National Republican., 1880-12-08
"Hsotta" at tho National and "a Gentle
man from Nevada" nt Ford's.


The fact that Lota, in the second week Of her
engagement is drawing excellent houses is per-
feet test Of herpOpularity in this city 1t is ofcouse
her personal popularity, for the play in which she
appears this week would not of itself be sufficient
attraction. Very few of Dickens novels have been
successfully placed upon the stage. The characters
and incidents are numerous that they cannot
all be preserved, and the descriptive portions of
his works, which form the most pleasing reading,
can not be used in dramatlzation. II is evident
John Brougham,, who dramatizcd "The Old
Curiosity Shop" did with view to adapting
the character Of the Mdrchioncss to the peculiar
volatility of the inim!table Lotta, rather than
with the aim of making 1t q per-
feet drama. In this respect he thoroughly sue
ceedcd for Lotta invests this role with all the vim
dash, and eXtravagance of which she is capable,
and i'll her singing, dancing, banjo playing, and
general burlesqnc acting-for the character is a
burlesque-she never fails TO please and amuse.
The character Of euap as presented by Mr.. Ander'
memory of poor Claude Hamilton in this part is
still vivid and MIR Anderson suffers by comparison.
Not that MIR. Anderson is not better general actor
than was Hamilton but in this particular role he
seemed 70 catch the absolute conception Of Dick
ems and the Quiip of the story seemed to breathe
and the Sampson Brass of Mr.. Bradley is also good.
curiosity SHOP ' The home Of & S S and the the fair fair
scene being exceedingly well presented.
Little Nell and the MarChiOness" will be re-
peated each night during the week.
From the title of this play ono would suppose it
was border drama filed with miners in red Shirts
bowie knives pistols, and all that sort of thing. As
q matter of fact, the only sensational business of
that character Is seen in the prologue, when the
young aired EdgetOR Is murdered by Engish Jack
The story is that of young English EaIl and his
sister who are travelling in the Far West the for
mcr being murdered by the gambler, who proves to
have been former college classlnate, and who
has sworn revenge for an injury received dur
ing his youthful days. ChTisOpher Columbus CAL
miner, takes the beTcaYCd girl To his cabin and
aids her In every way in his power, The play
proper Is supposed to be three years after the above
events aud GdR who has struck II bonanza goes
70 England in search of the lady whom he had be.
hendcd and who had made firm impression
upon his heart, lie is of course received ut Edger
ton Park with English hospitality on account of
his former kindness, and also because of his great
wealth, lie being considered, as LddV EdgertOn says
"a millionaire whose millions are reckoned in
pounds"
The eNpambler also turns up as a wealthy stock
broker and lays siege to the heart of LddV ARc6,
whose brOher nc had killed, aud having been re.
present Earl, 10 give him her hand by asserting the
possession Of check upon which Captain leieLer
has forged the name of FtgtHdh Ed3etOn, and the
exposure Of which would bring shame upon
noble name ms we'll rs upon the CdptdH, who us.
pircs to the hand Of Lady EdAh, gu is arrested
by mistake for the CuptuiH, but, Of course, is
released, ana lie finally Identifies John Cik as the
murderer OF AEhtT and everything ends happily,
Lady EdgoitOH giving her consent Mr., J, D. Polk
nghtmindcd man, fresh from the mines with plenty
OfmOney, but still retaining all th0quaint aid cpl
gammaic sayings Of Western life, aud he iir
niSheg vast HnlOnnt Of amusement to the audience
The company is fur one and the play IL ono
which can be enjoyed.