The daily morning journal and courier., 1896-02-19
Entertainments,

"The Gay Parisians," which had such long and brilliant run at Hoyt's the ater in New York this season, was pre- sented for the first time in this city at the Hyperion last evening. With the exception of Odette Tyler, who headed the company in New York, tho cast was identical with the metropll- tan production. The farce Is from the French of "Le Hotel du Libre EX- change" and was written by George Feydeau and Maurice DesValliere. It IS easy to understand its success. It is one of the most amusing farces that Charles Frohman has even given us and is replete with funny situations. The scene of the ghost scare, in which everybody is afraid of everybody else, l caused yells of laughter, and 8 curtain call was insisted upon, although 1t re- quired several minutes of steady clap ping to induce MT. Ferguson and Miss Hall to reappear. The cast was headed by w. J. Ferguson, who played the part of Joseph Pinglet. MT. Ferguson is always good. He is one of the most spontaneously humorous persons on the oleNSSs OOSGpIllilG 1Ietii w elo N<NNNaiSAN e't Marcella and Elaine Ellison was clever French maid Those people are so ia miliar here that it is unnecessary to | describe their work. w. k. Shirley and | James Barrows were good in character roles and Charles Wells in the part of MarcePs husband, Paillard. Mrs. El. J. Phillips as Angelique was quite anus | ing. The scenery and mounting were the same used in New York. A comedi- etta, ''Six Months Ago." was given as curtain raiser. Elaine Ellison and w. R. Shirley did the best in this, Shir- | ley's accent being particularly English. The house was large and as was before said sufficiently enthusiastic.
 The peerless Lillian Russell will ap- pear tomorrow evening Tn her new 1 adaptation of Lecocqs opera comique,, ''The Little Duke" An exchange says; She has long been known as the queen of comic opera, not because she can act any better than many of her sis | ter singers, but because she has been | more potent than any other prima donna in continually attracting large l audiences to the theater. The reason for her power in this direction is three fold. First, she has that great favor which nature sometimes bestows upon woman -- remarkable facial beauty Moreover, the actress has very fine voice, which she uses to splendid ad- vantage, and again, her productions are famed for their exquisite settings and complete details. '"The Little Duke" is not new opera, but it has not lost its drawing powers. The book l I1yN TaiI o,,J ITo1o ;, ical and interesting as many pieces of a later date, yet the music is always | tuneful, though rarely catchy. The piece was well presented last evening. The settings for the Chateau L'oil de I Boeuf and for the third act, which is in camp, were adequate and effective; the chorus, which was large and well drilled, sang well, and the costuming and properties were all in good taste. Sale of seats now open.
 Nell Gwynne, the Orange Girl, the Actress, the Favorite of the King and of the People" is the new play in which l Rhea will appear at the Hyperion on Saturday night A critic says: 'In Nell Gwynne, Rhea has perhaps one of the strongest plays on the stage to-day. It was written at her request by Paul Kester. Pupil of the greatest masters, she brings on the stage all the artistic finish of the old worlds traditions with 1 the best ideas of the modern school of art. Sale of seats opens tomorrow. l GRAND OPERA HOUSE.
 ''Maritana," the second in the operas to be given by the Wilbur Opera com pany this week, was presented most successfully yesterday before large au- diences. The opera is an adaptation of the drama Don Caesar DeBazan. It be- longs to the class of grand operas, and it has always been very popular. The Iopera was creditably given by this com pany. The music is catchy, and the re- calls were quite frequent. This was due to the excellent manner in which all the artists acquitted themselves. MT kohnle was seen in the comedy role on Monday, but last evening he appeared in different character-that of Charles IT., king of Spain. He handled the part with great credit The fine voice of MT Clark was heard to better advantage than on the day before and he made a decided hit Miss Eloise Mortimer was 1 e8C6ileHL d5 MGIltdild ctIlQ UlduG d TlOSI favorable impression Miss Maggie Bolton, as the Machioness. looked very sweet and was equal to all demands Miss Hattie Richardson was as usual charming. Others deserving of special mention are Claude Amsden, Gus Vaughan, J. c. Harvey, Emauel Drew The opera to be sung this afternoon and evenig is the Royal Middy"
 There is no advance in prices. Mati- nees 1oc, 20c, 25c. Evening, 10c, 15c, 25c, BOG, soc.
 The series of living pictures given at the end of the performance are the best that have ever been seen in this city, and at each performance they are loudly applauded.
 POTTS WONDERLAND THEATER,
 Wonderful, indeed, are the feats of muscular, srength and agility that the three Nighton brothers are presenting
 this week at Polls Wonderland thea ter. One never tires of watching them, and the most deeply interested are the | 4-... t-.-