to which the
drama he's fallen in New York and the fresh pertnence
that vulgar and degrading diipays have given to the
old protest against the theater great debt OF honest
gratitude Is due 10 Mr. Waack for providing center
of 10 much refined enjoyment, for prosecuting the
somewhat hazardous enterprise with 30 much patient
confidence in the stanch support Of respectable por
ton of the New-York public, and for the modesty and
dignity with which he offered his theater to atten
toni
This seemed to be the hearty feeling Of the great
crowd at the opening. Congratulations fell about like
sunbeams. and made the air delightful. The
smile Of a holiday season broke through the clouds
that wnrs aud rumors of war have drawn many
faces and dimpled in curiosity glee, and conentment
While the Younger NewYork that bent its pretty face
over the balcony, and uttered its laces and flowers
over an orchestra that Summer garden, thought
of the vast fun Of the thing il stood longer heads
were busy with the past, and there were many good
thoughts Of the viesstudes through which the city has
ra-..a zine. the Of wsllack was fret assoc-
| sted with lie amusement. That he should stand
| up now, bearing the burden Of the fnest theater
on the continent in the heart Of magnificent city that
scarcely dared call tself a town when he first stepped
upon American boards, was food enough for curious
reflection; and II was pleasant enough to see that II
many things have changed and passed away, the Wal
lack spirit and talent are not to be numbered in the
list but promise 70 hold out until many other trials
have been passed Never did number of people feel
in better condition for those kindly and touching Offices
which haow old and cherished relations. There is a
peculiar charm In the greeting Of old friends Of
the stage II Is satisfaeton to know that all is not
unreal and shifting in the mimic world. There
was q warmth in the receptions Of the fayortes
that constituted them sort Of sacrament.
The new theater has been described before;
but technical details convey idea Of the charm Of
its symmetry, the warmth Of s tone, the admirable
simplicity Of its decorations and the essential comfort
Il yields. The size will always perPlex the visitor,
for although ia any position close upon the
stage each tier reveals coseystowed depths and tue
effect always rather that of the saloon than Of the
tbeaer An audience is displayed TO Incompatible adj
vantage. In its compac,ness and soft brilancy the
house is not unlike casket for jewels IL takes the
best Of beauty, and degrades the luser of
gem or the bloom of flower by the ostentaton Of its
setting. There those essential provisions for the
! comfort Of the guest which not common In thea
ters simple 10 they are found 10 be- Color light and
air are equally well managed; the violent rush
of last evening produced serious discomfort except
in those cases of predetermined tbulaon over Which
managers have no control.
The first welcome was Mr.. Robert Stoepels, and
was heightened to furore of applause when, at the
close Of his medley overture of Union airs, he
with his orchestra to the strains Of the Star Spanged
| Banner" The touch was magnetic, and the whole
audience up in an instant, consecrating the place
| to the Union with the real enthusiasm. Mr.. Soepel
increased his Of laurels by the subsequent per-
Torrance of an extremely ingenious musical sketch Of
Broadway, many Of the hits in whRlr were quite re-
moved out of the sphere OF melodic tinlerng, and
keenly appreciated by the people.
Mr. Walacks speech, spoken in q storm of congratu-
lations, brief and ehsery. IL claimed health and
pluck still for the veteran, and allied him with the
North in enterprise, and sss expressed very warm
acknowledgements TO those whose lberaty enabled
him to carry out plans which were laid before conf
dence had been shaken or trouble foreseen.
The comedy is well fitted 10 the new theater. In
stead Of the Duke in Difficulties Tom Taylors own
title II has been named "The New President" The
plot is simple-a thread to twist good number of
clever eoquetries aud intrigues about The air Of
eallantry, untainted, breathes through it which
the Wallsck company always have to per-
lection. A German Duke 10 found in q highly
reduced state by a strolling theatrical manager.
His purse 10 empty his estate fallen, his power itself
threatened. His Cabinet have all deserted and are
intriguing against him. The actor and his company
arrive at moment when the Duke is pressed to enter
tain state visitors They volunteer pby the def
ciencies Of court CIRCLE The really and the accidentally
great are soon happily confused and 1t is in the delicate
badinage Of the actors and the unconscious enange
ent Of the titled folk that the point Of the piece
ssts There is lacking that great element Of dra-
matte success-not generally to be- regretted in the
works Of Tom Taylor-a backbone of vital interest, |
and the acts are disted by too much talking yet the
dialogue is 70 agreeable and the action natural that
is difficult to criticse especially in view of the mex
pressibe relief that simple language and decent
ners afford after all the vulgartes of the season. 1t is
nst necessary to dwell upon the acting. The company
il perhaps the most efficient Mr. Wallack has
assembled for many seasons Their dressing alone
was q compliment TO the audience. They went
through tie comedy with charming eaeo and
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