Article on the forthcoming fall amusement season

“The only two ‘legitimate theatres’ in town—Booth’s and Wallack’s—are understood to have already mapped out their programmes for the ensuing season. At Booth’s Jefferson’s engagement will be followed by that of Miss Bateman, who has achieved during the past year such signal success in Great Britain, and who will be heartily welcomed on her return to New York. Mr. Wallack has made ample arrangements in London, by purchasing new plays and engaging new artists, to maintain the well-merited reputation of his popular theatre. As for the other theatres, which have so long sacrificed all higher objects to creating transitory excitement by every possible appear to public caprice, running into the ground all the dubious attractions of the Black Crook drama and its antetypes—these managers appear to be, for the most part, altogether at sea in reference to their future plans. Their leg-and-blonde experiments, like the French opéra bouffe, have manifestly and fortunately failed to secure a permanent hold upon the interest of the public. ‘It doth not yet appear’ what will be the result of Daly’s transfer of the sensational drama from spacious Niblo’s to the pretty little bandbox called the Fifth Avenue theatre. It is difficult to predict, at present, precisely what dramatic entertainments will be provided for New York theatre-goers next fall.

Meanwhile the musical prospects of the ensuing season are comparatively brighter and more distinct. It is probable, indeed, that all that has hitherto been promised in the way of Italian opera will prove to be ‘humbug.’ We cannot assure our readers that anything serious will be attempted in this direction after the blighting influence of years of mismanagement. But Mme. Parepa-Rosa and Miss Richings will certainly supply us with English opera to our heart’s content. A somewhat mythical Frenchman, with an equally mythical company, has positively engaged the Academy of Music for a series of French operatic representations. Oratorio is to be revived on an unprecedented scale. The centenary celebration of Beethoven’s birthday will be duly observed by the Philharmonic Society. Harvey Dodworth is organizing grand concerts for the winter. Theodore Thomas, who has so persistently struggled and so triumphantly conquered in his efforts to form and elevate the musical taste of our community, will continue his Central Park Garden Concerts until the revival of his symphony soirées. On the whole, a more enjoyable musical season than has been anticipated is in store for New Yorkers on their return in t h e [sic] fall from Long Branch, Newport, Saratoga, and other fashionable summer resorts.”