Olympic Theatre

“Thomas Baker, well-known to the habitués of Laura Keene’s Theatre has been secured by Mrs. John Wood at the above named theatre, commencing in October.”

“The public is most respectfully informed that this Theatre will open under the management of Mrs. John Wood on Thursday, Oct. 8 for the production of Burlettas, Comediettas, Burlesques, Extravaganzas, and all available dramatic novelties of a light and brilliant character, by a talented and efficient company.  The house, which may be almost said to be a new theatre, has in its alterations, improvements, and adornments, received all the advantages to be obtained from skill taste and liberality.  Novelities in mechanism, chasteness in decoration, room, comfort and ventilation are confidently presented as unsurpassed in any theatre. . . . Mrs. John Wood who will make her first appearance as Rosanthe.  Mr. Thomas Baker, the renowned, popular and gifted composer and musical director, will preside over a matchless orchestra composed of musicians of the first reputation in the country. . . . A new overture will precede the Comedietta [Married Daughters] and new selections, arranged expressly by Mr. Thomas Baker will be performed previous to the Burletta [Brother and Sister].”

“[I]n [Brother and Sister] Mrs. John Wood will make her first appearance as Rosanthe, and sing the original music.  A grand inauguration overture will precede the Comedietta.  Selections from Orphee and the ‘Thalia Waltz’ all arranged by Mr. Thomas Baker, will be performed prior to the Burletta.” 

“[O]ne of the handsomest theatres in the country.  In respect to the opening performances . . . it is an act of charity to pass them by without comment. . . . The only amusing incidents last night were Mrs. Wood’s speech and the musical eccentricities of Mr. Baker.  The audience was very large.”

“Two pieces were performed—an old-fashioned comedietta, called ‘Married Daughters,’ and an old-fashioned burletta, called ‘Brother and Sister.’  In the last Mrs. Wood appeared, and the audience was kept in a constant roar of laughter.  The piece is not very showy, but it is picturesque, and introduces some pretty music.  The principal parts were played well by the fair lessee and Mrs. Sedley Brown.  Mr. Davidge also appeared to advantage in this and the preceding piece.  There were several débutantes, all of whom we are very sorry to say, taxed the patience of the audience. . . .

Mr. Baker, the popular conductor, presided in the orchestra with his usual success.  He has an increased band.”

Not a particularly felicitous opening.  The theater is charming, but the choices of both company and play are not.  Wood’s company is “a very feeble one.  Mme. John Wood is enormously attractive [as an actress], the theater is the prettiest in the city, but, if she wishes to achieve a durable success, she must make changes in the company and on the repertory.”

“The opening of the Olympic seems to have pleased and disappointed every one.  Of the theatre there is but one opinion—it is thoroughly charming; of the pieces, it is generally conceded that they were unequal to the occasion.  We are glad to hear that a local burlesque is in preparation.  It is in such works that Mrs. John Wood is seen to the greatest advantage.  Additions will, we suppose, be made to the company now that is deficiencies are apparent.  In the meantime, we will direct attention to an excellent point in the management of the front of the house; this is in keeping the aisles open so that free access can be had to the reserved seats during any part of the performance.  At other theatres it is customary to fill up these aisles, and so establish an effectual blockade—much more difficult to run than the one at Charleston.  Apart from the inconvenience of this arrangement, there is real danger in thus obstructing the natural vomitories of the building.  In case of fire, it would be physically impossible for the audience to make its escape.  In view of a calamity that might so easily occur, it is surely the duty of the authorities to prohibit the filling of the aisles, and to insist that they shall be kept open, as at Mrs. John Wood’s ‘Olympic.’  That lady is entitled to much credit for setting a good example.  May the other managers follow it.”

Includes a lengthy description of the renovation.  “[T]he auditorium was crowded in every part, quite a large number of ‘anxious inquirers’ being left out in the cold.”

COMMENT: The article is cut off on the original microfilm.