Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-09-11
ADJUSTMENTS.

Albaughs.-It Is to be remarked to the
credit of James ]. Corbett that he makes
no pretensions or representations. to the
American public which he does not con-
sistently live up to. His professional prin-
ciples are easily defined. He has gone into
the theatrical business as he went into the
prize ring-for financial considerations
purely. There is. however, this difference:
In the prize ring he is an artist of pugilism
and may claim the use of the word while
on the stage he is painfully and apparently
a novice; and to obliterate this impression
Of unsuitability to the dramatic profession
would take him not merely lifetime of
hard work and study, but several reincar-
nations. The opportunity accorded him of
appearing in a first-class theater Is a
forcible recognition Of his popularity, but
1t Is, on the other hand. something of
misfortune. because of the manner In which
IT invites critical comparison with perform
ers with whom acting is a profession and
not a mere commercial incident. There Is
no lack OF conscientious endeavor to pre-
sent the play 'Gentler1an jack in such a
manner that 1t may be taken seriously as
a melodrama. But the effort to arouse sem
timental enthusiasm over the question Of
whether man may simultaneously be
gentleman and prize fighter lacks uni
versal interest necessary to make 1t 80
cial problem" But the manner in which
the piece has been adapted to the require
ments of Mr.. Corbett commands admiration
for Its ingenuity. The story leads up to a
sparring match in a very clever manner,
and 1t is when the champion appears in the
last act, clad in the costume Of the ring,
that the climax of the production Is reached.
The pug1ltst Is then in his element. The
ethics which surround evening dress are
not present to puzzle either his mind or
his hands; the audience Is getting what 1t
and interested. AS a physical specimen
Corbett has been discussed pretty thor
oughly.
His exhibition with the punching bag and
his sparring were both interesting. and in
their way admirable William A. Brady
had attained some standing as a melodra-
matte actor before he appeared a man
ager. In this drama he appears as a
tramp and does some very energetic work.
He Is one of the most enterprsing young
men that recent times have developed.
New National Theater.-With each sue
cessive season there comes a feeling of
curiosity as to the manner in which negro
ministrelsy will excel itself to eclipse for
mer efforts. This branch Of the theatrical
field has been developed with such energy
that each year seems to witness the climax
of scenic glory and numerical prodigious-
ness But there is always more to come,
and 1t is a conspicuous fact that the names
Of Primrose and West are almost invari-
ably associated with the biggest enter
prises of the kind. This year they combine
all the conspicuous features that negro
ministrelsy has developed The first part
opens with an array of negro ministries
who are all that the phrase implies. And
the colored performers give an entertain
ment which of itself would stand as a
very good show. Their music and dancing
make up for what they lack in finish and
artistic refinement by the native en-
thusiasm with which they are rendered.
Both the ballads and the comic songs went
with vim, and the grotesque dancing proved
highly amusing. The transformation from
the old-time first part represented by
these performers to the gorgeousness of the
modern setting was very effective work
ing out Of en- original and ingenious idea.
The sentimental ballads by w. H. Window.
the phenomenal alto, and Harry G. Castle,
baritone. ELECTED appreciation, and the
work of Comedians Tim Wall, Lew Sully
George Primrose and George Wilson was
laughter which proclaims success for en-
beavers of this kind. Howe, Ward and Nc
Leod succeeded in presenting some genuine
novelties in the eccentric musical act
without which no minstrel performance is
complete. and Rice and Elmer appeared In
an amusing acrobatic speciality, entitled
"A Reub's Visit to Chinatown" One of
the most enjoyable portions of the enter
tainment was the banjo recital by Thomas
E. Glynn who interpreted styles of music
varying from a breakdown to a wedding
march in a finished manner, which left lit
tie doubt as to his readiness to adopt a
symphony or sonata to the require
ments Of that oft-decried instrument. II
the audience would stand 1t. George Will
sons monologue was enjoyed. and tumbling
and equilibrium by the Arabian acrobats
and skill. The work of the orchestra, I'M
der the leadership Of Mr.. Carmichael, was
highly commendable.
Academy Of Music.-A play new to this
city, but which is said to have had a long
run in London, and which made a hit in
New York last season under the title of
Charles Uncle" was seen at the Acad-
envy of Music last night, and 1t was great
an10VQ6 nor to sD,r
Uncle Dudley" and 1t furnishes a great
amount Of amusement The motive CEN
tiers on the employment of. the hypnotic
art, and both the uncle and a prize fighter
who are made victims Of the professor, pro-
vide great deal Of fun. The company is
a good one. headed by Mr.. Russell Bassett
who brings out Of the part Of Dudley Full
Above all that there is in it: Miss Lena
Merrill, who is one of the best soubrettes
on the stage: Augustus Cook, Frank j.
Currier, Earl Browne, Miss Augusta Mel
son. and Miss Nina Maitland. The audi
ence last night gave every manifestation
of its approval of the work of these peo-
pie. and the play made a hit.
Buffers Bijou Theater.-Bartley Camp
duced than 1t was last night at Buffers
Bijou Theater, under the management Of
the son of the great dramatist. The Gal
ley Slave" has long been regarded as enc |
of BARLEY Campbells best productions and |
its stirring situations and thrilling tabieaux
will never be forgotten by the American |
playgoer. The plot is too well known to be |
rehearsed here. and in the hands of the |
present company 1t has lost none of its in |
terest. The company is by far the best |
ever seen at the Bijou. Miss Effie Darling, |
a Washington girl, is the leading lady, and |
her protrayal Of Cicely Blaine showed a |
clear conception and considerable dramatic |
force. Miss Lola Gay did the Lady Jouve- |
nile in very acceptable manner; Joseph |
got all there was out Of the char |
acter Of Franklin Fitz and that sterling |
actor of the old school, w. w. Allen, won |
new laurels in his rendition of Oliver OIL |
plant. Mr.. CarrollsDaly won the hatred |
and Kisses of the audience by his excel |
lent acting of the Villains part The other |
members of the company were also good, |
and the scenery all that could be desired |
Prof. John N. Pistorio, the leader of the |
orchestra, was also recognized last night, |
and received hearty applause for his excel |
lent musical program. Again tonight.
Kernans Lyceum Theater.-Flynn and |
Sheridan's City Sports played to a crowded |
house at Kernan's last night. Since last |
season the company has been materially |
and the program presented is |
long and entertaining. A new comedy, en- |
titled Love vs. Mischief proved a good |
medium for introducing the strength Of |
the company, and the grand medley at it's |
conclusion was applauded. The Sisters Ar !
mold, in character songs. were good; the |
Gotham trio sang themselves into favor; |
D,,ol