The times., 1899-03-19

The local engagement of Richard Mans
field, which ended last night, acted as a
sort OF proverbial straw and broke the
back of the theatrical season. In all South
ern cities the period during which play
houses may be run profitably is considera-
bly, shortened by the early coming of hot
weather, and Washington suffers addition
ally from the fact that its many places of
amusement rapidly exhaust tho list of COM
binations on the road. There are more
Thespian temples here than in any other
week stand in the country, the result
of this circumstance being that eighteen
attractions are seen every month, and tina,
the end of March brings about the last of
the reputable organizations en- tour. That
strong cards are scarce, even now. is at
tested by the fact that one manager has
already played three or four return en-
gagements, that another has been unable
10 secure worthy companies for his open
time. and that a third has wisely decided
10 fill his stage with spring stock com.
pany. Wiseacres were saying al the begin
ming of this year that, after Mr. Mansfield
had appeared in town, the only notable
shows" left would be those OF Nat Good
win. the Lyceum Theatre. and one or two
more such troupes. and now the universal
prophecy is seen TO have been founded on
fact. So the back of the theatrical season
is broken, and the term in which the deni-
zens of that mysterious region behind the
footlights have neither work nor money
about which TO worry is coming on apace.
In the present week one may take his
choice of only six entertainments, the
Lafayette being dark. All of these attrac-
tions are of the lightest order, three be-
ing musical comedies. and as many more
vaudeville bills. At the Columbia a re-
turn date will be held by Eddie Foy and
many other members of the original Hotel
Topsy Turvy" organization, which is to be
seen in that French frivolity. Charles
Hoyt comes into local prominence again
through the presentation of his "A Stran-
ger in New York" at the National
Theatre. where Harry Connor and Harry
GilfoiI viii again disport themselves in the
piece. Monroe and Mack offer johnny on
the Spot" at the Academy of Music. and
the Gilmore Sisters, Beatrice More
land and Nellie Seymour head the
bill at the Grand. The Clark Brothers
Royal Entertainers are to entertain what
royalty they can draw to Kernans, and a
first-rate variety combination is promised
at the Biiou- A fair business may be done
by all. Tonight's performances consist Of
a Saengerbund affair at the Columbia, a
concert by Lieut. Dan Godfrey's British
Guards BaDl, at lne ACADEMY, anu lne
usual Sunday evening programmes at the
Grand and the Biiou.
OF the result OF last weeks competition
it is necessary TO say but little. Washing
ton was visited by more meritorious organ
izations than have gathered here at one
time during the present year. and the re-
suit was a varying scale of profits that
began with Richard Mansfeld's enormous
receipts from ''Cyrano de Bergerac" at the
Columbia and ended in a passingly good
attendance at the Grand Opera House.
where the ordinary vaudeville show was
provided. Mr.. Mansfeid's profits did not
come quite up to expectations, but were
nevertheless marvellous. 1.-The Three
Dragons as produced by the Broadway
Theatre Opera Company. was given 90
comparatively small assemblies at the Laf-
ayette. and James X. Hackett drew even
smaller ones with his performance Of "Ru-
pert of Hentzau" at the National. Final
IL. "McFadden's Row of Flats were dense
ly populated at the Academy. the Vanity
Fair" Burlesquers addressed good audi
ences within the portals of Kernan's, and
the usual bill was given with the usual re-
suits by Manager Grieves, of the Bijou. So
while Mr. Mansfield was the only theatri-
cal guest who was treated exceedingly
well, none Jared poorly.