Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-23
Theatcr Nuiaances.
70 the Editor of The Evening Star:


Managers of theaters have it entirely in
their power to remedy at least two of the
abuses complained of so generally and so
justly by their patrons, as was pointed out
in the editorial in yesterdays Star.
1 refer to the stage-obscuring-hat nuis-
+ ance and the scarcely less objectionable
late-arIival habit In many European the
aters, indeed in most of those Of the first
class, ladies wearing hats are not allowed
to take seats in certain parts of the house.
corresponding to our orchestra seats and
dress circle, and perhaps others. Either
they must remove their hats and give them
to an attendant hold them themselves or
stay out. So, too, with reference 20 late
corners. In the opera houses of the princi-
pal cities the doors are closed when the
performance begins, and not again opened
untf ?. pause occurs. Those who are late
must therefore stand in the lobby until
the. can enter without disturbing or in
coaveniencing others. These rules are well
understood, their propriety is acknowledge
ed, ana people there never think of object
ing to them. If they did they would be at
once silenced by the popular voice. Such
rules could easily be adopted here ana car
ried out without difficulty if or managers
would get together and agree to adopt and
enforce them, and their patrons would soon
realize the great advantage enjoyed in con-
sequence by every one.
AS to the hardly less offensive habit of
going out between acts, that L am afraid
canot be remedied so easily. 1t is perhaps
too much to say that any one has not the
right to leave theater when one wants to;
and as long as some men are So boorfsh as
to cater to their appettes without regard
to the rights and comfort of others we
shall probably have to put Up with that
nuisance in some degree other. Some re-
lief could be afforded, however, il the man.
agement would set off portion of the rear
of each floor where the handwriting con-
tingent might he corraled, SO that it's out
going and incoming would not make a
general disturbance. Or a hollow walking
stick might be introduced that would hold
enough liquor to allay the thirst of the be-
tween-act tramps until the close of the
performance, which could be withdrawn
when required through a sponge or
straw without serious annoyance to the
audience. Or why not utilize an ordinary
infants milk bottle? This could be secret
ed inside the waistcoat and by adroitiy
using the usual rubber tube and mouth
piece needed sustenance could be drawn
from the bottle without attracting much
attention. Unless something like one of
these suggestions can be utilized 1t looks
as though that particular form of nuisance
must be submitted to until those perpetual
ing it slowly learn better manners. But
the stage-hiding hat and the weak minded
people who want to attract attention by
coming in late ought to be suppressed at
once.
And just here let me urge upon theater
managers the importance of announcing in
their advertisements the exact time at
which each performance will commence.
Sometimes it Is o'clock, and sometimes
S:15 OF $50 In the latter cases people who
desire to be prompt must put in a bad
quarter or half hour waiting for the show
to begin. Then, again, without intending it,
they find themselves late, owing to the fact
has not been announced
November q. q. W.