The Washington critic., 1885-11-21

some good tones in voice which is marre1
by an imperfect articulation. Mr.. Cell
made good impression. Victoria Schelling
has the best voice Of any of the ladies In
the company and it has been well cultivated.
Her stage presence is very good and her
shapely figure made its first appearance in
costume, and she was consequently almost
painfully nervous. A double encore was
awarded her for the few bars of n tune she
sang in the last act. When she gains con-
fdence and some experience, she will be
a most valuable addition to the Casino
company. Her appearance in tghts did
not put her at her case and dherdiscomlture
was considerably increased by the hundred
or more opera glasses that concentrated as
many more eyes upon her.
a"a
"IIoodman Blind" the latest London sue
cess, will be brought out at Walack's
Theatre on Monday evening, November 30.
Mrs. Ccntlivres comedy Of "The Busy
bodyn was last revived In New York four
teen years ago and was acted at Wallaclts
on Monday and viii be continued until
"Hoodman Blindn Is produced. Tho re-
yiyal was success and the comedy was
well acted.
Mr.. w. s. Gilbert has hit upon delight
full way Of amusing his guests after dinner
at his house In London by giving them
private hearing of "Thc Mikado.n After
dinner the host leads the way TO the tcle-
phone room, which Is connected directly
with the Savoy Theatre. Applying the
telephone to the ear, one can hear quite
plainly what is going on at the theatre, the
music, the spoken words, the songs aud the
applause. 1t is, of course, faint, but quite
distinct, and the identity Of the performers
can be recognized as easily as If one were
looking upon them on the stage. Mr. Gil
bert has started for Egypt, where he will
spend his holidays, and perhaps pick up
some notions for piece to succeed "Ihe
Mikado," which in the meantime shows no
signs of dropping. Yashinori Talahashi,
Assistant Postmaster General Of Japan, was
recently in New York and gave the follow
ing interesting information of the customs
of the natives in that country when
they are in the presence of the Mikado:
"0ne would Judge from, seeing the
'Mikado' opera that the MiSado's sub
iccts bowed themselves to the ground
when saluting him. His court customs do
not differ so much from those of the
Court of st. James. His receptions require
about the same formality. When riding on
the street with his escort his subjects raise
their hats and make n demonstration slmi-
lar to the Americans saluting big general.
The upper classes in Japan wear the Euro
die classes. The lower classes adhere to the
ancient costume, because it is cheap. As
far as feeling comfortable is concerned, |
Infinitely prefer the old style of dress. IL Is
just like wearing n gown. The 'Mikado'
opera dresses are very picturesque, and no
doubt arranged for spectacular effect. The
japanese women do not stand with one leg
bowed in and the body curved In the same
direction"
Colonel MNpeson has at last reached his
level as an impressario and is giving Italian
opera of the second class at the Academy of
Music, which the Academy has never seen
the like of before. lie announces reduc-
ton in the price of seats sin compliance
with public request" and now charges two
dollars for the best seats in the house. The
| character of the audiences has savored of
| operate enthusiasts of the bill board class.
The best performance so far of the season
was Carmen" while his new prima dona
| has not set the town astir. Fortunately for
| New Workers, they are not dependent upon
| Colonel Mapleson for operas, The best and
| fttest will always reap the reward of merit,
| therefore / hail with delight the opening at
the Metropolitan Opera-llouse on Monday
| night, when 'Lohengrin" will be
presented with all the completeness of
superb cast and unapproachable
scenery and accessories. 1t is ali nonsense
for Colonel Mapleson to say that because
| his former patrons do not attend his per-
formances now is that they do not like his
"perfect ensembe' and are trying to drive
him back to the star system II he will
give superior operate performances he will
not find the public loath to support him.
They will not pay high prices for second
class opera and will not give up their good
and lawful money at cheap prices for it
either. What the public wants is the best,
and if they cannot be accommodated with
it at the Academy they will find what they
want elsewhere.
| ~ra