Evening Star Newspaper, October 23, 1897, Page 24

A new aspirant for the honor of being known as the most beautiful woman of her type on the American stage has sprung up. The newcomer will be seen here next week, when the public will be allowed to make comparisons. She will be seen in Wilton Lackaye’s new play, “The Royal Secret.” The name of the young lady who is said to lay claim to physical and facial supremacy among the blondes in the world of the stage will be known by the name of Britta Griffin, which, of course, is as- sumed, her real name being secretiy kept from the public because her family does not feel that an actress is an acquisition to the home circle. It may be said, however, that she is the relative of a politiclan whose name is known to every newspaper reader in this country, and he is directly connected with the nomination and election of the President of the United States who is now holding office. Miss Griffin is a young lady only eighteen years of age. of education and social posi- ti She is a graduate with honors from Vassar College, and has taken to the stage for reasons of amusement, as necessity to earn her own living has never entered into her calculations or those of her par- ents. It is not likely that she will ever crave for a crust of bread to stave off starvation or feel the necessity of subject- ing her innate timidity to ask alms in the! as she is an heir whose annual without any deductions being made, a year. The present is her first professional en- gagement. She undoubtedly has marked talent, otherwise she would not have been engaged to fill an important part in the play. Mr. Lackaye is a severe critic ana now that he fs at the head of his own com- pany, he would not tolerate the presence of anybody not capable of doing full jus- tice to the dramatic exigencies of the char- acter he is cast for. A very pretty little story is told of the reason why Miss Griffin sought the stage. It is said that Miss Griffin, with a college chum, upon graduation from Vassar con- sidered taking up a course of dramatic in- struction. In a jocular mood and in the spirit of taunting her friend, Miss Griffin's classmate offered to wager with her the large sum of $10,000 that she would make a greater success than she as an_ actress ‘The bet was accepted by Miss Griffin, and at the end of one year's time the spoils will be given to the one most entitled to them. Miss Griffin says she expects to win the $10,000, and if she should lose the wager she will give her friend a close contest at any rat In order that she w'Il appear to the best advantage in her part, Miss Griffin sent to Paris modistes fer her wardrobe for “The Roya! Secret.” With the farewell performance of Clover” by the Castle Square Opera Cum- | y at the Columbia Theater the close of a long s . in Washington; «very way particularly en the two great | sides of the question of success—excellence in the works presented and a good business. It is with considerable regret that the theater gcing public sees the Castle Square Company depart, and it is hoped that the organization wilt see its way clear to come ba again and put on some more favorite works in the same style that has given it its high reputation here. There are many light operas that have not been touched upon by the company, and their revival could only be followed by the greatest measure of success. It Is to be hoped and expected that, In the event the company dees return here at some future date, {t tonight, son of su uecessful in | will bring back with it the same efficient and well trained chorus strong and the same list of principals that constituted all of the elements in its present Quite a little comment in the New York papers has been occasioned by the some- what peculiar arrangement and make-up of the ensemble of the Banda Rossa, and as tt differs considerably from that of our American bands a list of the instruments as given in the custom house inventory when the band landed October 12, is here given: $ flutes, 1 oboe, 14 clarinets, 1 piccola. 4 bass clarinets, 2 saxophones, 2 fagotts, 6 cornets, 1 tenor trombone, 3 hombardines, 4 herns, 7 clavicornets, 4 trombones, 4 basso bombardinos, 1 tympany, 2 cymbals, 5 beils, 1 tom-tom, 1 bass drum and 2 smail drums. From a scenic view point, there are few plays that have presented a more Im- pressive or a more romantically sympa- thetic picture than that furnished in the last scene of “Tess of the D'Urbervilles,” where an artistic adaptation of the Druid- ical ruin of Stonehenge at dawn furnishes @ fitting setting for the climax of the Ill- fated love of Tess and Angel Clare. This picture has a potent effect in the conclud- ing incident of the drama. Marie Dressier 1s authority for the fol- lowing: “It’s all very well to look around for a white horse as soon as a girl hoves in sight whose capillary adornment is of the brick-dust tint, but how often would you succeed in focussing your visual sense on a foal of that species of quadrup=d whose hirsute adornment in any way re- sembies ‘the beautiful? ‘Come to think of it, has anybody ever seen a wnite colt?” Quite a history is connected with the re- nowned Maggini violin with which Henri Marteau has delighted thousands of ad- mirers. Originally it belonged to the Em- perors of Austria, then Maria Theresa pre- senied tae instrument to a favorite Bel- xian vi t by the name of Kennis, and the violin remained in the Kennis family many years after the death of the artist. 