Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-05-02
H. M. s. PINAFORR
The Good ship Captures tbs City.
admiral Porter" K. C. B., With His
Sisters and His Cousins and His
Aunts, Spread Themselves
and Take Us In.

and Take Us In.
This f%arcical composition with its
spirited absurdities and comic melo-
dies was set cut with all of its beau.
ties for the first time at the Memphis
Theater last night to one Of the most
brilliant as well as the largest audi
ences ever assembled in that thespian
temple. The scene with all of its ad-
%juncts, the crowded auditorium with
stylishly dressed ladies from our most
fashionable circles all over the par
quette as well as the dress.circle, also
up in the second tier, reminded one Of
the glories Of a Memphi entertainment
more than anything else that it could
be compared with. The performance
was a decided and a gratifying success
from first to last. When the orches-
ira began the overture the old time
curtain went up, disclosing a new drop
curtain picturing a large ship sailing
in the distance, with two beautiful
angels skimming over the waters in
the foreground, and the couplet be-
Meath
"'But why drives on that ship so fast
Without q wave or wind?"
The scene is from Coledrige's rhine
of the Ancient Mariner" and as APP
propriate as it is artistic. This work
of BUTLER received many compliments,
and many declared it to be his most
complete and beautiful effort. Old
Beecher's picture over the top seemed,
however, rather out of place, though
few recognized it as that of the coming
lecturer.
The overture ended and up rolled
the second curtain, hiding the angel
picture but opening to view what
seemed to be the quarterback of an
English man-of-war. The masts were
deeked with a hundred parti- colored
signal flags, the British flag, with the
cross Of st, George, being conspicu-
ously in front. Heavy canno occu-
pied places on each side of the ships
deck. the captains cabin, the oompan-
ion-way, and all that goes to make up
a war vessels outfit, appeared in
detail, The picture could not have
been more complete, and as forty busy
sailors, in the garb of British seamen,
began the opening chorus, cheer after
cheer went forth to bear testimony of
the appreciation and enthusiasm of
the audience. Itwould require more
space than can be allotted to give a
complete review of the opera. From
first to last, however, it was finely
and smoothly rendered, with a few
unimportant exceptions. The prima
donna, Miss Jennie Jones, gave
the part of Josephine in
capital style, handling her rich
voice with unusual skill. Miss Jones
is conceded to have no rival among
the amateurs of this community as a
vocalist, and she gave Josephine"
the full benefit of her quality last
night, responding to encores after
rendering several of the most pleasing
arias. Miss Emma Etheridgo, whom
we all know possesses many charming
gifts and graces, surpassed herself in
the delightful part of cousin Hebe."
She divided honors with Miss Jones.
The latter had no equal as a songstress,
and Miss Etheridge is just as far
ahead of the rest as an actress. She
received round after round Of unani-
nous applause as a recognition of her
conspicuous talents, her animation,
her enthusiasm and her superb sue
cess gave eminent satisfaction
throughout. In the duet with "Sir
Joseph Porter, X. G. B."-"I Am the
Monarch Of the Sea- repetition
was necessary to appease the clamor-
GUS enthusiasm. Again, in singing
the interpolatcd "She's Just a Sweet
Bouquet" her archness and expression
captivated everybody and brought an
encore with numerous floral tributes.
Miss McClelland was a clever little
Buttercup and received her need
Of praise in frequent applause, plenty
Of flowers and a general recognition
Of excellence for good singing. The
part of Dick Deadeye was well
done, 50 was g Ralph Rackstraw," and
the Boatswain and &" B~oatswain's
Mate" Sir Joseph was fair, while
Captain Corcoran was rather sol
cmn at times, though he doubtless did
his best.
There we're no waits or drags, the
intermission between acts was not
tiresome and The opera was performed
in is entirety, the curtain ringing
down on the last scene BY half-past
ten O'Clock everybody in good hui
NOR and proDouncing the performance
an unqualified success, in fact, a ire
mendous hit.
The gay and tripping Pinaforc has
met an ovation and a crushing audi
cnco is assured for tonight and to.