Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-26
METROPOLITAN THEATER.


The Emelie Melville English Opera Troupe
appeared at the Metropolitan last night to
very fine house. The company produced the
comic opera, ''The Royal Mildly" 1t was
well presented, and the evidences of careful
and discreet management were everywhere ap-
parent One set only of the new scenery for
the opera season was introduced, and it was
a decided relief from the monotony of the old
fats. The appointments, costumes and &C
cessvries were all very handsome, and though
the Royal Mildly in one scene-the most
important-was shorn Of some Of its effect by
reason of portion of the wardrobe being de.
layed en- route, it was brilliant and satisfy
ing spectacle. 1t is an operate extravaganza
founded on the odd adventures of Partisan
soubrette. at the Court of Portugal. Miss
Melville and Mr.. Freeman were the chief
figures, the centers of attraction, and
they were as near the line of COM
pleteness in their singing and stage bust
ness as the standard of the play demanded.
Miss Melville has lost none of the charm of
her manner, the grace of her carriage or the
piquancy of her acting, while Mr.. Freeman,
as the rich and witty Brazilian in search of a
woman who would repulse him, was admira-
BILE. He has been heard here but once be-
fore, but not then to such advantage as on
last evening. He, Miss Melville and Miss
Dungeon conspired to attain success, and sue
ceeded. The work, unsteady, is light, airy
and makes no heavy demand upon the voices
of these leading singers. The chorus
numbers are not difficult, and that
body acquitted itself with credit.
Miss Melville, always a favorite here, sang
as clearly and easily as if she was heartily
enjoying instead of executing task. Her
acting and singing are of the telling kind,
which characterize the accomplished actress
and the dramatic singer, in whom is COM
bined refinement and taste with fine vocal
organ, although those who heard her some
years ago will recognize loss of freshness and
a slight hardening of her tones, but will also
recognize a more finished style. Miss Din
geon must have been conscious of the
pleasure which her Interpretation of
very simple and rather effortless part gave.
Mr.. Hatch's tenor was very light, lacking in
vgor and force. While his tones were clear
enough and had good qualities, they were
thrown into rather undesirable contrast with
those of the other leading parts. The orches-
trail accompaniment, while very light, man.
aged at times to be noisy enough to subordi-
nate the voices OF the singers, but this was
infrequent. 1t lacked only in completeness
of numbers necessary to a full development
of the virtues of the score. As whole, the
production of the 6 Royal MILDLY " was de-
cided success and it is safe to forecast for the
troupe popularity and success here.
1t is well trained, strong in nun.
Der, has in it admirable actors, such |
as Miss Melville and Max Freeman,
Tom Casseli, Forester and Lafontaine, and is
admirably managed. 1t has opened season
here which promises to be full CT interest," re-
freshing, sparkling and unsteady enjoyable
in high degree. This afternoon the Royal
L L I . h.
game will be repeated, the lime lights burn
anew, the brilliant costumes glitter again, |
and the comcal adventures of Fanchett be
repeated. The afternoon prices are announced |
to be 70 cents for the dress CIRCLE 90 cents for
the gallery, % cents for children, and 81 for |
reserved seats. The opera will be given for
the last time tonight.