To the Editor of the "Nonru-Cuna Datty News."
Sir,—In connexion with the forthcoming visit of Miss Marie Tempest, I observe that the management contemplates charging $6 and $5 for seats in the Lyceum Theatre. This is a precedent without parallel in the history of the Shanghai stage and goes one better than the Russian Opera Company. We have heard of the failure of the latter and the reason for this as adduced by you in your issue of some months back cannot but be corroborated by those who are familiar with Shanghai.
I am not mistaken, Mr. Matheson Long's visit did not calt for any increase in the price of seats in the Lyceum, which may account for the almost nightly full house which greeted him, ' notwithstanding his prolonged stay.
We all agree that the cost of transportation etc., of a travelling company is very great nowadays, nevertheless I am of the opinion that $6 for a seat is an absurd price to charge for a few hours of entertainment even by the best of dramatic stars.
T am, etc., J. J. Enus. Shanghai, March 94, To the Editor of the "Nonra-Cuixa Dairy News."
Sin,—lt is with interest that I read Mr. Lilis's comment on the exorbitant charges for seats by the management of the Mario Tempest When Matheson Long was here the prices were not raised a nickel and Shanghai theatre-goers showed their appreciation by patronizing well the excellent show. The lengthy term of his stay, here, coupled with the repetition of practically the whole of his repertoire, saw his efforts rewarded with full houses every evening.
Why? For the simple reason that everyone was given a chanco to witness one of the world's best actors at a price suitable to all pockets.
Even if this present company were intended only for our taipans, could they or would—they support the two or three weeks' stay of Miss Marie Tempest here?
Evidently the expenses are higher than in previous years, but surely not up to the level of making theatre lovers' pay $6 and $5 for a two hours' performance.
It would be well for the management to study the ideas of Shanghai play-coers prior to framing stich a charge and to take as an example the recent fate of the Russian Onera Ca. here. which proved conclusively that the price of $6 and §% spells failure.
I am, ete..
Shanghai, March 95.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.