Article on the strengths of the current concert and theatrical season

“The managers have opened the present season, even at an early period, with fair promise to the public of an excellent winter series of entertainments. There are now not less than twenty-five places of amusement inviting the patronage of the public. This is almost unprecedented in this gay city. It leaves London entirely in the background, and is equal to Paris before the dread shadow of war fell upon her. The theatres and concert rooms are crowded every night. There never was a better opportunity for the managers to supply first class talent at moderate prices than now. Europe has sterner work on hand than the gayeties of the theatre. In Paris the theatres are closed up and the artists are cast adrift to find a livelihood in foreign engagements. This affords a fine opportunity for American managers to bring over the pick and choice of the Opera des Italians [sic] and the Opéra Comique. We can accommodate them both here in the Academy of Music and in the Grand Opera House. Whatever difficulties lie in the way of the managerial success at the Academy, we presume they can be smoothed over without much trouble. New York can support both houses in their diverse enterprises quite as well as London sustains Drury Lane theatre and the Italian Opera House, and leave a good margin of profit to the managers.

 

[Paragraph about plays past and present.]

 

For many years there never was a better opportunity for a good theatrical season than now. Nilsson has just closed a most remarkable series of concerts, and after a brief absence she will return, and, it is to be hoped, will develop her glorious voice in opera…” Continues on about actress Marie Seebach.