National Republican., 1885-01-16
AMUsENIESTs.
ALnAuan,s oRANp orEnA HOUSE

ALBAUGH's GRAND OPERA HOUSE.
"The Cherubs," Robson & Cranes new play,
which was presented for the first time in
Washington at Albaugh's last night, Is Il
comedy Of tho farcical order which givns
these two co medians abundant scope for their
eccentric genius, aud every opportunity for
rich and rolliCking fun was improved The
action of the piece turns upon the eccentrici.
ties Of Phidias and Nandyke, twin brothers
and bachelors, who prove two of the most
delightful old frauds imaginable. Their lives
are devoted to art and each other. Each
wants to marry tho other oil to "A rich girl in
order to obtain money to pay their debts, they
being afraid to present tho bills TO their rich
and indulgent brother, Joseph. The compll,
cations resulting from these efforts letl
through series of very funny
situations to duel scene III
which the plot reaches fitting and satisfactory
climax The movement Is rapid ami the dia.
logue bright and sharp, being wholly free from
any taint of cOarhoneSs. The incidents are
thoroughly amusing, and endOw the play with
q strong and ll-sustained interest OF course,
the burden OF the performance rested upon
Mr. Robson as Phldias and Mr.. Crane us Van.
dyke, both of whom acted with keen and
unCtuOus hunOr that continued throughout
the play, never palllng upon the audience, but
furnishing a fresh fund Of amusement with
each scene. The company rendered efficient
support, and the entire performance was thor.
oughly enjoyable. "lhe Cherubs" will be re-
peated tonight.
NATIONAL THEATER.
The second performance of Howard Carroll's
play, THE American Countess" ut the Ma
tiOnal TheatGrlas night attracted an audience
of nearly rs great proportions as on the Occa-
sion of its initial representation, and one con-
tanning nearly az many people of note. The
play gains on n reheariug, and some changes
and cmcndations have been made by the
author, which could only be determined after
complete public performance, and these
have decidedly improved the piece.
Among the Glimlnations may be mentioned
the opening speech of Mile. Rhca In the first
act, which was of rather tiresOme length. so
that the action from her entrance goes with
greater smoothness and effect. All the altera-
tiOns have been for the better and the ap-
plause of the highly cultured audience last
night was genuine and indicative Of thorough
appreciation and enjoyment both of Mr.. Car
rolls work and the successful efforts of the
performers Mile, Rhea herself seemed to be
more en- rapport with the role of HOrtense, and
brought out the lights and shades OF this
sharply defined character with greater artistic
effect than on the night before. All the per
| formers appeared TO have graspcd the true
comprehension Of their parts; they
| acted woll together and the re-
| suit was symmetrical performance, each act
| furnishing thorough enjoyment and receiving
| merted applause The mounting Of the play
| Is especially worthy OF notice, the scenery be-
| ing handsomely painted, the appointments
| rich aud appropriate, and the costuming fault
| less In fact, In the toilcttes of Mile. Rhca
| that must sci the feminine heart wild. "ThC
! American Countess Is Il popular success, aud
! II is safe TO predict that II will make money
| for the author, for Mile. Rhea, and for Mr.
| MOrrissey, her enterpHsing manager. 1t viii
| be repeated tonight aud at the matinee to
morrow, Tomorrow night there will be q
| double bill, the third act Of Camille" belnl
| given, as well as "rhe American Countess"