The times., 1899-03-28
AT THE THEATRES.
NationaI-..The Bride-EIect."

In Washington even more than in the
other cities of this music-loving country
the name of Sousa is a potent one. When
last the composers tuneful THE Bride
Elect came to town its managers adver-
tised the late director of the Marine Band
more than they did their attraction and the
wisdom of the plan was proven by the
houses drawn. The excellent impression
left behind by the opera combined with the
favor in which the author is held here,
helped TO fill the National to overflowins
ter-evening, when a return engagement
was begun. These two qualities, backed
by the surprising merit of the presenting
organization, kept the audience enthusias-
tic from the moment in which the curtain
rose on a finely-painted street in Capri,
filed with indecorously dressed but charm
mig girls. until 1t fell in the equally we'll
drawn fortress of Anacapri.
Everywhere and at all times the work
of those at present under the employ of
klaw & Erlanger showed to good advau-
tage. In the overture and the accompani-
ments following the richness and fullness
OF the orchestra. conducted by Frank PAIL
ma, had more than wonted effect, a single
harp doing much to make Sousa's delight
ful music soothing to the ear. When the
stage was filed with people the artistic
blending of colors in their gorgeous cos
tunes, the spirit and admirable training of
the chorus, and the beauty of the scenery
joined in satisfying the eye. And when
the various melodies of the piece were sung
half the credit of their charm belonged to
the singers. Mabella Baker, who will be
remembered here for her portrayal in THE
Circus Girl" gave double dash TO the ring
ing With Clanking Sword and Glistening
Gun; piquant and graceful Christie Mac
Donald-still the Minutezza-made much
of her first duet with Albert Hart and more
than enhanced the beauty of the glorious
Snow Baby, with its Morse theme and
harp obligato; Hilda Clark, who is vocally
as good a La Pastorella as was Nella Ber-
gen. but who looks and acts the role less
to the life. won three encores with her
vocalization of THE Card Song" Mr.. Hart
provoked untold mirth with "The Goat and
the monograph, and the house was con-
siderably indebted to the ensemble sor the
JUNCTION with which such bits as the finale
of the first act. THE Italian Cakewalk,"
and 'Unchain the Dogs of War" were fur
nished.
Perhaps because Sousas libretto is about
as stupid and tiresome a thing as can be
imagined and perhaps because of their
own Inability, those concerned in adding
humor to THE Bride-Elect' were not so
pleasing. Albert Hart seemed TO cause
considerable laughter with his acrobatic
lmpersonation of King Papagallo but his
labor was so apparent and his style SO
unyaryinely an imitation of De Wolf Hop
per that he became monotonous and weari-
some before the piece was over. Charles
Fl. Drew, who acted as his foil, is as pal
pably made-over Alfred Klein, but his
methods were buffoon-like and he won
few admirers. Harry Luckstone as Bus
cato, had the air of always trying to reach
the centre of the stage, and gained moth
ing thereby. In the hands of this trio the
libretto of The Bride Elect lost none of
its distastefulness. Sousa's lyrics are mar
velously clever, but his book will not bear
criticism
OF those in the cast not already men-
toned but little need be said. Melville
Stewart, who was once here with the Cas-
tie Square Opera Company, is still the
Gambo, and his magnificent baritone has
lost none of its strength or sweetness. His
portrayal is admirable. too, as is also that
of George Lyding. Mr.. Lyding has the
tenor role of GuiAo. and deserves nothing
but praise for his work in it, The re-
mainder of the organization is up to the
standard Of the production-a production
as brilliant and complete as could be
wished by the most exacting.