Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-01-02
AMUsEMENTS.

II he fTfHceSS CHIC, WHICH came TO the
Lafayette Square Opera House yesterday
exploited Miss Minnie Nethot as a prima
donna, and introduced Mr.. Kirke La Shelle
to Washington lfbrettfst. The work is
suggestive of large number of comic op-
eras which have been successful. 1t is COM
posite rather than original. The atmos-
pierre is assumed by the program to be
that of early France, but it is more like
merrie Old England. Both the lbrettist and
the composer have evidently been admirers
and students of Robin Hood. The French
system of versifcation however is observed,
and the librettist does not hesitate to make
word rhyme with itself when the ext
genclcS of topical song suggest its repe-
t;iion. There is an abundance of come
dlans, but scarcely comedy enough to go
round. Mr.. Richard Golden introduces HIM
self by falling over a door step and in
curing, wouldn't that jar your He plays
on this phrase with great industry. The
lines of the piece do not dispense with the
necessity of much physical exertion on the
part of the comedians in order to keep the
hilarity from relaxing. Mr.. Golden eXerted
himself Loyalty. The book awards Mr.. La
Shelle credit for some standard jests whose
authorship has for a great many years
been in doubt.
IT tuneful melodies, spirited choruses, In
terpreted by handsome women gorgeousiy
costumed and elaborate stage equipment,
with four comedians, some of whom can
SlbS, ana WITH a cast OF principals Sener-
ally good. can make a success, Mr.. La
Sfeiie has winner in this opera. There
We're TWO performances, the afternoon au-
dience being not very large, but in the
main very cordial. Mr. Julian Edwards has
written some of his best music in this
opera. and in his orchestration has scored
some very neat effects This Is noticeable
in the bassoon obligato in the Swallow"
song. and in the accompaniment to the
splendid song of Mr.. Miron in the third
act, War Gives to the Soldier" which is
perhaps the best individual number in the
opera. II received a triple encore Mr..
Miron, by the way, proves himself an ac-
complished comedian.
OF the other principals Miss Louise Hep
ner was evidently suffering from a cold,
but she managed to sing soubrettshly and
danced with care Miss Mathilde Preville,
who has suddenly jumped from a chorus
girl, at $f5 week, in Francis Wilson's
company, to the leading contralto in THE
Princess Chic" disclosed voice of
of unusual symmetry. She was heartily
encored in her solos, and deservedEy so.
Miss Minnie Nethot who sang the title
role. seemed amateurish. This naturally
comes from the fact that she has been a
concert singer, and has had little expe-
rtence on the operate stage. She is
a handsome young woman. Her ner-
vousness last night was perhaps excuSable
considering all the circumstances. OF the
male characters Mr.. Edgar Temple, tenor.
and Mr.. Winfield Blake, baritone, both have
good voices and sing with discretion. Mr..
w. A. Lawrence, who makes but a brief
appearance. displayed good baritone
voice. which made one wish to hear more
of 1t. The choruses were exceiently sung
the voices of both men and women being
good. and showing the evidence of careful
rehearsal. The finale of the second act
was very ambitious piece of writing, be-
yond that usually found in comic opera
The first acts finale is rather drawn out,
and 1t Is probable that changes will be
made before the opera gets fairly welded
together. The orchestra last night was by
no means up to the mark and in some in
stances was at decided variance with the
singers. The production will have several
weeks on the road before going into New
Y ork. and the chances of its ranking as a
work OF more than average Importance will
depend largely on what is done with II In
the interval
THE NATIONAL THEATER.-Mr. and
Mrs hendai were received and welcomed
as old friends by large audience at the
National last night. Ii has been several
years since their last visit to this country
ana they return to us the same Kendals-
the American public would not have them
Otherwise. Mr.. Kendall is the midde-aged
gentleman as of old, this time a returned
explorer, Interestingly gray about the tenn
pies VINO Is beset in a most trying man
Ref before he is finally accepted by Mrs
Kendall as the elder Miss Blossom There
Is an air of comfort and security about a
Nehdal performance, atmosphere of
English country houses where the maids
are OF anfmpeachabie character and the
buffers are above reproach. The surround
lngS are of the utmost responsibility and
you feel certain of not being shocked by a
suggestive word or action during the entire
evening. Mr.. and Mrs, Kendall are for the
time host and hostess, and you are an hon
ored guest. Under such circumstances
criticism or, is uncalled for and ungracious.
Inc present play, The Elder Miss Bios
SOM" is new to Washington and while not
SO entertaining as "A Scrap of Paper nor
so abundant i'll situations, is well construct
ed ana wholesome. 1t was written by Err
nest Hendrie and Metcalf Wood for Mr.. and
Mrs. Kendall. Made to measure is an excel
lent guarantee for a suit of clothes but not
always for play, In the present instance
however it fits admirably; tritie large in
the hrst act and perhaps a little too long,
put that can be easily altered. 1t is scarce
ly noticeable. however, and you have for
gotten IN a moment that it is a suit of dra-
matte clothing if you ever seriously enter
tanned the idea that it was made for any
BODY. You are content to enjoy the quiet
beauties of production well staged and in
terpreted in highly artistic manner 1t
iOwS as unrutfied as an English meadow
stream Hollyhocks bloom in the garden
and The sunlight floods the rolling fields
Mrs. Kendall is like an exceedingly fine
fabric that is woven the same on both sides
and being turned in using wears equally
one does not note the disappearance Of the
bloom, but says. as the cooring becomes
more mellow, How rich the tones and how
rare MIS- heIlQdl IN the second act dis
plays her powers in an emotional climax
that is quite as good as anything she has
ever done. An hystericai situation that
might readily have been made objection
able to the judicious is in her hands thrill
ingly natural. Mr.. Kendall portrayed the
character of Andrew Quick, F. r. S., in his
quiet, unobtrusive manner, always keeping
within the picture and preserving the ball
ance of composition. The supporting COM
pany is capable and well-trained auxil-
larry. There is the curate of Mr. Ridge
Harding, who when he wants to do some
thing rash attends mothers meeting; a
grotesque valet, Mr.. P. F. Ames, with a
Cyrano nose and an impediment In his
speech; a shrewish housekeeper. Mrs A.
b. Tapping; a well-meaning but misguided
military man, Mr.. Frank Fenton, who re-
lates some imaginary experiences to a re-
porter, Mr.. Rodney Edgecombe. and credits
them to Mr.. Quick, thereby causing trou-
BILE; Miss Nellie Campbell as Sophia Bios
som, Mr.. Frank Athol as Christopher Bios
som. her father, had each a thorough APP
probation Of the work, consequently the
audience was liberal in applause and well
content to know that the prejudgment in
regard to a Kendall performance had again
been sustained.
COLUMBIA THEATER.-This week at
the Columbia Jefferson De Angels, clever