The Washington critic., 1886-04-06
WASHINGTON CRITIC
WASHINGTON, APRIL o, 1885.
THE THEATRES.

THE THEATRES.
Notwithstanding the miserable weather
the National Theatre was packed last night,
the occasion being the appearance Of
Thatcher, Primrose & Vests famous Min
strels. The performance was an excellent
one throughout and realized all tho nice
things that had been said OF the company
In advance Of their coming. Their vocal
lists are thoroughly drilled, and In the
chorus numbers showed off to remarkably
good advantage. The soloists are first
claes, OKeefc, Banks, Winter and Oakland
each scoring very emphatic encores. Griffin
and Marks Ia their act "Fun on the Quiet,n
amused and entertained the audience with
their odd antics and surprising movements.
The lawn tennis song and dance was pret-
tly done and is very graceful act. Bar
ney Pagan earned new laurels by his re-
markablc clog and Jig steps, which show
word. George Thatcher was, of course,
funny. That's what he was born for. Bur
toms trained dogs and goat are an enter
tanning feature Of the performance. The
closing burleeque, "The Black Mikado,"
retains many OF the beautiful airs of the
opera, which are given in q manner that
would put to shame many OF the so-called
''MlkuuO' companies INC same Dlll Will
be given through the week.
An audience whose numbers were only
limited by tho seats in the house greeted
John Dillon last night at the Bijou Theatre.
Mr.. Dillon has not appeared here since he
was leading comedian Of Henry Abby's
company in "My Mother.in-Law," at which
time he created perfect furore in Wash
ington by the many local sayings he made
In reference to our politicians. Mr.. Dillon
as Pilgrim Boggs, the States Attorney, gives
us one Of the most ludicrous portrayals OF
the illiterate but shrewd lawyer, while his
Latin quotations keeps the audience roar
Ing. He was called before the curtain at the
conclusion Of each act and vigorously APP
plauded for every speech, gesture and look
he made. Mr.. Dillon is also to be compli-
mented upon his excellent support, q great
rarity in these times. Miss Nellie Walters
as Tracy Baytram, the pure, simple, inno-
cent little Quakeress, whose fathers iron
clad sense OF propriety led him to do her
the great injustice Of driving her from his
home; George Walters as the rough and
ready, yet noble hearted miner whose belief
is that all women are immaculate, and Mrs.
Geoge Walters, the gossiping school-marm,
always ready. to do some one good turn,
were all excellent. The Estates Attorney
will run all the week and large audiences
will certainly be the rule.
At Herzog's good-sized audience wit
messed the reproduction Of "Irish Aris-
tocracy." AS this comedy has been given
here before by the same company, an ex-
tended notice is unnecessary. 1t Is sufli-
cient to say that 1t was given with the same
effect and fun that characterized its former
presentation here. Mr.. Walsh received
tremendous applause when he sang "The
Glorious Knights Of Labor" This has been
great success in other cities, and was no
less appreciated by the Washington people.
The company is good one.
Owing to the severe indisposition of Miss
Kate Castleton, there was no performance
at Albaugh's Opera-House last night. In
quiry at her hotel revealed the fact that she
is suffering from badly liberated throat
and high fever. Her physician promised to
have her in condition to appear tonight,
however.
The musical absurdity, "Odds and Ends,'
which is being played at Barton & Logan's
this week is one of the most laughable
pieces presented at this house In long
time. 1t introduces number Of very clever
specialists, who furnish constant enter
tainment. Miss Josie Devoe as Tod is as
bright as sunbeam and as merry as a lark.
She won the hearts Of the audience at once
with her demure playfulness. Mr.. II. G.
Knowles as Professor Gin,crdck proved
himself to be vastly entertaining come
dian, and his topical songs were encored
vociferously. The other roles were cred
itably performed. "Odds and Ends" has
made hit.
Local Notes.
The complimentary benefit rendered DR..
| N Frank White, which will take place al
the National Rifles Armory tonight
| ing event. The programme comprises the
names Of most OF the prominent local pco
| pie, among them being Miss Kate Scott
Eulalie Domer, Messrs. Whipple, Warren
Young, Colonel Rogers, John Tweedale
and others Of equal note. Frank White has
always cheerfully given his services ii
whatever cause they were asked, and ht
should have rousing benefit.
The Boston symphony concert at the
| Congregational Church this evening will bt
genuine treat to lovers OF music. The
| programme includes music Of a very high
order.
Mr.. Harry G. Fiske, the genial treasurer
Of Albaugh's Grand Opera House, left fol
| New York last night, to be gone unit
Thursday night on private business.
Mr.. Edwin B. Jack, the advance repre-
sentative of Roland Reed, who will appeal
at the National Theatre next week, is at the
| Harris House.