Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-10-25
AMUSEMEN


opera and his latest success, for Of the two
operas with which his name ia associated
Robin Hood" and The Fencing Master
both have been pronounced successes was pre-
sented at Albaughs Opera House last night for
the first time in this city The favor with
which the Fencing Master" has been received
elsewhere was found to be fully justified by the
excellence Of the work and its admirable stage
presentation. The music is tuneful in its solo
numbers, exhibiting Mr.. de Koven's power and
skill as song writer. while in some Of the con-
certed passages higher order of constructive
ability than he had heretofore been credited
with is manifest This ia notably 80 in the
finale to the second act, which Is worked up to
remarkably successful and effective climax
The whole character of the score, however,
marks an advance in Mr.. de Kcven's
work that is extremely gratifying to those
who are anticipating dis,inctively
American school of opera. The solo parts are
in.rusted to thoroughly competen people the
chief Of whom is Miss Marie Tempest. whose
pleasing voice and excellent method find good
scope in the role Of Francesca. The cast also
includes Misses Grace Golden and Bessie Cleye-
land. Mrs. Pemberton Hincks, Messrs. Niche
lima, Hubert Wilke, VIM. Broderick, Charles
Hopper and Jerome Sykes. On the last two
fall the burden Of the fun making and they
are found fully equal to the task. The book of
the opera. by Mr.. Harry Smith, is good, aud is
fully up to the standard of the beat work of
this librettist. The opera is splendidly put
upon the stage, the scenery and costumes being
of the richest description. The chorus is large
In numbers, attractive in appearance and
effective in singing and action. There is an
enlarged orchestra, which is thoroughly eff
cient. The Fencing Master will be given
every night during the week and Wednesday
and Saturday afterpoons.
The NATIONAL. Texas Steer was
turned loose for the fourth time in Washington
last night and big, registering, laughing crowd
was on hand to watch it. Very many Of those
present had been there many, time
do with it, This ''Texas Steer is one
that never grows old and it ranks as veal every
time the doors are open. The cast of the play
is changed but slightly, and that for the better,
and the people are as vivacious and as interest
ing in their parts as when they first began. Tim
Murphy was called on for a speech and was
equal to the occasion, and then followed calls
for Author Hoyt, and he came before the cur
tain and made a few remarks also 1t was q
gala night all around and the Texas Steer" has
the road
Harris BIJoU THEATER.-A good dramatiza-
ton Of ''Mr. Potter of Texas was seen at the
Bijou last night. Almost every American
reader is familiar with the story and the genial
character OF the Hon. Samson Potter is remem-
bered with good deal Of pleasure. Last night
Mr.. Harry Bradley assumed this role and he
did 1t in n pleasing manner handling the diff
ficult lines with degree of force and natural
ness that was refreshing. Miss Josephine Loan
as Lady Sarah Annerley made decided hit.
The rest Of the company was good and the per-
formance was even and consistent in all points.
This was especially SO regarding the scenery.
Again tonight.
HERMAN LYcEUM THEArER.-Every one has
heard of the London Gaiety Girls, and their
debut in London some time ago was the occa-
sion OF great merry making. An original
company opened a weeks engagement at
Herman 8 last night, and what with their pretty
faces, pleasing figures and handsome costumes,
not to mention their vivacious dancing and
rollicking songs, the large audience which had
assembled was completely carried away. The
Artist and the Model is the name of a must
cal melange. which served as a curtain raiser,
and it was well chosen, as it proved a happy
medium for introducing the full strength Of
the company. Then followed IN olio in which
all OF the newest specialties we're introduced as
well as several new features. The performance
closed with a burlesque entitled "a King for a
Day." Again tonight.
Senator Jones and Mr. Cannon, two of the