The Sunday herald and weekly national intelligencer., 1890-12-14

at A1bauEhS-General NOTES OF bhe
Stage.
An atmosphere of Bronson Howard prevailed
at the principal theatres last week, and as
consequence the public could not withstand the
temptations offered to turn out in numbers.
At the National Theatre "Shenandoah' played
to "standing room only" throughout the week
and created the same favorable impression
made in New York and other cities where it has
been seen. Shenandoah" as its name would
Indicate deals with incidents of the war, but in
dealing with those incidents the romance Of the
story is presented in a beautifully effective
manner, 1t is the story of love, but 1t is love
under circumstances entirely novel to stage
productions. Only the pen of an author and
playwright of the attainments of Mr. Howard
could have surmounted the difficulties which
are to be encountered in presenting an impair
tial picture of fragment of the War of the Re-
belion so as to meet the popular taste The
nicely with which he has handled those scenes
in "Shenandoah' and the exquisite blending
throughout the play of love- pathos, comedy,
and action place it among the greatproductions
of the day. The company presenting the piece
last week, while in some parts not presminently
strong, gave a most even performance. Mr..
to better advantage than ever before. Mr..
Harry Harwood as lfaj. Gen. Bncktiorn is
typical commanding officer, and Mr.. James o.
Barrows as Sergt Bdrket carries the broader
comedy of the piece most successfully. Miss
Nanette Comstock as Je,tnie Buckthorn is
charmingly easy natural, and vivacious, and
Miss Meta Guon as Gertrude Eiliagham is ex-
celent as the spirited Southern girl. The
-. .,Ir 90 III
those representing the signal from Three Top
Mountain and Sherdan's ride.
"The Henrietta" which held the boards at
Albaugh's Grand Opera House last week, is an
other of Mr.. Bronson Howard's clever dramatic
productions. 1t is comedy of the higher Or
der with plot of the keenest interest. There
is no heroic treatment necessary for its proper
presentation In the hands OF competent
company it works out its own story in quiet
and unpretentious way that is quite refreshing.
Such company presented the play last week.
AS BERTHE, the lamb, Mr.. Bobson has been seen
here on several former occasions, and every one
is familiar with the quaint individuality of mis-
presentations. Mr.. George S. Woodwards
Nicholas VandlStyne appeared as an able effort
to those who could separate his identity with
the part of Rer. Murray Hilton, which he has
heretofore SO successfully played with the
company. Mr.. Edw. D. Ratcliffe as Nicholas
Tanalstyne, Jr., was very effective, especially
In bis death scene, and Mr.. Stanislaus Strange
as DR.. Wainwright did good work OF the
ladies Miss May Waldron as Mrs. Opdyke and
Miss Olive May as Agnes appeared to the best
advantage, though as matter of fact every
member of the company contributed to the
general excellence of the performance.
\ y Y
The choice Of s'The Messiah" for the opening
of the Washington Choral Societys eighth sea
son was an auspicious one, for it was alike q
fresh warrant OF the earnest purposes, the high
aims of the society, and a qualification to the
musical people of the city of kind that they
have not for a long time enjoyed. The per
formance was in many respects of great merit
The chorus entered upon its work with an eyi
dent enthusiasm that had a basis of careful
preparation. The elaborate fugal choruses, {
chief test of careful study, were sung with
abundant precision and confidence of attack
and though there were one or two passages IL
which misunderstanding with the orchestra
threatened disaster, the familiarity of the sing
ers with their work averted it. Mr. Sherman
departed from the usual custom in his cuts
and gave several of the choruses that are rarely
heard. Such, for instance, is "By His Stripes
We Are Healed" 1t is in volume and quality
of tone that the chorus has its shortcomings
vet in several instances it rose to exceptional
power, as in the 'Hallelujah'' chorus and the
'Amen.n The soloists were from well-knowr
Boston singers several of whom had been heard
here before. Miss Gertrude Edwards is one
of the most artistic singers the Choral Society
has ever brought to this city, and her singing
in 1.-THE Messiah" in many respects surpassed
anything she has ever done here. Mrs
Walker had not been heard here. Her singing
shows experience in the demands of oratorio
but her voice is somewhat unpleasant IN
quality, especially in the higher register. and
there are equally unpleasant faults in both hel
method and style. She won her greatest sue
cess in II Know That My Redeemer Liveth, ,
in which she evinced no little ripe artistic in
sight. Mr.. johnson, the tenor, has voice OF
suaVe and delightful quality, but his lack of dis
tinction and depth of conception showed that
he was traversing unfamiliar fields in the score
of "The Messiah He contributed in no small
measure, however, to the evenings perform
ance. The bass singer in "The Messiahn hal
comparatively little to do Mr. Morawsll, who
was evidently suffering from cold, did it will
a certain heaviness and infeXibiliJy. "Why Do
the Nations Rage'' and the great solo will
trumpet obligato he sang credtably. Th'
orchestra, doubtless the best organization o.
the kind to be secured here for this class O.
work, lacked much in refinement and finish
and at times overpowered the chorus. Th,
audience, which was both large and brilliant
gave frequent tokens of their warm appreciation
of the performance throughout the evening
Albaugh's-The Liliputians.