The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-01-06

the regular performance OF ''rhe Rose
OF the Rancho" II was AZ once a New
Year party. and a celebration Of .he re-
turn OF Blanche Bates 10 New York
(for she has brought ''The Girl" 10 the
Academy for a five weeks run. II was
gotten up by the stage hands. and there
were only TWO real" actors IN the cast
John W Cope and }. Harry Burimo.
The rest were electricians stage car
penters. etc
Throughout The performance hand
spotlights were used instead OF revolt
vers. while the revislons Of THE Girl
OF The Golden West" text caused even
Mr. Belasco TO think deeply. The scenery,
especially prepared Tor this presentation,
earned almost rlotous commentator.
The verdict OF the audience was that
the performance established "a new
standard or metropolitan dramatic pro-
duction At the conclusion Of the bill
a Dutch luncheon was served on the
stage. AT which both actors and audi
ence gathered.
In grand opera the event OF the week
undoubtedly is the return or Madame
Melba, as Violetta Ia La Traviata. d"
Mr.. Hammerstein deserves and doubt
less viii receive the thanks OF New York
music lovers for giving them an OPP
portunity OF again hearing one OF the
most finished artists on the operate
stage Her appearance was made gala
occasion az the Manhattan Opera House.
The diva was in superb vioce, and simply
swept the great audience on its feet
when she sang ''Ah Pors Lui"
ON the same Wednesday, Mime.
Eames was heard for the first time this
season al the Metropolitan opera House.
''Tosca" was the opera selected for her.
and Caruso shared her honofs Some
body reckoned 1t out that night thai
G,702 persons were listening 10 grand
opera In New York. This may be two
out OF the way. but Il Will do roughly
70 Indicate that both opera houses were
dlled. and al the Metropolitan also the
standing room was sold long before
opening time. and spectators throve
on the curb.
AS the season advances Il IS evident
that the Metropolitan is feeling the COM
petition OF the Manhattan keenly Not
that the Metropolitan is not drawing
well. or that Herr COnried has abatsd
one jot or title or his air OF impreg-
nable superiority. but that there can
be no denying that Her Hammerstein is
making good - abundanuy good - that
there are even occasions when the music
lover prefers him above his rival
Wednesday night was such an occa-
sion. Games in 'Tosca" constituted an
event, bus MelOa's return after several
years Of absence, IT. ''Traireta" cousti-
uted a bigger event The critics natu-
rally gave first place 10 IT, and Herr
C0nried may be excused II he IS just d
wee trIne sore After years OF being
the whole thing. II is rather hard lines
10 have 70 be only a part OF H.
James T. Powers ends his ten weeks
stay IN the Casino tonight when the
BLUE Moon" again takes 20 the road.
This is Mr.. Powers second visit 70 the
Casino, the first being IN 1883. when he
replaced Francis Wilson IS the come
dian ~ 'Erminie"
princess Beggar' is 10 come 20 the
Casino Monday for a return engagement
uHS1 the new play In which Louis Mann
is 10 be starred Is ready.
During his engagement al the Casino
IN this new musical comedy Louis Mann
is 10 produce al special matinees a Sc
ries OF plays By Sudermann. Hauptman.
and Moliere. He VIII also present d
play by Henry Bataille entitled "Po-
liche," performed this season at the