Telegram-herald., 1888-12-30
AMUsENENnS.

A word this morning about criticisms and
notices Of thestricAl periormanoes-and
what volume Of comment can be made on
this subject The TELEsRAM-HERALD took
occasion yesterday morning 10 severely
score an alleged comedy called "A Postage
Stamp" and it is reported that the little
actors who are responsible for the presenta-
ton Of the infiictiOn gathered together and
exchanged mutual exClamations OF rage
and denuncation for this paper, and il is
presumed. more particularly the dramatic
| editor. Now. il makes no difference what
actors say regarding notices in this paper
whether favorable or otherwise. the strict
| truth, as near as il is attainable viii be told
concerning all performances at the theatres.
| The trouble has been in Grand Rapids that,
with few exceptions, all praise has greeted
all companies that have appeared here.
| This would have been most desired had the
| plays and companies meritec il; but the
| fault lies In the fact that the very bad
| shows received as large a share Of fulsome.
| inAiscrimipate gush ss the meritorious
ones. To criticise is TO tell the truth, to give
praise where praise is due, to find where fault
lies, and give reason for it and point out
| where improvement can be made. To say
a man is bad actor, without giving him
reason for the opinion. is utterly senseess.
| Criticism, then. is but the knowledge Of
knowing what should or should not be
| said or done. The critic must know
| all standards and schools of dramatic
art, be must judge squarsly honestly
| aud intCiligently. This must be bis dictum
at all times. Friendly relations with either
actor or manager must be disTegarded. II
| is much easier to fiatter than to ind fault.
II requires more perception, more thought,
| more work and analysis in the MIND of the
! commentator 10 m0desty discover unto an
| actor that of himself which he may not
I know of. than to pass him by. and lie TO
him with a score Or more OF aJiectiyes Of
praise To do this Is an injustice 10 the
actor and greater injustice TO the pubic.
To tell the public that play or company
is magnificent when il is not places the
| person or paper that says il on the same
equality 90 the fellow who gets something
under false prstenses. This principal would
have applied had A Postage Stamp been
| pronounced ore OF the cleverest and bright
est comedies Of the sesson.
| No one knows better OF the value
of frank and square consiGers-
ton OF dramatic entertainments than
Grand Rapids genial theatrical manager,
Charles Gsrwood. A newspaper that has
the confidence of Its readers. must repre-
sent the true state OF affairs 20 them 20 all
| times. Its opinions will De heedeo II u is
honest In word, this is what We will
| try 70 aim at in reference 70 attractions ~
the theatre And IL will be done ~ the
best of good sDirit with naugnt set down IN
Il - no E~r4s AL In~f
that Il will benefit all who may
be interested, companies. the MANAGE
.nd his strong box and the paper itself.
| Why A conscientious review OF the the
stre will win the esteem and confidence Of
the people who like the drama. Certainly
no manager wants the worth Of what be
has to sell nisrepresented. To do so on tho
psrt Of a paper is 10 abuse The business re-
aiious Il may have with him. and 10 drive
| AWAY patronage. This is what habtusl
praise does Tb. is where the lack Of at
tendance al the taestres y in great mes =
ure treceabe. To regain this falling of ID
patronage the papers can be % immessDrabl e
assistance. Tell the uDainohing. unprei--
diced truth about the shows,
Msnsrer GarwoOd has made arrange
uents with the celebrated Black Hussar
Baud and orchestra To give ore Of their IN
initable sacred concerts tais evening ~
Powers Grand Opera House and the music
loving public OF Grand Rapids vii Sure =
avail tbovs selves Of the opportunity q ifs-
tcninz 20 a musical programme Of uDusual
srceilence Below xe append The ITO.
srarrr1e Of the evening" TIE prices vii 10
nominal and within the reach of ST. and
eose for the benefit of the band errIris iveIV
heirg teu twentr aci fhi~ir oelfs anC g.
these prices fhe boase should bs packed
from pit 10 done.
r4r
. 49,.
a5''' o. '' s.s ssr rss5