The evening times., 1896-02-08

<.~e~sSA -SNSsz>S- 80 - -
an historical play containing most delight.
ful touches OF comedy, and beautiful and
tender bits Of pathos, while the lines scin.
tillate with the polished wit Of "ye olden
times"
As the sweet, winsome "Nell Gwynne''
the gifted Rhea has all hearts at her feet,
and shows the noble qualities of that ia
nous woman as no one else could. 1t is
a remarkably interesting theIne-tbe love
or mighty king for this girl, and his de-
votion To her during all the years that fol-
lowed. There are very few such incidents
in history, and when the story is told as
by Paul Hester, with Rheas superb char
acterizatioB OF the role, it makes a lasting
impression upon the mind of the auditor.
Later in the week, with new imperial
robes and elaborate costumes, she will give
magnificent revival of Josephine Eli
press of the French The performance
is pronounced complete in every detail,
and admirable in all its surroundings.
Rheas costumes are dreams of loveliness,
and in her imperial robes and coronet OF
diamonds, one might think that the beau
tlful actress had just stepped from the
mastery picture of the famous painter,
David. which hangs in the Louvre. All
the costumes and accessories Of both plays
are historically correct.
Sol Smith Russell. who never fails of a
warm welcome in Washington, will begin
his annual engagement at the National
Monday evening. February 10, appearing
in two new comedies, producing a new com
edy by Marguerite Merington, called AN
Everyday Man."
THE piece is domestic story. and tells of
bank clerk, who marries the daughter OF Il
rich bank president. John Empty, the
clerk. is too old-iashoned TO suit his wife's
relatives. They think him too slow, ana
urge him ;otake vacation in New York and
see life.'
John feigns to be fast. but In the end saves
the bank and his wife's relatives from ruin.
The play is a capital blending of mirth and
pathos. Mr.. Russell has also made Il genu-
inc success in q one-act play called, Mr..
Valentines Christmas
This double bill will be given Monday,
Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday.
Friday and Saturday Mr.. Russell will ap-
pear as Bob Acres in the charming comedy
by Il. Brinsiey Sheridan THE Rivals
Mr.. Russelrs success as Bob Acres is
personal triumph. of which he may well be
proud. 1t should lead him TO other efforts
along the same line. Few artists on the
American stage are greeted with such dem
onstrative approval as is extended to Mr..
Russell wherever he appears.
Mr.. Russell has for years held n perma
place among the American comedians.
His methods are peculiar to himself, his
artistic work so natural and SO perfect, and
his characters SO lifelike and homely that
his stage portraitures are among the most
familiar to the play-going public.
production that that draws from all
the resources OF the scenic artist, the cos
tuner. dramatic and musical talent, will
be seen by theatergocrs when Sidney r.
Ellis superb production OF the romantic
drama, Bonnie Scotland" comes TO the
Academy Of Music for one week, beginning
Monday evening next.
The play is constructed faultlessly on
lines that promise the grandest results.
The happy combination of sentiment,
pathos and comedy, and the strong heart
interest developed make n dramatic story
OF unusual literary merit.
The quaint picturesqueness OF the cos
tunes. the chara cteristic personalities OF
the sturdy Scots, and the romantic To-
calities where the action OF the play oc-
ours, all unite in forming Manager Ellis
realization OF a perfect play.
Aside from its dramatic worth many fea-
lures have been added with a prodigal
hand to doubly insure its popularity. Among
these may be mentioned the high class
''"sorSr"chs nCing, Scotch nciDg.
Scotch bag-pipe playing, and national
Scotch games.
r~~d'' POSSESSES So many
features to commend 1t to the favor of
thcatcrgoers that 1t will be an event for
lovers OF high class anusenlents to antici-
pate with pleasure.
There is only one Tom Miaco and only
one "City Club and both will be at the
Lyceum next wee;.
.'The City Club Spectacular Farce COM
edy Company" is a thoroughly established
and always popular organization. For
years 1t has been a star feature of the
variety circuit and each year has added
to its strength and reputation. Farce COM
edy. burlesque and specialties complete the
program.
burlcsuue entitled 1.-THE City Club in Gay
Paree." 1t is superbly staged and hand
somely costumcd and inroduces Fanny Ev-
erett in the principal character assisted by
the entire ucompany. feature of the
City Clubs entertainment is the new Sc
ries Of very pretty and interesting living
pictures which are introduced between each
act in the Olio.
The vaudeville portion OF the hill ahounds
in good things. First comes Tom Nolan.
always popular. and with n new collec-
tion of parodies; Harry Bryant and Carrie
Fulton follow in one of their amusing
sketches which is said to be br;mful of new
songs and Jokes: the Sisters Bronson will
introduce their charming singing and dane
ing speciality. Fred Bulla. in grctesque aero
batic feats. will try and twist himself into
favor: PauiO and Dika. French singers and
dancers will present an act which is cal
culatcd to carry ones mind hack to the gay
French capital. and Fields and wooley will
introduce an act which IL new to the vaude-
viIles.