The Washington critic., 1886-03-09
MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC.

The reception that was rendered Bob
Downing at the National Theatre last night
was ono of tho most spontaneous and cor
dial that has ever been rendered an actor in
this city, and tour Bobn has reason to he
proud Of the'hcarty welcome that was given
him and his company and his play. The
latter is a strong but sombre drama, with
ample opportunities for an actor of Mr..
Downing's intelligence and ability, and Of
these he ayailed himself so satisfactorily
that he was repeatedly interrupted by ap.
plausc, and was thrice called before the cur
tain, and In a neat and modest little address
accorded large part OF the success OF the
play to the company and to the "boys be-
hind the scones,n those that designed and
prepared the beautiful scenery. The
setting is, In fact, ono OF the handsomest
and most effective that has ever been seen
in this city, and Is the work of Messrs. j.
g. Buss, the scene paintcr ii. A. Sautar,
the mechanical designer and John VIII
iams, the property man OF the theatre. II
is complete In all its details and credit TO
this city as well as 10 the theatre. Mr..
Downing's company Is well selected and
evenly balanced, and did remarkably well
for first performance-in fact, there was
no pcrceptible hitch In either the lines or in
the action. Miss May Brooklyn Is well and
favorably remembered from her connection
with Mr.. Downing's "Tally Hon company.
Miss Constance Ilamblin Is painstaking
and clever actress, and made the most of
her opportunities as lddeiciac. Mr.. Joseph
Brennan as the Adn,irdi and Messrs. Frank
Carlyle, lately leading m an with Lotta; Ed
wards and Naglc did excellent work--in
fact, the entire company did we'll Mr..
Downing may be well proud of the ovation
he received.
When Emma Abbott appears at the New
National Theatre next week it will be with
the largest aud best company she ever
brought to Washington and one that has
been more ilatterlngly received An inter
esting feature OF the engagement will be the
appearance OF the young Washington bari
tone, Pruette, who has made already great
reputation with Maplcson and with Abbott
| this year. The Nations Capital has cause
| to be very proud of its bright lights In the
musical and dramatic world but none
shone with greater brilliancy or has a more
promising future than Pruette, whose rich
baritone so resembles the great Sanity that
Miss Abbott has named him the American
Sanity. Trdridto is one of his best roles,
and one of Miss Abbotts greatest successes
Will be the opening opera, "Mikado.n
Bohemian Girl" "Mignon," "Lindan and
"Trovatoren comprises the weeks roper
toire. The sale of seats will begin Thursday
morning.
'In the Ranksn drew two good houses
at IIerzog's Opera-IIouse yesterday after
neon and last night. The play was well
acted and admirably put on the stage. In
the style in which II Is given it cannot fail
to draw good houses throughout the week.
The Biiou Theatre was well filled at both
performances yesterday, the attraction be-
ing the powerful drama, "a Wife's Honor"
The company is a strong one and gives an
excellent presentation of the play, which
| will run through the week.
"Collars and Cuffs" delighted packed
house at Barton & Logan's Dime Museum
last night. 1t is brimful of fun and pleas
ant relief from the border tragedy thai
held the boards there last week.
Another large and pleased audience as
sembled at the Musee last evening. The
variety is creditable and the curiosites in
teresting. The Musee has gained large
patronage.