The times., 1899-01-08

Between the opening of a seventh theatre
and the presence OF grand opera company
local managers had anything but cause for
congratulating themselves last week, even
though business was much better than
might have been expected under the cir
oumstances. At least one of the combina-
lions playing here appeared nightly before
crowded houses. while the outside average
was fairly maintained in most instances.
The suffering brought 10 New York direct
ors early this season By the unkindness OF
the Weather Bureau and the inefiiciency OF
the street cleaning department was en-
dured here after the blizzard. Most OF the
crossings were in a condition nat seemed
10 call for the establishment OF Terry sta
tions. and any number OF p p-ople VINO would
otherwise have been seeking amusement
were glad 10 remain at home in preference
10 risking their lives and their oyershoes
at the fordings. Still. as has been SAID,
with all these difficulties, few OF the at
fractions here went without reasonably
good-sized audiences.
The Ellis Grand Opera Company proba-
bly, had worse luck than did any other or
ganization in town. The expenses Of such
a troupe are so great that any drop in the
box receipts is felt keenly, and the crowds
that visited the Lafayette did not equal
those Of previous years by great deal.
The meEZanines were well filed at every
one of the four performances given, while
the gallery and dress circle held few va
cant seats, but the orchestra was generally
populated but thinly, and the houses did
not therefore. show up TO especially great
advantage Tuesday and SaJurday-occa-
s.ons on which Melba sang-proved the
most popular, and rendering OF Tam
hauser' also evoked a great deal of inter
est hut the downstairs business never
reached its accustomed mark. Lack of ap-
probation in social circles or lack of merit
in the organization could not be blamed for
This so much as the scarcity of money.
Grand opera rates often spell bankruptcy
and there are comparatively few theatre
goers who can afford TO pay them immedi-
ately after Christmas.
OF the other attractions seen locally,
Francis Wilson, of course, proved the
strongest Mr.. Wilson has always been
great favorite here, and his production of
The Little Corporal kept the Grand con-
stantly filed. The receipts on New Year S
Day were only = trifie under S3. 000 for two
performances, and the gross of the week
could hardly have fallen far beneath
$4,000. The Rogers Brothers did not DO an
enormous business at the Columbia, but
they were nevertheless well patronized and
profits of the earlier visit. Newspaper criti-
cism ruined William II. Cranes engage
rnent at tie National. Two very large
gatherings witnessed The Head OF the
Family or Monday, but a trio OF dubious
reviews stopped this and vacant seats Hers
not at a premium during the remaining
days of the booking. Gilmore K Leonard
brought new, though hardly an improved,
version of ''Hogan's Alley 10 the Academy
and were heartily greeted, while Sam De-
vere's own Show proved to be scarcely
worth owning at Kernan's, and good
vaudeville bill drew reasonably well at the
Biiou.
The attractions that open here tomorrow
viii be varied and generally excellent. Je-
rome H. Eddy and Alice Ives's rural idyl,
The Village Postmaster is 10 be seen
for the first time in this city at the Lafay-
cite. while Leon and Adelaide Hermann
pay their second visit to Washington at
the Columbia. George Primrose and Lew
DockstadeT. magnates Of black-faced COM
edy will hold the stage at the National
with their new minstrels. Jonn ". Al
haugh, Jr, brings his Baltimore LyceuH
Theatre Sock Company into the Grand
where it viii be seen in repertoire OF pop.
ular old plays. Jim. the Penman," viii
be acted on Tuesday evening and at the
Wednesday matinee; The Senator is an
nounced for Wednesday evening; Moths
viii be shown on Thursday, and q revival
Of The Two Orphans is 10 be the bill OF
Friday and Saturday nights and at the
Saturday matinee. Clara Morris brings
Miss Mutton" TO the Academy. Hurtig
& Seamonss "Bowery Bur.esquers" will
hold the stage at Kernan's and another
vaudeville bill has been prepared for the
Bijou, where there will be concert to-
night