National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1880-09-28
AMUSEAf ENTS.
Ford's era.House-"La FTlc Du Tambou,
Major"


The Grst appearance In this city of Maurice
Grau's now French opera company was made
last night at Ford's opera-house. Ofenbach's
lastost work La File Du Tambour Major"
was the attraction and this opera was pre-
sented in as perfect manner as any that has
ever been witnessed in this city. The opera
has very interesting theme, the story being
rs follows; The first act opens with
scene of the grounds surrounding
convent and the pupils slug morning hymn.
stella Mile Mary Albcrt), who is the reputed
daughter OF the Duke Della Volta on. Vilanol
enters showing fruit that she has found in the
orchard and sings q bright song, Petit
Francais brave Francais," for which she is
rcproved by tho proress and taken away for
penance Announcement being made that
regiment of French soldiers is approaching
tho pupils all Ay, and Robert on. Bernsrdl,
Monthabor the drum major, on. Viuchon),
Griolet ON. Poyatd) aud the soldiers APP
pear, and upon search being made bring
In Stella, who assumes tho rolo of hostess and
welcomes them TO the convent. She sings n
sparkling song, "Depuis long temps fltalion,"
which received a hearty encore. Claudine
lAtlle. Cecile Grcgore), tho vivandere of the
regiment introduced stirring military song,
The Famous Regiment" which she sang in
English, and received an encore. The Duke
appears with Stolla's intended husband and
the regiment marches away. The scene of
The second act is laid in the parlor Of the
Dukes! palace and Robert Monthabor and
Griolot who have been billetcd upon the
Duke, arrive rs the festivities which are to
celebrate tho betrothal of Stella are taking
place Monthabor recognizes in the Duchess
his former wife aud discovers that Stella is
bis own child. She joylully accepts the rela-
tionship and to escape the proposed marriage
dons the uniform of q vivandiere and an
nounccs her intention of accompanying the
N M M n
pretty love scene between Robert and Stella,
and the duo In which the avowal Is made is
one of the sweetest bits of music In the whole
opera, and the rapturous encore which fol-
lowed showed how thoroughly 1t was
appreciated. The finale OF this act is finely
worked up and the drum chorus was obliged
to be repeated. This last act shows tho mis-
fortunes of the little French party, which had
become scattered, aud all met at an inn in
Milan. Stella appears AS coachman, Mon
thabor as frior and Griolet as nobleman.
Rosert is arrested by the Austrian patrol,
but the French troops with colors flying and
preceded by n military band come crowding
on the stage, and the ending Is happy and
complete. The mounting Of the opera was
superb, careful attention being paid to every
| detail; the chorus was large and composed of
| trained voices; the scenery, which had been
specially painted for this purpose, was worthy
Of praise, and the costumes were gorgeous.
| Mile, Albert is woman Of surprising beauty
and bright piquant actress, while she pos
sesses full, clear soprano, well trained and OF
excellent compass. She was well supported
by Mile. Grogoire, who is also finished act
ress and good singer. All the principal
| male performers were excellent, their acting
being highly effective, and NM. Viuchon and
Bernard displaying superior vocal abilities.
La File du Tambour Major" will be repeated
every night during the week, and the house
| IN ba cd nj oh 20 n
| sentation.
| National acknowledgements.
| The great and only Hcrrmann entertained
| the audience at the National last night with
| his wonderful performances in the art oil
diablcric. Among the illusions that were
most mysterious was the way in which lie
| drew silver dollars from the top of bald heads
| out of the ears aud from the noses of persons
in the audience. His rabbit trick was also
very pleasing, rs was tho way in which he
produced three beautiful doves from frying.
pan containing the same number of eggs. Iu
| fact, 1t is impossible to enumerate the particu
lar features of the entertainment, MS they
were all good, unsurpassed by anything
of tho kind seen in this city since
the performance of tho late Mr.. Heller
His mysterious cabinet caused much amuse
ment, likewise a good deal Of wOndermeut, az
a man was put into stocks securely fastened
locked, aud when the door WAS opened the
man had freed himself This is something OF
the style of the Everett exhibition, which wa
seen here last season. In conjunction Will
Hermann tlero also appeared several spe
cialty artists, among whom were tho OnOfr
Brothers in their Partisan grotesque act, Va
Vose, the man of many voices, with his fou
funny people, who gave ar entertaining exhi
bition of ventriloquism, aud tue Lorellas
known as the highest kickers In the business
who doubled themselves up into the most in
conceivable shapes and went through cOntor
lions truly marvellous. Hermann will hol
the boards during the entire week, and at til
Wednesday matinee every lady in attendanc
will be presented with handsome portrait
Theatre Comique.
Mcssrs, Budd O'Neill & Co. got into thei
fall and winter quarters last night Will
/ tho exterior of the Comique does not offe
l great attractions to the public, still visit t
, The auditorium of the theatre will quick
4 change any unfavorable opinion that ma
, have been found outside; for now it is abou
s rs cosy and acceptable place of Amusement
e rs one could wish. The management takin
V advantage Of the time the performance ha
L been going on in the summer garden t
!. renoyate and reuvenate the wintc
!, house, have completed their iabors, an
S the result is flattcring to their taste and juds
ment, aud the patronage will doubtless rein
4 burse the outlay The house has been entirel
!, repainted aud the boxes retouched aud inishe
!. with gold molding, while from the ceiling
!, suspended handsome chandelier that wi
:. flood the entire auditorium with u
5. abundance of light. The stage hi
j. come in for its share of attention
and the new borders aud scenery Al
:, in keeping with the improvements ELSEWHERE
! The propretors Of the theatre must have bee
highly gratiiiGd to see the large gathering
patrons who assembled to welcome them
their old home aud the favorable common
II passed upon the appearance of it. The pr
gramme for the evening was an attractive on
and met with fsttering reception. 1t W.
arranged with a view to the opening nigl
d and presented in full IL was variety ente
, tainment in every respect embracing man
v speciality artists, who performed their respec
:. I've parts in the most acceptable manner al
d, were the recipients Of frequent applause.
10 OUR WORKSHOPS FOR CUSTOM GARMENT
y FOURTH FLOOR. ElsEMAN BROS, COR sEN
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