The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-10-10
HrGH-PRICE ENTERTAINMENTS.


Lawrence Barrett and company have beer
| amusing the Helena public the past week In
frst-class tragedy. Besides Mr.. Barrett there
are several fine performers in the company
and had the price of admission been withiz
reason they would have had full houses every
evening.-Helend Critic.
Our attention has otherwise been called to
this matter OF high prices, parties stating
that 1t debarrsd people Of moderate circum.
stances from hearing the best orators, actors
and singers; Questioning IL 1t was not the
duty of the press to discountenance these
prices, and suggesting that the managers
doubtless consulted with editors in relation
to these matters. There Is something in this
question ; and there are two sides to it. The
management of dramatic circuits is cenduc-
ted by managers purely as business matter.
They do not assume to do business as philan-
thropists. The attractions they present to
the anu ement-loving public are considered
by them solely from the standpoint Of how
many dollars they CAD net thereby-just ~
every other business man considers his VEN
lures. The seating capacity Of Montana
theatres is limited even in Butte and Helena.
There is practically no auditorium anywhere
else. There are attractions, Patti for in
stance, that would cost more for the prima
donna alone than all the seats in Ming's or
Rsnshaw's theatres would bring at 50 each J
Managers can run thence down the scale Of
attractions until they reach companies or
lecturers costing $50 night. The question
that confronts a manager is Will they pay
He selects a company that costs him, say
5000 to $500 night He figures that at the
usual rates 1t would not pay to present it.
But II, for the chance OF hearing this extra
ordinarily meritorious and expensive attrac-
ton, he believes the people will ill his
houses for few evenings at double prices,
he may make the venture. This was doubt
less Dir. Maguire's reasoning Of the Barrett
about it; he probably did not consult any
editor. Further, he has not paid or prom
ised to pay or negotiated with US, or solicited
fer any mention Of the Barrett company.
What we have said has been wholly gratui-
tous, to encourage the bringing Of higher
dramatic talent to Montana, and to point out
to cur readers their opportunity to hear, per-
haps, all things considered, the first actor OF
America We wish all could enjoy these en-
tertainmeuts. We believe, in the abstract,
these high prices are an evil-perhaps an un-
avoidable evil in this case. Tho whole peo-
pie would be the better Of hearing such rem
ditions, and we would like to see the prices
such as would place attendance within the
reach of all. In the cid countries this fact is
and operas and the higher drama
are under government or personal patronage
enabling such opportunity. On the other
hand there is good deal Of humbug in the
plea Of many that they cannot afford to at.
tend on account of the price. With many it
Is cold fact. Many others squauder, use
lessly or worse, on an average every day,
more than the admission would cost. This
double price business will adjust itself Iflt
don't pay, it will cease. There is no seut.
ment in a managers calculations. II cer-
tain line of entertainments will not pay,
cheaper grade will be offered II single price
tickets will put more money in the box than
double price tickets, they will be sold. Man
lger Mcguire is experimenting with his cir |
,uit and his prices. The same thing is done |
n New York and New Orleans. The Same |
hing is done by the farmer and merchant in |
heir business. He is entsrprising, venture |
Ieme, and knows what are frst-class enter |
ailments. He is trying the best on In Mon |
ana. IL they pay or can be made to pay,
hey will be continued; If not, we will get |
ess expensive grade. A third Of a century |
Igo, when silver dollars were bigger than |
art wheels, it cost five Of them in the States |
o hear Jenny Lind. Eighteen years ago 1t
cost 50 30 to hear a mediocre company in
Helena. That is the same price charged now
or a company that IL not excslled in tho
J nited States. But times have changed,
md we doubt If the two price system will be
,ztroniEed. The solution Of the problem
will probably be-one price tickets, greater
eating capacity and full houses.