The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-01-09


and parauet olrcle which would probably give
o greater number OF seats, and make the house
appear more comfortable AS the auditorium
is arranged at present, the different portions OF
the audience cannot see each other, This is a
very material defect, as theatre.goers like
plenty Of company, and a crowded house not
only inspires the actors to exert themselves,
but IL also contributes to the enthusiasm of the
audience. Most persons enjoy play better when
they have plenty OF company; and the empty
benches so often seen at the Cu esnut certainly
exerted q depressing influence on the SPIRITS of
both actors and audience. which was not
dimsnished by the unappetlzlpg doors of burnt
oyster shells proceeding up the heaters from
the restaurant in the basement. A cosy. COM
Portable clearinghouse has O decidedly potent
effect on the spirits OF an audience, and to
achive.this result the remodelling process
should be elected
The ceiling of the Chestnut is handsome, and
might with propriety be retained as 1t is at
present, but with regard to the other decora-
uons number of changes could be made
with advantage. But whatever system of
decoration may be decided upon the general
enects OF warmth. comfort, richness, aud ele-
gance should be borne in mind. IL will be re.
membered how, a few years ago, the directors of
the Academy of Music tried an experiment in
repapering the walls. A pale blue paper
changed the whole appearance of the house.
and gave IL such a cold cheerless look that the
press and public united in one burst OF indig-
nation, and it was found necessary to appease
the storm by returning to the rich crimson.
which was in keeping with the size of the
house and the other ornamentations. These
ideas as to the necessary changes at the Chestnut
have been set forth for the purpose of ellciting
comments from others who are competent to
judge in the matter. That a decided change is
needed we think all will agree.
AS far as location goes, the Chestnut is the best
situated theatre in tie city, and there is no
good reason why it should not become one OF
the most popular. The improvements neces
sary to make IL attractive internally would
probably not cost more than ten or fifteen
thousand dollars at the most. and the judicious
expenditure OF such an amount would do
wonders.
Under any circumstances the establishment
should not bs allowed to pass into the hands Of
other than thoroughly competent managers.
If the owner of the building will make the
necessary alterations. and then make proper
selection of manager, there is no doubt but
that the theatre will pay. There are gentle
men in this city who would make excellent
managers Mr.. Adam Eyerly and Mr.. Barton
Hill, of the Arch Street Theatre Company, for
instance are both of them capable OF building
up the fallen fortunes of the Chesnut, IL they
could be induced to undertake its man
sgement Messrs Hill and Everly
ere actors of ability, enthusiastic in
their love for the dramatic art, aud they are
gentlemen of education, taste, and Judgment,
who would command the confidence of the pub
lie. MIR. Lewis Baker, who 1t was thought
would take the Chestnut at the commencement
of the present season, would also make
good manager. Any of these gentle
men know a good play when they see it, they
are up In all the practical details of stage man
agement. ana In selecting theircompanies they
would endeayor to obtain the best talent avail
able. With the interior remodelled. with
competent manager at the head of affairs, and
with good plays produced In the style of ele-
gance and completeness that poor plays very
frequently are at the Arch, the Chestnut
Street Theatre ought TO be and would
be a success. The taste for the drama
is as strong or even stronger now than
1t ever was, and three or more theatres can be
supported in this city easily as one, IL they
are constructed properly and the managers are
gifted with gumption. The Chestnut is in the
right location to attract the best class OF au-
diences, and the exercise of little good judg-
ment Is all that Is now needed to make 1t the
model theatre OF the city.