The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1886-05-09

AMUSE NJ ENTS.

1t is very safe to say that no such grand organiza
ton az the American opera Company has ever be-
fore visited Washington. 1t Is the flrst which has
been conducted In disregard of considerations OF
profit and with an eye single to the production OF
great and adequate Effects This lis no doubt JUS
tihabe during the first season, when the innovation
of grand opera In the English language, and under
American, as distinguished from foreign auspices,
was to he established but hereafter 1t would seem
that some moderation might he observed, II the en-
terprse Is to be made permanent. The statistics OF
the company brought to Washington outvie those of
Mr. Barnum with his "greatest show on earth"
Sufce 1t to say that nearly three hundred people ar
rived last Sunday In train of seven cars. The re-
suit was that the stage at Albaughs, which has
always seemed toleraby big one, failed to hold the
army Of ballet and chorus, who were dlsagreeably
crowded at times, especially on the opening night
This was a mistake which shrewd proprietary or
speculative manager, who cuts his coat closely ac-
cOrdng to his cloth, would never have made, but 1t
may easily be pardoned, as an error on the side OF
liberaty toward the public.
The results attained by this new and experimental
undertaking during Its first season are certainly
astounding. II has the finest orchestra, the finest
ensemble, and some of the best principal singers
ever brought together In America. 1t has made use
of these produce some entire novelties out OF the
beautiful antique, Gluck's "Orpheus," and, in con.
trast, the very modern French music of Delibes.
nance to attract great singers from engagements
elsewhere, 1t Is difficult to set limit to the heights
which the American Opera Company, with Its subor-
dinate schools, may attain. 1t Is excellent field
for private munfcence, and II this were highly
civilized country there would be grant of public
aid, by the city, State, by Congress, though
now the mere suggestion would throw rural legisla-
tors into ut.
season opened Monday evening, Ia a reminisc ence
of the time when operate was not greatly different
from sacred or church music 1t therefore has the
ann I'm ,tplfv n INN aaoIu
varied with some delightful pastoral effects. There
is doubt that some, with tastes formed upon the
tinkle of opera boue failed to appreciate the classic
elegance Of the simple plot, In which OrDheus Is al
most the sole figure, but even these were carried
away BY e ~ se from
by the splendid duet OF the third act Helene Has
treiter IL dramatic mezzo.soprano OF whom
America may well he proud. Her assumption Of
the leading part needs no encomium for those who
witnessed ii. She was charmingly seconded by the
favorte Emma Juch, whose En0vdfce fully justified
the wild devotion expressed by Orpheus. Miss
Minnie Dilthey young and promising light soprano,
was arch aaa AZ ana lent due effect
Tuesday evening there was some decline In the
attendance, because the public could not under
variety dives, or the very smnest interudes OF
Italian opera, could be the chief feature Of an ope-
music known has been written for the ballet prop
erly so called which may be defined as the interpre
and pantomime, enriched with the finest scenic
effects that can he devised. Such ia ''Sylva,n by
Delibes, which has gained such popularity In Eu.
rope, but would probably never have been seen here
but for NJ. Bibeyran and the resources OF the Amer
can Opera. There is nothing meretrcious about this
style OF dancing no leers and wnks across the foot
Lights but seriousness and !ntenness, which are re-
quired by the elaborate action. The two acts into
which 1t is divided passed rapidly in listening to the
lovely melody in the orchestra, and watching the
constantly changing living pictures on the stage.
This was preceded by an operetta by Victor Masse,
ing voice OF handsome Pauline LAllemand and her
wonderful facility OF execution instantly won her
the youngest OF the company, who has but recently
developed from boy soprano into rich baritone,
was effective in both singing and acting as the re-
Kate OBSTETRICS well. enacted Pierre.
The browning features were reserved for Wednes-
day afternoon and evening" when Theodore Thomas
in person waved his magic wand over the produce
tons OF "Lakme" and "The Flying Dutchman."
There were more vacant chairs than there should
have been at the matinee, but the audience in the
evening fairly overlooked. Both renditons may be
described as perfect, the stage-settngs especially
being on scale quite new TO Washington. In
"Lakme" Pauline l. Alemand, Jessie Bartlett Davis,
Kate Bensberg, Helen Campbell. and Messrs. Cam
most excellent impression In Wagner sleast Wag-
merriam opera, Mr.. Ludwig In the title role Mr..
an almost Ideal sentd, were all seen at their best
Mr.. George Appleby, whose well.cultivated tenor
voice was heard here last summer, sang with rare
fidelity and artistic correctness the thankeHs part of
the discarded Erik. II would be pleasure to dwell
on other details, did space permit.
