Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-02-03
zee .sPlrals.,, oan.nra sarannah.

Tbe "Piratss;, GaptuTs saTaonah,
Tne ''Plrates OF pensancen was presented
last evening at the Savannah Theatre BY
D'oyly Csrte's London Opera Company to
the largest and most fashionable house of
the season. The popularity of "Plnafore,"
by Messrs. Gilbert and Sullivan, had ex-
cited great desire to see and hear their
second effort, "The Pirates of Pen
zance," which had been highly commended
by the Northern press upon its first produc-
ton, and the result was that every
one who could secure good seats was
present last night. We noticed
among the audience many of our
leading musical amateurs aud their Joining
In the applause, which was frequently given
during the evening, indicated that the new
sensation bad received their hearty APP
prevail Tnis appreciation, of course, was
accorded the music and singing, and posi-
Oily had no connection whatever with the
merits OF the opera as compared with
"Pinafore"
We may touch lightly upon a few points
OF difference between the two ope ettas,
which seem to provoke legitimate COMPARE
son. The fun Of ''PinafoTe'i was so clear
and simple, both 10 the text aud music,
that It forced itself at once upon the most
careless listener. The humor of the
Pirates" is richer, but more reconcile. It
demands closer attention to the words
than the ordinary playgoer will always give;
perhaps 1t requires more distinct enuneia-
tion than singers usually think Il worth
while to cultivate. There Is, however,
much wit and absurdity In the dialogues
and songs, which, though not so easily
caught as the popular fun OF
'FlnaIore," must necessarily add
to the attractions of the opera
after 1t has been seen the second time. The
music is undoubtedly Of higher class than
'PinaforeI" and is brilliant and lively. The
costumes aud stage appointments were all
In excellent style, and the orchestra, under
Sig. 1ntropedi, was superb. The sketch
OF the opera, which was published
in the Sunday telegram, and which appears
to have been generally read, enabled the
audielce to the more thoroughly appreciate
and understand the absurdities and hits.
The chorus near the close of the
first act, which has the character
of a serious prayer, was capitally
given. There were few solos, but the duos
were sweetly rendered. The chorus of the
policemen may, however, be considered the
muslcallY humorous number of the opera,
and evoked the heartiest applause. The
solo of the "Msjor General" In the first
act. was also encored.
The company is large one and possesses
talent. The numerous daughters of the
"Msjor General" are pretty vivacious and
graceful, and particularly in the dis
cussion Of the momentous weather"
subject, while "Mabel'' and "Frede-
ric'' were counting did they captivate
the audience. Miss Walsh SIS "Mabel"
gave evidence OF 8 sweet and cultivated
voice, and was enthusiastically received.
The Ruth" of Nine Mott was excellently
acted and well sung. Mr.. Nash az Samuel"
Sig. Brocolina as the Pirate Chief" Mr..
Donovan as "Frederic'' and Mr.. Ryley as
''Msjor General Standish" presented their
parts satisfactorily. In brief, the "Pirstes
of Perzance" is sparkling and interesting
operate gem with considerable merit.
1t will be repeated at a matinee this after
noon at half-past two O'Clock, and tonight
the company give their farewell perform
ance. or course everybody who was not
present last night will want to see the
''Pirates," and especially General Standish's
charming daughters, and another large
house may be anticipated.