Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-04-30
ADJUSTMENTS.

FRA DIAvOLo.-Las night at the Mem
phis Theater a large and fashionable au-
d%ience, representing much of the culture
and intelligence of society, greeted the
first appearance Of the amateur organi-
cation known as the Memphis Opera
Club, the opera for the occasion being
Fra Diavelo. This club comprises a
number of our Leading and most talented
amateurs whose appearance in opera was
looked forward to with no little pleasure
and interest. The entertainment last
night satisfied public expectation and,
in some respects, was critically merito-
rious. Of course, the standard by which
professional troupes are criticized is not
to be considered in determining the ex.
c~ellence of an amateur organization.
Hence, whatever Of praise we give must
be accepted in a comparative sense, and
with due consideration Of the fact that
dramatic as we'll as lyric talent aud
training are prerequisites for the fulfil
ment of the requirements demanded
by an opera like Fra Diavolo, a prod1c-
ton which abounds in picturesque
scenes, brilliant groupings and romantic
sentiment. The scene of the opera is
laid in Italy, the first act presenting an
inn at Terracina, where we behold drink
ing to the success of their expedition, a
number of carbineers sent to secure the
bandit known as Fra Diavolo." "Lo.
renzo, the captain Of the troop, is in
love with "Zerlina," the inn.keeper's
daughter, who, against her will, is to be
married the following day to a wealthy
farmer. Lord" and Lady AllcasL"
arrive in great agitation at the inn, hav.
ing been robbed on their journey by the
banditti. Lorenzo" hearing this news,
suddenly departs with his men, in the
hope of speedily capturing the hand.
Fra Diavolo" then enters, disguised as
the Marquis San Marco" and in the
course of conversation with Lord All.
cash learns that a large sum in bank
notes is sewn up in tde lining Of his coal
and in his wife's dress. Lorenzo
having defeated the robbers, returns and
restores some Of the jewels to Lady
Allcasb," who finding that the captain
refuses to be rewarded, persuades 'Zer
lima" to accept ten thousand francs in
Der lovers name. "Beppo" and "Gia
como" two oil the banditti, enter dis
guised as pilgrims, and their lodging in
the inn for the night is paid for by the
assumed marquis. The second act take:
place in a chamber in the inn. Yer
lima, preparing to retire to rest, sings
aud dances before the looking.glass wheu
she is startled by a laugh from the rob
bers, whe are concealed in az ante.room
After recovering herself she goes L
sleep, and "Beppo' is about to stab her
when Lorenzo" returns with his car
bineers. Lord and Lady Allcash ;
are aroused, and the supposed Marquis
being discovered, tells Lord AlIcash ;
that be has appointed a meeting with hi.
wife, and Lorenzo" that be has come
after "Zarlina." Lorenzo" challenge.
the disguised Marquis" to q duel, which
be @fayors, believing that be shall thus br
enabled to carry out his plans. In tn,
third act, during a scene between "Lo
r%enzo" and "Zsrlina," the latter is sur
prised at hearing the song she sang Oh
the previous evening; and looking rount
she perceives "Beppo" and Giacomo'
initiating her dancing before the looking
glass She communicates her suspicion
to " Lorenzo" the robbers are seized
and "Giscomo," ander threat of bein
shot, is made to toll a bell in the hermit
age (the signal arranged for his chief t
appear aud Fra Diavolo,' descendin
the mountain path, is Instantly sur
rounded by the carbineers and secured
As enacted last night Fra Diavolo
lost no charms in comparison with it
rendition by q professional troupe, if "
may except here and there q stiff
ness in acting on the part of tn
male members Of the club, due to thei
want Of acquaintance with the stage
Miss Jennie Jones, 10 the role "Zsrlina,
exhibited a wonderful talent. Her &C
ing was powerful, accurate aud finished
Possessing a soprano voice Of rich me.
ody and wonderful strength, her adapt,
ton to the most intricate passages wa
artistic, and amounted to a perfectio
that had done credit to q Louise kellogg
In her style there is a freshness, a bear
ty and a splendid strength of lyric taller
which lose nothing by comparison. Ht
voice is n Of peculiar richness, and 81
only pleased but satisfied the demands +,
the most critical. Miss Jones is TO
congratulated upon her triumph last ev,
ming. 1t was no less brilliant than lasting
She is by far the most powerful aud q,
ceptable amateur Memphis has yet give
, to the local opera. 1t is no aattery t
say that her efforts last night have o
tsblished her reputation as a gifte
! vocalist, and give assurance that her
after all who assay an operatio role of
, like character will have to strive for
, greater degree Of excellence thaa an