1 Leonard, who was the possessor of a nificent Stradivarius, which he had used for a number of years, stew tired of | from the heroine and yielding her to Mon- | the whole opera is founded on actual inci- this instrument, and one day asked De Leriot, the great violinist, whether he did not know’of a fine violin for him, when De Beriot told Lecnard of this famous instru- ment owned by the Kennis family. Leon- ard saw the instrument, played upon it, and was so enchanted by $t that he bought it then and there. After the death of Leon- ard the violin was promised to Ovide Mu- sin, but as he was not willing to pay ten thousand franes for it to Mme. Leonard, she sent a telegram to Marteau, stating that he could hav: the instrument. Mar- teau fairly rushed to the house of Mme Leonard, paid the ten thousand francs, and left, a happy boy, in the possession of the precious article. Mr. Francis Wilsen’s enjoyable perform- ance of “Half a King” has much in it that is admirable in the way of stage pictures, but the one particular scene that must ap- peal to the artistic eye is the second act, when the whole stage is filled with a body of ladies and gentlemen in court costumes of the eighteenth century. The harmony of color seems perfect, and the delicate tints of the changeable silks and satins, the quaint high white wigs and the soft lights thrown upon them create an effect rarely seen on the stage or off. The latest London and New York success, “Shall We Forgive Her?” is announced for early presentation in this city. The piece was given its American production some ‘weeks ago at the Fourteenth Street Thea- ter, New York, and was pronounced an emphatic success. The play is a domestic comedy-drama dealing with life in the col- onies and in England. There is no melo dramatic sensation in it, and no- clap-trap effect, but the story is said to be a very strong one. Miss Marie Wainwright plays the leading role, in which she has abundant opportunities for the display of her versa- tile talents. The company is a strong one and the scenery is all new and pretty. In “The Great Train Robbery” the Chey- enne Indians, Little Bird, Elk Man, Lone Wolf and Crazy Horse, have a prominent part. The maragers of the show have re- ceived word from the business manager representing them on tour that all the actors in the company, except the Indians, have drawn their salary several weeks in advance. This is the first time It had oc- curred, although the company had been out several seasons. It took the business man- ager quite a while to ascertain the reason. It seems the actors have been in the habit of playing mild little games of poker, and when gently approached by Little Bird, Elk Man, Lone Wolf and Crazy Horse with the request that they be admitted to the game, let them draw up to the table. This was the beginning of the end for the white men. They say that, compared with In- dians, pale faces can no more play poker than they can invent flying machines. It is absolutely impossible to tell by a Chey- enne chief's face whether he stands to win or has a handful of losing cards. NATIONAL THEATER.—Wilton Lack- aye and his own company in “The Royal Secret” will appear at the New National Theater next week. Last season Mr. Lack- aye made a most excellent impression here at the head of his own company, and he now returns with a new play, which has been fashioned after the romantic drama, now so much in vogue. It has France for a background and the time of the action is the reign of Louis XIV. That frequently discussed individual cuts an important fig- ure in the play. He is the rival, in fact, of Mondory, a strolling player, imperson- ated by Mr. Lackaye. This player finds that the successful result of his lovemak- ing to his leading woman {s imperiled by the rivalry of King Louis. The heroine's name is Armande. She is faithful to Mon- dory, but the fancy which the king has for her threatens the prosperity and union of the hero and the heroine. An element of jealousy and intrigue is copiously provided in the drama, through the introduction of Madame de la Vallicre, the king's favorite, who naturally does not relish the diversion of his attentions to Armande. She makes it her especial purpose to incite the king to many more acts unfavorable to the lov- ers than would otherwise have occurred to the monarch. The course of events, there- fore, is, in the main, the outcome of the cross-purposes of De la Vallicre, using Louis as a tool, and the actor Mandory. The actor, it should furthermore be notic- ed, has a personal enemy in De Harley who has previously attempted to capture and turn over to the enemies of the king a political fugitive. It is the knowledge of this fact that is used by Mondor: weapon with which to fight De Harley demonstrates to the king that thi a false friend, and thereby wins the king’ favor, which is substantially demonstrated by the king’s withdrawal of his affections Mr. Lackaye has spared nothing in to give a fine production and to cast his play adequately and with close regard for the personal qualifications of the actors for the parts they will interpret. It has been stated that the production