New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1867-06-06

II is. we think, rather remarkable fact
that, at the present time, in the City of New
York, there is not a single dramatic perform
ancc given which a person OF taste and culture
can witness with entire satisfaction. Bits of
good acting may, indeed be noticed occasion
ally, Icre aud there; and there is abundance
of bright scenery for those who admire it. But
no dramatic performance T. given which de
ponds for its attmctiyeness upon either the III
trinsc merit of the drama or the art of acting.
And yet we have upward of eight prominent
thcaters in active operation.
On the leading theatrical attractions of the
city. due comment has been made, in these
columns, from time TO time We have tried 20
do full Justice 10 merits, without being blind
to defects. In the present instance, rs hereto
fore, We do not over state the truth. Thought
ful Observers of the plays that are now run
ming must bc unanimous in opinion that they
contain but very little dramatic merit. The
most popular of them is 1.-THE Black Crook"
which it were ludicrous pretense to char
actelizc as u drama. 4 few odds and ends OF
incident, from Faust "Manfred,p Der
Frcschutz" ETC., loosely knit together, afford
occasions for the display of ballctdanccrS and
scenery. In "Treasure-Troyc,' ut the Olym-
pic we see less dazzling spectacle than The
Blacl; Crook" and play that is good rs n
comedy of the day, but not standard work.
Mr.. Barnum has presented to his public mt the
Museum, an actress whose sole claim To con-
sidclaton appears to consist in her ability to
ride a horse. Miss Western may be seen, also.
AT the Broadway Theatcr, performing in the
drama of " East Lynne'-a composition of the
a. a,,,I t1,,t
only badly cultivated taste can endure. Else
where, few.wcll-won burlesques and eXtrav-
aganzas, not particularly well acted, vie for
patronage with the miscellaneous entertain
ments of the city.
Rightly used, the Drama is n great power.
Not only does it afford innocent amusement
in hours of relaxation from the cares OF
ifc-whch many persons appear to consider
its sole utility-but it calls into play the
finest faculties of the mind and the noblest
emotions of the heart. In this way II is a
constant and most efficient ally in that great
cause of education, upon which the future OF
civilization depends. A well-regulatcd stage
has significance for every mind, snmh or
large. Ii pOltlays character; 1t illustrates the
life of the passions; it Teviyes the mem
olable periods of history it rccreates the
dead and gone heroes of long ago; 1t
inculcates the loftiest sentiments of honor
and virtue it holds up to emulation the high
est ideals of character and conduct; it
stimulates admiration of noblencss in man and
purity in woman; it strengthens, in unsulled
natures, an inherent reverence for the sacred
idea of home, and for all the sweet domestic
virtues; it rcbukes, i'll evil natures, the SCOT,
the sneer, and the self brutalizing adherence to
iniquity; it exalts freedom and the love of
freedom; it interprets some of the most bril-
liant minds that have ever put on mortality
il enlargcs, broadens, and ecvatcs its votares;
it keeps pace with the progress of the age
and, working shoulder TO shoulder with
the schoolmaster, the liberal clergyman,
the philosopher the poet, aud the statesman,
it helps to make the world happier and better.
Those who desecrate the Drama by treating
it as if it were kind of corner grocery
and grog-shOp, may, indeed, scout this way of
considering the stage. They are the para
sites who suck the ile-blood of the dramatic
oak. 1t is only worth while to consider
them, however, when the time draws nigh FOR
looping them off That time, we believe, is
not far away. In thinking of the sad state of
tho Drama, we must not lose sight