The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-12-04

We have had Pinafore again, and better,
brighter, more attractive and thorough ~
fascinating this lime than ever before.
Whether il be that the absur burlesque
wins upon you as its tunes become familiar,
or whether it be that experience has so muci
improved those WHO so well fill his or hel
respective role, we cannot determine, but
certain it is that the renditions of the oper
eta last night and the night before, were
the most delightful performances Staunton
has ever witnessed. Indeed everyth inc
seemed to work together for that end. Capt
G. 4. Firth had spent several days in get
ting up the scenery, and the result was one
of the most successful triumphs OF art stit
taste and skill, that could well be imagined.
On the stage everything was in ship shape
to the minutest detail, and the entire par
ouette had been transformed into the sa
loon of the vessel. From the galleries on
both sides tie life boats were suspended,
and at the entrance to the parquette az
arched way supporting the bowsprlt was
erected. The entire scenic effect would
have been creditable to theatre in one Of
the larger cities. The music, before the cur
tain rose and between the acts. was by the
Stonewall band, and full orchestra was
under the lead Of Prof. Ide.
By noon on Tuesday, every seat in the
Opera House for both nights had been taken
so that those who came in late were forced
to the gallery. We suppose that Thousand
persons were present at each performance
and the renditions were well worthy OF the
audiences. The cast, with one exception
was composed of the same ladies and gentle
men who have before appeared with sc
much success in the same roles. Lieut.. MI
Quaide as Sir Joseph, was a model, and al
remarked by a gentleman who has witness
| ed some of the finest performances on thu
American and European stage, his presen
| tation of the character could not have beer
surpassed by the best of profess ional com
medians. Mr.. w. NJ. Daniel, the ''aalan
captain" deserved the plaudits of his crew
| and audience Mr.. Cooke, as Ralph, evel
excelled himself; Mr.. 81. Stiff as dead eye,
| Mr.. Shirley as boatswain and the entir
support merited all the praise that could b
given them.
The part of Josephine" had been as
signed to one of Staunton's sweetest sing
ers, Miss Mary Crawford, but severe indis
position having made it impossible for he
to assume the role. it was kindly undertake.
by Miss Annie Haas, of Woodstock, VIII
had before appeared in the character at Low
ingston. In addition to form and face o
singular beauty and attractlveness. Mis-
Haas possesses a strong, rich soprano voice
as clear as bell, and yet so finely medu
lated that power dies away in melody. A
exquisite as her ,ocalism was, it was almos
second to her acting, and if the original 10
sephine was half SO fascinating, Admira
Ralph, crew and everybody else would hav
been eXcusable for an unconditional surren
der. OF the character of "Buttercup." W
need only say that it was sustained by Mis-
Lizzie Daniel, and that is sufficient guar
antee of its excellence, whilst Miss Cor
Turner's 'Hebe" was perfection itself, an
the legion of sisters, cousins and aunts.
would have done honor to the royal famil
itself.
Taken altogether the last "Pinafore' wa
a complete success, and We are glad to b
able to sta tie that it will be again repcate
tonight for the benefit of Prof. Ide and tn
orchestra. Get your seats early this morn
ing, for the house will no doub be agai
crowded.