from a scenic point of view will be a series of beautiful pictures, and that the costumes worn by the characters are as hanasome and as sumptuous as anything ever seen in their line on the stage. Mr. Lackaye is a worthy actor because he is a mutural uctor. He has always invested himself with the character he plays, imbued his being with the surroundings, and his por- trayal, therefore, is always realistic. Mr. Lackaye has of late years played almost entirely parts which have given him full advantage to show is skill and mastery of the art of make-up. He is subtle in the building of character. As he will be seen next week in a part that is essentially ro- mantic, with all the robustness and en- thusiasm of youth, and clothed in an at- mosphere of chivalry, costuming the char- acter in all the gorgeous raiment of the period of Louis XIV, his appearance will doubtless receive marked attention. The leading members of his company are Ed- mund Collier, James O. Barrows, Fanny McIntyre and Alice Evans. Others who ill be seen in the production are Britta Gritfin, Ralph Lewis, George Donald, Alex- ander Kearney, John Lancaster, Russell Weyler, Edwin Wallace, Charles Bonnell, Edwin Maurice and R. C. Chamberlain. LAFAYETTE SQUARE THEATER.— Menday, October 25, the D’Arville Opera Company will begin a brief engagement at Lafayette Opera House, in “Peg Woffing- tol “Peg Woffington” is a new comic opera written by Victor Herbert and Harry E. £mith for Camille D’Arville,and is said to be legitimate in all respects. The scene is laid in England about the middle of the last century, ard the first act takes place in an English’ village, to which Peg Woffington has fled for # brief vacation from the foot- lights. She lives in the village incogniio, representing herself as Margery Home- spun, a rustic dameel. Records of the great comedienne show that nothing was more to her liking than just such a bit of farce as this in private life, and, in fact, dents. A ‘troop of strolling actors, led by Joe Waitless, a barn-storming tragedian, comes to the village, and Mistress Wofling. ton discovers them in great woe becaus their leading lady has left the company. With characteristic kind-heartedness and love of fun, she offers to supply tke place of the vanished star, and the actors agree. ‘To this same village comes Captain Adair, a young officer, and Lady Betty Marshail, a London heiress, who have eloped and are about to be married. Peg, in her disguise, meets this couple and tinds that Captain Adair Is her own lover, who has deserted her in order to marry the heiress. The tumult of resentinent and grief into which this discovery throws her results in a pian for revenge. Returning to London, she takes with her the strolling players as her proteges. and the next act takes place in Vauxhall Gardens, the famous pleasure re- sort of London’ at that time. Here Peg appears in the dress of a gay cavalier, Sir Harry. Wiidairs, a part which she has as- sumed on the stage, and which her biographer tells us was productive of num- berless love notes from the eighteenth century matinee girl, who did not dream that her adored was a woman. The heiress becomes acquainted with the supposed Sir Harry, and proceeds to fall violently in love with him, a behavior aided and abetted in the most vivacious and charming manner by Mistress Woffington. Czpt. Adair’s double-dealing is :arefully revealed in the process, and his discom- fiture ts complete. There are three low-comedy parts in the opera, Joseph Wattless, tragedian and man- ager of the troupe of strollers; Nat Bow- string, a member of the same troupe, and Maj. Firelock, a recruiting officer. There is no more picturesque period in English history than that in which Peg Woffington lived, and no more fascinating character than she. Her beauty, her grace, her eccentricities, her drolleries and her wit were the talk of all London for years, and great was the mourning when she re- tired from the stage. Miss D’Arville has been surrounded by a large and capable company, and carries her own orchestra. The following make up the caste: Camille D'Arville, Maude Courtney, Nettie Lyford, Ada Somers, Rose Krohe, Hugh Chilvers, Albert Hart, Snitz Edwards, R. W. Guise, . Archie Hughes, J. S. Jones, orn and George Layton. COLUMBIA THEATER-—There is a strong feeling on the part of the theater- goers to see Margaret Mather’s production of “Cymbeline,” and when the curtain rises at the Columbia next Monday even- ing on Shak ‘3 comedy the popular espeare’ actress will undoubtedly be greeted by a | THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1897-24 PAGES. large audience. Miss Mather is one of Washington's favorites, and her appear- ance here in “Cymbeline’” will, no doubt, prove one of the treats of the season. A New York critic, speaking of the produc- tion, says. ‘‘Miss Mather places nearly all classes of playgoers in her debt by this re- vival. The student surely rejoices at this opportunity to see this infrequenuy given play. The artist is charmed by the pictorial display, and he for whom a play is at- tractive only for its story’s sake discovers that ‘Cymbelire’ unfolds a dramatic tale of much interest, and the precious embel- lishmente which are a sign of all the bard touched.” But it is chiefly as a spectacle that the present