New-York tribune., 1909-01-17
WEST END THEATRE.
THEATRICAL MANAGEMENT.
A Few Wise W ords.

Tho following remarks selected from the writ
tngs OF AugustIn Daily and prefsced with the above
title may serve double purpose at this time, b.
indicating some Of the faculties OF mind and fell
cities OF temperament that made him great
theatrical manager Cfaoultes and felicites impera
lively essential TO Office that incompetent persons
often jaUntiiy essume). and likewise certifying that
practical success is always possible with good pro-
ductions of the classic plays OF our language DAILY
produced the comedy OF The Tanning OF the
Shrew'' twenty-five years ago tomorrow night
January IS, 1851 The hundredth performance
of 1t was celebrated April Is, OF that year. Gen
eraI Sherman presiding. and many distinguished
persons assembling TO honor the triumphant man
ager-among them being General Horace Porter.
Lester Wallack. John Foord, II. II. F>urness Bron-
son Howard L. Clarke Davis. Wilson Barrett and
Mark Twain. II was on that occasion that theso
words spoken:
Shakespeare spells ruin!' Is cry that has gone
forth from theatrical spectators In the past and
which has deferred many fant-hearted managers
from higher aim: and the qualification feel at
tho remarkable popularity OF the production OF
The Tanning OF the Shrew." IS increased by the
conviction that have demonstrated the fasity OF
this old managerial proverb.
1 fully believe that where the sole purpose IN
producing a Shakespearian play is make money
result.
To overload the drama with cumbrous decoration
and supplement it with irrelevant shows not TO
honor the poet encourage the study OF Fis
beauties. nor to please his judicous admirers.
II is 10 bid for support more readily accorded
TO the Hppodrome than TO the Theatre.
believe have a right TO claim a more respecta-
BILE motive my work in reviving the classics
of the English drama. Ever since / began manage
ment have devoted period in every season 20 the
production OF Shakespearian play or an old com
edy None or these productions ever offered by
me to the public with the expectation that IL was
destined popular favor by OF the outlay
made upon II. Yet my audiences will bear me out
that in one instance has limit been fixed to
that expense which would make the performance
worthy of the author. acceptable to my patrons and
creditable TO the Theatre
have been contented II for two three weeks
have seen full and appreciative houses and have
been content take of the play when the ad-
mirers OF Old Comedy had been satisfied
freely confess that did not anticipate ths enor-
nous popular success Of this revival
All the outlay the production or The Tanning
OF the Shrew" which all who saw were pleased 10
applaud as both judicious and generous was ex-
pended in the expectation Of not more than four or
fve weeks at the outside
That 1T has extended beyond hundred perform
is SO inexpressbly gratifying that 1 feel in
duced to make you this little confidence
Ny motive has been TO give. IN return for the
very large share Of popular SUPPORT which / have
always received. opportunity - my own genera
ton OF seeing the works OF greatest pasters t
their best shape and II ths purpose has resulted g.,
my accomplishing what might be deemed a great
mana seriaI success then 1 willing 10 be rod
tied rather with worthy motive than with nm
paralleled foresight and sagacity.
Not mind you but that 1 believe va. pr.ssn+
ing every time play that the public would wish "a
see one that they would not care 10 see Ara
In every instance have hoped to entertain my