Evening star., 1898-12-22
AMUSEMENTS.

LAt'A EITE SQUARE IHEAIER--
Olga Nethersole gave The Termagant," a
play of four acts and, by the way, lasting
almost four hours, by Louis N. Parker and
Murray Carson, dramatists of good repute,
at the Lafayette Square Theater last night.
A first night audience of magnificent pro-
portions and distinguished composition en-
bracing the diplomatic and congressional
notabies, witnessed the plays first presen-
tation here. Judging from the frequent ap-
plause, the occasional bursts of laughter
and the numerous curtain calls. it is fair
to. say that the production was emnently
successful At the end of the second act
MISS NetheTsole was presented a beautiful
floral tribute.
The title of the authors work seems to
point to The Tanning of the Shrew'' as it's
source, and after witnessing the perform
ance, it is apparent that they are indebted
to the Bard's comedy in more than one
other particular 1t is very difficult, how
ever, in its somber turn from the comic to
the tragic
Beatrix. the heroine, is Carmenesque. and
designedly so. The other role is, perhaps,
the best and most popular in Miss Neither
scle's repertory. But Carmen's character
does net engage the human sympathtes in
the way desired by an actress seeking en-
during fame Besides, ii only exhibits the
caprices of a woman wholly animal in her
nature, and does not plumb the depths Of
pure love. So Beatrx was provided
mainly to be like and yet unlike Carmen.
She is capricious; terma CANT indeed. but,
WlthaL a pure, sweet woman This is wei
suggested in the play and is delightfully."-
developed by Miss Nethersole. No other
actress has the beauty, the grace and the
voice so necessary to the complete por-
trayal of the embodiment of love in such
marked degree as this young English
woman. She charms the eye and captiYateS
the ear as she unfolds her graces. Her
scene with her mariner sweetheart at the
well in the second act was carefully
drawn picture of a girl falling under the
spell of awakened love. 1t deserved the
enthusiastic approval it received.
Miss Nethersoles costumes are magnif-
cant in the most realistic degree. Nothing
more costly, elaborate handsome has
ever been displayed here. They caught
the fancy of every woman in the audience.
Mr. Thalberg as Rodergo. the mariner,
WHO wins the love of BeatriX at the cost
OF his life, is pleasing, but not more. His
earnestnesS commends him to the favor
of the audience but he does not enlist its
active sympathy. He acts with too much
effort, and does not possess the grace or
ease that should form a background for
the sinuous Miss Nethersole.
The large supporting company We're ac-
ceptable, and their parts required little
more from them.
The scenery was very extensive and
beautiful; in fact, the two settings provided
are the handsomest ever seen here. Every
detail of the locale of the play is carefully
and artisticaly attended to, making stage
showing a master hand in all the work.
Tonight Miss Nethersole will repeat her
mastery Interpretation of Carmen
THE NENIN-JUCH CONCERT.-There
was an Ethoibert Nevin evening at the Uni
versalist Church last night, and the desire
to hear this popular young composer inter
pret number of his best works and TO hear
Emma Juch sing his pretty songs, brought
out large audience despite the weather
and the fear of the grip as a result of an
encounter with such a damp and fOggy
night. The program consisted entirely OF
Mr.. Nevin's own compositions and his fol-
lowers were well satisfied that the concert
did not extend to a wider field. 1t was a
love feast of Nevin enthusiasts, for the ad-
vance program had told just what was TO
be rendered The panist's "A Day in
Venice" another of his water studies, was
given for the first time in public and was
we'll received. Emma Juchs vocal selec-
tions from Nevins repertoire were all we'll
rendered and gave the devotees of her art
an opportunity to applaud. Mr.. Nevin has
won an enviable reputation by the compost
ton of "Narcissus," which has been played
far and wide. This piece was demanded
last night by the audience and rendered as
an encore. Two of Mr.. Nevn's songs for
mixed voices were rendered by Miss At
Lee. Mrs. Wilson, MIR. Mcfarland, Mr.
Lucbkcrt and others.