production commends it- self to praise. An admirer calls it a pan- orama of intricate. elaborate and gorgeous fixtures, any one of which might have been selected to give distinction to any ordinary production; also a marvel of stage- craft and a mystery to the uninitiated how all the wealth of scenery is handled. There are eighteen separate and elaborate settings, three of which are shown twice, making twenty-one in all. These settings involve winding steps, furniture, hangings and several back crops to give perspectiv and other finishings that must represent alarge fortune. Each of them is the work of a distinguished scenic artist, and each of them seems to have vied with the other in the realization of supremely beautiful pictures. The coast of Britain is a fine perspective, and the circular room in the palace has tricks In perspective which lend delightful realism, but it is in realiz- ing the brilhant sunlight of turquoise-skied Italy in the Trichirium and Atrim at Phil- ario’s house that the happiest effect is re- alized. In ccstuming the lavish sumptu- ousness surpasses even the splendor of Irving's “King Arthur.” “Cymbeline” will be given Monday and Tuesday evenings and Thursday matinee; “Romeo and Juliet” Wednesday evening and Saturday matitee; ‘The Honeymoon’ Thursday evening; “Deborah” Friday even- ing: “Nance Oldfield” and “Lady of Lyons’ being the double bill selected for the close of the engagement on Saturday evening. BANDA ROSSA CONCERT.—Friday af- ternoon, October 29, at the National Thea- ter, will be given in this city one of the concerts of the American tour which the Messrs. Rosenfield have arranged for the “Banda Rossa,” the municipal band of San Severo, the foremost and representa- tive Italian organization of the present day. They come from a place where it seems to an outsider as if music were the only vocation of the town; in fact, it is not the accomplishment of the few, but the passion of the many. Even in the play houses of the smallest Italian towns the opera is frequently the only kind of enter- tainment offered the people, and it is in such an atmosphere that the Banda Rossa (or Red Band) sprang into existence four- teen years ago and flourished until now it oecuples its high standing. Called by King Humbert for all great festivities in Rome, carrying off the first prize at the Chris- toforo Colombo festival at Genoa in 1892 from sixty-two competitors, embracing the pick of the best bands in southern Europe and achieving most wonderful success cn_ its tours through Germany the past few years—its magnificent record caused so much comment through Europe that the Messrs. Rosenfeld felt justified in securing it for an American tour, and are confident it will make the same favorable impres- sion throughout this country, just as it has in New York, where it has been giving a series of concerts the past ten days. The band numbers sixty musicians, under the leadership of Maestro Eugenio Sorrentino, a brilliant young musician, graduate of the Conservatory of Napies,and it includes eight eminent soloists, one in particular, Signor Colaneri, a bombardino player, who has created a furore wherever he has appeared. In addition, Fraulein Margarete yon Vah- sel, a talented and handsome soprano vocal- ist, possessing the distinction of being ourt singer to the King of Saxony, and rlotta Stubenrauch, a thirteen-year-old violinist of great German reputation, will be heard. ‘The program to be rendered differs some- what from the ordinary band concerts. The best French and German composers figure prominently together with the name cf the honored and revered Verdi, as well as those representatives of the younger Italy of today, Mascagni and Leoncavallo, while grand old Beethoven {s not omitted, and certainly, from an artistic standpoint, the concerts should attract and interest all lovers of music and devotees of the divine art. They will give the following pregram in this city: Overture, “William Tell,” Rossini; fantasia, “On Garibaldi’s Hymn” (for bombardino); Sorrentino; “Mefistofele,” (a) prologue, ‘romance, and (b) finale, Boito; entrance’ hymn, ‘‘Tann- hueuser,” Wagner, Mme. Margarete von Vahsel; “Cavalleria Rusticana,” (a) pre- lude, “Siciliana” and bell chorus, (b) intez- mezzo, roma , and (c) duet (Santuzza and Turridu), finale, Mascagni; “Stars and Stripes Forever,” Sousa; violin solos, (a) “Ballade,” (b) ” Carlotta Stu- benrauch, Vieuxtemps; “Carmen,” (a) pre- lude, “Haberna,” Toreador’s Song, (b) air “Carmen,” (c) intermezzo duet, finale, Bi- zet, and “Ganzone Populare” (folk song), Sorrentino. ACADEMY OF MUSIC.—The attraction at the Academy next week is the Rus- stan melodrama, “In the Name of the Czar," written by George C. Jones. The play deals with the high and low sides of life in Russia at the present time. The plot of the play is one of interest, showing love, intrigue and hatred. As is usually the case in plays of this order, revenge is the potent factor. The plot hinges upon the down- fall and attempted extermination of a young lieutenant in the Russian service, but through the timely efforts of a gallant | American, after many exciting episodes and bairbreadth escapes, the young lieutenant is delivered safe to his sweetheart, and the villains are, of course, appropriately pun- ished. The play admits of scenic and mechanical carried out, will make an enjoyable per- formance. Among the scenic effects are the rock-bound coasts of Russia ear Cronstadt, revolving scene of the interior and exterior of the fortress of Schlussel- burg, the fight in the belfry of St. Nicho- jas, the masked ball at St. Petersburg, the officers of the secret police, etc. ‘he cos- tumes are said to be beautiful and his- torically correct. The comedy element is especially strong, the principal part being in the hands of Gus Bruno. Included in the cast are Lettie Allen, Fred. Montague, James R. McCann, Jerry Keenan, Lizzie Kendall and others. an abundance of effects which, if KERNAN’S LYCEUM THEATER.