Text: Edgar Allan Poe (?), Literary, Broadway Journal (New York), August 16, 1845, vol. 2, no. 6, p. ???, col. ?

[page 93, column 1, continued:]

The Drama.

The most important theatrical event (in New York) since we spoke last of the drama, has been the opening of the New Bowery Theatre by Mr. A. W. Jackson, as Manager and Proprietor. The house is very large, and may even accommodate 4000 persons. Its general arrangements are excellent. The stage is capacious, and well appointed. Much of the scenery is well painted and effective — but the wild forest scenes are grossly exaggerated and unnatural, and the drop curtain is atrocious. These broad appeals to the patriotism of an audience, at the expense of their good taste and common sense, are out of date and should be abandoned. There is not a Pittite who would not look with greater relish at a glowing landscape than at a rigmarole burlesque upon Washington, even although perched upon a high pedestal and surrounded by Corinthian columns.

The boxes and gallery are what is called “elegant” rather than gaudy — but a little more of the gaudiness would be better taste, and infinitely more to the purpose. The panneling lacks color — as it now stands it has rather a Quakerish air — and this evil is increased by the hue of the plaster on the walls. If these latter were showily papered, the increase of effect would surprise every one. We think, too, that, in so large a theatre, a little more light upon the audience would be desirable. Unquestionably there should be two additional rows of chandeliers — one on the lower boxes, and one on the gallery. [column 2:]

The theatre has been crowded every night since its opening. The performances have been “Money,” “Nick of the Woods,” “Richelieu,” “Damon and Pythias” and “The Sleeping Beauty.” The latter piece has been brought out very effectively, and elicited great applause. Among the company are J. R. Scott, Henkins, Hadaway, Davenport, Mrs. Philips, Mrs. Sergeant, Mrs. Isherwood, &c., &c.

The Park has been doing well with the French troupe, for a detailed account of “Les Huguenots” see another part of the paper.

At Niblo's, Burton, the Placides, Chippendale, John Sefton, Brougham, Miss Taylor and other celebrities have been “drawing crowded houses.”

Castle Garden has been a little depressed, but is reviving.

At Palmo's a German company have made a successful commencement. On the 8th inst. the house was opened for the benefit of Mess. Stuyvesant and Harris, when Mr. and Mrs. Flynn, with Winans, appeared. Mrs. Flynn (who is a capital actress not sufficiently appreciated) evinced great talent and a very rare versatility in “Perfection,” “The Four Sisters,” and “The Loan of a Lover.”

Mr. Flynn's theatre, we learn, is making rapid progress.

Mr. Champlin is erecting a House in the East Bowery.

In England — Charles Mathews and his wife have seceded from the Haymarket; Mr. Webster the manager, states in “direct violation of their engagement.”