The New York herald., 1879-08-26
7HE THEATRICAL OUTLOOK
Interview with Mr.. Lester Wallack on
the Approaching Season.
NEW THEATRICAL ATTRACTIONS,
Re-engagement Of a FaVorite
in q Leading Role.
A PLEA FOR TICKET SPECULATORS.

It would be difficult to find in Connecticut more
charming retreat than Elmsmere tho country resi-
dence of Mr. Lester wallack. situate about two miles
In easterly direction from Stamford. Located on
the base of promontory immediately overlooking
one of the most picturesque portions Of Long
Island Sound. whose lmpid waters surround
it on three sides. Nature. while unusually
lavish with her attractions. evidently intended
it as place for invigorating repose.
Stretching away in the distance the sylvan de-
clivities which form the background Of Oyster Bay
and the verdurecad hills that greet the eye in the
beautiful harbor Of Glen Cove. while occasionally
the prevailing blue of the Sound itself is relieved
with tiny ffeet of white-winged yachts floating
ianguidly on the placid bosom of the water and
eagerly awaiting even the slightest breeze The
house, occupying commanding knoll near the
centre of thirty-fve-acre tract Of wooded land.
lawn. rock and rivulet at intervals is unique. mas
much it is precisely what the genial
hearted owner delights in terming it-a
cottage. "Only this and rothing more.'' 1t
presents sno mansard roof. no cupolas nor
turrets to the admiration Of the chance visitor
In the neighborhood but stands in substantial seclu
sion cosey, old-fashioned cottage. Of ample dmen-
stons to comfortably, nay luxuriously. accommodate
an interesting family representing two or three gen.
eratons besides the well cared for guests OF the hos
pitablo proprietor The surroundings must ne
cessarly be fatal to any feeling akin enu il
the waters did not abound in fish, Holsters and
OYSTERS the estate did not afford, in season. op
portunities to the sportsman for excellent snipe
shooting. In addition. however to these means of
enjoyment there the place a billiard
room of modern dimensions and style. racket
court. rifle range, and for the qualification
of tho gentler sex lawn tennis archery and croquet
grounds. Near the house groves Of tall hickory
and stately elns. the latter especially being noble
specimens; hence the name Emsmere. Fronting
the property are two miniature islands crowned
with foliage. the larger one. Quebe Island. afording
occasionally outrageous delight to Mr.. Wallacks
family and friends for picnic purposes. besides Offer
Ing admirable seclusion for bathing. AS the yacht
Columbia is not in commission this season cat
boat Of capacious dimensions (and named the Snpe)
has just been finished for Mr.. Wallack and will be
utilized by that gentleman. his and his guests
tor fishing and other little domestic excursions
1t was at Elmsmere that q HERALD representative
found Mr.. Wallack. in the enjoyment of robust
health and surrounded, apparently by everything
that can 60 to make up the sum Of human happi-
ness. During an ordinary conversation. in which
the landscape and magnificent water view were not
omitted. Mr. Walack called the writer's attention to
Asketch in sepia representing skirmish between
Cavaliers and Roundheads, and which had been
RroWn Dy his relatlve, MT JOnn everett Mlileles at
the early age OF nine years. This marvel Of youth
tpi skilis whichhsk only lately been brought from
England. Is very highly priced by Mr.. wallack.
The sketch is about twenty-four inches square. and
Is really wonderful achievement for q child every
position being different. and the attempts at fore
shortening being singularIy bold and successful
though foreshadowing the success which has since
been achieved by this artist.
INTERVIEW WITH Mp. wALLAcK.
The writer having requested Mr. Wallack's views
In regard to the coming theatrical and also of
tho dramatic situation in New York generally. he
replied -
I'm the first place. as you may have perceived.
the whole exterior Of the theatre has been to cer
tain extent reformed and entirely painted. The in
terror will be repanted, decorated. carpetcd and
on to give it fresh and comfortable appearance"
"Do you have new drop curtain this seasonY'
81 have. and am in hopes that it will be not the
least attractive feature of the house at the opening
OF the regular season. The proscenium draperies.
which form very important item in the general
effect. will be entirely In short. ut the end of
the present preliminary season the theatre will
main closed for few days, when carpenters. paint,
gilders and upholsterers will have all they
do to be ready for the opening night"
''When has that been set down forY
my present intention Is to make it Wednesday,
October 1, but possibly circumstances may induce
me to alter the day OF opening. The opening play
Will be new comedy by MIR. BOucicault.'
''Are your artists already selected for the coming
eeasonY'
.'They ore. and they embrace those well known
names which have been connected with the greatest
triumphs of my stage. together with some others
who will appear in this theatre far tho first time"
elm some of the,papers it has been asserted that
your leading lady is not yet chosen In others that
Miss Dyas was engaged. Which OF the reports is
"rhe latter; Miss Dyas engaged to fill the lead.
80 II have also observed it stated that you have dis
n1nnft I'm u.f
give the reasons for it?'
TRADITIONAL POLICY AND TRADITIONAL TASTE.
1.-The traditional policy OF management must al
ways be modified or changed according to existing
public taste. Now. there is such thing trudi-
tional TASTE well traditional policy and during
my management the traditional taste of the public
aps undergone very material change But still
which my father first opened thc old wallack's The
tire. which were to give comedy and mclodrama. to-
xether with plays of character i'll which .ninge the
elements OF both There has been no season during
witch have conducted the management whom these
plans have not been carried out"
"Dut have not what are known rs the old comedies
always formed the staple attraction at Walack's?
..Up to hve or six years ago they hod for1ned a |
most important item i'll the programme of amuse-
monts for u season, but now, let them be |
we'll acted and the scenery and accessories never SO
elaborate they will not draw even tolcrabe houses.
As proof OF this produced last year, after due
announcement. shcridans School for scandal and
Rivals, Hocrofts Road to Ruin Cocman's Joal- |
GUS Wife, and others, all produced and mounted |
with the greatest care and acted. am convinced, |
better than they could have Deen py any other Eng
sh speaking company of artists. Yet although |
these plays had not been given any stage for ivo
years they did ny for the of bringing them
out But comedy, though good anu paying attrac-
hou at my theatre years ago. never pocuniariiy
Rs successful as drama"
"Wili you name few of those plays which have |
proved most lucrative at Wailack'sY'
''Ihcre are II great many of them that have had |
long runs, but number among the most successful
Bouccauts Poor of New York Jessie Brown.
.The shatghraun. Fcuillets Romance of Poor |
Young Man., The Veteran and 'Roscdalc.' These
tie t.lu af.l bnva ha,n Inv far
the most productive"
You say your opening play will bot comedy by
Mr. Buucicault; what will be your next entertain
mentr'
"Mr: Boucicant will make his appearance in an
Irish drama written by himself. My present intcn-
ton Is that that shall succeed the opening comedy.
have other novelties by skilled authors, but whore
they will exactly como in during the season must
OF course depend entirely upon circumstances"
NEW YuMk NOT A TlINATRICAI