—AI Reeves and his big burlesque company will be the attraction at Kernan’s Lyceum next week. It is said that the entertainment presented possesses unusual merits, both as a vaudeville and a spectacular show. The costumes and scenery used are all new and expensive, while the electrical effects are said to surpass anything yet seen on the stage. In the company are several well- known stars, and these are surrounded by a capabie chorus of pretty girls, who suc- ceed in presenting an entertainment that is artistic and humorous, as well as in- teresting. The opening skit is entitled “McFadden's Tribulations,” and is said to give an excellent opportunity for comedy, that is taken advantage of by Perry and Burns, two talented comedians. Many new musical numbers are introduced, and it is further embéllished by several lively dances. The olio, which is made an especial feature by this company, is composed of Thatcher and Milton, two clever girls, who will sing negro and introduce their unique style of dancing; the Tally-Ho Trio, in songs, medleys and imitations; Perry ,and Burns, the Celtic wits, introducing their new specialty; Miss Cissy Grant, in a se- lectfon of new songs; Lillian Perry, in songs and dances, and Al Reeves and his banjo, who will engertajn with a budget of new topical hits. The. closing feature on the program is a ular extravaganza, eucie “An Isle |,” @ catire on the jondike gold c1 is presented with appropriate scenery costumes, and the entire company im shen abundant scope for their versatility. ;The situations are very ludicrous, ang there is an abundance of funny sayings, sin and dancing, @ score of pretty girls. There will be mati- nees Tuesday, Thussdsg and Saturday. THE BIJOU THE ATER.—The announce- ment of the engagement of the comedian J. K. Emmett, assistediby Miss Anna Moit- land, in the comegietta “A Honeymoon in a Harlem Flat,” by €has. Dickson and May Melvin Ward; ati the Bijou Theater next week, will be wellireceived. This well- known singing comedian has been engaged at a high salary, and will appear at this popular play house, in: conjunction with a fine bill of family high-class vaudeville at- tractions, prominent amorg whom are Ed- win R. Lang, the well-known poetic tramp, in monologue; Mile. Dair, the Europe.n aerial artist, on the flying trapeze; Bobby Hyde and Lee Leven, in a comedy sketch; Helene Rossini, the’ notable singing and dancing chanteuse; Price and Watson, the German senators; Princess Chinquella, in her Indian musicale soiree, and a number of equally well-known specialty people, making an exceptionally good aggregation of talent. franco icon, netwithstanding fhe extra at- i ie pers = Temain tha ie person of Mr. Emmett, will COLUMBIA THEATER.—Auguste Van Biene, the celebrated actor-musician, who for the last five years has been playing with the greatest possible success through- out Great Britain, France and Germany, will begin a one week's engagement at the Columbia Theater Monday evening, No- vember 1, producing Frank Seek oo comedy drama, “A Musician's Romance.” Mr. Van Biene’s company is sald to be a most admirable one and was selected in New York by the famous managers, Messrs. Klaw and Erlanger, for the American’ tour of this eminent artist. “A Musician's Ro- mance’ will be given the dignity of a pro- duction, magnificent new scenery, novel stage effects and original music having been Prepared for this engagement. Mr. Van Biene is what might be called an ex- traordinary man. Not more than once in lifetime is a man met with who is a real executive musician, and at the same time a finished actor. Mr. Van Biene is said to combine these qualities in a wonderful he is soulful and heartfelt in his act- ing, as he is delightful on his favorite in- strument, the ’cello. All languages lose their force when pitted against the uni- versal language of music. His marvelous execution, his beautiful, dreamy, dainty and absorbing pathos, sensitiveness and tender- ness “‘well'd out from the soul” of the instrument, tells more than columns of mere words. Whether it be a dreamy nocturne, a rhapsody or the familiar strains of “Home, Sweet Home,” he always has the touch of a master hand. NATIONAL THEATER.