New-York tribune., 1868-12-23
ca&SaMlS WEEK AT THE rHE4TERs.


II has. we trust, been practically shown that
hetheaters have our good viii. In wishing them well,
therefore at the Christmas season, do not indulge In
mere idle form of words. Their history has been writ
tenin our columns and their successes have been com
memorated; and everything that we could possibly do
has been carefully and alphabetically done 70 uphold
their dignity and stimulate their progress While we
have NOT been blind to their defects 1t has been no part
of our policy to dwell with superfuou persistence upon
bonises and shortcomings. or to dishearten and dis
courage by unngated censuTe. An institution OF such
grave Importance the drama merits the fostering care
all who have heart the welfare Of the public and
the glory OF the nation. This is convictions upon
tins acted and since we have striveu to give
the theaters prosperity in all good works, may now
frankly and heartily wish them Merry Christmas! The
year its close The period Of universal merry
making has arrived. May the players old and young
rich and poor known and unknown enjoy it win the
re, of the world being happy themselves in giving hap
piucss 70 others.
As ,e critic thus holds out the hand and gives the
greeting Of friendship TO the players, he fails not to
observe IN what manner the Christmas finds them
employed. That they are very busy no sees at glance
and alone enterprises Of the moment but In pre-
parIfou for enterprises Of the future SO much activity
Indeed been perceptible IN the theatrical world
at corresponding season, for years Eight teaters
in active operation, besides Circus several Minstrel
Halls aud numerous exhibitions OF q miscellaneous
character while for four theaters each OF distinct
character and unusual interest the gates OF expectation
stand open vide 1t will not be amIss perhaps dwell
upon the salient points In this busy field OF action.
At wauack Theater since the 14th OF December, the
most brilliant light comedian OF his time, Mr.. Lester
walscK has been playing in a series Of sparkling
edes and TINS series Is still running Its character is
sufficiently evident in few Of its names: "Two Can
Flay At That Came" "The Follies Of Night" "speed
the Plough" Tie Captain OF the Watch;" "wOodcocks
latte Gsme.' The Wonder" and Money" As We
write these names the spirit Of many pleasant hours
comes back from the tomb OF memory, and in the still
around there is sudden happy noise Of music
aud ripping laughter mingled with the snap OF glitter
tug es and more the periumed air is full Of light,
the sOrdid Of everyday fade out Of the mind
aod yex us 10 longer To be conscious Of
this spell is 10 enjoy the theater. To exercise
is 20 be master Of the actors art and such master
Lester Wallsck has often shown himself to be. To tho
delicate vgoF the playful vivacy, the quiet humor the
w.t. and the easy finished portratures OF character
that combine his acting and make 1t delightful, We
have often before paid tribute Of applause That
they not lost in their charm has been fully shown
IN his present Of performances One Of the best OF
Mr. waacks personaons in the domain of the present
Il RopdeOek; and counsel all admirers Of comedy to
Improve the present occasion 70 see IT, 1t is the picture
Of bright mind sObered by experience 1t is type OF
aboundng yIyacty, tempered and softened by gentle
sentiment Another Of his good persOnations is
H0n Fctr. In The Wonder"-a far moro pro-
ut4VHslIdtiNe character, hH the cOlOr5
m IL being Spanish and bold the vivacity Of it being the
reflex OF an ardent stormy, sefwled nature, and both
the hnmor and the sentiment being but upon passion
For Christmas Night, Mr. Wallack promises Speed The
Plough" drama in which there great deal Of bos
cOmicalty alike Of action and incident founded
extravagant plot piece II is TO laugh over In
short and not 10 be curouGy considered Not unfit
therefore. for audience Of jubllant merryrnakers
such as is likely 10 together the occasion named
Next week money" But-"the sweetest Ia behindD
Two or three weeks hence ION the 4th OF January,
perhspsJ Mr.. waack will present to the
New-Yolk public, In such guise as the beautiful play
merits Shakespeares comedy Of Much Ado About |
Nothog" This is one Of the new enterprises not
by any means the least-to which We have referred.
That will be credtable 10 Wallacks Theater cannot
doubt That Its choice and assumption credtable
Mr. Walack need not be urged or such enter
prise comes within his province manager OF the lead
Ing comedy heateT in the land and thus the underta
Ing OF II may IN some sense, DO sad TO DO his simple
duty But we should not forget that public does It's
bos for the ost part to prevent managers from doing
duty IN reference 10 the legitimate drama II peo-
pie the theater for weeks even months 20
bad copies Of steamengnes steamboats, etc. and will
attend the Representation Of good plays tho manager
scarcely be blamed for taking the hint which thus
offered MOTTO take H. indeed, would be- after due time
TO put mp the shutteEs skifa concession is the only
practical policy for leading the public whehnOt TO dis
guise opinior-s most obdurate monster OF in
attudes aud that shows its caprcous and unjust
disposition in nothing than IN Its treatment Of the
alters TO run after hmeghts and stage-carpentry TO
encourage ana reward the mechanic iekery which Ia
tho caDker Of dramatic art in these times and then to
donOunce the managers for bg the stage with trash
emoeay characteristics OF the dramas patrons Of to-
day Upon the justice OF such conduct however there
Is ueed Of comment; is argument necessary to
show that the public has not behaved well |
ia tIis matter. The managers may not be |
Wholly bameless. Some opportunities may have |