The Rutland weekly globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1876-12-15


ter which the patrol is kept up until morn
ing. Theatres seem however still doomed
to the fire king, and few have ever been
demolished except through this agency. The
Brooklyn catastrophe will no doubt lead
the New York managers to a still greater
degree of care. 1t Is to be remembered
that the first theatre ever built in London,
where Shakespeare played Hamlet's ghost,
was burned down.
THEATRES AND ART.
Booths theatre is now ornamented with
fine picture of Lear and Cordelia, which
graces the porch. 1t may be observed that
the theatres are generally seeking the addi-
ton of art. Fisk ornamented the entrance
of the grand opera house with paintings and
statuary, and others arel following his ex-
ample. The fact that Lear is now per-
formed every night at Booths renders this
picture very appropriate. Barrett as Lear
is very respectable success. lie is one of
the few players who may be called a well
read man. In taking the role of Lear he is
showing the boldness of mighty ambition,
since ii is, next to Hamlet, the most diff
cult of the Shakespearian characters.
THE PICTURE YEAR.
What season this has been for the fine
arts New York taste indeed has never
been 80 richly fed as during the past ear.
In addition to the greater attractions, there
is Kohn's gallery in the Fifth avenue, and
also the art students league, both of which
are worthy of notice. Far more important
than these, however, have been the priva C
galleries opened to the public. One OF
these was Belmonts which contains some
remarkable gems. Another was ex-Gov.
Morgan's, which formed the cleif attrac-
ton of the "Loan collection" To this is
to be added the fact shat two of the finest
private galleries in the Fifth avenue have
beeu placed in the auction room since !, g.
New Year. This is a most remarkahl4
feature in the history of American art. The
galleries referred to are those of John Tay-
lor Johnston and of the late William Tilden
Blodgett. These two men were of the same
age and Of similar taste, which each was
enabled TO indulge through inherited
wealth. A year ago and each might have
been the object of envy, but now the one
is dead anu the ether is a bankrupt. Such
is life
AMATEUR THEATRICALs.
The season for this class of amusements
has opened with wide variety of style, bui
the Brooklyn catastrophe throws a chill
over their perfoi nance. 1t is to be remem
bered, however, that this branch of the
drama has never come under the destructive
power of fire. Among the societies now
hOurlshing for tie culture Of histrioniC
taste, one of the most important is the
"Windsor," which has SO far advanced as
to employ the Lexington avenue opera
house. The latter is a neat little place
and is mach employed by private thestri
Gals. A fortnight ago the "Windsor" gave
at this house the new comedy of the
"CiOuds," which was very creditably rem
dered. The "Amaranth" is another vel
known dramatic club, which includes som
players of acknowledged merit. Such il
the confidence felt by the "Amaranth" tia
it has volunteered performance in behalf
of charity. This will come off next weel
at the Fifth avenue theatre. The Forres
dramatic society is among the leading "pri
vate theatricals" in Brooklyn. Tn,
"Young Disciples" ia a society which vii
no doubt attempt histrionic practice.
MURRAY HILL.
This is the centre of elite society, AM
here the love for the drama has some la
ented as well as aristocratic enthusiasts
The Murray Hill dramatic association wo
| a name last year, and they have alread,
| opened the season by a performance o
so lrs" at the Lexington avenue opel;
| house. Fine music as well as credtabl
| playing marked this affair, which was strict
| ly private tickets being only issued to III
members. The Eclectic amateur dramatic
society though compar lively new, is in
creditabie condition, and OF eued the seaso
| by givipgJan entertainment at the Unio
| Square Theatre. The Wellack club cor
| tsfns su&e of the hest praCticed amateur
in this tiiy, some of whom are prepared 70
| regular theatrical service Ii recently CAV
a fine rendering os the loan of Lover
at the Lyoeum theatre, which was thronge
by a cultured audience There is grea
eagerness to obtain tickets to these prival
thea,ricals, which bid fair TO be among tn
attractions of the season.
OTHER ASSOCIATION.
The Portfolio is very popular as gail
ering of the young Hterati. Nothing his
trionic is attempted, but choice music. cor
versation and reading render it attractive
The last meeting of this society was hOnore
by the presence Of Richard B. Kimbal
who IS well known as the originator of
peculiar style of fiction which may be cal
cd "the business novel" He is a lawyC
by profession and owns handsome prof.
erty AS conversationalist he is very ell
quent and attractive, and on the occasIo
referred to he gave free play to bis fanc
and tracted large group by his remit
iscences of authors and characters of not
Mr.. Kimball's "S.. Leger" is really fir
elias, work, and he is the only lawyer
this city who has excelled in literature
But these pleasant themes are now covert
as with pail. Every social delight seen
Swallowed. The atmosphere is lank wit
the all permeatipg horror under which 8
ciely seems tdeink. In the midst of Il
Joy of the festive season We are plunged il
TO the "Valley of the Shadow of Death"
a manr or never before witnessed by
TIE HERMIT OF New York.