—In the forth- ecming production of the new comic opera “The Serenade,” which will be rendered for the first time in this city at the National Theater, the week of November 1, the eye as well as the ear has been appealed to, ard music lovers are promised a rare treat in the pictoral embellishments of the opera. The atmosphere of “The Serenade” is d liciously enchanting, romantic in the high- est degree and replete with poetry. Acts one and three are the same, and each depicts a mountainous region in Spain, the home of the ‘Royal Madrid Briggandage Association, Limited,” with the haunted castle in the foreground and the moonlit Sierras in the background. There are glimpses of dark ravines, the gurgle of swift-rushing mountain streams, the bivouacs of brigands and the harvest festival of the peasantry. Among the principal scenes that appeal at once to the eye $s that which shows the entrance of the brigands, led by Mr. Cowles, the brigand chief Romero, who tells of their adventures and free life in the spirited number entitled “The Song of the Carbine.” Closely following the picturesque group- ing of the brigand scene, characteri tic. musie prepares.the way for the ap. proach of the Duke, Mr. Baranbee; the pestilion, Mr. MacDonald, and Dolores, sie Bartlett Davis, who, surrounded by the retainers of the castle, tell of their tribulations and hard travel. The introduction later of a comic trio in which a stage-struck tailor, Mr. Frothing- ham, a broken-dowm tenor, Mr. Brown, and [his daughter, Yvonne, Alice Nielsen, figure, reveals the little eomedy and counterplot which is one of the main incldents of the opera. ‘The subsequent incarceration of the tenor, who is mistaken by the Duke for Alvarado, and placed in durance vile, and who, ap- pearing in the tower of the haunted castle, drunk and attired as Mephistopheles, brings on a concourse of peasants, who, fleeing from the brigands and terrified by the ap- proaching thunder storm, form a_ picture at once diverting and picturesque. Act two, with its color of life among the jolly friars, presents a series of pictures, or kaleidosco- plc pat.crama, of Andalusian life altogether in operatic composition. In act three the dainty comic trio enacted by Mr. Barnabee, Mr. Frothingham and Alice Nielsen is but one of several artistic characteristic pictures. THE BIOGRAPH.—The Biograph is creating as much enthusiasm and favorable comment during its present engagement at Willard’s Hall as it did last season, and there is every reason for anything that is said in its behalf. The entertainment pre- sented by it is at once instructive and en- tertaining, serious and funny, and there fs always some good to be gained out of every picture shown. Next week an entire- ly new set of views will be shown, with the possible exception of some half dozen favorite pictures, that the public seemingly never tires of seeing. To attend an exhibi- tion of the Riograph ts to become imbued with a distinct desire to see it again, and there are many who make a regular thing of attending the exhibitions once a week, just as thy would do one of the theaters. A special exhibition will be given tomor- row evening, at which many of the new scenes for next week will be shown for the first time. LAFAYETTE SQUARE THEATER.—The company supporting Mr. Herbert Kelcey and Miss Effie Shannon, in the new comedy, “A Coat of Many Colors,” is an unusually strong one. It includes Edmund D. Lyons, Edward See, Bruce McRae, David Torrence, Izichard Brinton, Edwin James, Miss Ellie Wilton and Miss Georgia Busby and Mr. Wm. J. LeMoyne. They will be seev for the first time In Washington on Monday, November 1, at the Lafayette Square Opera ‘ouse. Thomas H. Davis and William T. Keogh’'s scenic melodrama, ‘On the Bowery,” will furnish fun and censation to the theater- goers of this city at the Grand next weck. The Bowery hero, Chuck Connors, takes a prominent part in both the comic and melo- dramatic scenes, but the interest in the play is not confined to him alone. There is a host of odd characters introduced who look as if they had walked in on the stage from the real Bowery. The characters that make the Bowery so rich a field for humor- ist and artist abound plentifully in this piece, and they are drawn with boldness and precision. The East Side of New York has attracted a good deal of attention of late. Interest in it has been increased since Albert Chevalier came to this country depicting the coster, that peculiar charac- ter of the East Side of London who corres- ponds to our familian Bowery type. A writer, in commenting on Chevalier’s cos- ter performance, says that the gestures, looks and other mannerisms of Cheyalier’s coster are all ‘‘characteristics of our Chuck Connors. Chevalier is imitating a charac- ter peculiar to London.and whose counter- part is to be found in all the alleys of the world. Connors isthe real thing and the American representative of his class.” “On the Bowery¥ {8 a mirth-provoking comic picture and appeals to all clasces of amusement seekers. The scenic embellish- ment of the piecesis good. The Brooklyn bridge scene fs a perfect example of real- istic painting, and entirely new lines of perspective were employed by the artists to produce the wonderful effect attained in this scene. Numerous new and entirely ap- propriate specialists irradiate the action of the play. CHURCH HISTORY LECTURES.