The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1884-12-23
1.-THE oRITIcp AT THE THEATRES,

NATIONAL THEATRE.-A largo audience as.
sembled at the National Theatre last evening
10 witness the flrst performance I'm Washing.
ton OF the Madison Square Theatres latest
success. "The Private Secretary" is wide
departure from the class OF plays presented
whether to commend II or mot. It bubbles
over with boisterous fund and hardly appeals
70 the came class as "Hazel Kirke," "Esmer-
aida" "Alpine Roses" and "Young Miss Win
throp." The audience, however, was in a
bumor 70 be pleased, and laughed immoder.
ately. Mr.. Kennedy as M. CdttermoN won
impersonatlon OF tho 'Joily old soul" who re.
members with a keen relish his boyhood
praDHs. Mr.. Charles Cook as Rev. Robert
SpdMding, the meek and maltreated curate,
gave fair presentation OF that part. He is a
leading English comedian, but 10 far Inferior
to many American comedians. His acting ia
clever, but is overdrawn at times, which
makes him rather monotonous. Mr.. ]. q.
Saville as Gibson was fair. He will improve,
IL 10 to be hoped. The support was credltable.
GRAND oPERA-HousE.-A fair.sized au.
dlence witnessed "Youth" last night at Al.
baugh's. The company ia above the average,
the play ia crowded with situations, and is
well mounted. There are seven tapleaux, all
OF them striking. matinee Will be given to-
morrow, Christmas and Saturday.
FoRD's oPERA-HoUsE.-.The Drum Majors
Daughter was admirably presented last
night at Ford's by the Carleton Opera Com.
pany. Mr.. Carleton won much applause for
Captain Rooert. H0 possesses O rich and
flexible voice which is very pleasing. Among
those especially worthy OF mention are Miss
Dora Wiley, Miss Jessie Bartlett Davis, Mise
Clara Wisdom and Mr.. W. II. Clark. Tho com.
pany 10 an evenly balanced one, and ranks
high among musical organizations. Tonight
the mascot, Is given; tomorrow and satur.
day nights 1.-THE Drum Majors Daughter" is
repeated, and the MERRY War, "ono of Strauss
brightest operas, Is given. Christmas night and
Saturday matinee.
THEATRE CoMIQUE.-At this resort OF mas.
Iaaf atnh fas &t... % At.
In this city the Ida Siddons' Mestodons and
Burlesque Company. From accounts that pre-.
cea h y good show was anticipated. 1t came,
the ladies In swipge, handsome as a picture,
Then follows an olio, bristling with freshness
and novelty. "princo Faithful" O spicy
burlesque, wherein are introduced all the
company, concludes three hours' OF Fun.
Matinee at this house to-day, Thursday and
Saturday.
DIME MUSEUM. --Hewett's celebrated Muset(e |,
from London, appeared before crowded houses
yesterday, both afternoon and evening, at the
Dime Museum, on the Avenue, near Eleventh
etreet. Their burlesque, "Fun in a Toy
shop, is one OF the brightest ever presented
before Washington audience; and the How.
ettB, Cawthornee, and others OF the Musetts,
were cheered to the echo. Mr.. and Mrs. joe
Allen came In for O distributive share OF
praise, 40 did also the other members OF the
olio. The Museum novelties delighted ali,
AS o family resort the Dime Museum stands
unrivalied, II being the pride OF Messrs. Bar
w onu logan tnat notnlng OBJECTIONABLE Is
allowed upon the boards. Three performances
on Christmas day.
HEnZoG's MUsEUM.-Lincoln Hall has been
converted into cozy theatre, and az such
was fnaugurated last night. "The Mascotte'
was given ny Jennie Kimballs Comic Opera
Company. II was q very good performances
indeed. One could not but wonder how the
opera could be given in such excellent style
with such low prices or admission. The cast
was very good and the costuming elaborate
The audience was a large and delighted one
The singing was fine. General and Mrs. M ito
peared between tho nrgt and second nets
There is a performance evory afternoon and
evening. -