Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-04-26
1.-THE PIARTES.,,
Another Triumph for Savannah
Musical Talent.

Last evening the Theatre was filed with
a large and fashionable audience, represent
ing the best class of our community, the
occasion being the first representation of
the comic opera "The Pirates of Penzance"
by Savannah talent, under the direction of
Prof. G. s. Mallette. The family circle was
also filed, and the private boxes all occu-
pied.
The predictions made in these columns,
based upon the rehearsals, were more than
realized IL possible, and the performance In
every respect proved q grand and brilliant
success, and added another diamond to the
crown already won by our Savannah talent
in music and the drama. The play was ex-
cellently mounted, the costumes new, at
t~ractlye and appropriate, and the two acts
went off without a II imperfection. Con-
sidering the acknowledged difficult charac-
ter of the music, the high degree OF perfec-
ton to which Prof. Mallette had brought
the amateurs, many of whom had never par
ticipated In q musical performance before,
reflected the highest credit upon his ability,
judgment and perseverance,, and he has
good reason to be proud Of his success. The
principal characters were admirably sus-
tanned. Mr.. w. II. May as Frederick" and
Mrs. Clara Johnston as "Mabel," in solo
u d0Ct3 NOI0 1O6 Chbuu6AdoblCdllH IT
ceived. Lu fact, "Mabel's" song, after she
makes her appearance among her sisters and
announces that she will accept "Freder-
ick,' resulted in a perfect ovation,
and several handsome bouquets were
thrown her, and the applause continuing,
she was compelled to repeat it. Miss Ferst
as Edith" sang with rare sweetness, and
well personated her part, while the "Kate"
Of Miss Hattie Rutzler was piQuant and
charming. Miss c. Belle Watts as "Isabel"
displayed a sweet voice and rare grace.
Mrs. J.. &. BeTrien had a severe part in
"Ruth," the piratical maid of all work, but
very successfully rendered it.
AS "Richard," the Pirate Chief, Mr..
Frank NJ. Readick surprised his many
friends, who, though aware of his ability as
a dramatic amateur, had not anticipated so
creditable a rendition of a musical role,
and his song, "I'm a Pirate King" was
heartily a%pplauded. Mr.. T. g. Leutze was
a capital "Major General" and wore the
honors of his exalted station with rare
dignity. His ~personation was easy and
natural, and was exceedingly creditable.
Mr.. j. a. O'Byrne made a good Lieutenant
for the Pirate King, and Mr.. Ray, as "Ser-
geant OF Police" was very clever. His
song "When the festive burglar is not oc-
cupied in burgling' was given with fine
effect, and the policeman chorus was very
good. The choruses generally were un-
usually fine, and showed careful training,
and all who participated are entitled to high
credit.
The entire opera was rendered in a style
that would put to blush the performances
of many professional operate companies,
and was, as we gave stated, a browning
honor to Savannah amateurs, and a great
credit to the musical director, Professor
Mallette.
This evening the opera will be repeated,
and, as the sale of reserved seats has been
quite large, another fine house may be an
~ticipated. Tomorrow afternoon there will
be a matinee for the benefit Of ladies and
children.