National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-10-07
AMUsEM ENTs.


Ford's Opera. Houso--"rhe stratcgists"
A large audience was present last night TO Wit
ness the first performance of the new and spark
ling comedy, "Strategists," which is extremely
ludicrous and spicy, yet never exceeds proper
bounds, The story, which is q little improbable,
runs thus; Jack Rwtedge, a jolly young man OF
wealth, desperately love with NeLe H0tgdrd finds
double obstacle in his path in the form of serious
objections TO their marriage the part OF both her
| father and his own In this dilemma the happy
thought strikes him Of personating both the old
gentlemen and thus obtaining their consent, in spite
| of the opposition which they both have made to
the union. Noiic assists him in many ways TO dc.
ceive the two fathers. and by turns JACK success
fully pcrsOn0tes Major HOtcdrd and Arthur Rutticdgc
| and thus 0ccomplishcs HIS purpose. In carrying
| out this scheme the young hero gets into many
| awkward situations, aud Winds up his cscapadc,
| after playing the double TO Major Howdrd, when
the latter comes home from the club in an how
c9me-you-so condition by being compelled ny
! Mrs H0lcdrd and Nellie to drink AN immense bowl.
| inl of boneset tea prepared for the MAJOR. who
after having been put to bed by his wife, appears
upon the scene ut Il very interesting moment, much
! to the establishment Of all present., and especially
Jdck. The part of JACK Riucdgc was well sustained
! by Mr. Clinton Hall, who is finished actor both
| in appearance and manner His impersonations
OF first one father and then the other were so much
! hc came In contact. Miss Ada Monk, n very pleas
Ing actress made decided impression IN the CHAR
acter OF NtOie. and Mr.. sam Ryan, az the Itrcncc
F2da, whose fucc is well known to the Washington
! public, did his part IN manner that proved him
10 be n thorough artist The rest of the characters
were an wei taken and II Is safe TO say hore
pleasant and laughtcrprovoking play has not been
seen in this city for some time. This play VIII
hold the boards at Fords for the balance OF The
week. ana all those who went last night To have u
good laugh were well repaid, and accomplished
heir purpose.
National Thentre-Rice's surprise Party.
A very delightful Entertainment was put on the
extravaganza Of " Horrors" ms presented by Rices
surprise Party which has met with signal success
as large us 1t doubtless would have been but for
the presence of strong counter attraction in the
city; but II was very good. Although much has
their performances of Horrors and Rcvels,"
yet we may safely say that It merits all: The com.
that ever appeared IN buresquc in this city. The
caste in " Horrors" is exceedingly lengthy, but
an OF the principal parts are put in the
Win some of these notably, Mr. Willie Edouin and
! Miss Marion Elmore Washington audiences are
wen acquainted, and we need scarcely say more
| than that all the principal members OF the COM
paly are of the same standard of excellence. As
TO TIE piece, It is the delghtfuest quntessence of
NONSENSE and took the house by Storm causing not
only constant ripple OF laughter, but frequent ex-
ploslons Of II through the whole performance. The
setting OF the piece was brilliant, most Of the
scenery having been brought by the company, and
| the costumes rich aud elegant
Theatre Comilue-1hc Alvin Joslin Combi-
nation.
The Comquc was crowded last evening on the
Vi llV IlISl OF AlNlu JOslln
and the uproarious fun prevailing In the audience
during the whole performance sustained all that
has been said OF the piece. The character of AiUn
JoIH, portrayed with great artistic skill by Mr..
Charles L. Davis, presents u typical matter of fact
old New England farmer, sort OF rough diamond,
whose quaint sayings and broad humor keep a
ripple of laughter running through the house all
the time Mr. Davis is strongly supported by Miss
| Emma Ncrn, an emotional actress of great merit,
and large company, every member OF which is n
good actor The play has its tragic aud pathetic as
well n its humorous sides, but every scene is well
sustained. II is produced with the advantage OF
new scenery and every mechanical effect ncccs-
sary. There will be matinee this afternoon, and
II performance every evening this week.
Lincoln Haii-The ratti Concert.
Lincoln Hall was well filed last evening with an
audience whose quality was highly tlattering To
Nine. CGrlotta Patti and her associates. PATHS
voice has lost none of its wonderful melody and
sweetness since her last appearance In this city,
and those who were privileged TO hear her last
evening enjoyed treat such as is seldom afforded
The combination of which Nine. Car!otta Patti is
the centre is one of the strongest ever organized
on the concert stage Mr. Ketlen, the pianist, gave
several selections with most artistic effect. The
singing of Mr., Phelps and Signor Ciampi formed q
very delightful part of the programme, and Mr. Dc.
Munck's performances on the violoncello Judi.
Gated rare skill and q perfect mastery of most
difficult instrument.