National Republican., 1886-12-14
AMUSEMEN TS.
ALpAren,s GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

ALBAUGHs GRAND OPERA HOUSE,
Washington must be congratulated upon
having been selected BY Mr.. LawreRce Barrett
for the first production of "RIenzi." The au.
dence which assembled last night to witness
this,most interesting revival could not have been
paIalleled elsewhere throughout the United
States Judges the Supreme Court, generals
senators, and representatives, with dign'taries
OF church, state, and the learned professions
were met tog ether 10 witness ''Rienzi' and
Lawrence Barrett. The President and Mrs
Cleveland occupied the right hand stage box,
and in the box right above them sat Gems.
sherman and Sheridan with their friends.
Mr.. Carlisle, Chief Justice Waite, and R.pres.
entatiye Gibson, OF Maryland, were among
"Rienzi,h as Produced last night, must be
regarded as splendid success. II dragged
somewhat in parts, and the catastrophe was
attained by a Crcuilous route. Mr.. Barretts
physique, like his voice, is not robust enough
FOR a tiibune Of the people, and there Is tlo
action, but, with few such drawbacks which
can easily be Temeded, the play is the most
interesting oblect-lesson in history that
Washington audience has seen for many Il
year. The scenery Is magnificent, especially
in the banquet hail and the cathedral.
After the fourth act Mr, Barrett, who had to
fully, and in terms which, If they had not
been committed TO memory, constitute MIR.
thoughts Rs he has trained himself to be for
those of others, He thanked the audience on
behalf Of the author, who could not hear their
applause" (Mr. Steele Mackayel his company,
and himself. He had selected Washington be.
cause he wished to touch the heart OF the ma
tion, and 1t was among the most gratifying
events of his life 70 know that before tO-mOr-
row morning "the favorable verdict of o
Washington audience would nave been flashed
across the length and breadth of the oonti-
nent" 9 The great agdGnGe seemed 70 be per
In the same frame of mind.
NEW NATIONAL THEATER.
Notwithstanding the very exceptional at
fractions at the Grand Opera House last night
the opera OF "Don Cesar" was powerful
enough TO draw a good house and to keep IL
thoroughly interested, The New York 1halie
Opera Company fully maintains It's old and
well established reputation: Miss Selma
Gus enough to furnish an excellent musical
entertainment on her own account, but, with
the admirable support accorded 10 her, she
succeeds in having the, ancient Don invested
with several modern charms. The "Czarand
Zimmerman" will be presented tonight by
| the full operatic force, and visitors may rely
| on having a musical entertainment In which
all the work is carefully and conscienlously
KERNAS's WASHINGTON THEATER.
The entertaining first part, the olio, and
umphantly performed last night at Kernan's.
Nothing better was desired, or could have
been. There IS an Eat home feeling about
this house which we like, and everybody likes.
HARRlSs BIJoU THEATER.
Long before the curtain rose last night for
| the pautOmime at the Bijou an eXpectant crowd
| occupied every part of the house. 10 describa
| the entertainment were scarcely possible, OF
certainly several chapters would be required
| for the purpose. In every part we have never
| seen II surpassed, while soine Of the acts have
| not been equaled in our experience. Humpty
| Dumpty, Ravel, kept the audience in continual
| merriment by his sudden aud amazing CONT
calitles. COlumbine, Sophie Ravel was beau
tlful, light and graceful enough TO reallze any
| clayton, was fiji associate. EldOra, the iuggler
| performed the most incomprehensible feais, as