Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-12-06
DRAMATIC.

The first presentation of Pinaforc
here by a regular opera company,
naturally created a feeling Of interest
among a wide circle, as to the way it
would be done, and any thing short OF
a frst-class illustration would have
been unfavorably criticised. The
manner in which the Saville troupe
performed it at Leubrie's theater, last
night, was finished and delightful in
every particular. The company did
not reach the theater until within a
few moments of the time for ringing
up the curtain and after a hard ride of
IL hours from Little Rock they we're
greatly fatigued. No time was afforded
to rest or to partake of much needed
refreshment, but the company bundled
hastily into the greenroom of the the
alter and made quick preparations for
immediate action. The stage had
been set with taste to represent the
Pinafore quarterback, and everything
appeared in good shape. The audi
ence, though not large, was respect.
able in both quality and numbers, and
it proved highly %appreciatiye, as seve-
raj of the most finished singers were
recalled and compelled to repeat their
well rendered arias. Miss Lillian
Brooks Bell made a beautiful and
graceful Josephine, singing like a true
artist and receiving several recalls
during the evening. The little
Buttercup of Miss Flora Barry
was original and in wide contrast to
the one we have been familiar with
but while less charming to the eye,
it turned out to be a splendid success
in an artistic sense. Miss Barry's
voice is a rich contralto and the music
oft rangclear and sweet to a degree.
The lady sang Arthur Sullivan's
popular Lullaby in the most exquisite
manner during the second act, and she
was encored after it as well as on an
other occasion during the piece. In
the part of Hebc, Miss Carrie l. Bur-
ton looked and acted most charming
ly. Mr.. Digly V. Bell gave Captain
Corcoran a digniffed and a graceful
touch, to which those who had only
witnessed amateurs were unaccus-
toned. He possesses an excellent
voice which he handles with skill, and
his part could not have been better
done. Mr.. Bell was complimented
by a recall after one of his arias.
The Dick Deadeye" of Mr.. John
j. Bonitz was powerful and excel
lent. This gentleman seems to lose
nothing by time, either in the power
of his resonant voice or in his ability
as an actor. Mr.. Benitz was here
some years since with the Richings-
Bernard troupe, and he is about the
only member of the Savilie party
whose face and voice are familiar to
our people. The part of Ralph
Rackstraw, as given by Mr.. Louis
P. Plan, was also good. The
Pinafore cruise ran smooth and easy,
no squalls, tempests or breakers being
visible at any time during the evening
A pleasant interlude was the Turkish
Patrol, the latest New York musical
hit, performed by the double orchestra,
thirteen strong, between acts, and.oi
course applauded until performed
over again. Tonight the Saville opera
troupe will repeat Pinafore, and will
also present "a Trial by Jury, by
the same authors, Gilbert & Sullivan.
This is an exquisite little opera, full
Of comic situations aud pleasantmusic
and those who 80 to hear it will be
well repaid for their visit.