Of course no one was struck, but they expected it, and even that did not stop the crush. For the first time in the experience of most of the ladies in the throng (and there were many ladies and more gentlemen there, only a few being “gallery gods”) the terrible locust was brandished close to their heads in most alarming fashion to keep them back. They waited patiently till at length a single fold of the iron doors was turned back, and then the two policemen guarding the aperture had hard work to keep the crowd back.

None knew what the price would be, but most thought it would be $1 or $1.50. In the line were those who sought cheap admission. Long before the doors were opened a line had formed by the family circle entrance, and a crowd of idlers gathered to watch those who awaited admission. Yet, as no one outside of the few who had studied the matter knew exactly what to expect, the surprises were taken as a matter of course, and the praise and criticism freely uttered on all sides seemed entirely spontaneous. “You see such a lot you don't know, you know, and, you know, you don't see the fellahs you know,” lisped one young man, whose attire was as faultless as his imported manner. But those who were expected by the “habitués” of places of amusement in New York were not there, and those who were not expected were in full force. It was certain that the house would be full. The audience itself was a complete surprise. Abbey when the audience showed itself honestly cold in its criticism. And last was the enormous surprise that must necessarily have been kindled in the breast of Mr. Next was a feeling of bewildered surprise at the unaccustomed paths to be trodden to go anywhere. Next came the surprise (to many) of finding when the doors were opened, that although there were signs of haste here and there, everything visible was practically complete. Perhaps the first notable one was the disagreeable shock received by those who had thought to purchase the luxury cheaply.

Many surprises were in store last evening for that portion of fashionable and unfashionable New York society which had arranged for itself to go to the Metropolitan Opera House.

Gerster’s Return as Amina - Debut of Two New Artists Inauguration of the Metropolitan Opera House - Mme. Account and Review of unsigned critic in the Herald

Metropolitan opera opening night