The morning times., 1896-05-10
THE RIVAL" LAST night
Magnificent PeIf.rmance Ct
Sheridan's Comedy.
JEFFERSON AT HIS BEST
Many Stars In the Cast-Prestdent,
Members of the Cabinet, and JUS
tices of the Supreme Court Applaud
the Great Compauy-FarewelI Per
formance of the Dean of Comedy.

The production at the Lafayette Square
Opera House last night of Richard Brinsley
Sheridau's S comedy, The Rivals by cast
every participant in which had heretofore
been an independent star, proved all that
had been anticipated. II was one OF those
occasions whicn mark mile posts i'll the
memor sand make upthe PERIODS in drama VIC
history. Only once III Il great while is
drama given over in its entirety the very
best talent the contemporary stage can
boast. The performance OF last night will
live long i'll the memory OF those who
were present the most perfect production
possible i'll this generation, and one OF the
most nearly perfect of any time.
This for its own SAKE as well was the
evening an event OF LIlinant Sign-lcance
by Ieason OF the tribute to our favorite
actors paid by the presence OF the most
distinguished audience the National Capital
could summon, and OF sympalheuc sig
nificancc because, though mOdesty and
good taste forbade the announcement, this
series Of performances is probably a fare
well TO the stage by its beloved dean,
Joseph jefferson. The condeScension OF so
many stars, accustomed TO shine only In
their own armament, to support Mr.. JEFF
ferSon. the brilIiancy OF the production. the
enthusiastic outpourlng OF worshipful
people, is a fitting adieu to the man who
has stood the highest exemplar OF civil,
social aud artistic virtue in his profession.
The production last night was a rare
feast The peculiar sympathetic intimacy
so necessary to exist between actor and
auditor, charged the atmosphere. The
conta gion of enthusiasm spread every
where and suffused the work OF the artists
and brought salvos of response from the
audience.
AN ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE.
Each favorite as he came on TO the stage
was given a warm welcome, varying III
degrees, in compliment TO years, but genuine
ana expressing the frlendlineSs of God
bless you; were glad TO see you; here's
our hand!'
First to come on as the curtain rose was
Fanny Rice is Lucy. She looked uncom-
monty pretty and acted the pert maid with
becoming spirit. Trcading almost upon her
heels was winsome Julia Marlowe Taber,
affecting the love-lorn romantic air Of
Lydia Languish- She was radiantiy beauti-
full and pleased her friends throughout with
her performance. she fitted better in the
picture than as star, for she lacks mag
netism in the superlative degree that
nature has endowed her with other charms
Presently came Mrs. John Drew, in the
OF the character that she has identified
herself as the best of her repertoire, and
which she graces IS the best Interpreter
OF her day. Her performance Of Mrs. Mala-
prop is one of the contemporary classics
too familiar 10 demand suggestion OF all
it's fine points and delicate artifices.
There We're the ladies.
The first of the gentlemen to appear in
the order of the drama is Sir Anthony
Absolute. He came in the person of Will
liam Il. Crane, and throughout the even
ing his personation was marked by all the
care and earnestness he bestows upon
his every undertaking. Z. II. Holland, as
Fag, tripped on, as the scene changed to
Capt. Absolute's bachelor apartments and
there were not wanting friends and ad-
mirers to remind him, by their appla use, of
the favor which he holds. Though Fag is
a small part, 1t displayed Mr.. Hollands
artistic capacity for embeliishing the small
est thug he touches. and it may be said,
even of this part, that it was the best
Fag yet seen.
Robert Taber, as Capt. Absolute, was
capital and Joseph Holland, as Faux
land was faithful to his established reputa-
ton. Both gentlemen were cordially re-
ceiyed. Presently Fag announced Mr..
4 cres. 1t was the audiences cue to
key themselves TO the real event OF the
series, It was Joseph JefferSOn's cue to
trip upon the scene, as the immortal cow
crs. No word of the chara cteriza ton. II
need only he said that he never gave
his Acres better. The house rose to him
and though the demonstratiye climax came
later, his presence was greeted with a
storm OF applause.
Two other favorites were there in thi:
cast of favorites. Nat Goodwin as Sir Lucius
O'Trigger and Francis Wilson as David
Both artists impregnated their roles with
their humorous personalities and made them
as enjoyable as is all they ever do.
FOUR CURTAIN CALLS
After the second act four curtain calls
were given. The first was taken by Mr..
Jefferson, Mr.. Goodwin and Mr.. Taber, as
the characters concerned in the final scene.
The entire company accepted the next two,
extending in line from side to side. 1t was
a famous gathering, seldom shall the like
elookedup0na gain. Whenthe curtain was
raise1 the fourth time the stage was empty
and Mr.. .Jeffersonsteppedf for ward andmade
a speech. He expressed his and the COM
pany's gratitude and paid graceful tribute
TO the brilliancy OF the gathering, the cX-
cellence or The comedy and the efficiency
| OF his companions.
The house presented not only an array
| ofnotabies, but d display of gowHing seldom
! seen. OF course, every seat and every box
| WIS IHueeu- the OrCDeSIfd was
| forced under the stage. and the standing
room was all taken. Everywhere flowers
| jewels and gay, gorgeous dressing lit the
| picture. 1t was peculiarly and beautifully
| light in tone. Among those present We're
| President and Mrs. Cleveland, Secretary
| and Mrs. Carlisle, Secretary and Mrs
Lamont, Secretary and Mrs. Thurber
| Thomas B. Reed, wife and daughter; Mr.
Bout-!la and wife; United States Treasurer
Morgan, wife and son; Chief Justice and
| Mrs. Fuller, Senator German and party
| Senator Lodge and party, fifteen young
| ladies from Miss Summers school, occupy
/ ing three boxes, Mr.. Cannon, Mrs. HIT
| and party, Mrs. Hearst and party, Thomas
| F Waggaman nd wife, Senator White Mrs
! william Henry Brown, Miss McCleary,
! Minister Mavrgoni Bey, Mr.. and Mrs. Brice
! and party, Senator and Mrs. Wolcott. the
/ French, German, and Italian ambassadors
| with friends, and many others OF officia
! and social distinction.