The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-02-24
AMUSEMENT
THE PIRATES OF PENzANcE" AT Pixies.

MesSrS Gilbert q Sullivan's new opera,
the Pirates of Penzance,,s which has made
such hit at the Fifth Avenue Theater,
New York, where it is still Running to
crowded houses, was produced for the first
time in this city at Pixies Opera-house last
night The audience was a fine one, and
the performance was received with the
greatest enthusiasm. 1t was evident from
the first that the piece was decided hit.
lnplace of ''Sir Joseph Porter, X. G. b."
there is "Majo Gen. Stanley" Of the Brit
ish Army, who is quite as absurd a lerson-
age as his naval pr edecessor. Instead of
little "Buttercup." who practiced baby
farming and mixed the children, there is
piratical maid-of-all-wOrk who makes an
apprentice of her infant charge to the pi-
rate chief. The sisters and cousins and
aunts are in this play daughters of the
"Major- General" The story is exceedingly
droll, full of good points, odd rhymes, and
irresistibly comical situations. There is
an underlying current of humor which
shows the talent of Mr.. Gilbert in this pc.
culiar line, and it would be impossible for
a confirmed misanthrope to refrain from
upon the stage, and is picturesque from
first to last.
The amusement that is caused by in
cougruous' situations and the absurd gray
ity with which the pretended seriousness
of certain scenes is carried out, we're the
cause of irrepressible laughter last night
The text Is so full of points that it can
hardly be appreciated at single hearing
Mr.. Sullivan has been a faithful and valu.
able partner of Mr. Gilbert in the music he
has written for this bright little work.
There is genuine musical merit in several
of the numbers. The chorus near ii e close
of the first act, which has the character OF
a serious pray er, the duo for the soprano
and tenor in the second act, and an aria for
soprano on her appearance in the first act,
are exceedingly clever compositions.
There are a number of other bright and
lively airs, choruses and concerted pieces
which are likely to become popular. A
chorus of policemen was the most mu-
sically-hnmorous number of the evening,
and provoked more amusement than any
thing else during the performance.
Mr.. Sullvan's abilities as musician are
shown in even the trivial and light "tunes''
which are introduced. There is nothing
thin or weak about it, and the jingle of it
is always agreeable In word, it is
bright and engaging operate trihe, and is
full of the same merit that has made "Pin-
afore" so successful
All through the piece is a cropping out of
"Pinafore," in some parts so strong that you
sometimes almost think you are listening
to an air from that familiar work and catch
yourself trying to place it. When "Admi-
raj Stanley" steps upon the rocks and says
"Yes, am Major General" one is al
m st surprised that his words are not Yes,
Pm Captain OF the Pinafore." The SINH
larity of the music is just as close as the
dialogue. There is the same sparkling SIM
plicity here that made "PinafOre" popular,
and it will not be week before the public
will be puzzled to recall whether the boot
black on the corner is whistling an extract
from "Pinafore' or "Penzance."
The climax of resemblance in the dia-
lOgue is reached and brings down tile
house, when Gen. Stanley's daughters ex-
plain who these pirates are by saying,
They are all noble young men who have
done wrong" The question quickly comes,
What, all?" And the reply, 'Well-
nearly ALL"
The solo parts are very we'll handled.
| Miss M. ConroOn as "Mabel," Gen. Stan
ley's youngest daughter, was quite fine,
especially for one new in such role. She
has an uncommonly sweet voice, and sings
not only with ease, but with the natural
sparkle SO essential to such piece. "Major
Stanley" in the person of Mr.. McCallin
sang his part quite ceverly, with the ex-
ception of a stumble or two among some
very difficult lines. Miss Laura Joyce. as
"Ruth," the Pirates Maid, and Erred
erick," the apprentice, are quite well suit
ed to the parts, and sang them with credit.
Mr.. VIM. Paul Brown. eSergeant of
Police. is good singer and Jor. This is
his second visit here tis season, and he
| will be welcome no matter how frequently
he comes. The orchestra and chorus are
quite good, and altogether the production
| of the pirates of Penzance" here must be
pronounced a brilliant success The piece
| is in two acts:
Act IA rocky seashore on the coast of
Cornwall, England.
Act ia ruined chapel on General
Stanley's estate.
| For both the stage is beautifully set, and
as fully as one is engrossed with the spark
ling music and humorous dialogue, the ar
tlstlc setting OF the stage is sure to attract
attention. Every night this week, and
Wednesday and Saturday matinees.
UNCLE TOMS CABIN AT THE GRAND.
Again and again will the same people see
the drama of "Uncle Toms Cabin" and en-
joy it. In fact. many who never 60 inside
of theater from one production OF this
piece till another are sure to make it a
point to be on hand When Uncle Toms
Cabin" is announced. The drama seems
to have as strong nold on the public as
has Mrs. Stoves book. Both seem deter
mined to live through all ages If, by
accident, there is one VINO las not seen
"Uncle Toms Cahin' played, whenever
the subject is mentioned, he feels the neces-
sity of taking it in as early as possible,
being subject to the kind of feeling of iso.
lation that hovers about the person who
never heard ''Pinafore."
Tne company now presenting this Old
favorite at the Grand is recognized as being
the most successful that has played the
piece of late years. Mr.. Gotthold is a fine
actor and has paid particular attention to
producing the piece in novel style. The
introduction in the play of real colored
folks with well trained voices and other
novel features takes the piece out of the old
ruts and makes it entertaining even t, those
who have seen it many times before
Every night and matinee Wednesday after
noon,