The New York herald., 1872-10-07
Theatrical Progress In America.

to be devoted to the interest of high art. bis
friends looked upon the venture az rash
one. So, indeed. it appeared at the outset:
but gradually the public recognized tho
merit and value Of elevated comedy, and
the little uptown house became the
temple Of art in America which was
destined to raise up the popular taste to q
higher level than it had yet reached In this
way it contributed to the growth of that his
trionic taste which promises to grow with the
growth of our city until we shall at last reach
the most elevated point of dramatic culture.
Could the playgoers of twenty years ago
come to life again they would certainly
be astonished at the liberal patronage Of
the stage by their successors. II is no longer
question of adequately supporting one good
house. While Wallack's still maintains it's
proud position the leading theatre Of the
metropolis numerous rivals have sprung
up on every side whose contention for
public favor has exercised a happy influence
in improving the quality of dramatic
representations. So that year by year,
as the popular patronage Of the stage de-
veloped, the desire for superior artistic merit
became moro widespread, until at last oulti-
vated and critical public opinion has been
created that is rapidly driving from the scene
the trashy productions which formerly con-
tented American audiences BY giving
dignity and character to the stage this
same exacting critical spirit has tended
more than anything else to widen the influence
of the drama by elevating it. It is to this.
cause, more than any other that managers
owe the ever-increasing audience that fills
nightly some twenty metropolitan houses.
Nor is it in the attendance alone that
the growing power and popularity of
the theatre is manifested. As the pub
lie will no longer be content with
the simple deceits practised by our fathers, but
must needs be cheated into belief of the
reality Of the scene, the consequent expense
has TO be met by increased charge for admis-
sion. This in all cases where superior enter
tainment is furnished is paid ungrudgingly,
and there seems to be an increasing tendency
to further advance the cost of theatrical amuse-
ments.
For some years the managers have reaped q
rich reward, but this season promises to pro-
est harvests that have been hitherto gathered.
Wherever the state of public taste has
been recognized by skilful management
we see nothing but prosperity. Even
the Grand Opera House, which has almost
always been associated with financial failures.
under able management fourishes in manner
that must astonish even Mr.. DAILY There
'King Carotte'' rsigns supreme over houses
crowded nightly to excess. Under the same
management the Fifth Avenue affords the op-
portunity to high-toned swelldom Of admiring
perfection of millinery that must cause many
heart burning to the fashionable ladies who
own to weakness for "modern society plays"
We ought not, perhaps, to blame these people
too severely, as they are honest enough not to
pretend to like something better which might
be above their comprehension, and 80 they es-
cape from the sin Of hypocrisy. ''The Union
Square, as the latest aspirant for
public favor, gives evidence of recognition Of
the new tone Of public thought that is making
itself felt In all classes Of entertainments.
The success which has attended the expert
ment made in this theatre of catering to the
refined and cultivated classes rather than to
the noodles who seek distinction by adopt
ing "fast'' habits, and the rowdy ele-
ment, will, doubtless, have happy effect
in inducing other theatres to follow
good example. After years Of absence Dion
Boucicault and his clever wife have returned
to New York. The magnificent reception ac-
corded to them is one Of the best proofs of the
intelligent appreciation of the public for
histrionio ability of high order.
Night after night the immense auditorium Of
Booths Theatre is crowded by an enthusiastic
and admiring audience who show beyond
cavil that a good play, we'll interpreted, will
always secure public favor and golden re.
ward.
The same results were renewed on
the opening Of Wallack's for the Fall
season; with some twenty theatres doing
an unprecedented business it was still
found possible to achieve remarkable sue
cess with classic comedy which had nothing
but its dramatic and literary merits to recom-
mend it. There were no contemporary effects,
no sensation scenes, no questionable morality,
to give salt to stupid situations, and no
dresses from Worths to excite feminine
envy; yet, with all these aids to success
absent, Wallacks made q great and decided
hit with "Pygmalion and Galatea." Such
thing would have been impossible very few
years ago. and there were those on Tuesday
night who believed it rash expert
ment, but they have since changed
their minds. All these events are 80 many
proofs of the satisfactory progress we ara
making towards the goal Of dramatic excel
lence. We are convinced that before many years
have passed New York will stand in the
front rank, if not at the head Of
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