Evening star., 1895-09-10
AMUSEMENTS.

Aliens Grand opera HouSe.-From Sar-
dou to the BLACK Crook is a long jump,
but that was what was taken at Aliens
Grand Opera House last night. Last week
the audiences were treated to one of the
strongest plays of the great French dram
atist, and last night this was replaced by
the glare and glitter and tinsel of that
pioneer of the spectacular drama of the
modern type, 1.-THE Black Crook This
play, with its elaborate scenery, its gor-
geous costumes, its ballet and it's special
ties, has been popular with two generations,
and it will probably please the third. 1t
has been seen here with all the characters
interpreted by excellent people, with the
most elaborate scenery and appointments,
with premieres of worldwide reputation
and specially artists that have won praise
iii two continents. 1t has also been seen
here with dingy scenery, threadbare cos
tunes, incompetent performers and a poor
apology for ballet. The company that
was presented for popular approval last
night was neither the best nor the worst
that come to this city. There were some
good people, notably George Melville, in his
funny juggling act, and the Mahr sisters in
their acrobatic dancing. The premieres,
Cammis and Leontine, both found favor,
and the ballet was attractive in appear
ance, and did good work. The drama tic
company is not very strong, but Warren
Fabin made very effective Herzog The
audience was of good size, and many of the
acts Were well applauded.
Natioral Theater.-The regular season
opened at the National Theater last night
with Miss Emily Bancker and her COMPANY
in Our Flat" The piece is a mixture of
farce comedy and burlesque, but is funny
from beginning to end. One of the most
unique features is the Ingenious arrange
ment of apparent furniture after the men
have carried off the real article. because it
had not been paid for. Miss Bancker is q
beautiful woman, and she dresses in ex
qusite taste. She has good deal Of ability
as an actress, and, in fact, appears to be
capable of a much higher class of work than
is required in her present play. She is quite
versatile, and became a favorite with her
audience from the very first. Next to Miss
Bancker Miss Anita Veno created the most
merriment by her rather boisterous but eX-
tremely clever sketch of a maid of all
work. Mr.. Manderville, as the dramatic
manager, was good. and in the burlesque
scene in the last act proved himself fairly
good singer. Mr.. Fletcher was effective as
the stern father. and Mr.. Ryly as the actor
seeing an engagement developed into a
and again. Mr.. Webber as the impccunious
husband and writer of tragedies was fair,
as Was Miss Olney in the role of the
French dressmaker, whose real name was
Brown. The piece is good for two hours
and a half of laughter.
ence greeted Andrew Mack. the young Irish
comedian, when he made his first appear
ance hera as star at the Academy of
Music last evening, and the one verdict
rendered was that he win do. Mr.. Mack
chose Scanlan's old Irish play of Miles
Aroon' in which to make his bow. and so
successfully did he play the part of the
simple, good-hearred young Irishman that
his boldness in stepping into the place so
long held by Scanlan was forgotten. He
has a wonderfully sweet voice. which he
uses with excellent taste and judgment,
and added to these accomplishments is
al NJ a
wins for him the sympathy and approval of
his audiences. Mr.. Mack is very fortunate
In having about him a competent and even
ly balanced company, and the play, full of
romance and humor and pathos. was rem
dered in excellent manner In the title role
Mr.. Mack was natural and earnest, and his
singing was feature of the evening. his
waltz song, Maggie, My own" very
pretty melody, being sung in o manner
which made it an instantaneous success.
His Swing Song" was also we'll sung,
were. indeed. the half dozen or more other
melodies sung by him. A sextet of Irish
madrigal boys sang in charming manner.
Kitty Coleman, as Miles sweetheart, rem
dered him excellent support, and VIM j.
Mason and James Vincent were unusually
good. Little Wee-Wee Cubitt, little tot,
was charmingly natural.
The Bijou Theater.-Manager Easton in
selecting the Moss Jollity Company to open
his cozy new house, the Bijou, displayed
the same excellent taste that has charac-
terized his preparation of the house for the
new season, the first under his exclusive
management Everybody was pleased who
attended the opening last night. The house
with its beautiful decorations and excellent
appointments came in for as much applause
as the performance. and the latter was a
fiji Ist-class show all through musical
comedy burlesque, entitled "The Kodak"
was the piece selected, and 1t proved entire
bits of realism that a kodak may be looked
for to produce They all went with spar
kle that Influenced the audience and sent
every one home in a good humor. In con-
nection with the regular performance the
Lassards were introduced, AMI they pre-
sented comedy skit and musical act
that was greatly enjoyed. Little Elsie
Lower received a hearty welcome and dane
was the recipient of a handsome floral
horseshoe from the attaches of the house,
with card bearing their best wishes for
successful season. A number of congratu-
letory kilograms were also received. No
one has any doubts Of the outcome of Man
ager Eeston's venture. Personally he is
very popular, and he gives assurance that
the Bijou will be run on frst-class Irinci
PIES with desire to please the public and
present the latest and best attractions.
of Kernan's knew last week. when the pos
ters announced AL Reeves Specialties, that
he would see a good performance. Nor was
anybody disappointed, for the s'pecalties
gitimate variety one. Unthan, the armless
wonder, used his pedal extremities much
better than the average man does his hands
and played a sweet tune on the cornet with
his toes. Those great acrobats. fresh from
BarnuDl's circus. THE Judges" proved by
their daring exhibition most finished gym
nasts. OF course, AL Reeves was good. He
always Is. This season he sings a number
of new songs. The Gaiety girls are really
good, but their finished act is not fully ap-
preciated. Agnes Charcot gave a wonder
full exhibition of hypnotism, and a roaring
burlesque, 'Trilby." closed the program.
'"rhe Bachelors Baby''-John J. Horgan.
manager for Coyne Fletcher's comedy, 1.-The
Bachelors Baby" has received word from
the Rs snkin Drew Company of the tremen-
dous success of the play. 1.-The Bachelors
Baby first saw the light of day at the
Memphis Grand Opera House August 80,
and since that time has been playing to
crowded houses every night. The play Will
be seen in this city at Aliens Grand Opera
House on the 23d instant.
First Annual Campfire.