—The second lecture of the course of six illus- trated lectures on church history, from the Apostolic times to the Reformation, given under the auspices of the Church Soctety of Trinity P. E. Church, by the rector, Rev. Richard P. Williams, will be given Tuesday evening next at Trinity Parish Hall, cor- ner 34 street and Indiana avenue. The sub- ject will be “The Establishment of the English Church." The subjects of the oth- er lectures, to ke given on Tuesday even- ings until November 23, at Trinity Parish Hall, are as follows: Lecture 8, “Result of tion,” and leoture 6, “ the Reformation.” AMUSEMENTS. LAFAVETTE. Tovar Gums KELLAR, IN UP-TO-DATE MAGIC, First Time Here of the— ore BLUE ROOM. OF THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF MR. KELLAR FROM A BRILLIANTLY LIGHTED STAGE —WITHOUT AID OF TRAP, SCREEN OR COVERING—BEFORE YOUR VERY EYES. STARTLING DBCAPITATION OF KELLAR. NEXT Camille D’ARVILLB in Peg Woffingt 0c23-20,tf = oe Lafayette Sq.Opera House. = ee Rion inaseae Directors Week beginning Monday, Oct. 25, WEDNESDAY—MATINEES—SATURDAY The Queen of Comic Opera, .o I he... ‘Camille D’Arville Comic Opera Co. In Harry B. Smith's and Victor Herbert's Latest Comic Opera, in Two Acts, PEG WORFINGTON Interpreted by one of the largest Comic Opera Companies traveling, including Albert Hart, Hugh Chilvers, Snitz Edwards, 1. W. Guise, "Maude Curtney, Nettle Lyford, Ada Somers and ose 1e. Augmented Orchestra. Regular Matinee PRICES. Regular Evening WEEK—HERRERT KELCEY, and EFFTE SHANNON in ; Oct. . Doors ‘open arish Hall, 8d and Ind. t written request of Englard eS "wile be repeated.” ‘The mus |. These lectures place. before pecple an uasutpsssed opportunity to ha plete knowledge of church history ond Hllustrated lecture, Tur “The Establishment of the artists, Mr. Wm. A. Morrell, Mr. Howard Nyn econip Stereopticon in charge of Prof. sion, 25¢.; cours ticl The Bijou. HIGH-CLASS FAMILY PERFORMANC Littie GERTIE COCHRAN THE RABY MENTAL WONDER. The most wonderful child since the dawn of creation—aj ears and six months, BCRTI PARIS DOG CIRCU: ‘Trick Dogs, Clown Dogs, Leaping Dogs. J2 other bis laughing a the’ Chare Reduction in Railroad Fares. From the Railroad Gazette. The one most thorough, and, we believe, most reasonable remedy for the unsettled condition of the passenger traffic field in the central states is a gencral rate of two cents a mile for local tickets to all stations. Such a reduction would be a bold and radical step, but we have heard it favorably spoken of by experienced and conservative traffic officers for some time past. There is little question that it would produce a new business to justify itself, and that within a short time; some think within one year. ‘The railroads of Ohio, In- diana and Iilinois form the typical spider's web; so many lines that it will never be pessible for all to get gocd rates, and junc- Uons so frequent on every line that compet- itive rates affect all or nearly all the busi- ness at non-competitive stations. Under such conditions the maintenance of any- thing but low rates will always be a diffi- cult matter. On the other hand, uniform rates, as low as any in effect anywhere in the country, should have a powerful ef- fect as a sedative on the public, and even on the petty politicians who make it their business to keep the public agitated. The abandonment of the great differences be- tween through and local fares and between the rates to retail and those to. wholesale buyers of transportation would abate a great amount of friction and would tend to Kill off some of the scalpers. Possibly it might, in addition, kill or fatally wound a few sensational reporters, who subsist on passenger wars and war rumors, an added blessing for which every one would be thankful. ——_+-e+—____ Water Power Electric Plants. From the Electrical World. In this number of “The Electrical World” are illustrated four important long-distance transmission plants using water power as the prime mover. While two of these plants, Chambly and Mechanicsville, are quite like in their salient features, they are widely different from the other two, at Bakers- field, Cal., and Three Rivers, Quebec, and among them is represented a wide variety of engineering. ‘There can be no doubt that the application of water power for electrical generation and transmission is a rapidly developing art, and that in many piaces in the country hitherto unproduc- tive streams may now be turned to good ac- count by means of electrical transmission of power. Taking all these plants together, perhaps the most striking feature to elec- tricians of the older class is the enormous potentials which they employ and the ex- treme simplicity of the means by which these are controlled and handled. It apparently needed the example of the Niagara installation to induce the invest- ment of large capital in enterprises of this character. Despite its defects of engincering, the Niagara plant still stands foremost as a representative installation, and its unques- tioned success has been the means of wide- ly encouraging the establishment of similar plants. A “door-knob” portrait of a thin man. —Life. “There's one thing I will say about me —an’ that is, I’s a man of regular ‘abits!” —Punch. Mrs, Wolley—“Eddie, dear, where are our brown plaid knickerbockers?”’