Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-04-13

ALBAUGH's OPERA HoUsE.-Under the spell
Of an Inspiration derived from that Shakespeare
collaborateurs, Messrs. John P. Sousa and Ed
ward NJ. Taber, have constructed q graceful
operetta, :.The Queen of Hearts, which was
performed in public for the first time at
erudts 1aS g Of o,bez the mors
argue that the librettist has not caught from the
original poem, beginning "The Queen of Hearts,
morally irresponsible Gallo spirit, and has not
impaired to his work the lightness and vivacity
the subject matter warranted Notwithstanding
these hypercritical wiseacres, however, 1t will
be generally agreed that Mr.. Taber's 'knack of
making rhymes" has been exercised with
by the familiar nursery jingle, from which he
has elaborated a creditable little book It is
traces of the flavor of a nut which shall be
nameless, especially In the witticisms, and in
the topical song; but then the flavor alluded to
permeates everything theatrical in these de-
generate give-and-take days Of the stage, and
one should no more expect to find q perform
without vanilla. Mr.. Taber's work is especially
commendable for clearness and its respect for
the traditions and usages OF the English Ian
guage; while his lyrics are clever and pretty,
and as a rule emhOdy ideas which can be ap-
preciated without the aid Of q condenser-Qual-
opera libretto. The Knaue Of HeartS topical
song which by the way. was loudly applauded
SON sang SO well that he had to repeat
three times; the arias of the Queen
the Ammonia" ballad, and several Of the cho.
ruses, are especially worthy of mention in the
hss o To the words Of Mr. Taber Prot sousa
ground of OrchestratiOn that is ample and at
times decidedly original. The airs to the prin-
are catchy and fluent. The fandangO. which
was danced with grace and spirit by twelve
young ladies; the march at the opening Of the
quite brilliant spectacular display, and had to
De repeated In response to the applause; the
supplcatiOn for the condemned cufprit which
was also repeated, to the detriment of the gene
raj effect OF the performance, the frog chorus
ana the COOKS chorus, are pieces OF work which
Ielect great credit on the composer. The per-
formance last night was only in the slightest
degree amateursh, and went forward with
prompter had little else to do than to stand be-
hind the scenes and look intense and dignified
MUG Much OF this smoothness was no doubt due to
frof. Sousa, who led the orchestra and directed
IN person, and served by his GOODNESS to
speedily dissipate the stage fright which at
Tunes attacked some of the participants. The
costumes were bright and pretty and the stage
pictures with the full chorus on were very ef.
Iectiye indeed. Mrs. Kaspar, Mr.. Frank Pear
son, Mr.. Il. j. Dustan, the knape of Hearts Mrs
%. q. Randall, Miss Eulalie Domer Mr. George
u. Scott, the Little Joker, and Master Lawrence
their roles commercially WELL The audience
was enthusiastic and generous of applause
Trial by Jury" which preceded the "Queen of
bitches. Mr.. w. II. Stanley, who has a strong
and pleasing tenor voice, was good Defendant
NATIONAL THEATER'" az RoIsn %1G yea ond
MS comedy company returned to the National
eneaser a night appearing in the farce
was seen here earlier in the season. making a
very favorable impression. On his return last
night MI. Reed was greeted with warmth by
lowed his adventurous career as Jack Luster
with interest and much laughter His com
lore. "Hunlbug" will be given this and to-
morrow evening; for the remainder of the week
HARRIS BIJoU THEArER-Tbis house was
crowded last night to see the Wilbur Opera
company in 1.-THE Mikado." The performance
ah e tnlngs considered was enjoyable despite
didn't know how or didn't care to sing. The stage
settlng was pretty, and the costumes quaint
Miss Susie kirwin's Yum Yum, though not q
very artistic representation is pleasing and she
sing her numbers we'll. Mr.. ]. E. Coniy's Nanki
caused considerable laughter. .SThe Mikado"
will be given at Harris until further notice
THE BATTLE OF MANASSAS" which con-
tlnues on exhibition at the panorama building
on 10Th street, still attracks large attendances
Large numbers of school children are daily in.
terested students Of the extensive battle scene
contest. - O
HON. GEORGE r. WEDDINGS LECTURE on
saul OF Tarsus" at Congregational church last
night was listened to with close attention. This
eHx aa,h "a M E Mendlings subject will be as
HERzoG's OPERA HoUsE.-Mr. ]. K. Tillot-
sons military DRAMA "LynwoOd," which con-
talns a great deal calculated to arouse the
patriotic sentiments OF an audience, was given
al Herzogs last night, and received many man
ifestations of approval. Miss MERGED MuIrini
DIME MUSEUM" The Tourists in a Pullman
Car" arrived at this house Yesterday and began
their l;e attack On the dignity Of the audiences
with prOmptness and success. The company is
week. 80, 'A0