Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-05-14
THE GALLERY GOD.
MS TRIBE HERE HAS ALMOST BE-
COME EXTINCT.
MEYER TREAT HIS VERDICT LIGHTLY.
lie ts one of the Institutions Of the
Theatre, and viii Come to the
Front Again Here III Given Accom-
modations-The Bijou Bill.

II a new theatre is erected in this city
between now and next season, which,
from the present outlook. does not seem
probable. it would no doubt have the re-
suit Of rcuying an interest here in the
Legitimate drama. The impression that
the latter has lost its hold upon the thea
tre-golrg public or this community is not
intended TO be conveyed by this opening
statement for there will always be a
class in Richmond to which the highest
form Of stage productions viii most
strongly appeal. But there are many who
have become tired of witnessing the play
In the midst of such uncomfortable and
unslghtly surroundings as they were COM
PEELED To put up with in the Academy OF
Music. And many of these who at one
time were regular attendants upon the
theatre, have in the past two or three
years been less frequent IN their visits 10
the playhouse until only on occasions,
when the attraction was Of more than
usual interest. have their faces been seen
in the audience. Win comfortable
theatre. and one that is pleasing to the
eye, this class would again be patrons of
the drama. Then there is q class which
q new theatre would bring out" merely
Tor the reason that they would wish TO
crafty their curiosity. They would take
delight in walking on the new carpets
and strutting about the foyer. while they
would say 10 themselves. This Is what
We have been waiting Tor" Yes, they
evidently have, for their faces are by no
means familiar 10 the ushers of the Acad-
emy. and some Of the latter have been
showing people TO seats in that house for
many years. These people, who at first
- ~, 81 e-.r-ff
ere long would have acquired the habit
that once formed, is not so easily gotten
Id OF.
And II a new theatre is built at any
time IN the near future il is 10 be hoped
that the gallery accommodations VIII be
ample 4 theatre should certainly have
three galleries. Since the old Richmond
Theatre was laid low IN the dust the gal
ley gods have almost become extinct.
There are many who turn up ihelr noses
~ the gallery god, but bless you, 40 real
player or performer does. They recoS-
lize in the gallery god one OF the insti-
tutions az the theatre. and they await
with anxiety his opinion of their efforts.
lie is a critic. and they know II. lie
doesn't present himself attired in dress
flit. and as for that, he never hesltales
- take of his coat If the atmosphere
becomes too warm for him, but Tor an
hat. ne is very often a better judge Oh
good acting than many Of those VINO SIT
Tar below him in the orchestra. ffeu-
,rck Warde and many other legitimate
actors have never been Indifferent TO me
verdict Of the galleries. and have always
placed the highest estimate upon inc
opinion Of the god" Give these boys
show when the new theatre is built ana
PIT the price within their reach, ana II
will be found that their taste has not
ben depraved. and that. il anything tne
preference will 10 in favor of the leglu-
mate For it IL a weli-known fact that
Richard III. and such tragedies nave IN
the past been more allurins 10 the trioo
10 which the gallery god belongs than
have the charms OF the shapeiest SOU
brctte who ever sang in a cracked voice
the popular airs OF the day
The headliners at the BiJou TINS week
are Monroe and Mack, two well known
Performers. who will be seen in black
face. and present an act that Is SAID 10
b. "as good a. the best"
Ward and Curran will do talking ana
singing act, and the former Is declared
. possess a very sweet voice
Tho Detorelli Brothers, comedy inusi-