Evening star., 1902-03-11
ADJUSTMENTS.

humorous memories cluster about the name
of Dan DAILY and so many scenes OF stage
revelry splenddly costumed and calcium-Ht
are recalled when the name Of George W.
Lederer is displayed on the bills that 1t is
small wonder the New National Theater
was filled to its entire seating capacity last
night Ludwig Englander, who wrote the
music, has supplied SO many light opera
gems that there were no apprehensions on
this score. The orchestra took up the melo-
dies at good swinging pace that could not
but win approval. The laurels won by the
instrumental performers were not rudely
snatched away by the singers who came
later in the evening to present more detailed
interpretations. Vocally, the company can
not be unqualifedIy commended, and the
jingles which serve as inspiration for the
taneols foolery that characterized some Of
the other Lederer successes. The extraVa-
ganza is built upon a capital theme. and
there are many bright quips and merry
fancies in the dialogue. Some of these,
however, are palpable interpretations.
But there is withal the constant tread
of agile feet, the whisk Of diaphanOus femi-
nine garniture and the play of light and
color that distinguish musical comedy. The
audience was there to be pleased, and 1t
manifested its approval without stint. There
were numerous curtain calls, ana MT
Daly's lugubrious voice was listened to with
basso profundo. The long comedian was
applauded even in the serious songs whlch
he had the temerity to essay. and his dane
ing constituted a uniquely graceful feature
of the performance William Gould was
one of the entertainers most agreeably In
evidence. His songs were given with an
ease and simplicity which made them ire
SiStible and his dancing was equally eloTt-
less and smooth.
There are numerous songs with catchy
rhythms, and the stage management renects
credit on Frank Tanehill jr., who. In add1-
tiOn to his responsibilities In this c0nnec-
ton, has an Italian character part.
The piece depends mainly on Dan Days
personality. The apparently unconscious
drolleries of the star are as potent In their
appeal as ever, and the auditor carries away
a goodly assortment of hilarious recollec-
tions. THE New Workers" might be almost
set down as Dan Daily monologue, with
Interruptions in order to give him reasona-
BILE opportunities to catch his breath. His
scene with the camera Is intensely funny;
so is his little bibulous seance. Little care
has been taken to weave various episodes.
SO catchy in themselves, into coherent rent
pace with the demand for some thread OF
plausibility which has arisen, even in con-
nection with SO airy an institution as
musical comedy. The principal feminine
role Is assumed by Rose Beaumont,
young woman Of personal charm and an
effectual collaboration with Mr.. DAILY in
some of the dancing numbers. The setting
for the second act is a gorgeous specimen
of stagecraft, worthy of the scenes OF
gaiety there enacted.
COLUMBIA THEATER.-Heller and
Hermann in their day, have ranked as the
foremost magicians of this country, but at
the present time Kellar seems to be the
bright shining light among necromancers:
He is, in truth a man OF mystery, ana last
evening at the Columbia Theater, not only
entertained, but astounded an audience
that filled the playhouse until the STANDING
room only point was reached. kellar's 8 pro-
gram for this week includes several sue
cesses that have STOOD the test LOT years
as we'll as a number Of new feats of ledger
demain and illusions. Among the latter IS
a hypnotic scene termed THE Levitat1on
OF Princess Karnac' A young girl Is, ap-
parently, hypnotized. She is then placed
on a couch and, by the mere raising Of the
magician's hands, SO far as can be seen, 1s
raised several feet in the air. An ordl-
nary hoop, such as children will roll about
the sidewalks. is handled by those IN the
audience for examination. The hoop is re-
turned to Kellar, who passes 1t entirely
around the form Of the suspended figure
at least the audience thinks he does The
illusion Is complete.
The really marvellous Hindoo clock was
feature of the evening. 1t consists OF
dial of glass with a detachable hand. With
out any apparent connection with any
motive power the hand moves about the
face Of the clock, and by stopping at the
several numerals answers correctly all
sorts Of questions. The Simla seance.
which embraces weird spiritualstic mani
festations, cabinet and musical instru-
ments being employed, also proved an
enigma. The cabinet, which was In sec
tions at the opening Of the scene, was put
together in full view Of the audience. No
sooner was it in position and the doors
closed than hands appeared at the aper-
lures and great commotion was raised.
The doors being opened the cabinet was
shown to be unoccupied.
Another interesting number Is 'Fly-To."
1t exploits the theosophic theory OF the
projection Of astral bodies through the air.
A young girl Is placed In a big cage. Roller
shade curtains are drawn. A moment
later the door Is opened and soldier steps
forth. The girl who has disappeared re-
turns to the stage by way of the body of
the house. The empty cage with the cur
tains lowered is hoisted into midair The
girl enters second cage. signal is
given, the curtains are raised apd the
cage in midair is found to contain the girl.
while the second cage is shown to be
empty.
Mrs Kellar. blindfolded. gives wonder
full exhibition Of second sight, reading
the numbers on bank notes borrowed
from the audience, and naming figures
placed at random on blackboard by
representative Of the audience. The enter
tafnment is opened with series Of expert
ments in pure sleight Of hand. In which
kellar exhibits remarkable dexterity.
LAFAYETTE SQUARE OPERA HOUSE.
Casting about to find something to fill
the time until the arrival Of the New Or
leans French Opera Company, next Thurs
day, the Bellows Stock Company fell back
upon the three-act comedy Of Brother
Officers to present at the Lafayette last
night. The company appeared In this play
only a few weeks ago, when it had a sue
cessful run for a week It was not In the
nature Of a warmed-over dish, therefore,
that it was again put on the boards last
night but because it had been favorably
received before, and this may be said to
have been a response to an encore.
The story of the play Is we'll known by
this time and need not to be repeated. A
man whose birth and training were Of a
character calculated to fit him to be any
thing but a gentleman" proves himself
to be one Of natures nobiemen," and a
gentleman Of the world to boot. A little
love making, a little villainy, some folly
and a very small dash of humor are COM
bined in the working out of the plot, which
is very simple Mr. White Whittlesey as
John Kinds, late a private soldier after
ward winner Of the Victoria Cross and
given a commission by the queen occupies
the center Of the stage the greater part of
the time. He fills difficult role and ac-
ceptably. There Is wide opportunity for
over-playing the part, and he does not fall
short OF the portrayal expected. John T.
Sullivan must play the villain, OF course
The other members of the company were
in appropriate roles and performed their