National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-01-06
ANIUsEMEN rs.
THE IDEALS IN A new OPERA.

The first appearance Of Mile. Zelie de Lus-
san here was greeted by packed house at the
New National Theater last evening 1t was a
music-culturcd and enthusiastic audience as
the artists Of the performance proved to their
personal qualification. The opera was Victor,
French comedy, with the scenes laid during
the time of Louis NV, with the last act show
ing Pnris during the revolution. The plot, like
that OF oil light operas is of little consequence,
aud only the excellence of the artists gave 1t
the interest II evoked. Mile. dc Lussan is
slight, petite gifted with the double dover
OF song and beauty. As her name indicates
she is French, and there are some touches
In her business remarkably Theo-like. Her
voice Is remarkably pleasant one to listen to.
She sings withoutstrain or effort takes her high
with ease, and Is facie, effective, and mar.
yclously flexible in the middle register. The
nearer accompanies her In oil the vocal eX.
plots with no strain whatever to the interested
nerves. She sings as bird, ioyously, sweetly,
and gloriously. Mile de Lussan has an as.
sured and brilliant future befole her. She
scored great success, was repeatedly encorsd,
and presented with great armful Of roses.
Miss Agnes Huntington, who Is fayorte at
the capital always, has rich eontralto voice
and charmingly distinguished stage presence.
she had triumph also, and fully deserved the
honor bestowed upon her. Miss Knowles Is q
minor part was excellent, and Miss Mena
Clcary IN male part was chic and crisp, and
will certainly get promotion before her
stage. In English opera he has nOrival In that
personation His voice is softer than Carle.
toms, and in tender demonstrations he is miles
ahead OF him. The opera affords an excellent
part for Mr.. II. G. Barnabee, who enacted II
with great credit TO himself and pleas
ure TO tho, audience, who were al.
stage. Others Of the cast were excellent in
their specalties Herndon Morsell, George
Frothinghnm, andJ A. Montgomery. 1t would
be real pleasure to hear this company sing
n ngi nf Arth 10
sullivan. The chorus massed and danced ef-
tectiyely, and the scenery was fniry set.
Barnabee's political jokes were proarlously re.
brought down the house. Mile. Lussan will
take the role of Airline in the opera of "Bo-
hemian Girl" tonight.
sALvISI As "oTHELLo."
Tommaso Salvni gave his grand interpreta
tion of Othello. to a full house at Albaugh's
last night There is necessarily a sense of in-
| completeness created in the mind of one who
| follows closely performance wherein the
| principal foreigner speaks in q tongue that pre-
sents no relationship whatever to that of those
about him. and the lack of unity is not met
| wholly By the eloquence of pose. look, gesture,
and action generally which mark Salylni as an
actor of force and feeling. Somehow the very
| repugnance with which Othello's marriage
| with Desdemona creates In the mind Of the
| lady's father finds in the minds OF those who
witness Snlvini'S performance sympathy born
of the impression of incongruity which arises
! when the two are together, unlike in COM
| pleNion, In temper, In speech, and inall things,
| and there is an Irresistible feeling that Desde.
mona iniatuation Is not excusable All this,
| however is the misfortune of n polygot per-
tormancc. Considered in itself, the per-
sttonation Of The. the Moor is thoroughly artis.
| be. ENterlorly the Moor is always u being
! in whom there is something forbidden, but
| under the dusky skin and uncultlvated manner
! are to be perceived strong kindliness, and
the natural courtesy of brave manhood, and
! the power of loving tenderly and faithfully
Signor Salvini depicts,tne character In It's gen
| tier phases with excellent skill, and the Moor
| in his gentler moods seems one who might win
almost any woman-eXcept an AnglO.SaXon.
! When the demon of Jealousy is aroused the por.
travail becomes terrible one, and its demonish
features are intensified by rapid degrees until
| the climax Is reached in n manner that Stirs
the very soul with its dreadfulness II Is a
wonderfully strong performance throughout.
| As on other occasions when II has been given
here by Signor Snlvini, 1t was followed with
| the most intense interest, an 4 the applause was
frequent and generous The support was OF
more than average merit Mis-, Viola Allen
! played her part very plensingly. Mr.. John A.
| Lane, who has evidently chosen n very emf.
nent actor as his model, was acceptable in the
role of .lago,. and Mr. W. 4. Whlteear did we'll
as Cassie, Mrs. Augusta Foster as Emile gave
| gooG performance also.
Tonight the company give "Tho Dnk ,s
| Motto" very finely written and rendered
a cHANGE OF BILL At FoRDs.
There will be change OF bin at Fords al
! matinee to-day. Miss Evans viii play "Flo
| Iette'' for the only time during the week. A
| handsome cabinet portrait of Miss Evans will
be given TO every lady present this afternoon
| THE BisCHOFF CONCERTS.
| The popular Bischoii concerts resume on Fri
| day next at the Congregational Church, with
an neutrality-suspicious. and good performers
| "WnY sit doubled up like an old man. my
| boy What's rheumatism Take the good
| the gods provide thee, and send . centsaround
| the corner for q bottle of Salvation oil and
| you'll ride your bicycle tomorrow"