Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1882-08-30
RsopEs1ke OF TIE rHKArEn.

cation of an entirely new temple of the drama
The history of the Metropolitan Theater has
been detailed in series of articles in the
RECORD MON during the last fsw weeks,
and few days ago specific description OF
the reconstructed theater appeared in these
columns. Last night the new structure was
opened for the first time to the public, and
was filled by q brilliant and representative
audience. The play was " Hazsl Kirke, !"
and the company was from the Union
| Square Theater, New York. With the ex.
cepton of two characters, the presentations
were by the same actors that appeared
here year ago, when the play was presented
| in the old Metropolitan. The exception
were, the character of Lord Travers, now
| filled by Mr.. Grismer, q well-known and pop.
uiar actor; and the part of Dolly Dutton,
now filled by Miss Ada Gilman. The other
| characters were presented by Effis Ellsler,
Mrs. Kate Denim Wilson, Mrs. E. l.. Daven.
port, Q. w. Couldock, Charles Bowser, w.
| b. Cahill, Edwin Milliken, Frank Weston and
good support. Concerning the method of the
troupe with this dramatic idyi the remarks
heretofore made fully apply, willie the WELL
balanced company afford the auditors fine
entertainment. The same play will be re.
| peated tonight. Undoubtedly the chief at
traction to last nights audience was the in
1t feasted its eyes. The general verdict was
one of warm approval. Under the strong
light of innumerable gas je.s, the soft tints
OF the walls, and the fl ,ral decorations dis
posed thereon by The fresco artists. were
brought out in all the fullness Of the
| intent OF the designers. So, too. with
the finish OF the upper circle front, the grace
ful curves and lines of the broad deep DOME
the simple ornamentation of the proscenium
and ia arch and ha rich 6rararv hacly g he
same-the effect of all was pleasing IL a high
degree. and more than fulfilled the expecta-
tlons OF architect, owner, builders and paint.
eIs. The gas haugings are numerous, chaste
In design, and yet rich in fi3ish. The drop
curtain, already described il these columns,
was seen to the very best advantage beneath
the blazs of footlights and flashing chande.
iers. OF the scenery. one OF the new sets
was presented to vlew-an interior or parlor
set-snd proved to be in keeping with the
finish of the entire theater, and was the best
set of its class ever seen here. Manager Sim
mons, it is understood, is to introduce other
rev scenery as rapidly az he is able
to do SO. The one inharmonious thing
last night was the worn old scenery
of the old Metropolitan that the management
was compelled to use in certain scenes in the
play. The seating of the theater is admi-
rable. The seats in the dress circls and par
leather-cloth, and having folding bottoms, be.
meath which is spring rack for hats and
light wraps. This folding seat and
the rack find protection from the
| feet of those in seats to the rear
| in strong iron guards that prevent
any encroaehment The chairs have
high iron backs, with the inner side concave
and fitting admirably to the back and
shoulders. The seats are ornsmented 10 q
HIGH feornn aud add rnnaf, 70 h.
pleasing effect. The family circle and gal.
lery are comfortably seated with cushioned
| benches. The orchestra is we'll hidden in q
deep recess, and the muscular efforts of mu.
sicians will no longer intervene between spec
tator and stage. The acoustic properties of
the building proved thoroughly go ID, and no
| difficulty was experienced In hearing in any
part OF the house all that was said on the
stage. Some of the front seats of the gallery
will have to be raised, as their occupants
complained OF Inability to see the stage from
| them. This was the single and only complaint
heard last evening. Early in the evening
some Inconvenience was experienced by heat,
| but arose from mismansgement of the venti-
lators. When properly opened later the
house atmosphere was brought to a proper
temperature with ease. Viewed as a whole,
the theater is one of the handsomest and
| best in the State. l. will seat |. 900
people, has broad Hobbies, numerous
exits, handsome open boxes, carpeted aisles,
! convenient retiring-rooms, very superior
main entrance, is beautifully lighted, is
well supplied with the best of ventilating ap-
planes, its ornamentatiUn is pleasing, all it's
lines graceful, and the whole interior inviting
and comfortable. Il is now theater in
every way worthy the capital city of .he
State. Prior to the play last evening, the
| orchestra played America, when Walter
Nj wi n r,louad in ~ IL
tan when it opened so many years ago, and
| who always has been favorite actor and re.
