National Republican., 1885-01-15
ADJUSTMENTS.

The new play bearing the above title, by
Mr.. Howard Carroll, received its first prescnta-
ton at the National theater last night In the
presence Of one of the largest and most dis.
tinguished audiences ever gathered in that
edillcc. The President members of his cabi.
net supreme court justices, senator's repre-.
sentatives and distinguished people from
every walk In life were in attendance Every.
thing had been done 10 mako tho occasion a
memorable one, and no detail was neglected
that could add to the effectiveness and com.
pleteness of the initial production Of
tho play. Two new sets OF
scenery were provided, and Mile.
Rhea and her company were drilled per
sistently in their parts. The result was one OF
the smoothest and most satisfactory first-night
performances ever seen on the local stage,
There was no noticeable hitch from beginning
to end. All the participants know their lines
and their business, and the authors work was
given all the advantages that accrue from such
desirable condition of things. The audience
was most friendly one, andnpplauded when
ever opportunity offered Mile. Rhea was re-
peatedly called out with her leading support
and great quantities OF flowers were handed
over the fOotlights during the evening. At
the end of the third act there were loud calls
for Carroll, In answer to which the author
finally came forward and expressed his graft
tude in fitting terms.
lNtBululllB tue htOTy Huu moral OF tue plhyt
If moral IL has, an erroneous impression gained
currency owing in some degree to the title.
The action does not deal with the folly and
danger of marriages between wealthy Ameri-
can girls and impoverished but titled foreign.
ers, This question is brought up incidentally
rs reminisccnCe, the mother of the heroine
having made such q marriage with brutal
Italian, Count Paliano; hence the name of the
play, "fhe American Countess" by which
sobriquet tho daughter, Hortense Elmer Pa
EanO, Is known in society.
The play is hardly well knit together and
goes forward TO the denouuement with rather
uncertain movement. Vital points are passed
over slightingly, and hence the interest Is not
wrought ,up to anything like intensity. The
relntionJoithe characters to each other and TO
the plot In itsentirety are not made sufficiently
clear at the Outstart. The appearance Of
GiacOmo, in the second act, Is rather puZzling
and does not seem 10 be justified by his re-
latlon to the Countess, or by what he says or
does. There are many other incidents in the
play which are len somewhat obscure by the
dialogue, and as a consequence the action seems
abrupt and causeless. There Is not In the play
as II stands situation of commanding
strength or one which IL calculated to work
an audience up 10 any great pitch OF excite
ment. This grave defect may be remedied by
a proper expansion OF the lines and length.
ening out of tho vital scenes ON which the fate
OF the production must IN the end depend.
From literary standpoint the dialogue Is ex-
cellent. II is easy, natural, bright, and torci.
BILE. 1t hasn't the least ulint of staginess, and
as far as IL goes is nearly always well judged.
The long speech in which the countess de-
scribes her opening adventure should, however,
be reduced to one-third its present length,
and one or two other speeches put into the
mouth of the heroine would gain by judicious
shortening. Mile Rhea Gs'the Countess was,
as she never fails to be, pleasing and interest
ing, though the roleafords her few opportuni,
ties for the display of her best powers. Az
times her accent interfered slightly With
thorough understanding of the lines she ut
taTaI M ri In thu lOnU guppnh which
follows her FIRST appearance. Mr.. Edward J.
Hanley as BAraga was an elegant villain. Mr..
Learock made the most of the somewhat tame
part of Afthur Morton, while Mr.. Amory sup,
piled aipleasanL comedy vein in the role OF
Mr.. Stubbs Miss Mae Clarke agreeably
seconded his efforts as Emily. Mr.. Wilson's
doetor was excellently done, and all the minor
roles were well filled. The American
Countess" will bo kept on at the National the
remainder Of the week.
FoRD's OPERA HOUSE,.
Audrian's charming comic opera, "The
Mascot" was presented before an audience OF
fair proportions at Fords Opera House last
night. fhe. part Pippo lies we'll within the
register OF Mr.. Carleton, and he did well by
the part, only 1t Is to be regretted that he cut
out the song OF "saltarello' In the second act.
The remaining characters were well sustained.
Tonight "The Drum Majors Daughter will
be repeated, instead of Fra Diavolo," AS
formerly announced ON Friday night, "The
Mascot" Saturday afternoon, FRA Diavolo,"
and Saturday night, "The Merry War"
ALBAUGH's GRAND OPERA HOUSE.
The Boarding House" was shown UP TO a
large audience in all its phases at Albaugh' s
Grand Opera House last night by Robson and
Crane and the theme as handled by these
gentlemen afforded infinite amusement. To.
night "Cherubs" win be produced for the first
time In this city. II Is said TO be fully rs
amusing as the other plays of these comic
twins, and report says that the incidents were
| suggested by President-elect Cleveland.
COMING ATTRACTIONS.
Tho season of tragedy to be given at AL.
| baugh's Grand Opera House next week, when
the famed tragedienne Nine, Ristori will ap
| pear, Is looked forward to with great interest
| Nine. Ristori is said TO possess the same dra
matte power as of old, and her repertoire is al
| follows Monday, "Elizabeth;" Tuesday and
Saturday, MARY Stuart" Wednesday, Thurs
day, and Saturday matinee, Marie An
tionette." and Friday, Lady Macbeth"
"Vim" will be the attraction at Fords Opera
| House next week, with Neil Burgess and al
excellent company, and the sale Of seats com
| mences to-day.
on Monday evening will be presented one
| this most signal triumphs OF the Madison Square
| Theater in the play Of MAY Blossom" whict
| will be produced here with the entire origina
scenery and the original cast that won its sue
cess in New York. The box sheet is now open