The Washington critic., 1886-02-02
A WEEK or OPERi.
First Appearance of Her Majesty
Company at hlbaugh's.


Company ut Albaugh's.
Her Majesty's Opera Company opened its
engagement at Albaugh's before an apprc-
ciative audience, in which the leading mu-
sicians Of the Capital were conspicuous.
The house was fairly filed and Italian
opera has rarely been greeted here with
more emphatic demonstrations Of approval.
Most Of the auditors had probably seen
"Fra Diayolon many times and variously
rendered and the applause was discriminat-
ing and well mcrited. The prima-donna
dcbutapte, Mile. Fohstrom, scored a very
marked success. Graceful and pleasing In
appearance and action, she possesses voice
naturally sweet and carefully aud thor
oughly cultivated. At the opening Of the
second and the close of the last act her solos
were cxquisitely rendered. While not
a finished actress or trained to make the
best dramatic use of her powers,
she has much to commend her to the afrcc-
tion and admiration OF the most critical
audience. The toilet scene she managed
with the grace and modesty OF manner that
distinguished aud embellished her entire
personatiop. Signor Ravclli's Fra Didroi)
was well acted aud well sung. His fine
tenor voice was, perhaps, the best feature
Of the opera, and called forth re-
poatcd applause, although 1t lost during the
Intermediate scenes the perfection with
which the opening and closing numbers
were rendered. The opera on the whole,
was much better sung than acted. The
broadest comedy parts were the only ones
| acted with much spirit. while the prima
donna's inexpcrience and her lovers unfor-
tunatc stiffness and lack OF vitality marrcd
the dramatic production.
The DuT Comic Opera Company In
"Thc VI kudo."
II Is unfortunate that the tuncful "NI-
kado" should be so numerically bur
lcsqued aud caricatured by every company
that comes here. 1t was to be hoped that
the DUFF Company, of which many compli-
mcntafy things have been said by the press,
would drop the low comedy business and
adhere to the legitimate business of tue OPP
| era. But In this respect the large audience
| that Witnessed tue excellent presentation of
| "1he Mikadon at the National Theatre last
night was disappointed. Nothing but
| high praise can be awarded the heautfulr
stage settings, the costumes and the gen
cral perfection of detail in posture, stride
and singing. II is undoubtedly put on the
stage much better than ever seen In this
city. Mr.. Kuki, the Japanese Minister
and several attaches were the amused oc-
| Cupanis OF q box. The choruses were full
and strong, the solo parts were generally
| ploasingly rendered, aud there was brisk,
inspiring movement about the performance
thai was decidedly refreshing. Zelda Scguln
as kdtishd undoubtedly carried of the
honors and received deserved cnoores. Mr..
| billiards Ndnki-io, aud Miss Jarbeaus
Yum ittHi matched each other we'll Mr..
| Nhlircn's IOo- Bah was one Of the best seen
here. Mr.. Ryley's kO-ko was an exaggcra-
tion of Mr.. Gilbert's ko-Ko. Instead of the
delicate, biting wit he substituted the coarse
gags of the clown. This may take in
the rural districts. 1t Is out of place in
Washington.
Amusement Notes.
Mr.. Gustavus IL. Hall of the Dun Opera
Company has a sword the exact counter
part of the one used by him in the "NIi-
kado," which was presented to him by a
naval officer who accompanied General
Graft on lis tour around the world. This
officer obtained 1t In Japan and was In
foi med that It was nearly 200 years old. 1t
is OF good steel, with large handle covered
| with soft tlsh skin, and is quite a curios-
| ty. The lord high eXecuioner's Sword
used In the opera Is also an important
weapon, and is genuine eXecutioner's
sword, such rs is used In Japan.
"Thc Bankers Daughter drew n large
audience to Herzog's- Opera House last
night. The Crossen Company, which has
| become dcscfVedly popular III the North,
made a very favorable impression and will
play to large business through the week.
The stage setting was rich and appropri-
ate. "Thc Bankers Daughter is the
strongest and most popular American soci
ETY. play ever written. Any one who has
never seen it should by all means do so this
week.
The bill at the Comiquc this week com
prlses the opening minstrel scene, arranged
III novel manner; Milton aud Marion in
character changes, Mary Milton In new
songs and dances, Gallagher and Gannan in
Irish songs and dances, stella Creighton in
seiio-comic songs, Cavello and Courtney, the
European acrobats; Ada Divene in songs
and dances, O'Brien and Morris IN special
ties, concluding with "Stage Secrets Ex-
posed,n introducing the cancan dance. On
Thursday evening the Japanese Minstrels
will appear.
The French and japanese legations wit
messed the performance OF the "Mikadoh
from private boxes last night
The usual crowded house greeted Gray
ard Stephens and their wonderful dogs last
evening at the Dime Museum. They are
decided favoritcs here and the public seem
never to tire of them.
Mr.. j, II. Anderson, formerly manager
of Roblnson's Opera House of Cincinnati,
will be resident manager of the Bijou
Theatre, former Ford's Opera House, of
this city. The interior will be entirely rem
ovatod, and when the theatre rcopens the
/ iiou will be ono Of the most attractive
places Of amusement south Of New York,
Important Notice.