AL In all, the American Company lifts grand opera
from It's rather despised position costly anduse-
less exotic 10 its true position as union and cu-
mination OF all the fine painting, dancing, and
above all, music. II restores The ballet TO Its right
fu dignity, under the protection OF one OF the muses.,
"a an exemplar OF the poetry and expressveness of
motion. II promises a useful career TO many Ameri-
cana, whether as principals or Ia the number roles
OF the chorus and snbordlnates II deserves The
this country 10 as worthy OF national opera, to say
the least as Russia, and may hope to rival France
or even Germany and Italy.
The performance OF Gilbert's "Engagedp by Mrs
Adeine Duval Mack and her dramatic class at Al
baugh's, for the benefit OF the Founding Hospital
was remarkably enjoyable. In the charm OF youth
and beauty Misses Julia Murray, Alice Wakefield,
Lula Mccain, and Lula DezendOrf surpassed Mrs
John Drew,s company In the same play at the
National. Mr.. =. w. Keene aided greatly by his
excellent acting as c,epiot HM and sklllful stage
management, The oiher parts were well rendered
by Messrs. Herbert II. Pailee, Harry Is. Mason, A.
Dezendorf, and James Is. Philip. There Ia certainly
no need 10 Import amateur dramatic companies from
New YORK when our resident young people are
really much more clever. There was notable smooth
ness and absence of stage fright In this presentation
OF engaged
The management of the new National this week
viii present their patrons with a season OF Inln-
strelsy consisting OF three nights and matinee.
OF the troupe the Elizabeth IN. j. Journal says:
The McNish, johnson a slayin minstrel troupe
must certainly feel proud OF the reception accorded
them last evening, for company was never greeted
IA this city by larger OF better pleased audience.
The material OF the audience must have also
been very gratifying for II Ii not often a travel
ing company perform before a gathering 30
largely COMPOSED OF cultured people. Mr.. Carroll
johnson had magnificent reception, the audience
greeting his appearance upon the stage with uproaTi
GUS applause, and when he had concluded his 'ned.
ley two elegant moral tributes were handed upon
the stage Frank Howard, W. +. Holmes, and Mar
lin Hogan, the eyer-popnar solOlss, received mer-
Tied applause. The Meeting Of the Champions, a
buresque boxing contest was succenB as u laugh
able nrst-part finale, and Frank hcNlnh In his ac-
robaic feats 80 widely known as silence aud Fun,
AL
The coachInan's clog, Garmody and Mack In their
great duo clog, ana j. Marcus boyle in his artistic
martial clog dance, were all simply Immense. Bob
Sayin, In his dro wittcisIns Is truly irrepressibe
and the audience were very unwilling to lei him re-
scens ho y ao TsaHs SONY
received, and Nelson the jugger, performed tricks
Win wSaderial skill The political satire, 'cleye
success, and the audience were kept Ia continuous
roar OF laughter. The sketch brings out prominently
tue strong points Of w Henry Rice, the original
Sarah Heartburn, IN the character OF EsDer'aida
snd MT, carroll johnson as q versatile comedian IN
sure 70 make a hi every where"
The summer opera al Albaugh proved 30 popular
last that there every reason to expect good
houses Will greet the temperance OF Mss JEANNE
winston ane her company OF cd favorites, who will
sing "Fra Dlavoo" this week. The company is sub
etantlally the same which had such great success
here last summer, Ii accompanied by strong chorus
and GOOD orchestra, anu II ID the Intention OF the
style.
Al Barton Logan's Dime Museum the attrac-
lions are OF the most admirable character for the
coming week. Mr. William Moore, the popular
character actor, supported by Miss Bella Vivian, the
d2slng and pretty souOrelte, and admirable dra-
mstlc company, wll appear In their great national
COMEDY drama, IN tbTee Acts entitled "OuT john
ATTAIN or, the Law OF the Land" beautiful must.
Cal play, Astounding IN comedy, patlOe, sensation,
and novel dramatic elects. II mas been great sue.
cess during tue past season, and will well repay a
visit 10 those who are fond Of mirtb aud music,
ION Cannot
Find anywhere such variety Of solid and substan.
tial clothing for men aud boys. They are better