The times., 1898-06-26

Despite. or perhaps because OF. the fact
that the week began with a failure. busl-
ness during the period bounded by Mon
day last and Saturday has been almost
unprecedented in the history OF local hot
weather theatrlcals. The disbanding Of
the National Opera Comique Company
and the consequent non-apDearanee Of
sThe Grand Duchess threw the business
that attractions might have done to more
deserving sources.
The Columbia Stock Company's cred
ftabIe presentation of The Mighty Dol
lar" drew the biggest houses the uptown
theater has had since Frank Daniels last
engagement there. and left an impression
with its audiences that should serve as
excellent advertising hereafter; while
Glen Echo was, as ever, forced to prove
its elasticity in order to accommodate the
crowds that assembled to listen TO the
Parry Opera Company's production of
'"The Mascot" Both places are in the
best possible trim, and should do extreme
Iy well during the remainder Of the year.
Beginning tomorrow night, their bills
viii, as .sual be changed. 'Esmeral-
da. that beautiful idyl Of William Gil
Iette and Mrs. Burnett, may be counted
upon to fill the Columbia. The Parry
Company viii for a time forsale real
comic opera for the heavier opera
bouffe.' presenting Fra Diavolo."
Glen Echo-"Fra DIavoIO."
FRA Diavolo," one Of the most p.ctur-
esque ard charming heroes of light ro-
mantle opera. viii take up his abode in
the leafy Businesses Of Glen Echo this
week and surrounded by his band, VIII
bid defiance TO the soldiery and hold
nightly reveIs In the great amphithel eT
The story Of the brave bandit, as grace
fuI, as gay and as debonnair as he IS dar-
ing. forms one Of the strongest OF 500
called Hight opera uhrettos. while his
dramatic death in the last act brings the
work almost up 10 the dignity OF uusi-
cal drama stIl, the bright, infectious
score or Auber. the high comedy charac-
acters Of Lord and Lady AIicash. -h4
English tourists who are fooled so bsauu-
fully by the bold brigaud; the pretty love
story Of Zerlina and Lieut.. Lorenzo. 20
say nothing Of the funny business OF
those ragamufin robbers Bepp0 and
Giacom0. serve to make IL at once one o.
the strongest and most amusing pieces
OF the whole standard series. The loca-
ton Of the action amidst the mountains
OF italy gives ample opportunity Tor scenic
effects and rich cOstuming, while the
music is excellent throughout.
The Parry Opera Company has proven IT.
self capable Of coping with heavy as well
aslight opera and the fact that one OF the
biggest successes Of the season was made
81 The Chimes OF Normandy" which j.
properly cIassed as romantic Offering.
gives assurance that Fra DiaToi0" will
not suffer. The selection Of the cast be-
trays the fact that Director Parry knows
what he is about for Charles Hawley.
who made such hit as the Marquis IN
''The Chimes" has been iutTusted with
the title role, and that should be a suffi-
cient guarantee that it will be well acted
and admirably sung. Frank DashOn. as
Beppo, viii have opportunities for the dis
play Of his dramatic as well as his
comedy talents. while Tom Springer, who
made one of the funniest Assessors ever
seen here. viii be the Giacomo.
Harry Carter, q, clever comedian as well
as a good tenor, will impersOnate the
Jealous English lord, with Viola D Ar
mon as his imperious and impressionable
spouse. Jay c. Taylor viii sing Lorenzo
and Tom DAILY the role of MateO, the inn
keeper.
The only change from the customary
organization is caused by the necessity
OF giving Allene Crater a rest, she having
strained her voice already by her hard
work since the opening Of the season 50
that she was obliged to give up the part
of ZerIina- However. Mr.. Parry has been
fortunate 10 secure in her place Carlotta
Gilman, late prima donna of the National
Opera ComiQue Company who is thor
oughly up in the role and should sing
1t admirably The chorus will be heard
20 advantage in the powerful concerted
numbers Of the opera, and another red
letter production is expected.
in response to the demand of theater
parties which are becoming quite popu-
lar at the Glen, the management has
built several boxes in the front row of
the orchestra circle, which may be re-
served IN advance. Washington society
folk and congressional parties have de-
VelOped a pleasant custom of going out
20 the Glen for dinner at the cafe, and
afterwards attending the performance.
AIRS. Letter, Mrs. Hit and Gen. Grosve-
nor are among the recent hosts at subur-
ban parties. and the fad bids fair to be-
come general. Certainly no more pleas
ant resort for an enjoyable Summer even
ang could be found in the country, short
OF Florida or California.