New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-01-03
PBCCLIlRITIEs OF PIRISI4N THEATRES.
Karl Karoyi's letter to The Bost IN Journal.

Karl karo,Nts letter 10 Inc BOSt N Journal.
Plays in paIi, generally begin III : O'Clock
over earlier the audience would think hat they had
not received their moneys Worth of bad AIR and god
would be uncomfortable 10 an American. were il not
walk for twenty minutes in the large foyer or
go ont and get H,tle fresh air: rIc drchestra
ment 10 remain In the hot. garlic scented air during
that time There Is generally bright LITTLE one ACT
they call 1t here. and the main picce begins about
ocl 'ck. 10 late diners and others need not 30 10
play. But the acting is always good here and the
French as spoken on the stage 20 fascinating. that
II Il does shorten my life ID Tie and necessae extra
fimgation when return home.
II is matter of some formay to get into French
America. throw down few silver car wheels with on
screaming American eagle on the other and enter the
theatre md take your seat No. there Is good deal
OF rd tape TO be unravelIcd before that II You wish
good place yon must 20 To the theatre few days In
advance politely take on your hat TO the ugly and
the seats you wish. When she has finishes discussing
the latest style, from Russia WITH her assistant She
ply, rs friend OF mine did who was not well up in
French, Come ON, Yourself but say your porie
ugly old womnn's friends have not reserved ali he
places. she Will write out document a large sheet
Of green or red paper for they never have printed
the play. the chief actors name the date and official
number Of the performance, after Gi,ng il well
blotting paper and demanding - cents extra f,r the
Government stamp. she will hand IL over 10 Won i'm
exchange for French gold ON the evening Of the
performance yOu purchase programme of n man AZ
the door and walk up to the desk where three French
men In dress suits preside.
Your troubles then begin. These Judges, act A,
ticket takers One of them examines the green or ,d
document that yOt procured with much trouhIe IN
that IL Is not forgery. and that the date etc n
all right and then passes IL To his associate
judge In this supreme court OF united French red tape
who looks II all over and tears of corner and c1s6
in loud voice "DeuN peISonnes a couch or
words to that effect Perhaps Won think YOU are IN
the theatre then. oh. moi You have yet to pas
the Cerberus who guards the inner door This Is AZ
ugly old bag with white cap who takes your
Ticket and insists on leaving your coat with her.
II 1t Is summer and YOU have nothing leave OF that
kind she will then ask you for her little benefit"
she calls IL, In advance, before she will let YOU
20 to yonr seat. You must pay mp fight. and
advise every one TO pay cash. as II T. cheaper in tho
end These ugly Old women, who are known
as "ouvreuses' lopcners), and who keep an
eve wei open for halffranc pieces Tor
wholc ones II YOU have pretty girl with vou
really run the theatre. or at least ali that part Of 10
IN 'front.' Of the foolghts: IL You go often the same
theatre II is best to fee them well no matter how much
YOU NAV dislike the custom They aiwavs insist on
furnishing dirty little fooStool (Which is always In
the way 10 Tire sweet girl who Il with YOU but they
eau her Madame In such natural way that YOU con-
clhdc 1t IL worth an extra half frame piece. Finally,
whcn You nave Internationally surrendered To- the
board for which Won have pnid denriy. and viii only
occasionally disturb yon IN ask IL you wish Official
programme or nm opera glass
. Although the theatres here very uncOmfortaolcs
tine entertainments are always enjoyable. The acuns
haRs Is the best In the world.