The New York herald., 1877-12-25
AMUSEM ENTS.

EAGLE THEATRE--CHRIsTMAs PANroMIME.
Last evening Christmas pantomime, entitled sThe
Babes In the Woods,' was given at the Eagle Theatre.
Tho first part OF the programme devoted to bur-
esque called "Babes in the Woods" Willie Edoun aud
Miss Marion Elmore were the babes, and they were
capital in their parts The third sceno opens In
schcolroom, where the babes scholars. They
very musng, particularly whom they became teach
crs, and this OF the FUNNIEST scenes In the
wood the babes buriod under the leaves, the
pan,onlime OF "Cock Robin" was enacted by y
number OF little children, Jenny WreE being
little tot OF not than three years The birds did
admirably. There a want of connection about the
buresque, but the characters SO well enuctcd
that overlooked this fault. Miss Alice Athcrton,
who always good was particularly SO last evening;
aud the moonlight song, as sung and acted BY her,
With chorus, was an excellent performance MISS
Atherton, although quite large woman is exceedingly
graceful and is one of those actresses upon whom
audience feel perfect reliance The pantommc camo
cIo~D CT Dou william H''c G III" as Pansaoon VIVA w. Man ~
as Harlequin. Mary Williams as Harleqoina
and Lima Mervillo as Columbine. Mr. Edouin
ali that could be desired Of clown In action but
his facial expression was not as marked as some
clowns we have seen. The most amusing part OF this
pani0mimc was the horseback scene, with Mr.. Ed
ouin Nine socksrilL The transformation scene,
gliding pcturcsqncly from arctic 10 temperate and then
TO torrd zones was ono Of the prettcs we have ever
soen In New York. We should not neglect TO mention
IN this notice the clever donkey Introduced in the
burlesque The audience was largo and enthusiastic,
and no one enjoyed vie fun more than tho chldrcn,
who were out in large numbers The idea OF Christ
mas pantomime Is capital one, and both young and
old will find IL enjoyable
NATIONAL THEATRE-THE "PIONEER PATRIOT !"
The above name. National Theatre, has been gwen
to place opposite tho New York Hotel. Heretofore
1t has been known under various designations Many
good and bad performances havo bcen witnessed
there, but veteran manager OF the
old timc associates OF the stage, Mr.. Henry Willard,
who, In 1886, 1888 and ls40, was Identified
with the Chatham the olympic, tho old National and
subsequently The Winter Garden. 10 all OF which a
history attaches that would be Interesting 10 the gen.
GRAFTON that is passing away has taken charge OF the
theatre and announces series OF performances, 1or
which ho again expects pubic approval Last night
under hts management, play, known as the "Pioncor
PATRIOT written by Mr. Watkns, was presented, IN
which Mr. and Mrs Harry watkins illustrated Incl
years ago II would not DO fair to say that thc
action was excellent, because the actors themselves
appeared 70 feel the want Of better rehearsal aud that
understanding with each other which makes play
perfect. BY reason OF their familiarity with their
own parts. Mr.. and Mrs. Harry Watkins-thc us
Jocko The faithful good old negro ana the other
Isabel Carleton, tho heroinehed the attcnt of tho
audience from the beginning TO the end VI the per-
formonce, ani were warmly appauded. Miss
Amy Loo rs Pbs, the devoted, lacked voice,
but made up for her deficiencies In action. MIR. g.
NJ. Middleton made an excellent pioneer patriot.
and The rest OF the support was fair. Taken all In all
however, the performance was not smooth. The play
has several elements OF success some good situations
ana few effective dialogues, but 1t s uppaf onty not
calculated to make q sensation or to attract people
more than once. Nr. Watkins has other pieces In
preparation anu both Mr.. Willard and himself expect
make their venture popular In the presentation OF
dramas that VIII appeal TO the popular taste At popular
prcea