The Washington critic., 1886-04-13
MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC.

Hearts" In comparison with the noted light
operas of the day. Its authors do not pre-
tend that IL ranks with the compositions Of
sullivan, Audran, Strauss and Millocker. To
use their own words-it is "a Juvenile
jingle in three tableaux," built on an old
nursery rhyme. Accepting such o char
actersation, 1t can be said that the operetta
was pronounced successful fact, In many
respects 1t surpassed the expectations of
the authors friends. The audience that
witnessed the initial presentation last even
ing at Albaugh's was large and exceedingly
demonstrative. Encores were frequent,and
everything meritorious was heartily APP
plauded. Much of the music is bright and
pretty. The fun In the libretto is rather
forced, and but for the vigorous acting OF
Mr.. Dustan as knduc Of Hearts, would not
have been perceived. There are some telling
bits in the libretto, but taken altogether the
dialogue is weak and will bear revision.
In the opening scene, the cooks chorus
and the Qucen's song by Mrs.
Kasper were exceedingly pretty and were
well given. The orchestration for these
songs, as well as throughout the operctta,
was artistic and executed with precision.
The kHdye's topical song, "lt's Really Too
Hard to Tell" although not str!kiugly
original, made hit and was amusing.
The Joker's song, "Ammonia," and the
Kings Fable Of the Frogs" with chorus
accompaniment, were enthusiastically en-
cored. The spectacular effects were well
developed and were applauded vigorously.
Rarely has such graceful dancing been seen
MS that executed by the young ladies at the
conclusion Of the second scene. The act
ing and singing Of Ms. Kasper, Mrs. Ran
dali, Messrs. Dustan and Pearson were
worthy of especial mention. "Trial by
jury" which preceded the operetta, was
well performed, Mrs. Kasper, and Messrs.
Dustan, Stanley, Pearson, Kennedy and
Belt all acquitting themselves very credit
ably.
Mr.. Roland Reed opened at the National
Theatre last night before fair-sized audi
ence in "Humbug.n Both the actor and
the play made such favorable impression
here last season that all who then saw him
will not miss this opportunity OF again
doing so. Mr.. Reed is a clever comedian
of style peculiar to himself, with wonder
full facial expression. He has fair voice
and sings with good taste and expression.
His company is well balanced, each one
being well adapted to their respective parts.
Miss Madge Carr as Mrs. Arminda Bertran,
Ponsbh Mr.. Cook as Nat Ramsey, and
Mr.. Julian Reed. younger brother Of the
star, as Dick Ponds, being exceptionally
good. ''Tumbug'' is full of fun of the
heartiest kind, with no suggestion of coarse.
ness to mar the effect. The setting of the
play was very handsome, especially so be-
ing the last scene with the fountain of nat
ural water. For Thursday and the re-
mainder OF the week "Cheek" is announced
A house which crowded the Bijou greeted
the Wilbur Opera Company to witness
their excellent performance of the "AIi
kado" last night. Although this great sue
cess of Gilbert and Sullivan's has been pre-
sented here by five other companies 1t doe
not seem to have lost its attractiveness
Susie Kirwin as Yum Yum, Cora ThropI
and Edward Chapman as Ko.Ko had onlS
to appear on the stage to be greeted by
perfect ovation. The chorus and orchestri
also the elaborate stage setting. "The Mi
| kadoN will run all the week. Next week
on the first three days, will be given "Gi
| roi!e-Giroila" and on the last three tht
"Mascot." Mr.. Harris is determined t.
spare no trouble or expense In giving TIN
Washington public flrst-class opera com
ique at popular prices. The accommoda
tions have been largely increased at TIN
| Bijou. A special feature will be made o
the matinees. The ladies are invited to at
tend them and thus avoid the crowds o
the evening. The hour Of beginning ha
been placed at 2 o'clock, allowing plent,
Of time for shopping after the conclusion o
the performance.
| At Herzog's Opera-House the Unio
Square success, "Lynwood," was given be
fore large and enthusiastic audience. Th
drama is full of strong incidents and stu
ations, and was well interpreted by All Q,
cellent company, prominent in which |
Miss Melrini. "Lynwood" will run durin
the entire week.
Mestayer's famous collection of absurd
ties, "The Tourists in Pullman Car" col
vulsed the audience at Barton e Logan
last night. The company seemed to ente
into the fun Of the piece which the specti
tors heartily enjoyed.
The noted "Cowboy pianist" A. o. Bi
bel, will be heard at the New Nations
Theatre Enext Sunday evening In a nun
ber OF his wonderful performances The
have commanded the wonder aud approvi
q large audiences in New York city, an
Washington is fortunate in having an OF
portunity to hear him.
A large audience heard Mr.. George /
Wendling's eloquent lecture last nigh
This evening he gives his famous lecture
'Is Death the EndY" better known as "Doe
Death End ALP"
The Philadelphia Press, In speaking {
| Iue ptIlOTuluuCc GlNcu ny tuc DOotu
Symphony Orchestra, says that this orche'
ira is by far the grandest in existence, an
that the concert given last Saturday ever
ing amounted to an AVIATION. A concel
will be given this afternoon at the Congr
gational Church and another to-morro
evening.
AS previously announced in this journa
the season Of light opera at the Gran
Opera-House will begin on May 10.
number of old and melodious operas wi
be revived. The company will include Mi
Jeanne Winston, supported by Miss
Louise searle, Virginia Evans, Minnie l
Rue, Annie Meyers, Messrs. Walter Alle
Walter Hampshire, Vincent Hogan, A. |
Bell, James Fay, Thomas Daily, and a car
fully selected chorus of twenty-four voice
The following operas will be among tho
presented:
Fra Diavolo, Donna Juanita, Prince Meth
salem, La Perchole, Mikado, Venus al
Galatea, Grand Duchess, Mascot, Boccaccl
Princess of Trebizonde, Nine, Angot, Ma
tana, Cinderella at School, Barbe Blue, Mer
| War, and La Belle Helene.
The Eighth BattaliOn's banquet.