Birmingham age-herald., 1895-03-27
The Play s the Thing. g V

"Wang," one of the most popular comic operas ever produced, was at O'Rrien's 8 last night. and was greeted by packed house, which enjoyed hugely an evening of mirth. The new novelties introduced and the story, involving an oriental prince regent, an Europeanized heir to the throne, Cambo- dian and Burmese envoys, French dancing girls and other comical features, made "Wang's'' appearance last night one of pleasure to those who were present. Those who saw ''Waug" last year greeted with applause "A Man With an Elephant on His Hands' and the other songs which attracted so much attention before. The production of the comic opera throughout was very warmly received, and many of those who took part were rewarded for their efforts.
 The production was enjoyed fully as much as last year, and although Funny Stevens was absent from the cast, his place was admirably filled by Albert Hart, who never failed single time to make his audi ence laugh. He IS about feet inches in height, has good stage appearance and pos- sesses splendid voice, which he uses to the delight of his audience. His first ap- pearance here as Wang, regent of Siam, made favorable impression on those of the heater-going public of Birmingham who saw him.
 Then there was Charles Burrows as Colonel Francesse, one of those fat men to be cherished, who did his part in making fun for the house.
 Miss Virginia Earl, the crown prince, who made herself a favorite here last year, was greeted on her first entrance with loud applause, and more than half dozen times she received bursts of commenda- tion. She has an excellent conception of her part, and has the minutest points at her fingers tips. She has sweet voice and her "A Pretty Girl, Summers Night,'' was one of the hits of the per- fermance. She is really prince in the
 Miss Marion Singer, who, by way of parenthesis, is a good singer, took the part of the widow of the late French consul ad- mirably, and received her share of the splendid conception of her part, and car ries it out to perfection.
 Mise Florence Drake as Marie made an excellent milkmaid.
 The two little coons, subjects of his royal highness, were in the cast.
 Then in the chorus there were many new and pretty faces and sweet voices, and, to sum up the entire performance, "Wango more than pleased the people.
 DAINTY FANNY RICE.
 Fanny Rice is said to be by very many critics veritable feminine composite of Joe Jefferson, Nat Goodwin and Sol Smith Russell. She is likewise said to be the OnIy dCuebb upOu lu0 btdk0 WuOso poT5Ou- ality is so thoroughly permeated with fun that she can walk down to the footlights and without word, a motion, grimace or smile set her audience to laughing heartily. She will be at the opera house this evening.
 Some poetical person once said: "Let me but once write the songs of nation, and care not who rules it," It is ques- tionable if the one who can make nation laugh is not even more powerful than kinua The rYrloc s Kingdom, and so It is at this day, and in this republIc6 those who have the strongest pull upon the affections of the public gener- ally in all matters aside from those purely whether they do so by their pens or upon the stage. For this reason it may be said that Fanny Rice Is a veritable American queen. Her fun is pure and simple and natural always. She does not have to be ridiculous or grotesque or coarse. Nor is her humor so finely drawn that 1t can be appreciated only by the ed- ucated. It appeals alike to all who come under the magic spell of the witchery of her own delightful little self.
 GILMORE'S FAMOUS BAND.
 If Gilmore's old and famous band is half as good as accounts say it Is, under the con- ductorship of Victor Herbert we may look for it to eclipse even the splendors of the old Gilmore days. The young Mozart is reputed to have wrought brilliant trans. formation in the ancient organization, put in an element of fresh and thoroughly ar- tistic material, and, while he has raised the artistic quality of the performances, he has maintained and even augmented the old time dash and impetuosity which dis tinguished the Gilmore concerts in their best days. Besides, Herbert has vastly en- larged the bands repertoire.
 The present southern tour has proved wonderfully brilliant and successful thus far, in some cities the enthusiasm becom. ing almost vehement.
 The band is fifty strong-the best artists that can be obtained-and the several solo, ists are all persons of fame; Mme. Natali, prima donna; Victor Herbert, cello; Her bert L. Clarke, cornet; Gery, the autoharp player, a, new feature altogether in grand concert, and the marvellous child pianist, Frieda Simonson, who has created more wonder and astonishment in America and Europe than any youthful artist that ever lived. She plays like mature artist of 40.
 The old band is more of a success than ever 1t was before in it's palmiest days. It comes to Birmingham on Thursday, and will appear in grand concert at the opera house that afternoon and evening.
 frieda Simonsou will p.ay at night only.
 Seats on sale Thursday morning d Csnsi prices.
 "JosEPH."