Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-03-06
AMUSEMENTS.

Albaugh' s.-An America" was on the
stage last night at Aibaugh's, and a great,
big overlooking houseful of 1t was in the
audience to see the show. The people were
as full Of enthusiasm as the house was full
OF people. too, and America" went with q
whirl from Its discovery to the final grand
epluribusunum climax. The day Of criti-
clslng this. the greatest of all spectacies yet
put on the American stage has passed, and
1t has now come to the era Of encomium. At
Chicago 1t divided honors with the fair it.
self. and while 1t may suffer how by COM
parison with its magnificent setting Of the
Auditorium, 1t still is without rival in the
field Of spectacle. 1t is pictorial. musical,
lyric, dramatic. saltatorial spectacular, al
legorical history of America from the time
Columbus discovered it until the date of
Kiralfy's idea of making a scenic represen-
tation Of It. Carlotta Gilman, Clara Bur-
ton, Bella Mcmillan, Florine Malcolm Sid
ney. Gracay and j. Gordon Edwards con-
stitute the cast, which serves as a nucleus
about which all the effects cluster. The fea-
ture OF the show is the athletic and juggling
exhibition given by the Schaffer family
easily hrst OF all similar troupes now before
the public and really marvellous in their
skill and grace. But why talk Of "Ameri-
car 1t is one of the things that must be
seen to be appreciated, and 1t will be at AL
baugh's every night this week.
New National Theater.-Real horses real
dogs, and what Is much better than either
real actors, combined to make the per-
Torrance of THE Prodigal Daughter at
the National Theater last night one of sub
stantial merit. 1t Is the sterling excellence
Of the cast that keeps the play from rank
ing in the mind of the spectator with The
ordinary meiOdrama. But the company is
one which does not make the excitement
go with the wild, uncontrolled whoop whie h
characterizes the production designed pure V
for purposes of thrill. Every role of prom, :
hence is performed with a judicious regar 4
for artistic propriety. Leonard Boyne is an
actor of ability, and he makes the chara cter
of Capt. Vernon both interesting and ad-
mirable. Julius Knight. as a sort Of as
sistant hero, Ralph Delmore as the awful
and unmtigated william, Russell Bassett as
the humorous bookmaker, and JEFF de An
CELLS In an effective comedy role, are all
praiseworthy to more than the ordinary
degree. Charles Coote sustained the repu-
tation he has won In Washington as a com
petent character actor. Helen Dauvray
was much liked by the audience. as she al
ways Is. and altogether. there was a great
deal in the performance to enjoy, besides
that somewhat hackneyed effort in realism,
the stage horse-race.
Academy.-It ives Darkest Russia" at
the Academy last night, with good house
to enjoy 1t, and 1t was enjoyed albeit dark
cially to those who have to go to 1t. In this
instance, however, Mr.. Grattan Donnelly
mas written plly filled with contrasts of
thrill and throb and sunshine and real
laughter. The play is In four acts and
touches upon the exile system and the cruel
treatment Of offenders in Russian prisons
1t is Siberia on different scale The
scenery Is particularly good and the stage
effects real enough to make the flesh creep
The love story which runs through 1t is
complicated enough In all reason, but it
turns out nicely and to the approved satis-
faction of the audience. Mr.. E. L. Daven-
port, as Alexis. was a handsome Russian,
and his sweetheart Ida Miss Selma Her
NAM had a part which she did with fine
effect and in the true spirit. A pair Of great
favorites with the audience was Gen. Cobb
of Kentucky Harry Hawke and the Baron
ess Mime. Carina Jordan). and they made it
light whenever they touched the darkest
Cordially hated by the gods was the Count
ess Karischeff, very well done by Miss
Louise Rial, though her voice was affected
by cold. Mr.. Sheridan Blocks Ivan was
presc nted most acCeptably. Everybody was
called before the curtain vociferously at
the close of the third act.
Harris Bijou Theater.-Harris Bijou
made record for itself last night. Every
seat in the house, as well as every inch of
available standing room. was occupied. The
play was Uncle Toms Cabin" There were
no bloodhounds to track the fleeing slaves