The evening times., 1898-06-25
THINGS THEATRICAL.


Frances Hodgson Burnett.s story Of
'Esmeralda," as arranged in dramatic
form by William Gillette, will be the next
weeks offering OF the Columbia Stock
Company. While equally well adapted
to the abilities of the organization. It will
prove complete contrast in character
to The Mighty Dollar" which has made
such a htt this week. The latter Is
satirical comedy, while '.Esmeralda," is
dramatic idyl. abounding In quaint hu-
NOR. but with one Of the daintiest love
stories of the stage combined with its
power and pathos.
AS will be remembered by those who
have read the story or seen the play, as
presented with Annie Russell In the title
role several seasons ago, 1t is romance
of the North Carolina mountains and
the studios and salons of gay Paris. The
contrast between the simple, natural
scenes of the first act and the artificial
society of the French capital is striking
and effective, yet the author proves that
under rough coats and seek shirtfronts
alike beat honest hearts. and humanity
is very much the same in the city and in
the wilds.
The gentle and loSdng Esmeralda: her
faithful mOuntaineer, Dave Hardy; the
meek "Old Man Rogers and his auto
cratic wife, Lydia Ann, are a quartet of
delightfully."- unconventional yet natural
characters. and in Eleanore Browning.
Edwin Mackaye. James o. Barrows and
Mrs. Findlay, respectively, they will find
fitting representatives. Maud Hasiam will
"emerge from mourning" as she quaint
ly expresses II. and instead of playing
sorrowful heroines. as for the past few
weeks. will give new evidence of her
comedy talents in the role of Nora Des-
mond. John Lancaster will be Jack Des-
mond; William Ingersoll is to play Est
abrook and Daisy Hammack. q local ac-
tress. will appear as Kate Desmond. Alex
ander Kearney and ]. A. Bass will have
good character parts. while Marie G.
West will complete the cast.
After the final performance of "The
Mascot" tonight the Parry Opera Com
pany will turn its attention AMI talents
to romantic opera, and all next week the
great Amphitheater will resound to the
stirring songs of Fra Diavolo.'' 1t has
been long time since this sterling work
was given here, for 1t demands qualities
beyond the powers Of the ordinary light
opera organizations. But up to date the
Parry Company has proved itself capable
of singing anything, and '.Diavolo" falls
| much in the same category as 1.-The
Chimes of Normandy" which was one of
the greatest successes of the season.
Every devotee of the operate stage re-
members the romantic story of the bold
brigand, whose daring and gallantry won
for him the Mephistophelean sobriquet of
Fra Diavolo." II will be recalled that
he scraped an acquaintance with rich
Englishman. Lord Allcash, and inaugu-
rated n gay Irritation with his wife. while
keeping n keen eye on the Britishers
cash box. Being foiled in his attempt to
rob them en- route, he boldly accompanied
them to an inn. where he was followed by
two faithful members OF his band. Beppo
and Giacomo. Concealing themselves in
the room of the little maid. Zerlina. they
awaited a favorable opportunity 10 carry
OFF the treasure. But Just as they were
about to succeed. Zerlina's soldier lover
came to the rescue with his troopers. and
the bandits were made prisoners. Prefer
ring death to imprisonment, Fra Diavolo
made a bold dash for liberty. and this
scene brings the opera to most dramatic
finale. Charles Hawley will be the bold
brigand, with Frank Deshon and Tom
Springer as his faithful followers, while
Harry Carter. Viola D'Armon, Jay Tay-
lor, Tom Daily and others will have good
parts, and the chorus may be relied upon
to keep up its record for strong singing.