The Washington critic., 1888-02-07
AT THE THEATRES.
nm NAr1orA1-NAr1oNAL orenN.

National Theatre last night to live for a
short time en- rapport with the extraor-
binary genius which found its nearest
and tendercst compamonship with mad
man. "Tannhauser," gloomy and pom.
derous, is, Notwithstanding its musical
severity and the palpable crudeness of
dramatic construction, lifted into the
realm of the ideal by the force OF its COM
posor's intellect and by the inherent
poetry of its story.
The house was well filed, although
there was no demand on standing room.
The audience was always appreciatiye
and on occasions generous. II was plain
that had it not been for the change in
the scale of prices the house would have
been packed 10 the doors.
The most prominent parsonage Of the
cast was as was to be expected, the por-
trayero of the title role, Eloi sylvia. As
tenor he ranks dcserycdly high Nature,
too liberal by far in the best0wal Of avoir-
dupois has gifted him with a voice which
is at once strong and melodious, and with
thorough sympathetic conception of the
music which he undertakes.
William Ludwig, as Wolfram, sang well,
and his song "The Evening Star" in the
last act, was received with much enthu-
siasm. His voice has clearness and reso-
nance and considerable feeling Miss
Bertha Persons handsome appearance
as Elsd could not entirely counteract
certain unreliability which was notice
able In her voice.
Some of tho most enjoyable work of the
evening was done by the orchestra, under
the able leadership of Mr.. Thurichs. IL
responded TO his direction promptly and
with accuracy. The introduction to the
contest of song in the second act was rem
dered with q spirit and elegance of execu-
ton which attracted general notice.
Frank Netta gave competent and
pleasing rendering of the role of Ldnd-
grdic. A solo in the second act, which
gave him an opportunity TO display TO adj
vantage hls lower notes, met with especial
appreciation from the audience. Miss
Charlotte Walker. ias Venus, was placed
at II disadvantage Turing a portion of the
performance by being so situated on the
stage rs to prevent her voice from reach
ing the audience unobstructedly.
Tho concerted music was well given,
and the chorus acquitted themselves with
credit throughout the performance
The opening of the operate season was
more or less of social event, and num-
ber ofprominent people were present In
the audience were noticeable, Senator
Hearst and party, Senator Cullom and
party, and the Misses Young, Mrs. Stock
bridge, Representatives Belden and
Adams, the Russian, Spanish, japanese,
Chinese and Italian Ministers, Mrs. Kill
bourn and Mrs. Justice Miller, Repre-
sentatives Anderson and Babcock and
Mr.. Brotherton of New York.
ALBAUGH's-RoBERT MANTELJ.
A large audience saw Robert Mantell
and his excellent company in his new
play, "Monbars," at Albaughs last
night and testified its approval by APP
plause and tears and recalls. The play is
of French extraction, but is not Frenohy.
1t is story of love and duty jealousy
and joy, in which 1fonbors and his wife
contend through fivo acts. and finally
come forth happy and contented. Assam
actor in ordinary evening dress Mr.. Man
| tell is at his best, for instance, his Loris in
"Fcdora," but 4takeihim as you will his
| equal in certain lines cannot be found in
| America today He'plays always with a
strong reserve force, and he never permits
himself to indulge in dramatic excesses.
| His work isartistic always, and there is
| pleasure i'll his mere presence on the
stage. Next to Mr., -Mantellin point of
| favor was the Blanche of Miss Moretti,
who did sosweli that the unusual honor
of recall in the midst of an act was ac-
corded her, Miss Gillette's Diane, Mr.,
Mason's Laurent and Miss 'Duroys
| Madame Laurent were also worthy of
| special mention. The usual criticism of
| faulty construction" might be INDUCED
in with reference to the play, and there
are some rather over-strafned situations,
but the play and the players are greater
than these and "Monbars'' goes in with. a
| high marls.~ The waits were too long, but
tonight that will be obviated.
HARRIs's RIJoU-EDMUND COLLIER.
The patrons of the Bijou are this week
treated t0.a variation from the usual at
fractions offered them at that house, SEN
satlon and burlesque having given place
to tragedy, as portrayed by Edmund Col,
lier. "Virglnius' was presented last
night in very satisfactory manner. Mr.
| Collier is o Young actor of much ability
and unliniited ambition, and has, many
of. the attributes of a great tragedian.
+ What may be said of Mr.. Collier, how
ever, does not extend in full TO his entire
support, which, while it brings the star
| out in greater contrast, does not give quite
| such a satisfactory entirety as might other
wise result, "JaclS Cade' tonight.
| sToDnhRp's LECTURE
The lecture on "Travels in Sunny
Spain,' by Mr.. Stoddard at the Congrega-
tional Church was abundantly attended
by an audience of the very best kind of
people. Spain is a country less known
by sight and better known by reading
than any other in Europe, and what Mr..
Stoddard presented in his pictures and
told fin his entertaining way, consti-
tuted a pleasure an audience. experiences
only ut Stoddard lecture. The pictures
are all new and all good, and two hours
before them is better than two months on
the ground. The same lecture will be
given again tonight.
KERNAN's. - MIGNANI sIEGRIsT COMPANY.
An enjoyable speciality programme was
given the audiences at Kernans yester-
day afternoon and evening. The COM
bination includes some very bright lights
in the variety profession, and the show is
ola character calculated to afford enter