The Washington times., 1902-01-05
lsTHE ToREADoR," presented at tn,


National Theatre last Monday
night for the first time in this
country, gave Francis Wilson a chance to
disport himself in a part unlike anything
In which he had ever before appeared.
That it pleased the large local following
OF the comedian is not to be doubted, for
aside from the work of the star, there
was nothing especial in 1.-The Toreador"
to command the attention the piece re-
ceiyed, although Joseph Coyne scored a
big hit-but there are few Washington
theatre patrons who know much about
Mr.. Coyne- Jerome Sykes, in the titular
role in Foxy Quiller," attracted large
audiences to the Columbia Theatre dur
ing the engagement-the third in two
years-of the Smith-De KoVen comic opera.
Manager Chase's bill of vaudeville proved
to be one of the best of the year. and
crowded houses were the rule at the
Grand. The Lafayette stock company
pleased its large clientele with a success
full revival of Sweet Lavender" while
at the Academy of Music a new war play.
Winchester" met with considerable pop
ular favor. The Sam Devere show at Ker-
mans and the combined programme of
burlesque and vaudeville at the Bijou both
enjoyed a period of prosperity
The weekly shift of attractions will
bring the Bostonians TO the National
Theatre in their new opera comique-as
Harry B. Smith and Reginald De Koven
term Maid Marian" which was present.
ed for the first time in Philadelphia, a
month or so ago, with every evidence of
success. OF course, II. Clay Barnabee,
William Macdonald, George Frothingham,
and several others of the old-time Bos-
tolian aggregation will be in the cast,
while there will be number of more
youthful comedians and singers to assist
In the rendition of the opera. Stuart
Robson, in his old success, 1.-The Henri
etta," Will be located at the Columbia for
the week, and Manager Chase will cele-
brate his third anniversary as a local
amusement caterer. The Lafayette will
tempt patronage and the fates with re-
viyal of Romeo and Juliet" and at the
Academy of Music Nellie Henry a for
ner well-known and popular comedienne,
will be seen in "MLiss," Annie Pixley's
play. The Bijou programme will be head
ed by Press Eldridge, and the stock bur-
lesque company will have something new
TO offer. AT Kernan's THE Highrollers,"
a burlesque combination, will be on view.
For their engagement at the National
Theatre this week, with the usual mid
week and Saturday matinees, the Bos-
tonians, headed by Barnabee and MacDon-
aid, and assisted by a company that is
said to be uncommonly strong, vocally and
numerically, will present Harry B. Smith
and Reginald De Koven's new comic op-
era. Maid Marian
The opera is a sequel to Robin Hood"
and the well-known personages of the car
lier piece are pictured amid new scenes
and incidents.
The story of Maid Marian is to the
effect that Robin Hood. upon the eve of
his wedding day with Maid Marian, is or
dered to the Crusades, and, departing,
leaves his betrothed IN charge Of his es-
tates of Huntington-he having been re-
stored to his rank. Little John, his trus-
ty follower, now a kings forester is en-
trusted with her safety, and a letter to |
him from the earl is TO be given to the |
heroine only in case of her danger. Maid |
Marian, not hearing from Robin, falls into |
a melancholy state, and various plans are |
used to arouse her from her grief. She !
determines on a hawking party, but is in |
terrupted by the Sheriff of Nottingham |
and Guy Of Gisbourne. those crafty indi- |
viduals who delight to annoy and ensnare |
the lyric heroine. They pretend to have
ns Inc
been leading lurid life upon the burning
sands Of Palestine, that he has become
enmeshed with the trappings of an odal-
isque and is about TO marry her.
Maid Marian doubts the story, and the
arrival of Little John puts a new COM
'letion on affairs. He defends his friends
honor defes the sheriff, who has insin-
iated TO Maid Marian that Robin Hoods
,state would be escheated and that she
S commanded by King John to marry Guy
If Gisbourne. !t5 produces the letter, but
he original misgive has been stolen and
forged document declares Maid Marian |
must trust her affairs to tar sheriff
A kings herald. recruiting N the neigh
)ortood, lends an opportunity for Little |
Iohn and his followers 10 enlist, and they
!epart for the molly Land, accompanied by
laid Marian. The subsequent action OF
he opera is evolved from the adventures
4 Maid Marian, her capture by the Sara
ems, her rescue by Robin Hood, his final |
efeat by the Saracens, who are led by the
eradious Sheriff OF Nottingham, his dis
race with the king. and the triumph of
he sheriff Upon The return to England
Z the various personages Christmas fes-
ivities are celebrated at Huntington
-astI, ri n file s'-r. ip full possession
"a sat 1Eft TIE -anl reunion OF the
,.tstll lovers the pretty incident of Lit
e el.l l4E LAZY Wis ans heart affairs :
r.nR e1l' zcne ma.l ymaking. and the >
rA tHl-5ua1- CT the wicked sheriff.
-fl1- bis uLiguitcl5 wife. Dame Bur- ,
sn, brings the curtain down upon the ,
nal denouement.
In response TO very general demand on
10 part of theatregoers and managers n
,roughout the country. and doubtless ow- f.