Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-08-28
ADJUSTMENTS,

Albaugh's.-Clever people and amusing
novelties combined to make the opening of
Albaugh's last night. for preliminary
season, an suspicious occasion. The bill
was a typical variety performance of the
best class, and the audience gave frequent
manifestations of it's approval of the enter
tainment. The program was opened by the
Columbia Quartet. Middleton and Newton
followed, and then Sapphire demonstrated
that the mysteries of juggling are not be-
yond the powers of femininity. Five little
negroes made weird music and danced
fantastic dances in way that elected en-
thusiastic response from the audience.
Ward and Shepard, the musical comedians,
received the approval which usually falls to
their lot. and Bonnie Thornton sang songs
with an JUNCTION which was irresistible. She
has the faculty of bringing out a point for
all 1t is worth, and she might have sung for
the rest of the evening, so far as the wishes,
Oh the audience We're concerned. Baggesen
the human corkscrew. Alcide Capitaine, the
aerial performer, and others contributed d
varied assortment of accomplishments to an
entertainment which can scarcely fail of APP
prevail The living pictures, which con-
Guided the program, were effective, and the
audience testified their satisfaction BY loud
ly applauding each representation.
New National Theater-The appeara nee
OF Robert Downing at the New National
Iheater last night afforded the tragedian's
admirers in this city the first opportunity
of seeing him that they have had in some
Time Mr.. Downing is one of the dramatic
hopes OF the country. Tragic laurels are
dimcult to win, and there are few who re-
main In the race. Mr.. Downing is one of
the conspicuous competitors for the first
place among opponents of the classic
drama, and Virginius, as performed by him
last night glowed with a warmth of feeling
cd hat tl1,g
ship between artist and audience which is
so essential to success in the loftier inter-
pretations. His Virginius does not offer the
purely intellectual type of passion. Mr.
Downing's powerful build makes the ele-
ment of physique an inevitable feature in
his performance. But 1t is a carefully stud
led and capably performed production. and
especially Praiseworthy for the careful re-
self. Miss Eugene Blair, in the role of
Virginia, shone with brillancy which ri
vailed that of Mr.. Downing himself. Grace.
womanliness and delicacy were combined in
her representation. The performance of the
part of Icilius by Edmond Hayes was COM
mendable. and. in fact, there was little to
be noted in the production which was not
creditable The fact that Mr.. Downing Is
himself distinguished Pythian makes his
appearance in the city at this particular
time happy coincidence. THE Gladiator"
Is the play for tonight.
Academy of Music.-Minstrels of the most
modern variety were the attraction at the
Academy Of Music last night. The simple
ballad rendered more with the purpose of
bringing out its natural sentiment than for
the display Of artificial cultivation has a
charm which is complete. irresistible and
universal New songs were sung, and they
were given with a sympathetic warmth
which appealed directly to the hearts of the
audience. The personnel of the organiZa-
ton Is an exceptionally brilliant one. Billy
Emerson. whose sweet voice and graceful
dancing are perennial. is with the COM
pany. So is Lew Benedict, the comedian.
1t Is noteworthy and praiseworthy fact
that particular attention has been given to
the music in the first part. The opening
overture went with a briskness and sparkle
which put the audience Immediately into
state of good humor.
The Columbian stage setting which in
troduced the singers and instrumental per-
formers gave an opportunity for picturesque
costuming and pleasing stage effect which
was fully improved The speciality features
of the program we're well rendered, and the
performance, on the whole, one which
should find liberal patronage. The aud
fence last night was large.
Buffers BitOu Theater.-The regular sea-
con at the Bijou opened last night with
Grattan Donnellys strong melo-drama,
Darkest Russia" This Is the first season
the play has been presented in popular price
houses, and the welcome ii received last
night amounted to an ovation. Every seat
in the house was sold long before the cur
tain rose, and hundreds were turned away.
Every detail has been carefully considered
and the play Is mounted in first-class style.
Everything that can be wished for in
scenic line Is presented, and the realistic
effects are wonderful. The company is an
excellent one, and the members work to-
gether In perfect harmony. For the benefit
of those who wish to see the parade today
Manager Butler has decided to raise the
curtain promptly at O'Clock.
Kernan's Lyceum Theater.-Kernar's was
stormed last night, and the number turned
away could have filled another gooG-szed
house. Speciality reigned there, and the en-
tertainment was replete with new special
ties. Whitman and Davis opened with a
burlesque, entitled Blue Jeans. and did 1t
we'll. Mastaud and Marba contributed a
sensational gymnastic act, and Kitty Nelson
charmed everyone with her song and dance.
Then there were Fake and Scmons, those
sterling black face musical artists, johnson,
Riano and Bentley, all of whom we're good.
Frank Moran made a stump speech full of