The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-04-15
CARNIVAL OF AUTHORS.
THE OPENING NIGHTS PICTURES.
A Spectacular Entertainment, with His
torical Tableaux, Mytholcgical Represen-
tations, und Military Pictures.

Spectacular Entertainment, with His
torical Tableaux, Mytholcgical Reprcsen-
tations, ond Military Pictures.
Those considerate persons who read the
notices OF the entertainment to be given at
Armory Hall for the benefit OF Company
ID, First Virginia regiment, could not
have expected last night anything OF the
highest order OF dramatic effort. nothing OF
the superior operate order, but only an
evening OF surprising pleasure, quickened
by that variety which lends spice and gives
qualification to an audience.
While the management could not pre-
sent everything in the shape desired, still IL
must be confessed that there was no room
for censure, and the Carnival OF Authors
opened with prospects as fair and as pro-
missing as could have been expected.
The hall was handsomely decorated, its
rougher elements ror which perhaps our
City Fathers shocld be called upon to ac-
COUNTY being concealed for the most part,
but owing TO the failure OF the arrival IN
time OF about 700 flags the ceiling and walls
felt the want OF the pretty cOlors which
would have otherwise charmed the eye.
The three stages at the east end OF the
Armory were fitted up with special effect,
the central being reserved for the most
effective acting. On either side there are
reserved what are termed side-booths,
wherein such exhibitions are shown as may
be deemed appropriate during the intervals
in the regular scenes.
Three galleries have been arranged for
the accommodation Of the public, access TO
which is easy and comfortable, and from
these seats full view OF the hall below Is
perfectly free.
The dressing-rooms are on the basement
floor, and are easily accessible to the stage
by new arrangement made by the mar
agement.
The main floor looks very pretty, and
shows the encouragement that the militia
ry deserves and should receive from our
business-people. The various branches Of
trade are represented here with an effect
that is striking, forcible, and pleasing.
1t would be wrong to mnutely describe
these exhibitions, but TO do so would be
pleasure-so so pretty, so finely representa-
tive OF enterprise are they all. TO enjoy
them one must see them, and the beholder
will be sure to vote Richmond deserved
tribute for appreciative merit in matters OF
this kind.
The entertainment last evening, for an
opening night, went off more smoothly
than the friends Of the undertaking could
have anticipated. With the great number
OF persons taking part, and all Of them
amateurs, the initial effort was by no means
an easy one. The management, therefore,
have every reason to congratulate them
selves upon the success they have so far
attained.
The brass band in attendance opened
the entertainment, after which the curtain
on the main stage was raised, and the
large number OF characters who are to take
part throughout the Carnival moved in q
grand march across the stage and then
wended their way around the hail. Then
in quick succession, with very few waits,
the three stages in turn exhibited the
scenes from opera and drama, interspersed
with tabieauX, statuary, and musical num-
bers. With such Il number and va
riety OF performances, where all ac-
quilted themselves becOmingly and to
the best OF their ability and experience, it
would be difficult and ttankless task to
credit the individual efforts. The statuary,
the dancing, and some Of the musical
numbers were especially good. The scene
from King John, Act H., was undoubted-
" the best dramatic effort. In this Miss
Hutzler, as Constance gave an excel
lent reading OF Shakespeare's lines; in
deed, it far surpassed anything we had an-
ticipated from an amateur.
On the whole the entertainment is very
creditabIe when the magnitude Of the I'M
dertaking is considered. With each sue
ceeding night the scenes will work more
smoothly and with greater satisfaction to
the audience. We would suggest that more
seats be placed on the main floor. Many
persons complained last evening OF the dis
comfort occasioned from having TO stand.
There was plenty Of seating-room, how
ever, in the gallery.