Life — January 27, 1898 — page 12: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

*> LIFE: A Remarkable Occurrence. Te strange antics of a well-known New Yorker at the theatre the other evening attracted the notice of everyone near him, It was during the first entr’acte, and he was apparently immersed in the intellectual occupation of reading the corset ad- vertisements and primeval jokes on the programme. Of a sud- den he straightened up, winked his eyelids vigorously as though he had been dreaming, pinched himself two or three times, and then looked at the programme again, A gentleman bebind him followed his gaze and found that he had been reading the follow- ing paragraph: Patrons of this theatre are requested to buy or order seats in advance at the regular theatre box office, and thus assist the management in discountenancing ticket speculators. Unfortu- nately, under the present law the management carne Prevent seats falling into their hands (when licensed), and their disposal of the same. The New Yorker evidently made up his mind that his eyes had not deceived him, and went on with his reading. Shortly after he was again noticed to contort himself as before, and in addition give bis left ear two or three vigorous yanks with his right hand, A lady on his left looked at the page on the programme where he had been reading, and discovered the following possible causes for his remarkable actions: . Regular subscribers may have the same seats reserved every week, without any extra charge, by filling out slip at the box office. There is no liability or condition attached to this, except that the seats must be taken and paid for at least one week in advance, It is suggested that the simplest way is to call in person between the acts for tickets for the following week, or by postal order or check from one to ten weeks in advance, accompanied by a sufficient number of stamped and addressed en- velopes, Physicians are requested to register at the 00x ottice, leaving seat number, as this enables the ushers to tind them, if called for, without disturbing the audience. Patrons will confer a favor on the management by indicating their choice in the operas to be produced. Letters on this or other pertinent subjects will receive careful consideration only when signed with full name and address, Ladies will confer a great favor upon the manage- ment, and will also show a fine sense of consideration for those sitting behind them, if they will remove their hats. Then he relaxed into quietude again and resumed his reading, His next attack was more violent. He trembled violently, a slight froth showed on his lips, and he evidently thought he was the victim of delu- sions and hallucinations. As he was finally lifted un- conscious from his seat, his glaring eyes were found fixed on this paragraph: % On stormy nights umbrellas will be loaned to patrons, without charge, by depositing two dollars, which will be refunded in full upon return of the article. These umbrellas may be secured at the box olfice. When he regained consciousness he found himself being properly cared for by the employees of the theatre, who, instead of being creatures of a superior and haughty race, were courteous and civil, and “come Quick! “BROORRA THIN, IT'S HALP 4 MOIND T HAVE TO TARE you IN, DON'T YEZ KNOW ANY BETTHER THAN TO BREAK IN ON A GINTLEMAN WHIN HE'S ATIN’ WIS CREAM? IT's TOIME ENOUGH To CALL ME WHIN THR MAN 18 DEAD!" seemed to have an interest iu adding to the comfort of the theatre's patrons, All this was too much for the New Yorker, and he sat through the rest of the performance in a balf-dazed condition, He was not used to such regard for his comfort and interests on the part of a theatrical manager. He was also very much puzzled, and almost alarmed, because on the programme which contained these statements he did not find the names of Frohman, Heyman, Klaw. Erlanger, or others of Hebrew origin, * * * Yy BETHER the incident occurred just as here described, or did not so occur, it remains a fact that the above extracts are from the present programme of the American Theatre, where the Castle Square Opera Company is presenting light opera, with the prices of seats ranging from seventy-five to twenty-five cents eac ‘The desire to please the public is manifest, and the performances are of a degree of merit far greater than indicated by the price of admission, Three essentials to light opera are better here than they are usually found in higher-priced houses—the stage management, the orchestra, and the chorus. The principals are competent and well trained, and the comedians are not the hack- neyed few of whose methods we are all tired. Next to the evi- dent desire on the part of the management to please the public, the best thing about these performances is the vim and dash which mark them, The enterprise is successful, the houses are packed, and everybody does his or her best. Metcalfe, N EW YORK is not accustomed to programmes of such interest and variety as those offered by Mr. and Mrs, Henschel. We are surfeited with piano recitals, and have had our full share of opera, but song recitals of such musical perfection are rarely given. It is hoped that these excep- tional artists may favor us often in the future. ILL-MANNERED, THEY'RE KILLIN’ A MAN ‘ROUND THE CORNER!"