The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1879-04-24

H. M. >. Pknaf0re.
The general verdict in regard to the
Opera last week, is, "The Philhar-
monies have given Ravenna one of
the finest entertainments ever given
in the Opera House," Very many,
whose first attendance was almost from
q sense of duty, sit being home af-
fair, you know" were 30 delighted
that they went again, and propose see-
ing Sir Joseph, his Sisters, Cousins,
Aunts, and the jolly tars, at the repe-
tition of the play this week. Friday
Evening is the time selected. and we
predict a crowded house at this its last
presentation. The central figure of
the Opera is undoubtedly Sir Joseph.
That character was taken by Mr.. J. H.
Fluhart, and we are officially of the
opinion" that it could hardly be bet
tered in its playing. The audience
were alw ays ready for a hearty laugh
when the worthy and frisky Sir J. ap-
peared. His dancing in the ';Bell
Trio" was wonderful to behold. Mrs.
Oakley's Josephine was a most graft
flying success. She made a charming
character of the Lass who loved a
Sailor" and her singing was delight
full. Her sailor lover, Mr.. Oakley,
gave her efficient support, and in the
part of Ralph, added to his already
well earned reputation of q sweet sing
er and good actor. Miss Clara Knapp
made Buttercup a real person. All
could see the plump and rosy Bumboat
Woman, so well known to sailors.
Her solo, "I'm called Little Butter
cup" is one of the gems of the Opera,
and was finely rendered. We especial
ly commend her clear articulation.
Every word in song and dialogue was
understood. Miss Ellie Van Meter
was Hebe par excellence. As leader
of the Sisters, Cousins and Aunts, and
the faithful admirerdf Sir Joseph, she
was never lacking either in acting or
singing. Knowing well the superior
quality of her voice, we could not help
regretting the Opera did not give her a
solo. Mr.. Spelman made q most ex-
cellent Captain. His singing of the
beautiful song, Fair MOrn," was very
enjoyable, and the energetic manner
with which he stopped the runaways
was one of the best pieces of acting in
the play. Mr.. Philpott as Deadeye,
was fully equal to a most difficult part.
No one could help sympathising with
him in his earnest endeavor to help
the Captain preserve discipline. Mr..
Mosley made vigorous, hearty Boat
swain, and gave his opinions in song
and dialogue in good shape. Two
characters remain, who, without part
to say or sing, gave great amusement
to all. The Marine, Mr.. Jas. Jewell,
added much to the fun. His arrestina
everybody but the right one, and the
result when Sir Joseph foored him,
was side-splitting. Master Volley
Thompson as Midshipmite, could hard.
ly have been bettered. He was always
just where wanted, and sang and dane.
ed IS heartily as the rest. The chOrIs
singing gave evidence of hard and
faithful work. We never heard Ope
ratio Chorus better rendered. After
q few days rest, they can only be bet
tered in the matter of power. No one
failed to appreciate the help the enter
tainment received from the Orchestra.
The Overture was finely played. Miss
Poe, the Society's faithful Accompa-
mist, was as satisfactory as ever in the
rendering of the accomplishments.
Too much praise cannot be accorded
Or. Griffin, the accomplished Con.
ductor, under whose leadership and
management this popular Operate
Comedy was so finely rendered by
the Society.
Now we trust that. cheered by the
appreciation and applause of the pub
lie, the Society that has SO finely en-
tertained us all, will be encouraged t.
go on in the way they have been labor
ing, and give us some more Opera
They can trust in the Ravenna publ,
rewarding their efforts by giving then
full houses. We append the judgment
of q gentleman who has heard thi
Opera In New York and Philadelphia
He says, ! never heard it better rem
cred anywhere, and in many respect
your Society give it the most satisfao
tory