National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-12-01
ADJUSTMENTS.
FORD's OPERA HOUSE -LOTTA - U
SETTLE.

FORD'S OPERA HOUSE LOTTA - MU.
SETTE.
''Musette: or, The Secret of Guide COurs,"
drama written for Lolita by Mr.. Marsdeu, the au-
thor Of Zip" was produced for the first time at
Ford's opera house last night. The audience
was good, and there was an evident anxiety to
see the new piece by this young American writer.
The scene Of the new drama is laid in England.
There are a number OF striking situations, which
are go managed as to whet the appetite Of eager
expectation and keep it unsatished to the end Of
the piece.
action Of the piece is pointed. There are some
of the acts of fClOudsh equal to any portions Of
"Musette." But taken as as whole the latter
piece is superior TO anything Mr.. Marsden has
yet written. The characters Of the drama pre-
sented last night are well contrasted, though by
no means perfect in individuality, and the da-
lOgue, though faulty, is acceptable in the main.
Mr.. Marsden has the besetting sin of Introducing
too many OF the conventional phrases of the day
into his pieces. By this he may gain q certain
kind Of sharpness, but he loses in real strength.
The movement of the action in "Musette' Is
brisk and lively, and that adds to the attractive
ness and popularity Of the drama. Lolita en-
acted Musette in her usual style. She was ami
mated and natural, and literally part Of each
scene in which she appeared. 1t is the earnest
ness of this artist that constitutes large portion
of her enduring popularity. Even her trthtng
upon the stage has iG it apOrtion Of this element:
What she is called upon TO do she does with all
her heart.
During1the evening she was repeatedly ap-
plaudeu. Emma StOckmln enacted ldnuUc, anu
Miss Roberts was excellent as Angela Darcy, In
Producing into the character both force and grace
fulness in an eminent degree. Mis- Roberts is q
true artist. She has feeling and p1thos, united
with q clear insight into motives and designs as
portrayed by drImatists, and hence needs only
study and application to advance sill more rap
idly in her profession. As Selma BOkus Mrs.
GeTmOn was entirely acceptable. 4 better cast
could not have been supplied by any theatre in
the country, and all that was in the parts was OK
hibited to the audience. "MusetIe" WAS wellput
upon the stage, and the appointments attended
to in faultless manner.
THE NATIONAL THEATRE THE LIN
CARDS.
Tonight the play of "Le Sphinx will be re-
peated at the National theatre. The celebrated
role Of BlancEe de ChelIes was sustained by Alice
Dunning Lingard, one Of the most beautiful
women on the stage, and one whose fine dramatic
talent is enabling her to make rapid strides in
her profession. The play is FTenehy to the last
degree, but it is squarely up with the tide OF
modern thought, life and action, and as such 1t
commands attention. II is perfectly proper Tor
ladies to witness IL, but Anticipated young men
who imagine that they are up in all the killing
ways of the WOrId-in short. tnat they know more
than their mothers, had better stay away" 1t
is piece that can do them no good. 1t viii be
repeated tonight, and all its dark and sinuOus
ways, all its mysteries and suggestions, all its
deiIcate situations, all It's funny incidents and
wonderful hints. and al its horrible flor the WCrd
must he used) business will be squarely brought
out. What all these are We do not care to reveal
in this notice. The wise young men referred to
will comprehend, for they know 50 much, but the
women and legitimate theatre gOeTs will be there
to enjoy good play.
There was, however. regret eNpresSet that MISS
Dickic Lingard was not in the cast, She is On5 II
the women whom DIR. J. L. Holland describes $
the pOSsessOr Of personal magnetism. Nine hun-
drad and ninety-niuc men in every thOus md n In
love with her at 'first slght: but, il rumOrs are
true, it's all in vain. She is said to be engaged
TO 4 brave and distinguished general, who ere
long will, with the glory Of his wedding day, put
all the pOmp and splendOr OF the late wei iinss
in high life into tie shade. If the stage is TO
lFse the light and wit Of Dickte's presence, O.
ciety will gain new beauty and grace. We OF ly
hope the rumCr is true. She will appear W sdnI =
day nig ut in the fine old English edy Of II.
AGmiral." Mr.. George Clarke, well Known 70
the public, was cordially received. We shall yet
hear from this actor.
THE RIGHTS or RAILROAD Pts