National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-03-21
A WEEK OF COMEDY.
John s. Clarke at Ford's, Riee's Surprise
Party. and the Comigue.

The appearance of Mr.. John s. Clarke,
which takes place tonight at Ford's Opera House.
is an event in the history of amusements which
deserves more than passing attention. 1t is now
about thirteen years since Mr.. Clarke made his
last appearance in this city, and during the period
which has elapsed he has made the most remark
able success of any American actor that ever
visited Europe. While other actors have
gone to the great English metropolis with plays
in which they have made the most pronounced
successes in this country and failed most dismaly
Mr.. Clarke has for more than decade been an es-
tablished fayorite in London, and his sterling
qualities as a comedian are fully as highly appre-
ciated in that city they are in his
own native land. The plays selected for
his opening are The Heir at Law and Toodles,'
in both of which he appears to unusual advantage.
Mr.. Clarke's engagements since his return to this
country have been series of uninterrupted sue
cesses and from thelarge advance sale already his
visit to this city will result in the most gratifying
success In reference to the plays billed for night
an exchange says: For the opening attraction Mr.
Clarke appeared in two Of the most famous roles
in which he is known-Dr. Peter Pdn9Joss and
Toodles 1t is scarcely necessary to speak to a
community, in which Mr.. Clarke has ever been
known with favor, of the finished and perfect
character of the assumption of each of these parts
The natural comedy element in the actors COM
position is wonderfully aided by his art, which is
indicated in the thoroughness with which every
detail is looked after"
NATIONAL THEATRE-RICEs SURPRISE PARTY.
The large and talented organization known as
"Rices Surprise Party which is to hold the boards
at the National Theatre this week, has met with
emphatic success during the season thus far, and
by reference to the names composing the troupe it
will be seen that the best people in the burlesque
line are members of this party Horrors" with
which the week opens, has been seen here often
but there is so much of e1travagant fun in it that
one can see it again and again without firing
There is also introduced large amount of popu-
lar music which cannot fail to be acceptable.
THEATRE CoNIoUE.
The announcements for this week for the
Comique are the Wesley Brothers, Maud Leigh,
Kate Satsuma, the Kline Brothers, Daisy Kernel,
and W. Il. Baker. Among the re engagements are
Frank McNish, the Leland Sisters, George c.
Charles, W. H. Danvers, and r. G. Allen. Jake
Budd, the irrepressible and immense, will appear
in two very funny sketches, bill Jones Cousin"
and Irish Assurance" These certainly should
be attractive enough to fill the house every night
LINCOLN HALL 80
A grand vocal and instrumental concert is an
nounced for Thursday evening at Lincoln Hall by
the Schneider Brothers and N. ALBERT who will
be assisted by Miss Eva Mills, soprano, and Pro-
fessor William Waldecker pianist. The reputa-
ton of those who will participate is sufficient TO
insure full attendance. Seats may be secured at
Metzerott'S music store.