The Washington critic., 1886-04-29
THE THEATRES.

Says one OF the leading musical critics OF
Boston Of the American Opera Company
booked at Albaughs next week: "The per
formances of opera at the Boston Theatre
last week were Of q quality so fine as to ex-
cite general surprise and admiration. IL
Is true that we have had more brilliant stars
than are to be found In this organization
but we have never had work more con-
scientiously and more acceptably done as a
whole; have never had opera mounted with
such completeness; have never had so am
pie and so well-traincd a chorus, so large
and so perfect an orchestra, such able stage
management, and such even excellence In
every direction. The artists and their ef-
forts gave gratifying and incontestable
proof that we are under no necessity to de-
pend upon companies from abroad for the
production Of grand opera, and that the
works Of the great lyric composers may be
more thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed
through such a perfect ensemble as that
which is afforded by this organization than
thorough company headed by one or two
stars, supported by mediocre artists, an
aged, ,untunefu chorus,a picked-up' orches-
tra, and an impressarlo who, forced to econ
omize in order to pay his stars, tosses M
opera on the stage as with ptchfork. The
performances Of the past week also made
patent the fact that grand opera may he
presented In English without any loss In
dignity or effect. That the American Opera
Company will become a permanency
scarcely admits Of doubt"
The sale OF seats for the engagement of
Mrs. John Drew at the New National next
week began at the box.oillce OF the theatre
this morning. The Indications warrant
successful week. Mrs. Drew will be sup
ported by the following artists: Mr.. Charles
Walcott, Mr.. Edward Lamb, Mr.. j. II.
Fitzpatrick, Mr. Walter Macnchol, Miss
Sidney Cowcll, Miss Louise pearse, Miss
Elizabeth Andrews, Miss Alice Rutter and
Mr.. Sidney Drew and will present for the
first time In Washington Gilbert's comedy,
Engaged" The play is IN three acts and
is brimful Of pointed satire. The situations
are mirih-provoklng Mrs. Drew, as is
well known, is a distinguished actress, hav-
ing played upward Of eight hundred differ
cnt parts, Bciindd TrchGne IN "Engaged'
being the first new one in seven years.
The Wilbur Opera Company will give
their Interpretation of "The Mikadon for
the balance of the week, which will close
the season at the Bijou Theatre. The fall
anu WlnttT scusOH VIII Opeu curly III August.
In the meantime the theatre will be en-
trely redecorated. New and latest style Of
orchestra chairs will be placed in all parts
Of the house. An especial enjoyable featare
will be the lighting OF the theatre by the
newly improved Edison incandescent light,
thereby avoiding all smell of gas and
smoke and danger Of conlagraton. The
very best attractions will be offered at the
usual popular prices. Every comfort aud
attention will be looked after to make this
the representative theatre of Washington
| by Manager Harris, who sincerely thanks
the public for its liberal patronage and
who will always endeavor to merit its
highest esteem.
Next week the popular National Ideal
Opera Company will play return engage
ment at Herzog's Ninth Street Opera
| House, giving two performances daily,
opening In al NJ. S. Pinafore" The bill
will be changed during the week, announce
ment of which will be made in the daily
papers Ladies' and children should bear
In mind the reduction Of the matinee prices,
the reserved seats being only ten cents.