The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-04-30
THE WEATHER.
ETIQUETTE OF THE THEATEK.

ETIQUETTE OF THE THEATER.
We are glad to note a Butte warfare
acainst the theater hat. With that
yicor characteristic of its discussions,
the esteemed Miner has with much sue
cess turned it's batteries loose on this
common nuisance and, what is better
still, has received prompt encourage
ment from the patriotic ladies of Butte.
At this writing the promises Of victory
are most gratifying; indeed, all that is
needed is the sympathetic aid of Mana
ger John Mcguire. 1t is suspected,
however, that this adroit manager will
stand aloof from any contest likely to
involve him in a controversy with the
d~iotators of Butte fashions. In this re-
epect he lacks the nerve shown by the
Frohmans, who posted an order in the
Lyceum theater in New York prohibit
ing the wearing OF hats during perform
ances, but failed to make it stick.
We would be greatly gratified to in
terest the ladies of Helena in this mat
ter. We feel assured that the reform
can be easily accomplished, since it fire.
quently happens that society ladies
have discarded the high hats at operas,
only to resume the wearing at farce
comedy performances. Now, then, why
not discard it for all time at the theater?
II a substitute is needed, let it be that
pretty little affair which we believe is
known in fashion plates as the opera
bonnet. Few ladies appreciate the
beauties of this dainty headgear in the
theater. 1t certainly fills all require
ments of fashion and at the same time
permits the theatergoer to get the
worth Of his money at the performance.
The change would be particularly strik-
ing at the auditorium where the pitch
of the seats is SO low as to prevent a
view of the performers except under
most favorable conditions. The argu-
ments against the wearing of large hats
have been frequently rehearsed and
need not be repeated. We will leave
the matter in the hands Of the chart
tably inclined ladies Of Helena IN the
hope that the reform may soon be inau-
gurated.
In a general way, a few additional
suggestions on etiquette at the theater
may be offered. 1t is of course quite
useless to address advice to the gallery
gods, and yet in some respects their
conduct suggests improvement on that
Of the swagger set in the parquet. We
have noticed, for instance, that the vast
majority Of mon who crowd by ladies to
keep an appointment between the acts
with a man outside are found on the
first floor of the theater. 1t is probably
quite as useless to tender suggestions
on this line, since Helena's reputation as
the greatest "between the act" town in
the northwest is long established and
not likely to be changed. That feature
Of conduct which merits the most criti-
cism is the persistence shown by Helena
audiences in demanding recalls. At
times it is disgraceful. In many in
stances it happens that a dozen or more
noise-making people can intiict IN audi
ence with the recall of a very bad spe-
clalty. Bad performers, of course, are
only too glad to obtain any sort of recog-
milton and when this is given several
times in succession the custom becomes
a most abominable nuisance. The re-
mainder of the audience come in for
criticism when they join in insisting on
several recalls of a very good perform.
ance. AS the fellow said, "they want
too much for % cents" They seem tt
forget that actors are human and like {
great many other people become tireC
through overwork. AS the result o
this swinishness on the part OF the au
dience, many companies have beer
obliged to cut the second and third per
formances of their engagement.
A final criticism concerns the pro
verbal hardness of Helena audiences il
arriving at the theater. An illustration
OF this Was found in the Nye- Burbanl
engagement. The late Corners on tina
occasion succeeded in keeping the 9th
ers waiting n full half hour before tn
opening Of the entertainment. Thi
was not only rudeness in the extrem
but a disregard of rights that shout
have been punished by depriving tn
offenders of the entertainment.
In the interest of all theater goers
10 hoped that these few suggestions viii
be remembered. IL there are others t
To offered THE INDEPENDENT will gladl,
give space for publication. 1t is quit
time to take the subject in hand and SUI
cess can only be won by united actor
For a fourth time the governor of MOI
tana has recommended the pardon
John A. Rowand and in each instane