National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-09-16
National acknowledgements Evidence"

National THEATRE" Queens Evidence"
The regular dramatic season at the National
Theatre began last night, the opening attraction
being the drama of the Queens Evidence" the
latest London success. The spectators last evening
were surprised upon entering the theatre to behold
q magnificent new drop curtain, which has taken
the place of the former dngy. unmeanng red Que
II was painted by Thomas Brooker, the well.known
scenic artist, and represents Grecan Interior
scene The idea of this style of curtain was slg
gested by Miss May Anderson, during her last en-
gagemont at the National and the manner.in which
Il has been carried out reflects the highest credit
upon management and artist. The play of Queens
Evidence" Is of the style of tho "ricketofleave
Man. but Infinitely superior TO the latter. Tho
characters were intrusted TO capable hands, and
although first night" would serve az an apology
for any shortcomings, nothing occurred TO mar the
success OF the play which ran us smoothly as tho
most Captious could desire
The company is one of the strongest that could
be procured, and every detail is carefully
looked after. Mr.. Bonince IN the character of
Eddcs was the leading attraction. Mr.. J. H. Rowe
as Gilbert Med!and afterward Philip Sdnaeld, made
marked impression, and sustained the reputation
actor. Mr. Gleason did his part well as Maitiag
Thornton, as also did Messrs George Decor, Edward
Coyle and J. Harding in their respective charac'
tiers. Little Eddie Arthur was exceptionally
good and bore his role with proficiency that
would have spoken well for one much his senior.
Kate MetldRd, i'll the hands of Miss Jean Burnside,
lost nothing of Its effectiveness, Miss Nina
Crolns ana Miss Pertie Harrison were very fair.
The play will be repeated every night during the
week, and will doubtless attract large audiences.
In this connection 1t would be well 10 call the at
|
dressed loaierS who hang about the corridor aud
entrance TO the theatre, and by their insulting
marks and ogling and leeri+lg at every lady thut
visits the performances render themselves at
once drawback TO the treasury and objects Of dis
| gust-nGy, almost pity.
Ford's Opera-HOuso-"H. NJ. s. Pinufore."
Although the reproduction of "Pln0fore' At this
/ time, when II might be termed hackneyed might
| be considered doubtful venture yet 1t was pre-
sened last evening at the Opera, House in style
that cannot fail to enhance its already great pOpu
| arity. In the cast chorus scenery and entire APP
pOintments 1t was on the order OF grand opera, and
II is safe to say that the opera has never been put
upon the stage in more acceptable manner in this
| city. Miss Marie Bockel made most piquant and
charming Josephine, and possesses soprano of
| dered Lite BmtercUp very ielicitously. She has
conlrato OF tine power and sweetness. Miss Blanche
her singing excellent Mr. Charles flagendorps
| rendition of Sir Joseph Porter lacked nothing Of
the dignity and refinement due 10 the high "oti-
| cal" rank Of that distinguished pcrsonage, yet he
| might have made more of the character Mr. A..
| W. McCollm made Il very handsome and dashing
| Ralph RdckstrdiV. and has fine and we'll trained
| tenor. Mr., ~. Torranni us Captain CorcOraI, Mr..
| j. Greensfelter Dck Dedeye and Mr.. Carl
Ahrcndt Us BM Bo.stay We're ali good Mr.. Tor.
smooth and powerful basso. All Of the cast wore
recipients of repeated and hearty eacOres and tho
performance was very eLthusashcally received
| Miss Eva Mills Benefit.
| Thorne's spacious summer garden was filled TO
overlooking last night with the creme de Ia creme of
Washington society," the occasion being the benefit
rendered 10 MES Eva Als Dy er numerous friends
in this city. The programme was varied and well sc.
lected and was received with much satisfaction The
fair cantptricc delighted the audience with some OF
her choicest voculizations Each one of her rendi.
tons was rapturouSly applauded, and She was the
| recipient OF q number Of exquisite floral tributes
| Miss Mills was ably seconded by Messrs. John Pugh
w. S. Young, william Pruett, Jr., and w WaldecEer
and several choice Rotations by MCssrs. Ed Hay
aud r. L. bowling, the famous rendering of the
| "Drumners Bride being especially fine. The
many friends Of Miss NILS wish her every success
in her professional career, and Will heartily re-
jOcc If she wGs the luutcs she so richly deserves
| summer Theatre Comique.
| 4 fine performance was given at the Comque
last night opening with the Eccentric MinsrcS,'
which was followed by variety olio rarely
equulsd, and closing with an amusing panomime
entitled Lovers slTategem." The corps ESPECIALLY
performers isvcry strong, including such eXCeont
artists Us Goldie aud Steele, the grotesques George
IGlwOod the Dutch vocalist; Frank AMI Eugene
Suydam, the gymnass Perry, Magrew, Curdy amC
| Hughes the four eogentriCs Miss Lou Edwards
a serio.comi singer; Wheeler, the king OF clubs
the Barlow Brothers aud Miss Salie 81, Clair. A
matinee will be given at the usual hour this after
noon.