Articles on the management at Wallack's Theatre

     “Wallack’s Theatre.—The performances at this justly famous establishment possess the agreeable peculiarity of always being varied and excellent. No success has yet convinced the management of the propriety of ‘running things into the ground.’ Pieces which have attained popularity have been withdrawn simply that they might not be in the way of the regular patrons of the theatre. That these patrons are satisfied, is clearly proved by their constant attendance. Good management has played, and still continues to play, a conspicuous part in the success of Wallack’s Theatre. Many things have contributed to make it the first theatrical establishment in America. Among these may be mentioned the prestige of Mr. Wallack’s name, the exact knowledge which he possessed of the value of other artists, the taste which he displayed in all matter of stage effect, the suavity and kindliness which as a gentleman he could not help showing, and lastly—only because he chose to think of himself last—because he was the best actor of his school in the country. We enumerate these traits now, because they are all reflected in his son, Mr. Lester Wallack—who, like his father, is, at the end of the season, playing ‘a brilliant engagement.’ The last expression is, of course, incorrect in its general acceptation. It is obvious that Mr. Lester Wallack need not engage himself to act at his own theatre, and happily that establishment does not encourage ‘stars’ in any form. It was only because Mr. Wallack had been in bad health that he withdrew from the stage, and it is now in consequence of better strength that he returns to it. We heartily rejoice that he is able to do so, and trust that his performances may not be cut short by any untoward return of the old trouble. We cannot afford to lose an actor like Mr. Lester Wallack even temporarily. The characteristics of his style are so agreeable, his presence on the stage so quiet, and his accomplishments as a comedian so varied, that there is literally no one who can even decently fill his place.

     It is not always convenient to follow the rapid changes that now occur in the bills; nor, indeed, is it necessary. The plays belong to the class called ‘standard,’ and are given at regular intervals, with the entire acceptance of the public.” Goes on to review some recent performances, but no mention of music.

     “To retrieve the failing fortunes of the Wallack Theatre, the manager himself has been compelled to come forward once more, but Lester Wallack is not the Lester of other days; he too is failing, and though we catch occasional glimpses of the fire of old, yet the flame is gradually going out.”