The Washington critic., 1886-04-22
AMUSEM ENTS.

The Alta Norman English Opera Com
pany will be seen at Alkaugh's next week In
"The Mikado." The Gilbert libretto will
be given without the usual "gags," which
offend the car of the refined. This is worthy
Of commentator. The improvements ~
on the text of the libretto, which have been
made by various ambitious Ko-kos and Poo
BdhS are so many blemishes which the ad
mirer of Gilbcrts gentle raillery heartily
deprecate. The New York World says OF
recent performance: "Speaking OF the
rendition OF the opera given, 1t must be said
that II did not suffer by comparison with
previous productions seen In this city. The
organization has been carefully trained In
the work and the members, Individually
and collectively, displayed considerable
ability In bringing out the beauties OF Sulll-
vans music and Gilberts satire. Miss Nor
man is lady who is not only possessed of
personal beauty and grace, but has fine
voice aud ability as all actress. AS result
her Yum Yum was winsome impersona.
tion which won the good opinion of the
auditors Immediately aud the favorable i'm
preston made was strengthened by her
work throughout the performance. W. w.
Morton made quite q hit as k0-kO and the
Poo Bah Of james Peakes was a commend
able piece of work which was thoroughly
appreciated. Ellis Ryse did cxcellently
as the MikddO. Miss Annie Maxwell was n
good kotiShd. The chorus sang well aud
the audience, which was quite demonstra-
tive, encored all the popular airs"
Tho Boston Ideal Opera Company has
been for years the most popular organization
that has played In this city. The pains
taking and conscientious manner In which
their operas have been presented has made
them favorites wherever they have appeared.
The repertoire for next week at the National
Theatre is as follows: Monday and Thurs
day, "The Maid Of HONOR new; Tuesday
afternoon, "Fra Diavolo;' Wednesday
night and Saturday afternoon, "victor, the
Blue S,ocking;" Saturday night, "Martha." !"
The sale of reserved seats opened well this
morning.
Joe jefferson changes his bill tonight to
Grip Van Winkle," the most popular play
In his repertoire. Although jefferson has
had number of imitators in this great
part, he has no rival, and, supported as he
is by company Of artists, his play cannot
fail to please. Grip Van Winkle" will run
tie b. lance Of the week.
One Of the post popular Of comic operas
cNcI pictVulcu 10 La MhsCOJtC. i uc
Wilbur Opera Company was the original
company TO produce 1t in this country.
Commencing this afternoon and continuing
the rest of the week they will present their
correct version at Harris Biiou Theatre.
The cast will include Miss Kirwin, Miss
Ferris and Messrs. Brand, Chapman, Comfy
and Marlborough. With one exception
this is the original cast who gave the opera
so successfully in New York city. Con-
sidering the fact that they have given over
| 1,7OO performances Of this opera, and are
| giving the authors original version, most
| enjoyable performance may be looked for.
Says the Pittsburg Leader concerning
"Esmeralda," which is TO be given at
Herzog's next week: "'Esmeralda,' al
though seen in this city before, never had
so many people to look at 1t at any one time
as 1t did last night The company is a
strong one and gives really good, enjoy
able performance. The play probably has
no equal for neatness, clearness and pretti-
ness. 1t is simple, pleasing and entertain
ing, beth in plot, staging and execution.
The Dillon and Stedman Company is booked
for many leading theatres" Next week
will inaugurate the summer season prices
at the matinees, when reserved seats ON the
first floor can be secured for ten cents.