The star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1908-1909, 1908-02-08
TWAS A GOOD
SHOW BUT HE'D
RATHER LAUGH
Why One Man Didn't Get His
Moneys Worth Out of
"Salomy Jane"
SOME REFLECTIONS ON
THE AVERAGE AUDIENCE
Coming of "The Man of the
Hour" and Other Plays Of
Next Week.
BY R. M. LARNED.

"a n rs all right It's a sood show, But I'd rather laugh. That's what
1t a a remark that I couldn't help overheadng The mar who made it
sat directly behind me and his voice penetrated. Besides, it wasn't once
only, but several times during the performance that he communicated his
grievance in much the same language and always his companion agreed
with him
II ever there "a an audience gathered in Newark from which the best
taste in matters theatrical was o be expected, it was that of Monday night
at the Newark Theatre For sweet charity's sake society had put on its best
bib and tucker and filled the house % overhowtng. 1t wa al audience that
familiar with most of the best in contemporary theatrical production. It was
let me insist at the start a generously apprecahve and highly intelligent
plause. but with Tho still oxtvo o. its attention mo the stage happenings
Nevertheless I am confident in asserting that the remark, quoted above,
of the gentleman who sat in H2 "a thoroughly representative Of the opn-
ions II many even in that splendid audience. 1t expressed thu attitude not
only Of Newark paygoers but IF those in the theatrical capital across the
Hudson and, for that matter, all over the country This gentleman "a hon
esy assrhved; l ould tel it by thu way he spoke. II e couldn't help getting
interested; he couldn't help responding in his heart to the passion of the play
and the tenseness of its situations Yet, because he couldn't gufaw as he
eunaws "hen me Hosers orouers come +" own ne rt tt he nat oh
defrauded of a good part of his two dollars Oh dollar and a halfs worth, as the
reTesb or rather make vacant, the tired brain for more business N h nor.
row. He wouldn't be important except for his numerousness, which makes
his influence a prime factor n the theatre o today.
1t is all dead wrong, Of course. If the theatre is anything worth while at
ALL 1t is something mOre than a paythng. No m needs to BE- told that the
dramatic ar a such is the nos difficult inc thu highest art Is also the
most spontaneous and universal n thu world. 1t is only that people will re-
fuse to consider it for themselves personally in any seriousness; that they
will OF be contents to accept TIN necessity OF a little thought along Will their
entertainment That's the shame of it. don't blame my friend in the row
uy sEo M t m ns honn hottar entertatnod IND rorroshoa Nv nm rm. C
1.-THE Rogers Brothers in Panama" than by "salomy Jane"
But enough OF homfyi Preaching is almost As bad 0 a dramatic page
as it is o the stage ITSELF I hasten t say to my laughter-loving friend
that if he will attend a performance at the Newark next week of George
his rfsbie faculties. 1.-The Man of the Hour" is fun OF bright crisply witty
saroes hat h e is 10 much At home. 1t is serious toe You must make up
your mind, my friend, to that You will receive a good, sound, dramatic ex-
M as, o " Drae # family and ambition arrayed against duty n the experience
r. the hero in a very dramatic and entertaining series of situations. You
wl laugh at the dronery of Alderman Harrigan and recognize admiingly
You viii Rejoice at the authors optimistic exaration of character above ex.
viii VIII and in Srhe Man of the Hour in short, all the elements of the popular
si, YOU you viii vote it. / am sure, for such in fact it is a bully good show