Evening star., 1898-11-04
A AMUsEMENTs.

NATIONAL THEATER.-"Robin Hooi"
seems to be more popular than '"The Ser
enade" in the Bostonians repertoire. Tho
audience at the National Theater last night,
whor Robin Hood and his merry men were
heard. looked almost once again as large
as any on the other nights of the week. 1t
was Of christian" proportions. Every box
was filed, and the houses overflow stood
four deep at the back. It's a pity that only
one mora performance of the favorite will
be given Half week. at least. and even
more. of De Kovens half classic compost
ton would not have been too much for
Washington.
Robin Hccd" is golden musical vein.
Traces of it are to be found running
through more than enc of the comic operaE
composed since it's heyday. Little nuggets
of song, but half developed, or almost
wholly buried in the wealth of harmony
al ound them, have been dug up by other
composers, developed, polished off and have
become popular. Its richness OF original
harmonic theme and treatment shows the
proiigality of De Koven's muse. It was d
find equaling any of the touch-staff Giscov-
cries Of gold prospectors. One is to le par
doned for expressing the fear that he will
not find another like it. Few modern works
can compare with 1t in characteristic color
frg. atmosphere and dramatic disclosure.
The years will give it niche in the Tenn
pie of Music and page in the History of
Harmony. This sounds fulsome, but if the
plaudits of the multitude in the National
last night could be written on paper IN OBJ
jective folm this praise would pale beside
the other.
OF course. the Bostonians continue to
sing it well-better, indeed, last night than
on other occasions. The audience was
enough to inspire any singer, let alone the
opera. Their magnificent chorus has an
opportunity for ensemble work that is some
thing more like the good old days of en-
semble than any other modern operate or
ga nj affords Conductor StudleV has
polished off their unison and forte efforts
until they almost outshine the principals.
Barnabee, the dean of comic opera COM
edy, scintiliated the Sheriff of Noting
ham. Good in other parts. he seemd at
his best in revealing the eccentricities of
this odd role. Next to MIN in iaugh-com-
pelling power was rockingham as Friar
Tuck. Macdonald splendidly sang Little
John" Jessie Bartlett Davis 20, Promise
Me- almost became a perpetual promise,
the audience wearied the singer with en-
cores. Broderick, with a cold, suggested
ability to sing better by the artistic way he
handled the few notes he could safely at
tempt. William Philips Robin was effective
ly given. W. H. Fitzgerald as Guy was
good
New as a member, but worthy of her
place among many famous folks. was
Helen Bertram, whose Maid Marian was
surprise even to those who thought they
had gauged her depth in The Serenade."
The more dignified and measured music of
this womanly character was given every
particle of its value IN breadth ana
scope Of quality. She was handsome in the
ancient attire, and won many re-demands.
Tonight and tomorrow matinee, THE Sere-
made" and, last of all, Robin Hood to-
morrow night.
VAUGHN CLASS CONCERT.-The an
nual concert of the Vaughn Class takes
place this evening in Calvary Baptist Sun
day School House. corner Sth and H streets
northwest. The rcgram is without doubt
composed Of the ablest talent ever heard at
a concert of this well-known musical or
ganiZation. Among the participants will be
the following: Miss Florence Henri King,
violiniste; Mrs w. l.. Wilson, soprano;
Miss Blanche E. Muir, contralto; Miss
Helen Colhoun, reader; the Cecilian Quar-
tet, composed of Miss BERTHE Thompson,
Miss Josephine Burton, Miss Sallie Shreeve
and Miss 1rma Callahan, with Miss Katie
V. Wilson as director; Mr. Jasper Dean
McFaN. baritone; Mr.. Fred. w. Sclbold,
tenor: Mr.. C. H. Henney, euphonium solo
list; Mr.. NJ. NJ. Clarke, whistler. and the Ell
Dorado Mandolin Quartet Messrs. Amiss,
Todd. Holt and Constantine.
MOUNT VERNON PLACE CHURCH.
Prof. S. T. Ford, the celebrated humorist
and impersonator, will entertain at the
Mount Vernon Place Church, 9th and K
streets northwest, this evening, November
4, at clock.