The Mormons and the Theatre; or, The History of Theatricals in UtahLindsay, John S. (John Shanks)
Religion
The Mormons and the Theatre; or, The History of Theatricals in Utah
Lindsay, John S. (John Shanks)
Latter Day Saints; Theater -- Utah -- History
pursuance of this idea a notice was posted for all the company and
orchestra to assemble in the Green Room of the theatre on a certain
evening to consider the question of salary. There was no tardiness on
that occasion, even "Jim" Hardie, notorious for being tardy, was on
time. Every employee of the theatre was there from the managers to the
night-watchman. The orchestra was in full force, and the ladies of the
company, even to the smallest utility, were there, all inspired with
the hope of being put upon the theatre salary list. The Green Room was
found to be too small to accommodate all the company, so the meeting
was shifted to the stage, which afforded the necessary room. President
Young called the meeting to order, and requested the company to join
him in prayer. It is customary in the Mormon Church to open all
meetings with prayer, even political ones where those present are all
of the household of faith. Brigham offered up a fervent prayer, asking
the blessing of the Almighty upon that meeting, and each and every one
present, that they might all see with an eye single to the glory of
God, and the building up of his Kingdom here on the earth. The prayer
over, the President arose and in a brief but very adroit speech, told
the object he had in view in building the theatre, the recreation and
amusement of the people, thanked those who had contributed to that
end, whether as actors or musicians, told them that they were
missionaries as much as if they were called to go out into the world
and preach the gospel, and the Lord would bless their efforts just as
much if they performed their parts in the same spirit. He understood
there was some dissatisfaction, however, and some of the brethren
thought it was too much of a tax upon their time to continue to do
this without proper compensation. He called on the brethren to state
their feelings in regard to this question that he might judge what was
best to do in the matter. It seemed as if the prayer and speech had
almost made them forget that they had any cause or grievance to
present, or it had blunted the edge of their courage. Every one was
expecting to see Mark Croxall, the principal agitator, get up and make
a statement in behalf of himself and the orchestra; but Mark's
courage, like that of many another agitator, seemed to have sunk into
his boots, when the ordeal came; he opened not his mouth. So the
second violinist, David Evans, who was a shoemaker by trade and a
cripple from birth, pulled himself to a standing position by the aid
of his crutches and spoke to the question. He told how hard he had to
work, and what a loss of time the rehearsals and plays occasioned him;
being up so much at nights, he could not get up very early in the
morning--and could not but lose several hours every day. Besides, he
said he did not think it right and just, when the theatre was taking
in such large sums of money at every performance, that those who
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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