National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-11-11
ADJUSTMENTS,
THE NATIONAL THEATRE-MISS NEIL
son AS BEATRICE

THE NATIONAL THEATRE-MISS NEIL
SON AS BEATRICE.
1t was large and very brilliant audience
which gathered at the National last night to wit
ness the impersonation Of Beatrice in 'Much
Ado About Nothing" by Miss Nelson. The re-
vival of the play was pleasing incident to the
patrons Of the drama here, and 1t is a thousand
pites that the support given to the gifted artist
was so poor as to mar much Of the beauty of the
presentation; yet this fact evoked more heroic
effort on the part of Miss Nelson, and her fire.
quent calls before the curtain and the generous,
enthusiastic applause she received, were ample in
proof of appreciation.
Beatrice was a woman of Shakspeare's time,
and 1t is more than probable that he has drawn
the portrait Of an acquaintance, and not made in
one combination of the peculiar characteristics
Whlch made up the temper, soul and wit Of
Beatrice. 1t is seldom, however, that a woman
Of her brightness of intellect her constant flow of
gaiety, her ready wit, her biting sarcasms, her
virtue and friendship are ever seen in one person
in real life. This Characteristic of bravery is
beautifully displayed in the scene where HerO's
father believing in her guilt consigns his daugh-
ter tc disgrace, and where her lover leaves her.
1t is then that the high spirit of Beatrice comes
in to the rescue, and she exclaims:
so, on my soul, my cousin is belied!''
The line was delivered by Miss Nelson with
the finest effect, and at that moment her face
shone with the true flame Of genius Her attitude,
expression, gesture were allfn happy accord with
the situation. The comic aspect or the temper Of
Beatrice Miss Nelson finely illustrated In the
scene where she commands her lover 70 kill
CLAUDIO. ltseems like an exaggeration, but her
handling Of 1t was marked BY such exquisite
finish and attention to detail that It seemed en-
tirely natural. Throughout the play Beatrice
has the advantage Of Benedick in wit, satire and
sympathy, and their loves so unlike those OF
Romeo and Juliet, are still as true, and instead
Of a tragedy they end in complete happiness.
The assumption Of Miss Nelson was a natural
one. In the first place she looks as Beatrice might
have looked, and the dash, energy and spirit Of
the character are all hers, and without doubt she
Is not lacking in any Of that native grace and
beauty which originally distinguished the heroine
Of the play. Tonight "As You Like It and
Rosalind is one Of Miss Nelson's fayorite roles.
FORD'S OPERA HOUSE-MR. ]. L. TOOLE
The programme Of last night at Ford's was a
repetition Of that Of Monday night, and it was
equally enjoyed. Tonight Mr.. Toole will pre-
sent the plays of ''Unele Dicks Darling and
The Blessed Baby" The first of these affords
Mr.. ToOle full scope for the display Of his best
talent as an actor, and decided interest is felt
by theatre-goers in witnessing IL. Mr.. TOOle, as
q gentleman and friend, is already very popular
the best and most critical opinion in Washington
in his favor.
THEODORE THOMAS CONCERTS.
Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, the 18th and
18th, Lincoln hall will be occupied by Theodore
Thomas and his splendid orchestra. Mr.. Thomas
needs no praisng in this city for here he has his
warmest admirers. Symphony No. 5, Lsnors,
next: This symphony has never been given in
Washington, which will make the concert more
interesting to the lovers Of mssic.
THE THEATRE COMIQUE.
Miss Louise Sylvester, in her play of "Nip, the
Pretty Flower" is vastly pleasing to the patrons
Of the COmique. In her songs, iigs, banjo play;
protean artist. The balance Of the programme
Is excellent.