The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-12-08
Public Amusements..-Deer Hall.

Mrs. Barrow, an estimable lady and an ac-
complished actress, with a company of very
high order, re-opens Deering Hall tonight for
abrief season, and will present series of plays
worthy the attention of the best class of the
atre-goers In this city. We make no charge
for few suggestions in relation to a nuisance
that has become intolerable, not only at that
Hall but at other halls in the city, and which
has the effect to keep the best class of amuse-
ment-lovers from attending; we refer partic-
ularly to the whstling and other rowdyisms
of large boys, and the interruption and dis
turbance Occasioned by the noise in the gal
lery of large numbers going out every time
the curtain drops and coming in with their
thick soles and heavy tread soon after it rises
"A disturbance that frequently destroys the
effect of the play with all those who are anx-
ious to see and hear. Let it be understood
that Portland is not the only place annoyed
by such bad practices. Bath can equal her
any day, and we judge from the Kennebec
Journal that Augusta suffers from the same
evils. That paper says:
Nearly every public entertainment in the
halls OF this city is spoiled by the unmannerly
conduct of many who attend If there be
particularly delicate strain of music, 1t is in
terrupted by loud talking. 1.-THE audience be
in good humor, their sentiments are manifest
ed by stamping on the dusty floor; and it in
variably happens that those who leave the
hail before the entertainment is concluded.
sit upon the front seats or in the most distant
part OF the gallery. 1t Is time this nuisance
was abated The most disorderly secure the
best seats, to which of course they are enti-
tied, if they get them, sit with their hats on,
aud talk loud during the whole performance.
large number always leave before the per-
Torrance Is over, and seem to make as much
noise In doing SO as possible. Then there are
boys who whistle, by way Of applause, in
manner peculiarly annoying to those with
sensitive nerves. We trust our city authori-
ties will take measures to do away with this
evil, and that those who have charge of the
military patrol guard will suppress all disor-
derby conduct on the part of the soldiers.
We understand that the managers of concert
and dramatic companies do not hire any police
officer, but are accustomed to let in all of the
starred officials, with their families, free, ex-
pecthg their presence to secure good order
Poor economy. Better, far better pay one or
two efficient officers, and enforce good order.
and the increased receipts will show that the
public appreciate such efforts to abate a nui-
sance. In our opinion the managers them
selves may cure the whole evil by very sim
pie process. The boys indulge in this un-
earthly whistling, put their feet over the gal
lery front, and indulge in other rowdy DEM
onstrations, not from vicious motives, but
from sheer force of habit. Let the manager
inform the audience what he expects, warn
the boys against such offensive conduct, and
invite all wel-,ninded persons to assist in
bringing the persisting rowdies to the notice
of an officer, that they may be elected from
the hall, and on no account allowed TO re-en-
ter without guarantee Of good behaviour
This will stop the whistling, beyond doubt.
1t is the sole fault Of those who direct the
door-keeper that there is so much noise of
persons coming in after the curtain rises, be-
tween the scenes. Let them refuse to give
passes-except between the different plays, If
there be more than one-so il any one goes
out he will have TO stay out or purchase new
ticket. Ladies never go out during the enter
tainment; why should gentlemen? No one
goes out when the house is crowded; why
need they when 1t is not full. and when a foot
fail is so much more annoyinge We hope Mrs.
Barrow's manager will think OF these sugges-
tons, and notify the company that no passes
will be given TO return except at the end of
the play, or at any rate that no one leaving
the hall when the curtain falls, will be allowed
to re-enter after it has risen upon the next
scene. Try this and abate nuisance, and all
lovers of the drama in Portland will return
vote of thanks, and the Drama itself will rise
in public estimation hundred per cent.