Evening star., 1898-12-08
AMUSEMENTS.

NEW NATIONAL THEATER.--Shake
speare's tragedy, embodying the history Of
Antony and Cleopatra, and known by the
name of these two nc table personages of
ancient days, Is seldom seen on the stage
in this time of latter-day productions. To
properly present the play as written by the
great dramatist is a task few managers or
artists care TO undertake. The cast is an
exceptionally lengthy one, and in its make
UP are many characters deserving of stud
led attention and capable portrayal. These
characters sighted, the play becomes but
shallow vehicle to carry the talents of the
leading people. All of this, however, in no
wise applies to Modjeska's magnificent pre-
sentation of the Shakespearean version of
story of crumbling Kingdoms and falling
empires, condition brought about by the
oVerpowering fascination and love of
Nile queen and Roman triumvir. Supported
by the best organization, without eXcep
ton, ever seen in the classic drama in
Washington. Nine. Modieska plays with the
hnesse of the artist she is the role of the
sensual, capricious, beautiful queen of
Egypt. Shakespeare, however, does not
provide his Cleopatra with the opportun-
ties for displaying her womanly traits,
rying moods and inclinations such as the
Frenchman Sardou gives in his magnificent
and more modern idea of the interesting
story. Shakespeares queen is a queen in
deed, and is never allowed to leave the
Vironment of her throne. While endowed
with all the emotions, the beauty, the
charms and graces, the subtle power and
passion of the Sardouan heroine, Shake
speare's Cleopatra is yet held above the
depths of devotion and abandonment
prominent in the latter-day version of the
play. Nine. Modjeska has ample oppor-
tunity to display her wonderful talents,
however, and in every detail of her por-
trayai there was the realism and power of
conception that characterize her work in
every line. Such finished portraiture is
CO rr-tf,,
Shakesnearean scholar could not find one
word, one gesture or movement, in which
Modjeska did not carry out the bard's ideal.
In the varied scenes she was always at
tracuve and interesting. While her queen
ly dignity was inspiring, her womanly
Wh1mS were none the less charming.
Shakespeare's Antony shines out in bril-
lance compared to that of Sardou, and
and conscientious purpose, plays the part
admirably. His work throughout was clev-
er and worthy of emulation. The remain
der of the cast were each excellent in their
especial line the tout ensemble being all
that could be desired by the most exacting.
Especial mention, among the many deserv
ing satellites, should be made of John H.
Lane, who as Enorbarbus, the soldier and
wit, soon established himself as a favorite
with the large audience, which was truly
appreciative of every good point brought
out in the production. Mr. Wadsworth
Harris as Pompeius, and Mr.. Lester Loner-
eScelGnt
and deserving of the most fattering praise.
Others in the more important parts were:
Frank B. flaming, VIM. H. Hanley Fred
erick Nroom and Misses Anna Proctor,
Grace Fisher and Anna Daily. The produc-
ton was one of elaborate scenic display.
Five of the six acts are divided into a trio
of scenes. The stage settings We're hand
some Tonight Camille will be the bill.
LAFAYETTE SQUARE OPERA HOUSE.
-Gounod's Faust" eyer tuneful ever
charming and ever enjoyable, was pre-
sented at the Lafayette Square Opera
House last night by the Royal Italian Op-
era Company. 1t was not patronized as it
should have been, although the audience
was decidedly enthusiastic. generously
overlooking few faults and promptly rec
ognizing the positive ability of most of the
principals. Agostino in the title role in
creased the favorable impression he created
Monday night and sang the difficult role
with grace and artistic effect. His voice
clear powerful and true, was heard 10 ex-
cellent advantage, and was fully equal to
all the demands made upon it. Miss Eland
sang the music of Marguerite correctly and
intelligently. but the lightness of her voice
caused her to be overshadowed in the con-
certed passages. Scolari was a good Me-
phistopheles his big basso profundo being
competent for the score, and for his Calf
of Cold song and his Invocation in the
garden scene he received deserved applause.
Mrs. Danti hardly realized the ideal of Sci
bel, but Mrs. Cusai made acceptable
Martha. Cantoris voice is hardly powerful
enough for Valentine, yet he sang his first
aria in good form, and was dramatically
effective in his death scene. The chorus
was not up to the mark, and gave evidence
of insufficient rehearsals.
Tonight there will be a double bill. Il
Pagliacci'' will be interpreted by Miss
Eland and Messrs. COllenz, Ganor, Can
tori and HOrti. while the cast of "Caval-
leria Rusticana'' will be the same Mon
day night. except that Collenz Will sing in
stead of Agostino.