Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-11-23
gotal ann psrsonal.

Risley's Variete.-This new and magnificent
dramatic and musical saloon, as we stated in our
paper of yesterday, was formally opened on Mon
day evening, with the most brilliant eclat. Mr..
Risley has spared no expense in embellishng, fur
nshing, and entire remodeling the "Varete" for its
adaptation TO theatrical purposes. The floors and
approaches are being carpeted, in order TO pre-
vent noise during the ngress and egress OF vis-
tors. The appearance of the hall is such as to
evoke the most unequivocal admiration. The
decorations are tasteful and elegant, combining
the comfortable with the ornamental, and there is
gaiety without gaudiness, profusion OF delicate
ornament, without heaviness. No one is more
capable OF ministering to the tastes of the Wash
ington public than Mr.. Risley, so long and sue
cessfully connected with the London theatres
He is eminently qualified by experience, taste,
and knowledge of art TO initiate new enterprise;
his whole arrangements are judiciously and taste
fully conceived and reflect credit, not only on the
energetic manager, but on the artists who coop
crate with him. The season, to all appearances
has commenced under the most suspicious cir
cumstances. There is no city nthe Union where
there is greater collection Of individuals distn-
guished by station, science, art, and literature,
than Washington; and none more capable of APP
precatng all the nicer shades Of excellence.
The opening address, written by Thomas 5. Do
noho, esq, of our city, beautifully and artist-
cally delivered by the talented Mrs. G. w. Glad
stane, who made such favorable impression. at
the National last winter. II is but justice TO say
that Mrs. G. acquitted herself in manner that re-
fected the highest credit her professional tact
and abilities.
The curtain rose with the elegant and petite
comedy of Gria to the NIL in which the accom-
pshed coincidence and vocalist, Mrs. Charles
Howard played the part Of Francine with mimi
table humor She was received with all the
warmth of genuine welcome, and more than real
lied the most sanguine antcipations of her most
ardent friends and admirers. She sung several
beautiful songs, which were rapturously applaud
ed. Mrs. HI. executes with neatness and dexter-
ty, and is not wanting in taste and expression, and
worthy sustains her reputation for force, variety
and originality. We are pleased to see that in her
manner, unlike many performers, there is no evil
dence of studied style, but is natural easy lively
and ingratatng. She is gifted with beautiful
voice, and acts with commendabe spirit and intel
ligence. Mrs. Howard will remain but for few
nights, as her engagement is limited.
In the comedy, or rather the elongated farce of
Gria to The lfiH the well-known and talented Mr..
Gallagher personated with the most regal suavi-
ty, the Prince de Conte. The character Of the
Marquis de Richevile, the stingy miser, by Mr..
Atemus, evoked an nnbounded merfment. The
character of Monsieur de Merluchet, the OFF,
Ger OF his lordshp the Bishop Of Poictiers, by Mr..
Venton, was creditably performed, and ELECTED
much applause. After the comedy we had the new
burletta called Jenny Lind, in which Mrs Howard
again appeared, and sustained to perfection the
character of Jenny Leatherlungs; she was fire.
quently and enthusiastically applauded. Mr.. Vim
cent is entitled 10 praise, and his performance Of
Baron Swigitofbeery was very favorably received.
Theperformances concluded with aughable farce,
called the Wandering Minstrel. in which that ad-
mirable and unequalled comedian, Mr.. ]. II. Rob
inson, appeared to the greatest advantage; during
which he introduced, with the happiest effect a
medley comic song. Nothing could be better than
Mrs LitelIs Tor as we like to call her, Kate Lud-
lowJ version of the character of Herbert Carol !;
her style is natural, unaffected, and piquant The
efficiently sustained by Mr.. Morton Miss Barnett,
and Mrs. Altemus.
The performances were generally satisfactory,
but new engine rarely works well at first, and
when the corps is better drilled, and the whole of
the company shall have arrived, Mr.. Rsley prom
ises to discriminating public, rich, varied, and at
the same time, the most unexceptionable entertain
ments.
The unavoidable detention of Mrs Thayer, and
which was, however, speedily and satisfactorily
| remedied.
By the way, we suggest to Mr.. Risley whether
it would not be an Improvement if he were to
change his arrangements so as TO enable the pub
lie to secure their seats during the day, wnhom an
additional charge. This is the usage of the New
York theatres, and we feel satisfied the gentle
manly manager of the Hariete only needs the sug-
gestion to act upon it,,
Reformation In Washington."-We notice
in the New York papers that the Temperance
Alliance" of that city have prepared memorial TO
the two Houses of Congress, sympathzing with
the people of Washington, and asking the aid of
the natlOnal legislature 10 Idhish rum our geo.
graphical limits the evils of intemperance, by
of prohibitory law, after the model of that
of Maine and several other States of the Union.
The Alliance requests the President of the
United States to call the attention Of Congress TO
the subject, with view that the prayer may be
answered
II is true, as the preamble to the resolutions
declares, that the citizens of Washington, last
June, by vote of two to one, expressed their de-
sire for an amendment of the municipal charter,
so that the city councils may pass a law prohibit
ing the sale of intoxicating liquors within the cor
porate limits; but, according to present indica-
tons, there will now, probably, be as many places
licensed heretofore for the sale of the alcoholic
beverage although the majority of housekeepers
must, as preliminary, assent to the issuing of
licenses authorizing such establishments.
The city councils already have power to "pro-
hlbit" or suppress tipping shops" but this they
have refused TO exercise, on the plea that the