Evening star., 1902-03-18
ADJUSTMENTS.

as a book nor as a play has Janice Mere
dith" been so fortunate as to claim uni
versal appreciation. It 10, perhaps, the
personality Of Mary Mannering that Of
fers the attraction its best excuse for a re-
turn engagement, for she reflnes the at
mosphere Of the play and throws a gleam
OF sunshiny brightness across the murk
and bluster Of conventional melodrama.
The audience was large enough to express
confidence in Miss Mannering and small
enough to convey substantial hint that
the public Is not Unsuitable so far as the
plot and characters of the play are con-
cerned. Miss Mannering Is consistent.
Not only is she a heroine on the stage, but
in real life as we'll. For q new star to
cover the same territory after such a short
lapse OF time, with melodramatic play
such as Is the one based on Paul Leicester
Ford's revolutionary story, and with prices
increased. Is certainly display of bravery.
1t must be said though, that the audience
last evening was enthusiastic-to an un-
usual extent-and repeated curtain calls
were the rule, especially when an appeal
was made to patriotic sentiments. The
hero's lapse into a very close approach to
profanity in order to express his righteous
Indignation caused the more determined
outbursts of applause, and from those
seated In the uppermost portion of the
theater. With one or two exceptions Miss
Mannering's company Is the same that
originally presented Janice Meredith"
here. The star portrays the same coQuet-
tish. irresistible and, in the end, true wo-
manly Janice In manner that evidences
Miss Mannerng's ability. and which has
won unstinted approval for her. Robert
Drouet continues as the lover. who Is first
a bond servant and later an officer OF Gen.
Washingtons staff. small part, that OF
Private Buyer Of the Hessian army, jan
Ices "Sir Soldier. is capably handled by
r. r. Neill. who speaks not word. but
whose facial expressions cause much
amusement. The production, SO far as
costumes and scenery are concerned, Is all
that could be desired.
COLUMBIA THEATER-Jeff De Angels
is an old story. But he bears repeating.
constantly rewritten for succeeding genera
tons and which seem quite new every
time they dressed over. Mr.. De An
CELLS depends quite courageously on his
own efforts. "A Royal Rogue" has been
his vehicle for long time now, and in it
he has the center of the stage almost con-
tinuously. 1t Is true that Helen Byron
frisks and flashes through various scenes
like stray bit of sunshine in bewilder-
ing bundle Of flounces, and Henry Norman
gives some capital basso solos and makes
merry a burlesque villain, and several
others contribute more or less striking
touches of individuality to the perform
ance. But 1t is De Angels with his ex-
traordinary gift for discovering new veins
OF comedy in fields which had long since
been considered barren: De Angels with
the nlmDle neelS anu the
countenance. who makes the evenings en-
tertainment.
"A Royal Rogue Is the somewhat ir-
relevant title Of the creation which for two
or three seasons has been the means OF
introducing the star to the public in
series Of grotesque costumes 1t purports
to be musical comedy with real comedy
and real music. Indeed, the management
points with especial pride to the plot OF
the piece, which was purchased at no in
considerable expense from a professional
plotster. Nevertheless the predicaments Of
the innkeeper who finds himself at once
conspirator and a prescribed aristocrat are
less amusing than the efforts OF Mr.. De
Angels to go through the manual Of arms
with tiny pistol, or his wild efforts as
prisoner to make a garden rake secure
him the food dropped at his door. These
little touches Of humor have little to do
with the story itself, but they are prime
essentials. 1t is the personal foolery of
De Angels that makes the hours go swift
ly and merrily. It is more important even
than the swinging melodies that w. T.
Francis has composed for some very
sprghtly rhymes.
THE FRENCH oPERA.-The finale OF
the French Grand Opera Company's sojourn
at the Lafayette Square Opera House was
marked last night by a brilliant perform
ance of Meyerbeer's "Huguenots.' Cos
tunes none too beautiful and scenery none
too new detracted but little from the per-
formance, for behind the cloths that were
not rich there were voices as highly culti-
waited, as naturally gifted, and as charm
ingly melodic as almost any that nave ever
been heard on the operate stage in Wash
ington. The extra performance by the COM
pany last evening proved a success prob
ably far beyond anything the management
anticipated. Musically speaking, an excel
lent production was expected, for the pre-
vious work of the New Orleans organiza-
tion had justified as much. From a finan-
cial and social standpoint however. the
evening proved big surprise. Despite the
lateness of the announcement that an ad-
ditional opera would be sung ere the COM
pany left Washington there were few va
cant seats left in the orchestra, the balcony
and gallery were practically filled, while
the social status Of the audience was un-
questioned. AS If to reward this very COM
plimentary outpOuring, the members of the
company, from the wonderful tenor. Due,
down to the humblest member OF the chorus,
seemed to enter into their work with un-
usual enthusiasm. This enthusiasm, cou-
pied with the ability that had already made
itself manifest, resulted in a performance
which, as already stated, was nothing short
of brilliant. 1t has been many years since
Les Huguenots' was heard last in this
city, and the revival by the French COM
pany of this most delightful of Meyerbeer's
opera, as all musical people know, simply
teens with rhythmic melodies, dainty arias
and resounding choruses. 1t Is an opera
very difficult of Interpretation, but which
WAS Hdfuleu ny lue fTencH people IN truly
masterful fashion. NJ. Due appeared as
Raoul, and scored another distinct triumph
He was welcomed upon his entrance, and
his first song, rendered with the full beauty
Of his rare robust tenor voice, brought out
the heartest demonstration Of the even
Ing, barring, perhaps, the wonderful love
duet between himself and Nine. Foeder In
the last act. Lies Huguenots calls for q
large cast. all having excellent opportuni-
ties. The resources of the organization
were not more than equaled, however, and
the result was a performance we'll bal
anced and satisfying throughout. NJ. Boux-
mann, Marcel. scored hit only second
to that of Dues, his rich bass voice appear
ing to the best advantage of the engage
ment. Feeder, as Valentine, distinguished
all that she did. displaying the true dra-
matte qualities Of her voice. Nine. Cham
bellan, with a colorature voice which fairly
tinkles in the ears, sang the role Of the
queen, Margaret, in splendid style Nine.
Laya, as Urbani. increased the favorable
impression she had previously made and
deserves commendation for her work The
choruses were all beautiful in musical quail
tiles and well nigh perfect In rendition
The ballet did not amount to much. There
was one little girl in the back row of
dancers who might have been given bet
ter position with a great advantage to the
grace and looks of the coterie Of coryphees.
CHASES THEATER.-A splendidly ar
ranged and highly entertaining program is