spected citizen, here stepped before the cur
| tain and recited the following address in
strong and feeling tones. He was received
with hearty applause and twice interrupted
| by plaudits OF she audience:
When friend TO friend returns the grasp that tells
The bliss which heart to heart responsive feels,
| The electric spark that flashes from the eye,
| As CLEANS the Aurora in the northern sky
such mute but meaning eloqlence affords
More utterance than can be found in words
| But am here to speak for unto you,
Inc friends OF by-gone years, some words are due
| Aud IL they're fifty spoken, your applause
| Should raise an echo worthy of our cause
Our cause, the Drama, when the somber night
OF barbarism fed before the light
Ot Grecan splendor, In the classic land ~
where art was born where Homer's mighty hand s
| oeizeu on tfe magic Tyre OF p0e.y,
| And swept its chords for immortality:
ihere, truth, begotten in suspicious hour
To sway the human soul with wizard power
To light the path and cheer the heart of man.
Inc star gemmd goddess first her course began.
And what has been her course her teachingsg Say,
Are they what SANDER calls them :! Does she lay
a snare for virtues footsteps? Is her smile
That OF syren-only guilt and guile?
Turn to her recerds-scau them-naught impedes
Follow her path, and scrutinize her deeds
In the long lapse of centuries, whose tide
| Has swept Ger system that have lived and died
Ger thrones and affairs, priests and potentates -
Through chaos, veal or woe, the Drama still
surVl' ess hss- glorious mission to fulfill.
IYhe blind fanatic, who, in righteous zeal,
Breaks his Creators image on the wheel
And that more odious bigot, who in spite
OF clearer reason and of truer light,
Hates with holy hatred everyone
Whose creed hairs breadth differs from his own
| The stony hearted usurer, who rears
His wealth on widows signs and orphans tears;
The shallow empire, who, with gold in view,;
| Depletes his patients veins and pockets too;
The demsgogue, who, with no selfish wishes,
Loves his dear country and her loayes and fishes -
| The braness fop who bursts his stays and dies
| For one dsar smile from darling Jua's ewes -
The fool or fashion and the idie drone,
Who live by thews and sinews not their own
The solemn blockhead, big with pompous speech
The casuist, whose metaphysics teach
! That wicked means may serve holy end
The perjured lover and the faithless friend
| For these the Drama barbs her shining dart
| And sends her arrows quivering to the heart.
But for the modest maid, the striving YOUTH
The faithful teacher and the man of truth
For stern integrity that walks the road
OF duty, with reliance upon God
For meekeyed charity, that thinks no harm;
| For honesty, that knows no % itching palm :"
For every noble thought and manly sense,
| The Drama pleads with burning eloquenee
| thph hold anAkf ind thaF raa
The Dramas cariou voice for liberty
Tails TO the people, and her tocsn bell
Inspires Washington or nerves a Tell;
Her purpose STILL as when her work begaH,
| To light the path and cheer the heart of man.
In this her gorgeous temple and her home
Where youth and beauty, worth and bravery come
Her priests and famens now, with grateful miep
Bid You thrice welcome to the mimic scene.
To keep their affairs pure, their worship true
Devolves on them no more, dear friends than you
Watch well the temple, guard the sacred trust,
And while on guard be generous and just.
Judge W. a. Henry, after music by The
orchestra, then came upon the stage and
liGes, written for ths occasion by w. A
Anderson:
When Thesps asserted his wonted sway,
And Avons Bard proclaimed all the world
| stage,
knowledge, uiirth and -offsprings of the play
Awoke the muse, form'd and tabled a generou
| age
The Delphic priestess, whose consecrated shriae
| open'd the realms of pure dramatic art,
Where golden thoughts are culled from the voice O
| time
To instruct and guide and cheer the heart
History, romance, momus, are in the play com
bined
Before the footlights pass in grand review
The scenes OF life-by genius and virtue enshriued-
Toennoble man and teach Us lessons true.
Upon the stage Apollo,s brightest genius lives;
There glory shines like dawn's blue rays
Which interprets the words our wondrous Shakes
peare gives,
, And tonight recalls the light Of halcyon days.
Here we find the laurel wreath OF fame