National Republican., 1875-06-29
THE OPERA OF "LAILA."

Its Performance at the National Theatre.
The story oFthe operetta Of 'Laila'' in brief is
this: A band Of mountain children, while gath
ering flowers and feasting in the woods are ap-
preached by Q begKar woman and her children,
Hhoare unkindly treated by all except Laila,
and at last, by her influence, the beggar woman
is made welcome BY all. Laila goes out into the
woods to gather flowers, and is lost. Nightcomes
on, and, while praying for aid, q band Of fairies
with their queen appear, and guide her to her
playmates and then she informs them that they
are the same ones who were disguised as beggsrs
in the morning, and advises them never to hesi-
tate give to the needy, for virtue is always re-
Warded. The cast was as follows Queen, Miss
L. Swallow; Lails, Miss ]. EsputS; mountain
children, Misses f. Swallow, NJ A; Church, A.
Misses O. Douglass, L. Heiberger, NJ Collins;
fairies and chorus, Prof. J. Esputa's scholars.
The presentation OF an opera OF standard char
acter or Of an operetta like the one Of last night,
by amateur local talent, is always an interesting
event. In the first place, II Is not q common oe
currence, and then, again, It Is sign OF the cnI
ture and progress of our young people In music,
AND, besides this, such presentations inform the
pTominenSs and seem to display talent for the
stage. The most pretentious affairs Of the kind
of late yesrs in this city include the singing Of the
combination Of the best amateur musical talent
in the city. The papers the next day predicted
brilliant future for miss Randnl who supG T.p me
she has been q student Of music ever since, and
has recently appeared in regular opera, her sue
achieved. Following this, Mr.. J. Remington
Fairlamb produced at Lincoln hall his opera OF
"Valerie; or, Treasured Tokens"
He met with some newspaper opposition the
next morning, or rather fancied he did, and .
splendid foundstiou for hne opera has hardly
%Se OF SoxnE t. S not s IN fscOEHE
ing its superior merits. This effort was more to
bring out an opera than for the development Of
voices. We then had eolored opera 81 Lincoln
hall the uDoetor of Alcantara," sung principally
by members Of St. Martins choir. This produc-
tiOn afforded the com munity an opportunity 70
wood, Miss Lena Miller and Miss Ooskley, (if
our memory is right with the last name and
that our coIored friends could do so we'll, while
stating the fact that the company could never
achieve anything more than ordinary fame.
This prediction turned out true. Most Of the
company are still good choir singers, and they
have perhaps succeeded IN sowing the seed from
which cEICTed operate singers S;I vii & yet De pro
important these events are, and It furnishes an
objection sgsinst injudieious and extrsIagsnt
praise. We have DO hesitation in according to
the Queen Miss L. swallow, the possession OF a
very charming soprano voice. 1t is even and
pure, rich in good deEree and capable Of vast i'm
prOvement. Her expression is Tree from all arti-
fetal straining for effects. 1t is easy, graceful,
prompted by feeling, therefore pleasant. Her
stage presence, dignihed, though modest; Is en-
tirely in her favor. At present she would be an
admirable ornament Of the concert rom.
Miss Josephine Esputa sung the role OF Laila
style cay and natural, her voice pleas
ing and correct, and though not great
singer, very charming one: 1t was her acting
that surprised and delighted the old stagers who
were present 1t was natural, appropriate and
Ehe excels all the yourg ladies Of this city we
have yet seen on the stage.
Miss Emma NJ. Swallow, leader OF the chorus
sung her solos beautifully, and was twice en-
cored. Her first appearance in public was re-
markahle for its grace and naturalness. Miss NJ.
A. Church, the second leader, was also very
pleasant.
All the solo singers were the recipients OF nu-
merous beautiful floral tributes. The scenery
was very pretty and appropriate, and the appear
ance of the fairies, land though least, not last,
Prof. E.'s petite daughter, Susie,) clad in span
gled dresses of white muslin, each with slender
star-tipped staff of gold was really quite en-
chanting. After the crowning of Laila by the
Queen little Miss Minerva Sheldon daughter of
Prot. S. came out and danced the Fishers
HoTnpipe" with such exquisite grace as to elicit
q rapturous encore. Prof. Esputa presided at the
piano with his well-known skill, and at the close
came forward and presented the prizes, as follows
In the third 1.-THE highest) class gold medal to
Miss Mary Church and first premium to Miss
Jennie Turner; in the second class, medal to Ida
Wineberger and first premium to Minnie Simp-
son; in the first class medal to Mollie Collins,
first premiums to Carrie Douglass and Nettie
McGill. The Professor certainly has reason to
feel proud of his pupils, and they to congratulate
themselves on having so thorough q precsptor.
MI Charles D. Newton, the elocutionist, who
had charge OF the dramatic part Of the entertain
ment, is deserving of much praise.