Article on Max Maretzek's Ill Luck and the Rebuilding of the Academy of Music

“With the present week Mr. MARETZEK’S temporary season at the Winter Garden comes to an end. It has not fulfilled the expectations that were formed of it, but Mr. MARETZEK has borne the onslaught of ill-luck with fortitude and jollity. Perhaps he derives some consolation from the fact that he has the sympathy of the public, even if he have [sic] not their dollars. Perhaps, too, he is sustained by the reflection that he have gained one of a dozen suite which he has instituted against a paper that has scurvily used him—although $1,000 in such times go but a small way. It is pretty evident now that opera to be successful must be isolated. Every attempt to introduce it into an ordinary theatre has failed. It requires an establishment of its own, where people can see and be seen. Fortunately it will soon be in possession of such a building. The Academy of Music is progressing towards completion with extraordinary rapidity. In a few weeks it will be finished. We notice, by the way, that the Grand Jury pronounces the building perfectly safe for the purposes for which it was intended, adding that the roof required strengthening. Considering that the roof is only about one-third finished, these wise-acres are doubtless correct. The hue and cry about the solidity of the edifice has proceeded from interested quarters, but the Directors were correct in urging the Grand Jury to perform its duties. As they, the stockholders and their families, occupy many hundred seats every night, it was certainly a matter of vital interest to ascertain that everything was right. It has been urged with some show of reason that the best way of preventing accidents on railroads was to put a Director on the cow-catcher of each train. How much better the simple device of permitting the entire body of stockholders, directors included, to build the house which they are to occupy! In what way could public security be more readily secured. To return to the Winter Garden. Mr. MARETZEK gives to-night ‘Crispino e la Comare,’ with its inimitable caste. The work is a favorite, and will undoubtedly draw a good audience.”