Article on forthcoming re-opening of Wallack’s Theatre

“Wallack’s is closed for the week, but will be reopened for the season next Monday or Tuesday evening, cleaned, repainted and otherwise renovated. We wish we were sure of an improvement in the ventilation of the theatre. The members of the company for the coming season are announced. There are but few new names, nor would the regular patrons of the theatre desire to see many as long as the old favorites remain. Mr. J. L. Matthews and Miss Emily Mestayer are the only additions to the old company. Of the former we know little; the latter has long been known and liked before. It will, however, be a difficult task for her to fill the vacancy left by the death of Mary Gannon. Miss Rose Eytmge, as ‘first lady,’ has already won general recognition of her right to the position, and has shown a capacity for work and improvement worthy of high praise. Mrs. Jennings, who we trust will long remain on the stage which she adorns, is not to leave Wallack’s for the present season, at least Mrs. Vernon, still the best ‘old lady’ on the American stage, also remains. 

“Among the prominent gentlemen engaged for the season are Mr. James W. Wallack, the fresh and vigorous veteran, John Gilbert, a perfect model of the best did style of the English comedy actor; Geo. Holland, of the inimitable ‘snuffle’ and wonderfully comical face; Charles Fisher, the most graceful and finished actors in his line; J. H. Stoddart, the most intense of the delineators of eccentric characters; A. W. Young, who in certain specialties is unsurpassed; and Messrs. Ringgold and Polk—both promising and cultivated comedians. With the support of such actors as Messrs. Brown, Rockwell, Leonard, Wright and Pope, and of Mrs. John Sefton, Mrs. Sedley Brown, Miss Mary Barrett and Miss Monell, there is no reason why the best of the old and new comedies should not be brought out at Wallack’s as well as they ever were.”