The times., 1898-02-08
AT THE THEATRES.
National-sol smith Russell.


The rise of the curtain at the New
National last evening found that quaint
comedian, Sol Smith Russell, face to
face with some two thousand of his
numberless admirers. The recognition
was simultaneous. The audience re-
membered the comedian as one of the
few real artists of the American stage
the comedian realized that he was
again in the hands of his friends. and
that they were inclined to give him one
of their old time welcomes. With this
mutual understanding. each side set
tied down to three hours of unalIoyed
pleasure, the audience indicating their
qualification by the enthusiastic ap-
plause and close attention to the per-
formance, while Mr.. Russell openly ex-
pressed his delight in the little speech
demanded at the close of the first act
The play was "A Bachelors Ro-
nance, and 1t proved as delightful as
when seen here last year. OF course.
Mr. Russell pleased. He always does
that, but last night he appeared to
surpass himself. From the bookworm,
the critic, the cynic and the misan-
thrope in the first act, he develops into
the lover who fancies himself unioved
and whose one hope is for the happi-
upon discovering that he himself is
the man he is looking for is one of the
strongest bits in the piece. 1t is useless
to attempt a description of Sol Smith
Russel's acting. He is simply bit of
eccentric nature, always fresh and
unique, yet always quaint and loVable
in character.
Since his last appearance in this city
Mr.. RuSsellS company has been altered
considerably. In fact. there are now
but two members of his former support
with him. One, Fanny Addison Pitt,
who undertakes the role of the sharp
tongued but big-hearted spinster. Cle-
mintina as before, occupies a little
place by herself in this particular line
of work. The second standby is an old
Washington favorite. Al Hudson. who
does delightful bit of acting, as Mr..
Mulberry, a character role of consid-
cradle strength though frugal of lines.
OF the ladies, naturally considerable
attention is drawn to Nanette Com
stock who appeared as Sylvia, part
created by that favorite Washington
ingenue. Bertha Creighton. Opinions
will naturally differ as to the merits
Of the two young women. yet none can
for a moment dispute that the newer
is better qualified by nature to be Mr..
the necessity of fitting herself to a part,
the business of which was created for
another. she fills expectations. and. all
in all, is a little the more acceptable of
the two.
In point of excellence. Orrin Johnson
would next be considered. The part of
Gerald Holmes is somewhat of an
anomaly, one which might easily de
generate into disfavor. yet this is
nicely avoided by Mr.. Johnson. a clev-
er character bit is that of Mr.. Sam
sons as Martin. his strong, pathetic
scene being particularly effective.
ThurlOw Bergen. a Washington boy.
filed the part of Savage with talent
worthy of man much longer in the
profession. This is Mr.. Bergens first
professional engagement in some years,
and his appearance here was eagerly
anticipated by large circle of friends
That their expectations were more than
success in the role. Edith Crane and
Miss Robinson. both beautiful women,
made the most of parts too small for
them and will be seen to better ad-
vantage with the change of bill later in
the week.
a number Of box parties were pres
ent last night. notable among them be-
ing that of Mrs. Mckinley. Senator and
Mrs. Hanna, and a party of friends.
On Thursday evening the program
changes TO the triple bill, which will be
repeated on Friday. giving way to The
Rivals on Saturday afternoon and
evening.