The evening times., 1899-04-13
THING, THEATRICAL

IHINGS THEAIklCAl.
With coed audience in front Of the
footlights and a great actor behind them
there was reason for mutual satisfaction
last night at the Nationa, Tneafre, where
Joseph jefferson appeared for the manyetn
time as Bob Acres in "The Rivals" The
performance was such one as must al
ways be given Richard Brinsley Sheridan's
play by THE Dean of the American Stage"
"a performance enjoyable principally be-
cause the role of Fighting Bob" as en-
acted by Mr.. Jefferson, renders the other
portrayals OF the piece mere details. YER
ner Charges and Ffolliott Paget must also
be praised for their impersonations OF Sir
Anthony and Mrs. Malaprop, while the
Captain Absolute of George Nash, the Ly-
dia Of Elsie Leslie and the David of George
w. Denham are not bad. Joseph Jefferson.
jr; Walter B. Woodhall, w. W. Jefferson.
and Blanche Bender are saved from scath-
ing criticism, however, only by the fact
that Mr.. Jefferson's work Is suffcient OF
itself to make a presentation OF The HI
vals' enjoyable. Sheridan's comedy will
be done again tomorrow night with RIP
Van Wrinkle" underlined for the remainder
Of the week.
The last two entertainments OF the series
Of six given at the Grand by the Harris
Brothers occurred yesterday, the attend
ance remaining small and the apprecia-
tive powers Of The audiences great. A
slight change was made In the programme,
new numbers being introduced by Ivy Her.
riott. W. H. Harris, Mrs. Thomas c. Noyes,
E. Clyde Shade, and the chorus. Most of
these were heartily applauded and one or
two were encOred. The performances lave
been only partially successful, but they
have undoubtedly afforded much gratifica-
ton to those interested and to their
friends.
The season of classic opera promised
Washington by the Grau Company begins
tonight at the Grand with performance
of "Lohengrin" Wagner's remarkable
work will be sung in German, by cast
in which are included Mines. Nordica and
Schumann- Heink, with NM. Jean and Ed
ouarde de Reszke Muhlman, and Bispham
These singers will be assisted by great
chorus and ballet. both OF which are TO DC
accompanied by an orchestra OF Sixty, un-
der the direction of Conductor Schaik
Scenic appointments, costumes, ana prop
critics are promised to be in accordance
with the remainder OF the production. All
in all perfect rendering is assured. and
lovers of the classic in music should not
be absent.
"Alabama'-the very name brinss
memories of magnolia blossoms, soit-
voiced Southern women in dainty summer
attire gallant gentlemen and devoted OLD
darkys all enacting one OF the prstuest
love idyls of the stage. 1t has beeh sew.
eral seasons since Augustus Ihomas
beautiful play has been seen on the local
of still dis
tinct in the minds of most Washington
theatregoers Those who have not seen
the niece have certainly heard OF II IN
most complimentary terms and all VIII be
anxious to witness the Frawley production
next week at the Columbia Iheare.
Alabama is the nearest thing to dra-
matte poem vet achieved by any American
author While the lurid background o.
the great struggle between the States
used brings into strong relief the reunited
affections of the younger generation oil
Northerners and Southerners, 1t Is but
recollection which is speedily brusheo
away. The story is that OF Southern
family divided by the issues OF the war.
Long after the fight is over the stern oid
father imagines that he can never forgive
the son who sided with the North ana
fought against his friends and neighbors.
But the human affections are stronger
than hate and in series OF scenes luii vi
the daintiest sentiment the author brings
about the happy reunion OF the Two men.
There is no strainng after melodramatic
effect in the work. All the incidents are
ouiet and natural and in this respect
Alabama was revelation when il was
first produced. Indeed Mr.. Thomas de-
serves credit for being one of the pioneers
of the modern school of American play
wrights-a school which has brought forth
such efforts as Nathan Hale. Shore
Acres'' and his own I'm Mizzoura-" The
cast. as announced for the Columbia, is
most promising one. including Burr Mcin-
tosh, Myron Calice, Harry Corson Clark.
Selene johnson, George We!les and Geof-
frey Stein 1t is claimed that the Offering
will be mounted with special scenery.
painted for il by FREDERICK Schradsr.
Her Atonement" the Anson Pond melo-
drama which comes to the National Mon