The Portland daily press., 1883-10-08
TrienniaI Council of Congregational
Churches
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
THE IDEALS.


The Stockbridge course was brilliantly
opened by the Ideal Opera Company at City
Hall Saturday night. The hall was packed to
repletion, and not only was every seat taken,
but there were many people glad to avail them
selves of an opportunity to stand through the
entire performance.
Auber's bright. sparkling opera received
admirable treatment at the hands of the
Ideals. Not since the Carleton troupe pro-
duced it in the old Portland Theatre, five or
six years ago, have its tuneful melodies, it's
dramatic scenes and comical situations been
presented to our citizens, although previous to
that occasion Mr.. James A. Arnold created
most favorable impression as tie brigand in
the presentation of Fra Diavolo by the Tilla
English Opera Company. Miss Stone was
vivacous Zerlina, and her flexible soprano rem
dered the music of the part most aoceptably.
What her Interpretation of the music lacked,
as compared with her appearance in the same
part with the Carleton troupe, was counter
balanced b3 her spirited acting. Miss Ulmar
was oharmingly coquettish as Lady Alcast,
and sang the part fairly. Mr.. Tom Karl was q
fair Fra Davolo, but, while he sang well, be
couldn't begin to act the part with Arnold
Mr.. Whitney and Mr.. FrothiDgham were ex-
cellent as Beppo and Giacomo. They not
only made up artistically, but sang and acted
with proper appreciation of their characters
Whitneys solo was encored, aud so was the
duet and dance between rockingham and
Whitney in the third act. Mr.. MorselPs pleas
ant tenor was heard to advantage in the part
of the Brigadier. The ohoruses and ensembles
were given with fire and spirit, the orchestra
was well handled By Mr.. Studley, and the
representation may be entitled decided sue
cess.
In the afternoon the new opera of "The
Weathercock," adapted by Oscar We'll, re-
ceived its second perfor n ance at the hands of
the Ideals. The performance seemed to par
take more of the character Of dress rehearsal.
The company appeared moreintent on making
sure of 1heir dialogue than on stage business.
1t is hardly fair under such circumstances to
pass decided opinions on an opera. From
first hearing we should say the music was light,
the opera containing a number of bright,
tuneful airs, none of which seemed to linger in
the memory. The ensembles at the close Of
each act we're well worked up, and one, with
its Spanish characteristics, was rather taking
Dealing as it does with the military, it is
natural that almost all the music is of mar
tial character. The libretto, like most trans
lations from the French or German, is vertable
trash and caused the scenes. in many instances,
to drag. The fun is rather heavy. 1t hasn't
the sparkle of such operas as Fra Diavolo. 1t
seems as if the plot wasn't big enough for the
three acts of the play. But this opinion might
be changed by future hearing.
OF the characters all evidently sang and
acted conscientiously. Miss Stone and Mr..
Macdonald had a very pretty duet, doubts all
depart" Mr.. Karl bolero, "I've Just arrived
from Seville," and Miss Phillips a song,
When first l was besought to We'd" in the
hrst act; Mr.. Barnabee the song of the
Weathercock, Miss Stone and Mr.. Macdonald
duet, "All my heart, love, is thine /" aud
Miss Phillips song, "Triumphed have you,
on Colardo," in t1e second act; these were the
best numbers of the opera apart from the en-
sembles. Mss Phillips made an admirable