The New York herald., 1879-08-26

clever lbretto and charming music being played in
New York in seven theatres ut one time and in the
United States. am informed. in 1870 theatres
simultaneously with great success every
where. especially in New York while admirable
plays and first class artists were being exhibited to
lueegre audiences.
What do yon attribute the success of Pinafore'
to? Is it to he found in the present tendency on
this side OF the Atlantic to admire everything that is
EnglishG"
that its depended upon its merits. But the
inmensity of the success was much in excess of
tnat merit that can only attribute it to what be-
fore said-the inclination OF the pnblic for rush
after something. or to run fashion into absolute
craze"
ment has taken sudden and enduring hold upon
the public?"
should say not Humpty Dumpty' some years
ago made almost great q furore as .Pinafore.
and yet pantomilne of that kind has never been us
..Yon do not look upon last season as what might
be called good theatrical one?''
Decidedly not; the theatre-going public seemed
to be in sort OF state of collapse. merely aroused
by passing fancy. SO that we managers had to work
on doing utmost to little purpose, and wonder
ing what the next spasm would be-"
AN ENCOURAGING PROSPECT.
''How do you regard the prospects for tho coming
"H am to believe those experienced in such
matters there will be immense deal of money
floating, which was all tied up in some way last
season And the effect on the theatres will be bene-
fetal i'll the extreme. One thing would seem to con-
firm this. and that was the first night of Mr.. Moss
preliminary season, producing, in spite OF the
storm. really first class house in point Of numbers
and money"
"Do not numbers and money signify the same
thing?'
to the theatre, who are always willing to pay us a
visit without tndulgng in the luxury of paying
anything else."
BY the way. are the prices at wsllack's going to
remain the same as they were last season."
"Precisely, with the exception, perhaps, Of the
private boxes which have hitherto been S less than
those of the other leading theatres
"There have been good many complaints made
of late in regard to ticket speculators will you give
me some of your ideas on this question:"
A PLEA FOR TICKET sPECULATORs.
my ideas on the question within the last two or
three years have undergone complete trans
formation. At first thought the system Of
in my power to put end to it. I for
bade them coming into the lobby front
entrance OF the theatre, standing the sidewalk
in front. even went far to solicit my neigh
bors on tho same block to prevent them using the
these exertions. instead of being appreciated by my
audiences absolutely giving them offence. have
gone out into the lobby over and over again. have
given my name to ladies' and gentlemen who were
purchasing OF the speculators and have told them
they were being imposed upon. and the replies in
vsriably received were polite. certainly. but
could be only construed as meaning. mind
your own business" OF course number
among the frequenters Of my theatre very many
acQuaintances well rs intimate friends. Most
of these have consulted this subject and have
always been entreated not to interfere with the
dation to the public. This i'll spirit what was
said to :-'f we are too busy or too forgetfu or
disnclined to head the rush for seats any given
night we are perfectly willing to know that there
are means by which we can always secure what
we want and do not begrudge the extra
quarter half dollar for the accommodation
In short in this case in every other where the
atre is concerned the whole affair depends upon tho
public itself. The opening of the box office is duly
announced the .irst come irst served principle is
honestly maintained, and il the public choose to
patronze the spectators really don't see why l
getting living, which after all is prccarous
Pray understand me rightly never had nor do
intend to have any share in these matters enter
into any cooperation with ticket speculators; and
take this opportunity OF saying the readily
because letter some time ago appeared in morn
ing paper stating that in partnership with
them. which statement was gross falsehood.''
s.But how is it, il you hold such favorable opin-
ion OF their transactions. that you have
sented to be concerned with them in any way?'
"Simply because it has been the opinion Of most
Of my friends and those about me that such connec
ton would be derogatory, and whatever my own
feelings may be in the matter succumbed the
wishes prcjudces of those whom regard"
A KINDLY woRDpFoR MIR. IRVING.
ITO change the subject from domestic to foreign
matters, have you any information that Mr. Irving.
the tragedan. is really coming to this country"
but should judge that he will not be here for some
time. at any rate: When man ia successfully con-
ductin hrct class theatre Of which he himself is
tho principal attraction it IL hardly the cards
that he should come 5000 miles away from it. let
the temptation be what 1t might.
''Have you seen Mr.. Irving act?
"Never since he became tragedian. Previously
had seen him frequently"
"How did he impress your?
''As q most gifted artist; admirably finished in
what he did, and evidently q close student"
'They say he is strong manncrist; would this
interfere. do you think. with his success in Amer
leap
II should imagine not, though it is difficult
question to answer. One thing is quito certain,
almost all great ragedians have been mannorists.
Kemble, Cooke. the Keans father and sony and
Macresdy were strong examples of this, and there
| q n o whv tlo mauueriam shouil iniure
Irving any more than 1t did his predecessors
"What effect have long runs, generality
Every good, regards advertising play for other
cities and good for the theatre 80 long as 1t was
drawing money; but not very good for the art, as
long run has tendency to make the performers
careless and to keep them too much in groove.
At this moment the tinkling Of bell interrupted
the stiffness hitherto prevailing. and the distin-
guished comedian saying "Lunch is ready. brought
fl,.. i,<av 90 rln