visit in 1883

Daily Gleaner, November 14, 1883

THE STAGE.
   Perhaps at this dull season of the year nothing is more delightful to the Kingstonans than partaking of a little wholesome pleasure in the shape of amusement during the long but cool nights which not cmly passes their leisure pleasantly, but improves and enlightens the mind, pleases the eye, and gratifies the senses. What can be more enjoyable than a hearty laugh, or more conducive to health than the pleasure derived from a two hours spent in listening to a harmless moral recreation, and now is the time to take it. The opportunity is afforded by the recent arrival in our midst of the talented and world-renowned old favorites in Jamaica "The Wallack Tripologue - " comprised of the charming prima donna, Fannie Wallack, Watty Wallack and J. A. Rider. Mr. Wallack made his first appearance in Jamaica nearly 18 years ago, in a Monologue Entertainment. He was then "The Idol of the Hour," and for many nights, by his own individual talent, crowded the Theatre to its utmost capacity. Seven years later the comedian returned amongst us - with a lovely young wife as accomplished as she was beautiful. The talented pair were accompanied with the sterling actor, Mr. Rider, and the trio gave over 300 representations of their performances in the island, holding forth during the last 6 months of their stay at Wallack's Gallery of illustration, which was at that time a very popular place of resort, having been fitted very elegantly as a complete drawing room theatre on Harbour Street. It now retains its name as Wallack's gallery. The Wallack troup have for the past ten years increased their fame and popularity to a remarkable extent throughout the United States, and Mrs. Fannie Wallack has had the advantages of masterly tuition and Italian finish lavished on her voice, a pure soprano of large calibre, and she is now favorably compared by the unanimous voice of the Press with the leading Opera Prima Donnas of the period. We have refrained until now from lauding the performances of these artists, because we were unable to witness the entertainments in their entirety until last Monday night. Of course we expected to see something good, but nothing like the agreeable surprise afforded us on that occasion. The artistic acting of all - the pure English language spoken, the magnificent costuming of the party, the complete naturalness with which everything was accomplished from first to last was most charming, and no one would have imagined anything studied that was enacted. Our allotted space does not permit entering into details of the programme, which embraced the musical comedy of "Paris." A fine character concert, and laughable Protean farce; but a more pleasant and thoroughly good performance of the kind we have not so much enjoyed for years. The patronage to these entertainments has not, we regret to say, been commensurate with their merits, but we must blame Mr. Wallack for that, if blame there be, for the prices of admission have been rather in excess of the usual rates, and many who would like to attend are thus prevented; but Mr. Walluck, has, at the suggestion of the public at large, reduced the entrance fee for the next performance on to-morrow night (Thursday) to the following low figure: dress circle and parquette 3s; family ticket to admit four 10s, no extra for reserving seats at Gleaner Office; upper circle 1s 6d. With such prices as these, and so remarkably good a performance, the Company, we feel confident, will have bumper houses, and leave Jamaica and their old friends well pleased with their farewell visit.