Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1893-04-27
The MacKaye SpOctatOrinm.

The following clipping from the Chi
cago Post shows very clearly how w.
7. Hall, the literary and dramatic edi-
tor of that paper, regards the promised
production in the MacKaye Spectacle
rum, which the Columbian Celebra-
tion Company is building in Chicago.
At the conclusion of long article on
the press view of the model, MIR. Hall
says: Enthusiastic applause from the
little company greeted every scene and
every remarkable manipulation of the
lights, and at the conclusion there were
those present who predicted that the
Spectatorium would rival the Fair it.
self. Mr.. MacKaye was showered with
congratulations and voted a wonder,
and there was not one dissenting voice.
1t is safe to say that it will attract
more attention during the Fair than
the Eiffel Tower in Paris. No descrip-
ton can carry any idea even of the
model, and what will the great and
complete whole be?"
1t is said by those in position to know
that the opinion thus given by Mr.. Hall
who has the reputation of being very
just, but at the same time severe critic,
is identical with that held by every
person who has been permitted to see
the model. In the showing of the mo.
del which was given, there was pres.
ent only the mere mechanical and
electric light effects, but small features
indeed OF the production that is prom
lsed lin the Spectstorium. 1t would
seem almost impossible that the move
ment of mere mechanism, devoid OF
life as it must be, could SO stir profes
sional and trained critics.
1t is perhaps possible to gain some
idea of what will be shown in the Spec
tatorium when one considers that the
stage and all its appurtenances will be
"a times as larges as those of the model.
What each scene, instead of being de-
void of life and personality, will be
when filled with the characters of Co.
iumbus' time; that too, when the great
est and noblest music of the masters
will lend its charm to the production,
and that the dialogue will be in har-
mony and keeping with the production
and the occasion it is to mark. In dis
coursing on the novel light effects seen
in the model, the Chicago critics say
that it was possible to present every
phase of atmospheric conditions, and
that too with remarkable fidelity to
| nature. They say that the grey dawn
of morning, the tropical splendor OF
monday and the twilight glories OF
sunset were all SO perfect that they
could scarcely believe that it was but
counterfeit of nature that they be-
held; that the miniature ocean could
rest in calm repose, could ripple be-
meath the bows of the caravels or be
stirred into the commotion of a cy-
clone, at will, and that the wind which
at one time would listlessly murmur
through the rigging of the ships, would
again blow with terrific force and seem
to threaten the destructio of the cara
vels. They also say that the storm eff
lect which was presented was startling
ly real from the moment of its appa-
rent approach to the time when the
cloud banks broke and the rainbow OF
divine promise was depicted against
he misty heavens. This is not by any
means all they SAID in glowing praise,
but it is enough to convince the ordi
nary mind that Mr.. Hall aptly summed
up the whole situation when he said
that no description could carry any
idea of what the production would be.