National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-11-07
An USEII ENIS.
Ford's observation-disclosures Opera.

"The Mayor an English comic orera of two
acts was brought out Inst evening for the first time
In this city at Fords Opera House. The opera Is IL
perfect gem 1t is invested throughout with a
poetcal and picturesque element which is highly
essential to successful opera, and the music is org
nal and pleasing, containing several really bCaut
ful solos and duets. Last night Manager Ford
demonstrated the capabilities of his company. and
showed the public that he can, when he chooses
present light opera In the most tisactOry manner
The scene of the opera Is laid IN the village Of st.
Brl'ux In Brittany, IN the year 1900. To this place
oha,IeS Durd, young Engllshmail, is sent by MS
uncle who Is engaged In q plan to place the
COHte de Prorcnco upon the French throne
He meets ut this place the Com,cssc de Beau
drD, q royalist who has sought refuge in
the village, disguised M the widow Barrie n
Partisan drcssmaker. who was in fact the cousin
md carly love OF Durdl and who had several years
before made Clandcstine match with French.
man, and been In consequence alcnatcd from her
family. The Comtcssc taking advantage Of the
passion Of the Mayor Of ~. BrieUr, q superunnuntcd
lover, makes him the unconscious medium of com
muncation between herself aud the Royal SITS u
Paris. His addresses however, are treated with
contempt and the Mayor, TO satisfy his anmosity,
proposes TO arrest Durdt and the ComtcSSe con-
spirators IN the plot TO cnthronc the t0mte dc
PorS9eG, She howGyer cleyerly ayerts he danger
hand and threatening to reveal his completely in
the plot of the Royalists aud thereby masters the
situation. In her danger she confded to
Durdi her real Identity; and his love to
which he has remained constant, is rewarded.
There Is slight underplot based upon the loves Of
Pierre, a bnckSmiths apprentice, and Marie a
coquee Of the village, which is merely back.
ground picture, with little connection with the
main plot. Mr.. George Denh I'm cast as the
Mayor Qf 81. BricUE, and acquitted himself with,
perhaps, more than usual excellence, making n
highly amusing and original creation of the part.
Mr.. L. w. HoT did credably the part of Charles
Durdi, and Mr.. 4. W. McCoin appeared to advan-
tage as Pierre the blacksmith's apprentice. The
singing of Mr.. Joseph Greensfelder as BOrcipd the
blacksmith and of Miss Lizzie Annandae III the
role of Mlric, was exceptionally fine and Miss
Blanche Chapman rs the COBlieSsC de Bodudry sang,
nctcd and dressed charmngly. Miss Belle Mac
Kenzie appeared MS IiO'eHd, Il subordinate char0c.
ter Mr.. John Rcbert as POnpOn. secret agent or
police. "The Mayor will be repeated tonight.
National Thcatre-Maggie Mitchell.
Jane Eyre affords the umpest scope for the
display of diversity of dramatic talet and the de-
mands IL makes upon the powers of the delineator
of the title role are of no ordinary character, and
require no ordinary talents TO satisfy them. The
seltwilled il-trcatcd child the schooled inmate
of the orphan asylum the sclf-posscsscd COVER
ness: the loving woman, and. running through all
these phases, the quiet dignity of conscious
right require for their proper representa-.
Her rendition of the character last evening was
masterpiece of art which charmed the large audi
encc and excited to numerous and prolonged dem
onstratons of applause, and 1t was to be regretted
that Miss Mitchells voice so frequently Oh.
scnred by the effects OF bad cold. Mr. Harris as
L0rd Rochester and the rest of the company did
fairly.
Tonight Little Barefoot" charming piece
and one of Maggie Mtchclrs greatest successes.
Theatre Comique.
There will be o matinee at the Comique ut the
usual hour this afternoon. In addition TO the per-
Torrance this evening The bill is very strong.