St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-12-23
4 Brilliant Nigh, at tn. Grand.

The engagement of the Boston Ideal Opera
company was inaugurated at the Grand last
night under the most brilliant auspices, at
least as far as the audience was concerned,
which was the largest and most fashionable
Of the season. The reception accorded the
old st. Paul favorites was also very enthu-
siastic and the performance was spirited and
enjoyable. The opera was Wells adaptation
from the French Of Serpette's "Fanchonette,"
a comic opera in three acts, and barring a
couple of unlocked for and unavoidable ac-
cidents, it went of admirably. The begin
ming Of the first act was marred by the sud-
den tumbling down Of the curtain, which
had the effect 10 scatteK the chorus
singers aud to greatly amuse the audience.
Subsequently in this act the curtain refused
to rise at the mandate of the prompter, and
it remained stuck fast between the footlights
and the flies for couple of minutes. But
all this was unavoidable. aud, aside from the
temporary embarrassment Of the singers, had
NO effect on the smooth rendition Of the
opera.
At the commencement Of the performance
Mr.. Forester, the stage manager, explained
TO the audience that Miss Lizzie Barton was
laboring under a severe cold, and that she
had been i'll for several days, in view of
which he begged the indulgence Of the audi
ence for any short comings.
That the explanation was sincere and
made IN good faith was afterwards evidenced
by the hOarse and throAty singing of Miss
Burton, who, in consequence, omitted some
OF the best numbers incident TO the role. The
plucky little lady went through the perform
ance admirably, however, and she is entitled
to great credit for attempting the role under
such trying circumstances. The argument
of the opera has hitherto appeared in these
columns. The interest arises from the ex-
.traordinary resemblance OF twin sisters, Fan
chonette and Clarice, the former French
miiliner and the latter an opera singer. The
scene is laid in Paris in the period Of Louis
XIV, upon the susceptible heart Of whom
C!arice has made a fond impression.
The royal voluptuary makes up his mind
10 possess the fair Clarice, and instructs his
minister OF police TO devise means to entrap
her. But the sOngbird loves another, the
gallant Count De Savigny, aud the wits of
twain are set working 10 thwart tire desires
Of the king. In order TO succeed in BAN
boozling the latter and his spies, Clarice is
by turns disguised as FanchOnette and as a
peasant girl. Various amusing complications
arise, and the lovers finally receive the bless
ing Of the king, and are happily united.
The opera is in three acts and the first act
opens rather tamely, there being q redun-
dance of dialogue. This is intended 10 ex-
plain the action, aud as the performance pro-
crosses 1t gains melody and interest The
score sparkles with bright music, but there is
not the opportunity for vocal work that ap-
pertains TO several of the more familiar com
positions in this company's repertoire. The
cast was excellent last night, and for a change
the opera was both acceptable aud
enjoyable. With the exceptions noted
the singing was, on the whole. quite
up to the well known vocal capacity of the la
dies and gentlemen Of this organization. Miss
Marie Stone appeared in the triple role of
Clarice, Fauchonette aud the peasant girl
She was in good voice, hut we have heard
her sing better, while her acting was charae-
teriZed By the usual grace, abandon and VI
yaeity. Mr.. Mcdonald sang and acted the
role Of the Count. He was gallant and
manly as usual, aud sang surprisingly we'll
The latter remark is also due Mr.. Mousell,
who appeared as Larose. His voice has
greatly improved in quality, sud heseems to
handle It with more method. his solo in the
SECOND ACT oeing nnely sung.
Mr.. Barnabee's appearance was the signal
for applause, and he was quite funny as
Hector de Caramelle, chief of the detective
bureau. He is just as spry as of yore, and
his appearance as the gay and giddy butter
1y with wing attachments may be imagined
but not described. Mr.. Rockingham was
capital as Biiou, the festive 0thello
OF the opera, and Mr.. Montgomery
made the most Of the roll OF D'Albert. The
THO, "Here are We three" BY Miss Stone,
Mr. Mcdonald ana Miss Burton, as Penelope
was the best thing Of the evening aud it re-
ceiyed triple encore The chorus did eff
fective work, the detectives song being
especially pretty. The Instrumentation was
good and the opera was nicely costumed.
The bohemian Giri'' viii be given to-
night with Whitney, Karl, Mcdonald, Miss
Timer and Miss Phillips in the cast