National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-12-16
AMUSEM ENTs.


THE PANEMENlS OF PANlS'
Whatever may be thought or said regarding
the sensational drama II is not difficult to I'M
dorstand its hold upon popular favor when
presented so effectively as was this thoroughly
French piece at the National theater last
night Eaborately mounted capitally acted
for the most part full Of bustling activity, and
replete with innumerable incidents calculated
to call up tho heeting smile, there is little
chance or inclination for considerations of the
moral.aspects of the drama, while one is wit
Messing a performance of "The Pave
ments of Paris" Undoubtedly 1t is
oil vanity istrash II you choose, but still the
ingenuity with which antique situations are
gwen, the airs of youth and the flower of nov
city made to grow from the dust of hundred
old familiar dramas, merits praise and com
mands attention. The plot Of "The Pavements
of Paris has to do with a pretty girl and
vicious nobleman, whom certificate of the
pretty girls death would make him heir to
vast fortune. Chance throws the pretty girl
almost in the Jaws of the vicious nobleman,
who not knowing what he is doing, through
sheer malignant meanness, allows her to
escape. This is about all there is
to the plot; but its develop
ment is worked out with prodigal wealth of
minor incidents which serve to illustrate the
less existing phases of life in Paris In a man
ner similar to that followed with the British
metropolis in ''The Lights of London" These
incidents, while TO be condemned from
critical standpoint as obstructing the action OF
the drama, are entertaining, and found great
favor with the large audience which filled the
National last night. The piece is in pro-
logue, two tableaus and four acts. In the
drama proper, Mr.. Harold Fosberg took the
house by storm as Vlcomte de Flachon, pre-
tentious blackleg. His makeup was capital,
and at once established him in favor
with the audience. Mr.. Felix Morris, as
Bonneau, the exeitable employment agent,
did an excellent piece Of French character
acting and Mr.. J. L. Nagle, ir, as his secretary,
also distinguished himself. Archie Boyds
Boulade was another Characterization which
found much favor, while Dora Stuart's Mou-
Ghetto was not without merit Miss Emily
Baucher as Marie, the waif, was exceedingly
pretty and attractive. J. L. Morgan as the
steaeq 4se BHgNVb nsyhs tie NaBMielf BMielfbbSfe bbeSfe
fornance was characterized by spirit and
dash that admitted OF no lapse of interest. The
scenery is excellent throughout. 1t will run
through he week.
LAWRENCE BARRETT AT ALBAUGHs.
Mr.. Barretts engagement at the Grand Opera
house opened last evening with much eclat,
the occasion being made specially attractive
from social point of view by the presence in
the lower boxes of President Arthur, Mr., and
Mrs. John Davis, and First Assistant Postmas-
ter General Crosby and wife, to the left of the
stage, and Mr.. Blaine and party to the right.
The audience was large and appreciative, fol-
lowing Mr., Barrctt's admirable Interpretation
of shakspeare's greatest creation with close
and intelligent interest, The many and ex-
alted merits of this impersonation have
frequently been commented on in
these columns. Mr.. Barrett invests
the part of Hamlet with regularly effective
air of intellectual melancholy, forced into un-
oongenial ,>ction by horror of q fearful crime.
1t is subdued in tone, even at the moments
of supremest interest, hut permeated withal
by artistic hints of the most tremendous posi-
bilities of passion The supporting company
last night was about up to the average, and the
performance as a whole went off with very
good effect. Mr. Barrett was repeatedly
called before the. curtain. Miss Wainwrighrs 8
Ophelia possesses many good qualities and
her efforts were literally commended. This
evening Francesca da Rimin" in which
Mr.. Barrett is seen to great advantage, will be
presented.
FoRD's OPERA HOUSE.
Owing to the injunction obtained by Mr.. A.