Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-12-10
"Ps,Ienee,, at the Theatre.

The opera by Gilbert & Sulliven, entitled
Patience" concerning which so much has
been said, was announced to be given at the
Theatre last evening by the Ford Comic
Opera Company, and the occasion was
honored with the finest and largest audience
Of the season. Very few present had seen
the opera, and, in consequence of the repu-
tation 1t has achieved, expectation Of a
charming and delightful entertainment was
raised to the highest pitch. The audience
were, however, compelled to exercise their
"patienee," as the curtain was not rung up
until quarter of O'Clock, the delsy being
OccsslOned from detention on the railroad,
the train not reaching the city until after
O'Clock. The company were hungry and
tired, but were compelled to go at once to
the Theatre and hurriedly complete their
arrangements, and the imperfeciions that
may have marked the performance may be
attributed to this cause.
The opera, whilst amusing, possesses
some Objectionable features, and the Ian
guage in one or two instances Is rather
broad, especially for an aesthetic production.
Several OF the scenes recall forcibly the
"Pirates" and "PiDafore," while to our
mind the music is not as sparkling or Of as
high character. This may have been rem
dered more noticeable by the fact that the
orchestra was not fully up to the require
ments and the piano was sadly out Of tune.
With all these disadvantages, however,
patience" was very pleasingly presented,
and the performance was enjoyed BY the
audience, as attested by the applause,
which, though not frequent, was cordial
when given.
Miss Madeleine Lucette, who assumed the
role Of Patience" is a clever, piquant
actress, and made q favorable impression.
Her voice is under good control, but it was
apparent she was suffering from cold.
She was several times complimented with
the plsudits of the house. Messrs. Renne
aud fitzgerald, as "Reginsld and Alger-
non" did cspitslly. The singing Of "rhe
Magnet and the Hardware Shop" by the lat
ter was enthusiastically applauded, and the
former was also favored with an encore. His
voice is weak, but be is a fine actor, although
he spoiled the effect of his song, ga most
intense young man" by introducing several
local gags, which were not called for as
encOres by the audience, and which were
rather nGlaprop. The "Willow Waly 0"
duet was splendidly given, and
the melody highly enjoyed.
Mr.. Curley's "MsjOr Murgatroyd" was
very good, and Mr.. Chas. +. Lang, as 'Lfent.
Duke OF Donegal" was exceedingly clever
10 acting and sang well. We may also par
ticularly commend the "Lady Jane"
of Miss McHenrY, which was an ex
cellent portraiture. The other rspturOus
mAidens, Ladies Angels, saphyr and Ellie,
found satisfactory representatives in Miss
May Stembler. Miss Mamie Taylor and Miss
Clara Peck. We may say on the whole that
while possibly the high expectations OF the
audience may not have been fully realized,
the performance was pleasing and afforded
satisfaction.
This afternoon viii be given "Mascoite"
fnr the matinee performance, and tonight,
the last of the company, will be presented
for the first time here the charming opera
'-Billee Taylor"