National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1880-04-06
An USBM EN7'5.

Ford's Opera se-"Plrates OF Penzance."
This last work of Messrs. Gilbert and Sui
Ivan, about which so much has been writton
in the New York papers, had its first repre-
sentation in this city last night at Fords
OporaHouse. As a proof that our people
eagerly desired 10 500 if this opera was a
worthy successor of "Pinafore," tho house
was filed with most brilliant audience, aud
tho laughter aud liberal applause fully at
tested the success Of the performance Tho
music Is of far higher order than that of its
popular predecessor, somo Of tho chorusCs be-
ing exquisite in their harmony, while tho
librctto is filed with bright aud sparkling bon
motS, which woro quickly appreciated The
company comprises some excellent artists.
Miss Mimic Walsh, who sustained the part
of Mabel exhibited soprano voice Of great
power, and in the waltz in tho first act showed
evidences of considerable culture receiving u
most emphatic encore. Misses Chappelle,
Mitchell and Perry looked chatmiugy, acted
with animation and spirit and sang the fow
solos allotted them with effect. Mr.. Gil!on,
as General Stanley, carried tho burden OF tho
comic portions of tho opera and showed him
self good singer and finished actor. Mr..
Pfnu possesses tenor robuslo of much
power, which he used with great OBJECT,
although last night Ito was evidently
suffering from a cold Mr.. Harry Standish, as
the Sergeant of Police, gave n most excellent
Characterization, and received raptuous en-
core for his song, in which he was ably as
sisted by his follow officers, who formed the
best male chorus hat has ever been attached
to any English company. Tho opera is one
which should 10 seen more than once,
and the prediction Is vontured that before the
week ia over, standing room only" will be tho
sign at tho door.
National Theatro-Lnwrence Barrett.
An audience more select than numerous
witnessed one of the best dramatic perform
ances last evening that have been given at the
National Theatre during the present season.
1t is quito certain that no American play
wright has perfected so strong and interest
ing drama as Mr.. W. d. Howells' "Yorick' s
Love-" The action is compact, intense, yet
not strained or unnatural; the dialogue rich,
elegant, frequently almost Shakcspearoan In
force of expression. The situations are full of
dramatic effect Want of space prevents an
extended notice Of the story of the play, which
Is skillfully modelled upon the theme Of
"O,hello." Tho time of the play is tho Shakes
poarcau era, the persons of the drama are
actors. Mr.. Barrett's Yorick is by far the
most powerful representation by this great
| actor We have ever witnessed. The
love for his young wife and his adopted son,
which pervadcs every thought and finds ex-
| preston in every word, is beautifully ex-
| pressed, while in his Jealous frenzy no fairly
ecctrifcs his hearers His passionate plead
ing with Edmund was mastery indeed aud
elected storm Of applause which did not OK.
haust itself for several minutes. Miss Ellen
Cummins, we'll known to the Washington
public, played tho part Of Alice, Yorick's wife
very effectively, except in tho confession oil
her love to Edmund, when she was rather
monotonous and stacy. Mr.. J. II. Grismcr
rs Master Walton, gave an excellent picture o
the false friend, and Mr.. Gustavus Levick lie
| nicely rs Edmund Tho remainder of tn,
company did well in the parts assigned them
Tonight Mr. Barrett appears as Richelieu, on
OF his greatest representations.
Theatre Comique.
A crowded house last night again attestc'
the popularity of tho excellent performance