—Life, AMUSEMENTS. | AMUSEMENTS, ___ AMUSEMENTS, “MATINEE | Grand Opera House, [" peatiace | KERNAN & RIFR, Managers. | WEDNESBAY. | Week of October 25, | SATURDAY. THOMAS H. DAVIS AND WILLIAM T. KEOGH’S PHENOMENALLY SUCCESSFUL AND STUPENDOUS SCENIC PRODUCTION, From the “Star Theater,” New York, FRANK ON THE wee. | BOWERY THE SENSATION OF THE CENTUR’ AUGMENTED AND REVISED ESPECIALLY POR THIS SEASON. A Vivid Picture of Greater New York! 2--- POWERFUL AND PRETENTIOUS HEADLINERS ---2 SECURED ESPECIALLY FOR THIS PRODUCTION, CHUCK CONNORS!!! MAYOR OF CHINATOWN AND THE ORIGINAL BOWERY BOY. —ALSO— FRANK BUSHI!! THE WORLD-FAMED HEBREW DIALBCTICIAN! GOTHAM’S GAYEST GATHERINGS PICTURESQUELY PRESENTED, SHOWING CHUCK ©ON- NORS IN HIS FAMOUS PICTURE-LINED RESORT ON THE BOWERY AT NIGHT AND INA Thrilling Leap From Brooklyn Bridgel! SCENES AND SENSATIONS THAT CAN NOWHERE ELSE BE ENJOYED. TRE GREAT BROOKLYN BRIDGE SCENE, PRODUCED AT A COST OF $10.000-THE TRIUMPH OF SCENIC ART. ‘TYPICAL BOWERY SPECIALTIES, WHICH ARE THE MOST F. oS E! = CAN SHOW. AMOUS EXPONENTS THE STAGB POPULAR PRICES. Next Week--[arie Wainwright in-- “SHALL WE FORGIVE HER?” GRUCK CONNORS. EW NATIONAL THEATER. ‘TONIGHT AT 8, LAST TIME. F. B. & 0. 8. Metzerott, Mgrs. Nixon & Zimmerman, Detre. Columbia. GEORGE EDWARDES’ TONIGHT AT 8:15 FAREWELL APPEARANCE OB GAIETY THEATER The Castle Sq. Opera Co. BURLESQUE COMPAN -CLOVER- In the Galety Musical Comedy, $I Town, sever ami NEXT WEEK—SEATS NOW ON SALE— Me. Wil Ton TACKAvE New National Theater. Beginning Monday Night. For One Week Only. MATINEES WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY. FIRST APPEARANCE IN WASHINGTON OF MR. WILTON LAGKAYE & In the New Romantic Costume Comedy-Drama by | 4{t F. D. Reinau and W. T. Price, entitled THE ROYAL SECRET, upported by his own company, including EDMUND COLLIER, FANNY McINTYRE, JAMES 0. BARRO! NS. RALPH LEWIS, GEORGE DONALD. JOHN LANCASTE! EDWIN WALLACE, IN MAURICE, EMENT RTISTE, ARGARET MATHER NC AND HER ADMIRAL COMPANY, a FaReaTe fonday a ave iz Tuesday Evenings, REATEST SCENIC PRODUCTION THE WEALTH OF AND COSTUMES EMPLOYED IN ITS CTION AT WALLACK’S THEATER, NEW WED. EVE., SAT. MAT., ROMEO and JULIET, Miss Mather as Ju TEURSDAY EV THE HONEYFIOON, Miss Mather as Julisna, FRIDAY EVE’ DEBORAH, Miss Mather 2s Deborah. SATURDAY EVENING, GRAND DOURLE BILL, NANCE OLDFIELD Miss Mather as Nance. LADY ®F LYONS, ‘Mis3 Mather as Pauline Deschappelies, PRICES Eves., 25, 50 The., $1 & $1.56 RUSSELL WEYLER, CHARLES BONNELL, R. C. CHAMBERLAIN. MAGNIFICENT COSTUMES, ODUCTION. Monday, Nov. Seats Ready Thursday. Annual Engagement of the Famous Bostonians, In the Latest Triumph, The Serenade. | SATURDAY MATINEE O¥ —— Next Attraction—VAN BIENE, in “THE MUSi- CLANS ROMANCE."* at KKE®84N'S LYCEUM THEATER. ALL THIS WEEK. Matinees Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. ‘The Staudard Vaudeville Organization of America, HYDE’S COMEDIANS- INTRODUCING Miss Helene Mora. vet AL, REEVES’ BIC SHOW. ocl8-6t-15 CADEMY—PRICES, 25, 50 AND T5c. Wed. and Sat. Mat:, 25 and 50°. reserved, THE ONLY AMERICAN INDIAN ACTRESS, Go-Won-Go-lohawk, In Her Picturesque Play (written by herself), Wep-Ton-No-Ilah, New National Theater. THE ONL BANDA ROSS THE GREATEST BAND ON BARTH. Peerless Music. 60 Eminent Artists, supported by the Famous Soprano, Mme. VON VAHSEL, and the 13 years old Violin Genius, Little CARLOTTA STUBENRAUCH. Conductor: THE INDIAN MAIL CARRIDR. Maestro EUGENIO Introducing Wonderful Trained Indian Ponies, SORRENTINO, CONCERT NEXT WEEK-SEATS NOW SELLING— COMMENTS “In the Name of the Czar.” of the New York Press:| wILL BE GIVEN ON oc21-20tt Herald: Aroused en-| ale thusiasm. RAND OPERA HOUSE. World: Above criticism. Friday G KERNAN & RIFE, Managers, A revela-| Wedneway | MATINEES | Saturday. WEEK OF OCTOBER 18. ‘othing finer. Afternoon, FIRST PRODUCTION IN WASHINGTON. ‘Tribune: Without par- ‘Tne Season's Big New York Hit. USA MAY WELL! Oct 29 mummnrgiage “SOUSA ° ° 5 Ne 100K 70° HRS LAU Morrison's Production of the New Romantic Drama, RELS.””. ¥. Journal. AT 4 P.M. The Privateer. Sale of Seats commences Next Monday. BY HARRISON GREY FoR. it Prices, 50c., T5c., $1.00 and $1.50, A Great Cast. New Scenery. New — Correct Costumes. Startling Electric fects. Thrilling Fire Scenes: The Swim for Life. ‘The Eaccution or the Deck of the “Fire Fly.” ACADEMY. settee Next Attracticn—ON THE BOWERY. ocl8-Ot-24 Prices... 2. fe --25, 50 and Te. | == ——— Wednesday and Saturday MATINEES........ - 5) Beginning Next Monday Night, THE GREAT RUSSIAN MELODRAMA, In The Name’ of The Czar. A SERIES OF DRAMATIC NOVELTIES. Escape From the Fortress, Struggle in the Belfry. ~ EXCURSIONS, ETC. orfolk & ashington Steamboat Co. E day in the year for Fortress Monroe, — Norfolk, Newport News and all points south — sue ‘superb ul steel palace steamers = Barre Southbound. Northbound, .| Lx. Portsmouth.5:50 p.m. 10 p.m. . Ft. A im.) L =209 p.m. Ar. Norfolk....7:392.m./ Ar. Alexandria 60 a.m, Ar. Portsmouth.8:00 a.m.{ Ar. Washington.6:30 a.m. Visitors to Chamberlin’s new botel, “The yea, tnd Vrroia ‘Beach wi tue cna Virion Syabe iPr at no nese wy eon ixurious heated st and fitted throughout with electric Mette Din- and 50c. room service is a la carte, I 1 March to Siberia. fom "the eat that the markets of Washing ton and Norfolk afford. Tickets on sale at C. Ey office, 817 Pennayl Sis, elo, 1421 Pet oe neers ‘Cast Includes the Well-known Comedian, GUS BRUNO. « H. C. Mimer’s Production of Sfcm HUMAN HEARTS. THE GREAT American ; WILLARD’S HALL. New Views Each Week. SPECIAL SUNDAY Night Exhibitions, 8:15: DAILY EXHIBITIONS, 2:30, 4:30 AND 6:15 P.M. Arlington and - Alexandria. ee See ee ae es eee, — ece BR. H. column, this paper.