National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-05-04
aonrurus ANp runrprcr.o
Brilliant Success of the American Opera
CoEpany's First appearance in wash

CoEpany's First Appearance in wash
ington.
The American Opera Company opened It's
brief season of four performances at Albaugh's
Opera House last evening and scored an i'm.
mediate and brilliant success. The opera was
Gluck's "Orpheus and Eurydlce," with It's
beautiful and touching legend, to which the
classic and suave strains Of Guoks immortal
music lend an almost entranclng aceompanl-
mCnt
The American Opera Company came here
with splendid reputation for the very best
operate work, both as regards soloists, chorus
and orchestra but even those who had formed
the highest ideas OF the company's resources
in the presentation Of grand opera were simply
carried away with surprise and enthusiasm at
ils completeness, the uniform strength, aud
the nnimpaired brilllancy of the performance.
Asa spectacle alone, such display ofscenery,
such wealth OF gorgeous costumes, and such
an array Of beautiful, young faces, both 10 tho
chorus and ballet, have never been seen here
before. Everything, too, was carried out not
only with lavish hand, but with the
most artistic effect ip every pdtIcu; partiISu;;
strength of the company was had when the
stage. was almost packed with the people en-
geged IN the performance, and when II was OBJ
served that four rows Of orchestra chairs were
removed tomake room for the splendid Thomas
orchestra Of over sixty performers. The cast
Contains Contains & but three GhaETaeters Eurydice,
| beautiful Eurydlce in appearance, aud sang
the simple aud melodous music Of her role
with pure liquid tones, and with 50 mpathotic
| expression that made her whole performance
delightful 70 listen 70. The gentleuess and
| grace with which she carried out
the dramatic requirements Of the part
ceived with the greatest admiration. Mme
| llastreiter, who appeared here for the first
time, has magnificent siage presence and
| superb mezzo soprano voice OF flno compass
| with lower tones Of simply phenomenal tonal
| rover. She sang throughout with fine effect,
being thrilling; The famous "Chc Faro SEM
| Eurydice," which was grdndly given, brought
perfect storm Of applause, aud in the
geda a meme o tpe .nre S hcs Ms SuGn m
| to high pitch of enthusiasm by their excel
lent singing and the dramatic feryor with
/ which the scene was acted.
| The chorus was the largest ever heard here
| in opera and was In itself treat 10 musicians.
| IL is evidently composed Of fresh young voices,
and the splendid volume OF tone In the prinol-
| pal choral members was something to be re-
| membered The unriyaled Thomls orchestra
| played as usual perfectly. The ballet, In It's
numbers and excellent execution OF the grace
iul movements Of the ballet, was simply u rev.
elntion to opera goers. The scene In hndes,
eteInally doomed; the yawnng cayerns; the
vivid pictures of those carrying out their
endless tolls; the grim skulls flashing with
electric lights; the dance of the demons and
furies; the rising Of the fire aud smoke from
| the inferno, presented picture almost tcrrify-
ing in its effect, but wonderful TO look at. This
scene and the beautiful contrast in thesucceed-
ing scene of the elysian fields were loudly
applauded. The ballet, tableaus, and marches
ut the close of the last act were brilliant In the
extreme. The whole performance was mag
niiicent success, and should insure crowded
| houses Mt the three remaining performances
| by the American Opera Company The opera
was ably conducted by Mr.. Gustav Hnrichs,
assistant conductor of the American Opera
| Company, who will also conduct tonight,
when there will be novel and attractive bill,
consisting of Victor Masses opera, "The Mar
rlHge of Jeanette" and Delibe's famous spec.
strength of the American Opera ballet will ap-
pear. Mr.. Hlnrichs conducted the original
md successful productions Of these works In
| New York. Mr.. Theodore Thomas will con.
duct the performancesof "Lakme' on Wednos.
day afternoon and 'The Flying Dutchman"
| on Wednesday evening.
The audience last night was large and fash
ionable, and contained many congressman,
senators, and their families.
The boxes on each side Of the auditorium
| were thronged with the flower and fashion OF
Washington society Handsome gentlemen
and beautiful woman sat in the parquet. The
display OF diamonds in the lower part OF the
Poment n be SsenSe ov were se secrpaFy
| Whitney, Senator Sherman, Speaker Carlisle,
Senator Butler, Senator Edmunds, Congress.
man Glover, Congressman Randall, Hol. JEFF
Chandler. and various officers OF the army and
diplomatic corps.
NEW NATIONAL THEATER.
Mrs. John Drew In Mr.. W. s. Gilbert's com.
| edy Engaged" drew large audience Mt tho
New National Theator last night. The per.
formance was grand success, and Mrs. Drew
threw into 1t her earnest intelligence, tact, and
taste The supporting company. Is excellent,
and is as follows: Mr. Charles Walcot. Mr.. Ed
ward Lamb, Mr.. j. II. Fitzpatrick, Mr.. p. j.
Reynolds, Miss Sydney Cowell, Miss Louise
Pearce, Miss Elizabeth Andrews, Miss Alice
Rutter, and Mr.. Sidney Drew.
THE DIME MUSEUM.
"Scheming," with Its merry songs. varied
music. and fireworks of fun enllvened to tho
highest pitch crowded audience at the Dime
last night While 1t shall continue, till Thurs
day next, there Is no fear OF Its failure 10 at
tract,
HEROES OPERA HOUSE.
Afull house received ''Pinafore" Mt Herzog's s
last night, and yeritably enjoyed It. Capt.
Corcoran, Mack Charles, was especially IA
yored, receiving, for his deserts, n gorgeous
basket of flowers. Ralph Raokstraw, 4. II.
Christie, sang finely, and Dick Deadeye ALI.
| Q. Wleelan, acted as well rs sang in HIS usual
excellent eccentric manner. Little Buttercup,
Florence Craig, was rendered with superior
| melody and simple naturalness. Josephine,
Bessie Grey, could not have been sweeter In
any look, accent attitude, or motion. The ap-
plause during the evening was judiclous and
enthusiastic.
o'BRIRN's CIRCUS.
The first performance of John O'Brien's cir
Gus, given last night filled the large tent at
Capitol Park grounds to overlowlng. and de.
| lighted everybody. a feature OF the enter.
tainment was that everything was done that
was promised, and little more. As o whole
as good circus as has been exhibited here
for many years. The performing elephants
the bareback riding, and the magnificent four
horse act were all that could be expected. Mr..
OBrien has gained the public confidence by
telling the truth about his circus, and you car