The Washington times., 1894-07-22
PrOmptings.

An exchange gives the following account OF
English ideas OF comedy:
s'If comic opera were done in London as it
is in New York il is said that the librettst would
bring action for damages against the manage
meni. Even farce comedy is performed in
England exactly as it is written. Queen Vic
toria is great stickler for the authors lines.
\ story is told about a recent performance OF
an English opera ut Windsor. The comedian
of the company. being ambitious to make his
royal auditor laugh. eXerted himself to the
creation of several fresh witticisms. The
Queen looked puzzled instead of pleased.
She studied the libretto. gaze1 earnestly at
the comedian, and finally sent for the mana
ger of the company.
"What does this player mean," she asked
perplexedly, "by putting N words and phrases
that are not set down in the book?" III it
please your majesty" said Carl Rosa, "this is
our famous comedian. Mr.. Smithers, and
these are what are called gags which he in
troduces TO promote the merriment Of the
story" ''You will inform me at once" said
H. :. H.. sharply. THAT We do not care to
know what gags are or what Mr.. Smithers
is. but that the present performances is to be
devoted wholly TO the exact sense OF the au-
ttor-and composer"
The story has gone abroad that Richard
Mansfield Is perfect ogre and eats little chill
dren. sailors. and sometimes members of his
company. As a consequence his manager is
having considerable trouble TO find people
enough 10 fill the caste for next season. 1t Is
commonly supposed that Mr.. Mansfield car
ries gatling gun TO rehearsals and ether
wise makes it interesting for his compeny.
The profession have heard that life Insurance.
companies are doubling their rates to all
members of Mansfeld's company and they
absolutely refuse to play with him. Mr..
Mansfield can svmpaihize with the housewife
who changes maids every thi-d day.
Those who saw the magnificent production
"A Midsummer Nights Dream" a. ths
Worlds Fair will be interested to know that
it is 10 be played on the lawn of the Grand
Union hotel at Saratoga under the patronage
OF the 400 there. 1t is said that Stuart Rob-
son. II. C. Barnabee. Henry E. Dixey, Camille
DAryille Marie Jansen. and others will ap-
pear in the cast. James W. Morrisey has
charge of the undertaking.
De Wolf Hopper's new play 'Dr. synta1."
is being prepared and the rehearsals are on
at the Broadway Theater. The play is
recast of cinderella at school," vastly i'm
proved. it is said. J. Cheever Goodwin is the
author of the renovated libretto. and the orig
inal music has been very little changed, as it
was always considered excellent
Walker Whiteside, the young tragedian and
Shakespearian interpreter. Will be under
new management next season. He will keep
practically the same company and will begin
IEe Sei-ON Ut clinton. 1ONd. III ldlltT pdTt
of September He will add to his repertoire
The Bells and The Lady of Lyons" and
perhaps new version OF Eugene Aram."
The Seidl orchestra has been placed on a
solid financial basis and will be heard in the
principal cities of the country next season.
Most of the Abbey and Grau solo artists will
be heard at times with this organization.
Cecile Kissing, who was last seen here with
Francis Wilson in ''Erminie," is being well
spoken of by the New York critics. Next sea-
son Miss Kissing is to be member of E. E.
Rice's ''1492'' company.
In London they say that Augustin DAILY
has not secured the American rights to "A
Gaiety Girl but that George Edwards. who
has the London production, will tour the
piece here.
Charles Barnard has sent to Congress petit
tions signed by thousands of managers. play
wrights. and actors. advocating the amend
ment of the copyright law.
Josefry. the famous pianist, is contemplate
ing returning to the concert stage. If he
does he will be heard in this country next
season.
Digby Bell has organized Summer opera
company of his own. which is now singing in
Baltimore.
William Morris is credited with making q
pronounced hit as D'Artagnan in Dumas
1.-The Three Guardsmen" at St. Paul.