National Republican., 1880-11-23
National Theatre-"Ths Pirates OF Pen
ZnncpD

National Theatre" rhe Pirates OF PEN
Zance."
Mr.. D'Oyly CartaS company presented the
latest and best of the operas written jointly
by Messrs. Gilbert and Sullivan-tho Pirates
of Pcmzncc"-ut the National theatre last
night. While this opera does not contain the
catchy melodies of tho much-sung "Pinalorc,"
the music is of a decidedly higher order both
rs to the vocal score and tho orchestration.
The libretto, too, is equally witty and spark
ling. The idea of the pirate apprentice con-
sdering it his duty TO remain with his cut
throat companions until he has reached his
majority, then considering it his duty so
soon MS he has been freed from his appron.
tiCeshp to Mt once organize an expedition for
the sXtCrminatiOn of the pirates; again yield.
ing to his sense of duty when Informed that
rs he WAS born on the 30 til of February and
as tho ndentures read until his twcnly-hrst
birthday, rcjoining the band and disclosing,
uudor pressure of his duty as one ofthem, the
plans OF General Stanley for their capture, is
worked out most happily. The music was
highly enjoyed, aud nearly every prominent
number WAS eucOred, among which may
be mentioned "Ths Song of the Pirate King"
Poor Wandering One" 81 am the Very
Model OF Modern Major. General" ;" The
Paradox" trio; the policcman's chorus and
tho "On to Glory" chorus. Tho company is
an excellent one. Signor Brocolini as Richard
looked and acted the pirate chief to pCrfec.
tion, aud in his singing showed himself the
posscssor Of u clear, ringing baritone voice,
which he used with decided effect. Mr. Wal
lace Macrery as Frederic was an Improvement
upon Pau, who sung the part here last season,
his clear, powerful tenor being well adapted
to the music of tile part, while his fno stage
presence added TO the correctness of his act
ing Nr. j. Ii. Ryloy as General Stanley full
filed all the requirements Of this character,
of which he was the original representative
having come from London especially 10 rs.
sumo it. His acting was most finished, as was
also that of Mr.. Harry Standish. who sus.
tanned the character Of the Police Sergeant, OF
Miss Minnie Walsh, who sang the part of Mabel,
and Nine. Motto, who WAS the Ruth, mem
| tiOn was made last season when they sus-
| tanned the same characters, and il only now
needs to be said that the same correctness in
acting aud excellence in singing which they
exhibited then was displ yed last night, and
the emphatic applause which they received
showed con clusively that their efforts were
fully appreciated by tho audience. The
PIRATES" will be repeated each night during
| the week and at matinees on Wednesday,
| Thursday aud Saturday afternoons.
| Eord's era-House-Haverly's Minstrols.
| Generally speaking, the formation of min
strel troupes composed of genuine negroes has
not been q very decided success, for the
colOred man Oh exhibition aud attempting to
show tho eccentricities of negro lllo Is usually
quite tame aud far less amusing than the
whito imitator The attraction of negro min.
strelsy is not in the truthful delncation OF
| the comic sido Of the freedman, but in the ex-
! 0ggeratiOn Of the humorous element TO IN ex.
tent which is fucical, and to do this
| effectively requires an intelligence as well a;
an initiative faculty, and IL is tho absence oI
| this intelligence which has caused the failure
,i.y,t tt,,,.
Mr.. Haverly, with his usual energy and en-,
terprise, has, however, succeeded in bringing
| together an even hundred of COlored people
who are decidedly superior, we believe, to any
similar number that could be selGCtcC
from tho regular organized minstrel com
pauics now upon the boards. The seen,
that met the gaze as tho curtain wen
up at FOrl's opera-house last night wa
unique and striking, Piled tier upon tier wa
every shade of the race, from the cOal'blaCl
to almost white, aud as tho twenty end mel
took their chains and the first chord wa
struck there was confidence felt ull over th,
house that the Entertainment was to be u sue
cess. The brass band aud orchestra was wei
balanced and played with excellent effect
surpassing that Of auy similar organization
that We have ever heard. All the selections il
the first part were well rendered, and ever,
| ono WAS enCOred, There were hut two senti
mental sOngs--"Ioll Nc So" sung by Mr.. Ed
ward johnson, aud "Only to Love-" by Mr
Lewis Brown, both baritones, the latter beinI
of remarkable sweetness, range and power
The chorusea TO these were sung by soeoteI
voices, aud tho piano repetitions were n
choice aud delicious bits of melody as on
would wish to listen to. The olio was in lul
keeping with the first part aud was equal.
well received. Tho seStette clog was ex
cccdIugy well given, and Judge Cruso
In his high and mighty flights of clCqueno
showed what tho fifteenth amendment coul'
do IL you only give him a chance "rh
Blackyille Jubilee Singers" were a decided
attractive feature, as wero the "Caue'brak
SDOctres." We can readily understand VIII
this troupe has been so successful wherever
has appeared, aud judging from the attend
anco last night there won't be standing room
before the week is over.
There will be the usual matinees on Wednc'
day aud Saturday and an extra ono o
Thanksgiving day
Theatre COmique.
Tho splendid variety ente rtainment give
al the Comique last evening WAS witnessed b
a largo audience. Tho ollo is first class /
every respect. Tho drama "Iost in London
was produced In good style with all tho at
vantages ofa talented company and eXcoleu
! stage facilities.