Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-12-08

ABOUT "PINAFoRE."-The recent success
of ''Pinafore" should be of interest to our
citizens for reasons exclusive at the enter
tainment derived from witnessing the excel
lent presentation of this masterpiece of Gil
bert and Sullivan. 1t has been eonclusively
shown that Augusta contains persons who
possess the musical and dramatic ability
necessary for the creditable performance of
almost any ordinary opera, and, moreover,
that others are not wanting to contribute
the energy and business talents to the same
end. Probably few of our readers have any
idea of the care. labor and anxiety needfnl to
to put piece of this character on the stage
of the thousand and one little things, uncon-
nected with the actual rendition, yet neverthe-
less of the utmost Importance. The audience
see only the result, knowing nothing of the
preparations. and it appears only just to men,
ton a few of those who devoted their time
and attention to the enterprise. Mr.. II. Per-
ley Milliken deserves much praise for the
energetic manner in which he has discharged
the arduous duties of manager, a position
anything but an enviable one, and for his
constant thoughtfulness and politeness
throughout. To be successful tmpresdrio
one must combine the patience of Job with the
perseverance of Grant, and we render Mr..
Milliken the highest praise when we say that
he has been tried and not found wanting in
both these qualities. Mr.. Charles b. john
son was model director, and much of the
success achieved is due to his untiring exer
tons in the drill and instruction of the chorus.
Mr.. Frank B. Morse most acceptably filled
the position of treasurer, while his assistance
was never wanting to any other department
in which he could be useful. Mr.. Frederick
II. Rowse as stage manager, seemed to real
ize the old definition of verb-"to be, to do
and to sutherland was emphatically 1.-THE
right man in the right place." Mr.. Mark II.
Mintz of Boston. who kindly acted as prompt
er. although with some inconvenience to his
business affairs, was of the greatest assis-
lance, and might fairly take "semper paratus
for his motto. The services of Mr.. Richard
E. Goodwin, a young gentleman well known
to Augusta people, were invaluable IN pro-
curing scenery, costumes and appointments,
while his intimate knowledge OF the
opera and extensive theatrical experience
enable him to furnish much usefui
inflammation and advice. Mr.. w. j. Lam
ders. aside from his stage duties, rendered
much aid in other ways, and to him. in COM
mon with several other brethren of the quill,
MANY thanks are due for favors extended.
whatever no one else was able to attend to
appeared to be always done by Mr.. George
w. Martin. Jr, and every member OF the
company is under obligations to him for
some transformations kindness. Principal U.
A. Robertson of the Grammar school. TO-
v.,her with the Board Of Directors, courteous
~ rendered the school room for the numerous
rehearsals. and the Unitarian society were
eonallv accommodating in giving the use OIL
their piano. Col. Charles B. Morton cheer'
fully devoted time and care to the arrange
ment of business details, never slow to rem
der a helping hand. 1t is unnecessary to say
that Conductor Drew of the NJ L. II. n,
was most attentive and oblging. for the iact
il we'll known to all whose good fortune
brings them in contact with him. Finally tne
members of the chorus were remarkable io'
the interest the took in perfecting their per
formance, exerting themselves as .nt
whole question of success or failure res.ee
With each individual alone. The com
nanv have received at least half dozei
invitations to play out OF town. ana
l. not improbable that some may De accePtee
=, an eariy date, while a new opera may pos
.;bIy be brought out before the end OF I'M
| eeasOn.