Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-02-23
AMuSEMENTS.


NATIONAL THEArER-Mr William Gillette
appeared here last night in the title role of The
Private Secretary" in which he has made quite
as much of a success as he did in his own play
of THE Professor" The impersonation OF the
Reu. Robert Spduldiag by Mr.. Coote, which was
seen here last year, was highly ludicrous inn
personation, but many will prefer that OF Mr..
Gillette, which is, If possible, even more pro-
yooative of laughter. The large audience was
the time. Mr.. Gillette was well supported.
NJ. A. Kennedy, as the hot-tempered East In
dian uncle, was excellent Frank Tannahill, as
Misses Haslam and Cerbett as Edifh and Eua,
were all very good. THE Private Secretary 7"
runs all the week.
the play with which Nine. Modjeska last night
began her engagement in this city, is an adap-
of Moreto. The motive of donna Diana" is
closely akin to that of Shakespeare's much
ADO" and not a few writers incline TO the be-
lief that the one was suggested by the other,
though the question of originality cannot easily
be decided. Nine. Modjeskas play is of a class
ical simplicity of construction which had not a
little to do with the pleasure which IL afforded
last night TO the audience at Albaughs. The
plot is slight, the action direct, and the whole
tone q, tne Sogey Oh SSpciy taan rs De
cold, philosophical heiress to the ducal crown
of Barcelona. Mime. Modjeska was admirable.
II is part which suits well the style OF this
charming artist. 1t is needless to say she made
of il a well-rounded, consistent and distinctly
marked character, in the earlier scenes full OF
f1ant of its influences, later gradually enmesh-
ing herself in the net SO deity spread for her,
and falling through pride where direct assault
would have strengthened her defenses. The
scene of the declaration was capitally done 10y
Mr.. VANDERBILT, the Don Cesar, as well as by
Nine. Modjeska, the fine situation being thor
Oughly and artstically developed. Mr.. Wander
felts work was very satisfactory, as was that OF
Mr.. Owen Fawcett in the role OF Perrin. These
three carry the play. The remaining actors are
inefficient. This evening an English version OF
Sardou's "Odette'' will be given.
HARRIS BIJoU THEATER.-There was a large
and singularly enthusiastic audience at this
house last night, to welcome the chidren's old
friend, "Humpty-Dumpty," and to observe his
countless antics and adventures, many OF
which are new. Mr.. Alfred Miaco is q capital
C2otCa, and he is aided by competent people
"Humpty-Dumpty" remains at Harris all the
week, appearing afternoon and evening.
HERZCG'S OPERA HoUSE.-This house was
crowded as usual last night to witness the per-
formance OF Boucicaults strong play, After
Dark" which was presented to the evident sat
isiaciion of the audience. Among the leading
members of the company are Mr.. King Hedly,
weliknown actor; Daniel II. Lacy and Miss
Donald. The musical specalties OF Mons. Gil
guere and Musical Dale were excellent.
DIME MUSEUM.-Mr. Joseph III. keane APP
peared here last night in RIP Van Winkle,'
whose sleeping and waking were attended with
the usual amusing and pathetic scenes. Mr.
keane appears in round Of popular roles du.
ring the week.