The Evening critic., 1881-10-18
THE EVENING CRITIC.
ESTABLISHED AUGUST. Isas.
AMUSEM ENTS,
The NATIONAL Theatre.

Tne National Theatre.
Mr.. Nat Goodwin S great hit of his life
was produced to highly enthusiastic au-
dience at the National last night "The
Member for Slocum " Is in itself cleverly
conceived perfectly drumming light comedy,
replete with antithesis and humorous In the
extreme. Moreover 1t is most exccllcntly
put upon the stage, and the acting of the
company generally Is faultless.
Mr. Goodwin is the most gifted young
comedian on the stage, but never, until he
opened in upon this comedy of George Sims,
had u proper opportunity to display his
actual strength. Hitherto his line has been
more In the higher variety order-now 1t is
of the accepted legitimate light comedy
character. AS Mr.. Onesinius Epps, the
member, he Is simply perfect easy, grace
FIJI and unafIectedly humorous. He has
most complete support in the splendid
acting and appearance ofour old friend, Jack
Saville, as Blu Smith, and Mr.. Herbert the
inimitable comedian, in the gardeners
character.
The ladies are all first class, headed by
the popular favoritc, Miss Eliza Westhcrsby
as Ardttusa, part into tho character Of
which she enters with keen zest, and car
ries the audience completely with her the
remainder of the ladies supplement her
fine acting and are artists of polish and
ability.
OF the aftcrpiecc, a burlcsque of Camille,
but little favorable can be said; 1t is stupid
and Of the negro minstrel straining at hui
NOR order, utterly unworthy of such tai
ented troupe.
fOrd's Opcra-hOuse.
The Rogers Comedy Company, under the
management of the popular John, opened
last evening at Ford's to one of the most
flattering and enthusiastic audiences ever
seen in that cozy resort. During her previ-
Gus visits to Washington, Miss Minnie
Palmer, by showing conscientious devotion
to her art, has won the encouragement and
support of the public, and her greeting last
evening was richly deserved tribute to
her talents and painstaking industry as an
artist. In the neat and graceful comedy
of my Sweetheart" in which she
takes the role of Tina, Miss
Palmer certainly has better
opportunity to display her peculiar SOU
brette abilities, both in song and dance,
than in her previous selections. The plot
is light and airy, varied with Just about
enough of side business to retain the inter.
est of the spectator. Bits of song from the
latest operas are slxillfully introduced, rem
dered in solo by Miss Palmer in sweet,
clear and much-improved voice, and in
duo with Mr.. Graham, whose vocal talents
are too well known to need any words of
commentator. The arch piquancy of Miss
Minnie's manners, combined with pretty
young face and light graceful figure,
make her an irresistible favorite, who will
be sleartily sustained in her patient en-
deavors to climb to the top of the profess
sional ladder, and if she keeps on at her
present rate Of speed we predict for her a
much higher place before long on the
comedy stage. In most respects the sup
poit was far ahead of the accidentals'
generally seen in companies of this kind
The performance continues throughout the
week, with Wednesday and Saturday matt
nees, and will be warmly Endorsed, no
doubt, by our public.
The Theatre COmique.
The Theatre Comique commanded large
house last night, and presented its usual
brilliant and varied programme of speciality
artists. Matinee to-day and Friday, al
2:3O p. m.
Abncr's Garden.
The Vienna ladies' orchestra at Abner's
on Z street, opposite the National Post
office, continues to attract enthusiastic
audiences. Admission, 10 cents.