St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-07-15
ADJUSTMENTS.
The Werrg Var.


The most successful Of comic operas from the
gushing and fertile mind OF that wizard of mel
odists, Johann Strauss, ''The Merry War was
presented for the first time in this city at the
Grand last night, by the Carleton English Opera
company. The presentation was accorded large
and fashonableaudience and as the latter was not
disposed to be critical the reception fattering.
There were discrepancies however but they
were not glaring, and on the whole q most enjoy
able and agreeable surprise was encountered by
many Of those In attendance. The company is q
new one, and although comprising several artists
OF recognized vocal and musical ability, it was
natural to suppose that the inaugural perform
anees would not be characterized by any very
high degree OF finish. And this is where the sur
prise came in, for on the
whole it was we'll rounded and
although wanting in complete symmetry 1t was
avery delightful presentation.
The theme OF the libretto, on which the scene
s based, arises from tilt between the petty
provinces OF Genoa and Carrara, caused by the
engagement at the theaters OF each, at the same
time, of favorite dancer, each province striving
Tor the favors of the young mistress of Terpsi-
shore. During the action pretty countess,
Violetta, enters the rival city
in disguise with the view OF obtaining command
OF the fortress. The colonel in command, I'm
berto falls a victim to the deception, and grants
permission 70 pass through the lines. but decides
TO take revenge by marrying her. Having heard
that she is about to marry the Duke de Limburg
by proxy, he arrauges to represent the Duke aud
il safely married 20 the lovely Nioletta without
exciting her suspicion TO his identity
He Is assisted in this by Groots, Dutch dealer
IN tulip bulbs. whom the soldiers have captured.
thinking him spy, and who willingly personates
Nhst ali Iaaf ffsv 80. in rha
awkward matrimonial arrangement because OF
the presence OF Groot's wife, Elsa, her Jealousy,
the autipathy Of Nioletta toward her supposed
husband, and her affection Tor Umberto, all OF
which are dissolved by a subsequent explanation
and 4 treaty Of peace between the militants, on
receipt Of the intelligence that the cause OF the
war had taken leave of both theaters.
The score, ike all OF STRAUSS music, abounds
In catchy and spFightly airs, and the eoloring IS
warm and sensual In fact the opera is a triie
Frenehy In It's suggestiveness, several Of the hits
bordering on grossness OF vulgarity.
The cast was follows:
violetta-w widowed Countess Of LomeIlini.
cousin CT Artemisia. 1890. Miss Lily Post
Artcraisia-Princess Of Malaspina. wife OF
the Prince Of MasSa Carrara. Miss Rose Beardet
Elsa-Witetf Beithazar Groot.
.............-..........J Jessie Bartlett Davis
Marquis FiilIppo SebaStini-Nephew to the
Princess. ........... Mr.. jay {. Taylor
Balthazar Groot-A tulip planter from Hol-
= land. ,....-.-.-.........He Gustav Adolphi
Ricardo Sarrazzo. II. L. Raftenbury
Carlo SpinEi...- ---.........,.--.Mr. :. I. Psrr
FORTUNATE Franchetti. ..-..-........Ar. q Hunt
Young nobleEaen in the service OF the Genoese
Republic
Col. Won Sheelen-In the service Of the
haSe Won Li1aoUrg ..........--Mr. +. Dowd
Bsfh SeFscaRts in the .......-.. Mr.. c, Fais
Gint fGeonese service 49,. Mr.. G. Atwood
Theresa-CaPtain Of the guard.
.......-....s..........SI Miss Clara T. Wisdom
Imoerton >plncta. ....-.--..Ar. ". T. Carleton
A young Nooleman and General commanding
the Gsuoese army.
Considered vocally, there i little room for
fAuls tnding. bat the sane cannot be said wfth
regard 70 the histri0uic ability OF some OF the
members Of the company. the acting being in
some instances crude aud suited. But this viii
improve amen.
Miss Post. Yialetta. wss graceful as 70
stage presence. and she possesses a clear. lfmpid
ard pleasant vqirs. her numbers moreover being
marked b. considerable oppression.
The ahiigyof Mss Davis i 80 we'd known and
appreciated here as 10 call for Httia comment
Shs sang finely last night her voice having lost