Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-03-27
ADJUSTMENTS.


-''-''+
Iolanthe ---.-.......-.......his Miss Louise Eissin,
The Fairy oueen''''... Miss Gepeyieve Reyiiold
Lena Miss Alice Butle
f!eta .--..........Miss May Wils or
The Lord Chancellor. samuel Reed
Strepn Charles W. DUNCAN
Lord Mount Ararat. ............ louis Carlberg
boiu Ioiioiier-'-. --........-.--P Philip Branson
Inc itsilHpeaIer..- ROBERT stanley
The production of Gilbert & Sullivan's
last opers, IOiaHthe, by Ford's Opera Com
pany, drew a very large audience TO Leu.
brie'a Theater last night. A number of per-
sons stood up around the walls, unable 10
get seats, but stayed to the conclusion of the
performance. The reputation Of the opera,
aud the pleasant remembrance of the COM
pany from last season had much to do with
this result. Itmay be remarked that Mr. Ford
has bettered himself in the latter respect. Miss
Bockel, the young lady with the charming
lisp and still more ch aiming manner, is hap
PLY retained as prtma donna. Her copce D.
ton OF Phyllis" was an additional proof Of
the intelligence that has placed her high
above many of the alleged queens of comic
opera. She is always natural, and there
dience. The "Fairy Queen" Miss Louise
Kissing, sasg her part With facility
and acted it we'll Miss Genevieye
Reynolds, as her "fronI" name i'm plies, was OF
considerable Importance in the cast. No one
after seeing Genevieve Ward in Forget Ne.
Not could forget that there is something in
name, the gentle Juliet to the contrary
notwithstanding. She had no voice in pro-
portion to her size and Christian aame; but
let that pass Mr.. Reed as the "Lord Chan
cellor'' showed the quality OF a good actor,
though his vocal ability is limited. He viii
never set the river on fire, but, az
Warrington said of Peudennis as q
novelist, he "does we'll enough Mr..
DUNCAN is among the improvements
that Mr.. Ford hiss made in the personnel Of
his company. He is graceful, a thorough
setor, and has pleasing voice. He made
as much Of "Strephon" as the ridiculous
character would admit. Louis Carlberg,
who took the part of "Lord Mount Ararat,"
ls ALEC an acquisition, and Philip Branson
('Lord TolloIIer') wss an agreeable sur
prise. His voice ia a clear, true robust
tenor, aud of more than ordinary range. Ire
voice OF the company, however, is that OF
L. w. Raymond, who modestly contented
himself with the part of private Willis"
1t Is one Of the pleassntest aud best
managed bsritones that the writer
has heard. His song, "When All Night
Long Chap .Remains.n received a
double eHeOrs. The ohoruses were well
rendered, indeed with a regard for finish
and fullness OF sound not often heard. and
the orchestra was in full accord. The opera
was, on the whole, excellently given. and
therefore criticism upon its intrinsic merits
Is possible. The FIRST act failed to arouse
the audience, as did the first act
Of Patience last season. 1t seemed
rather scientifc, Wsgnerisn affair
that you would hear, and after
death your children might appreciate. 1t
v as English In the provincial sense. Saving
me IncoDgruous introduction Of the fairies,
t was redolent of Chancery lane, and had
decidedly Jsrndyce rs. Jsrndyce favor. The
music seemed In harmony with Coke on Lit
he more than any other harmony.
mere were Two bright exceptions TO this
nus'y Tuie-the chorus of fairies, "Trip
ping Hither,, Tripping Thiiher," in
lgnt, fanciiul measure, and the ensemble of
aries and peers. The second act |
began more auspiciously-with 'Privste |
Wiliis's" solo, already mentioned, followed |
Y a lively chorus of the peers and fairies,
'otrephon's a Member of Parliament" |
md besutiful duet between Leila" and |
'Cella"-"In Vain TO Us You Plead,n with
In accompaniment by Lords "Mount Ararat"
Ind "Iolloller," and an exquisite orches-
ration. The qusstette in which "Phillis,D
Lord Tolioller," lord Mount Araral" and
Willis" take part, is another gem. The
pera Is, in fine, one that depends
hIehy upon concerted members and
he orchestra, There is not a solo
1t that one can remember after hear.
ng 1.-THE first time. The dialogue has all
he paradoxical absurdity of Patience, Pima.
're and the Pirates, without the favor of wit
hat redeemed the three ops" Iolanthe will
. repeated at the Wednesday matinee
o night the company will produce Les
ldntea,ez Noirs. and "Wednesday night
trauss's Merry War.