St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-04-03
Barrie BIeue.

LIE Uranu contained Jne largest anu HOsl
brilliant audience since its inaugural last
night to hear the Ideals in their rendition OF
''Barbe Bleue," or ''Blue Beard.'' The
opera is in three acts, and the original score
is in Offenbach's best vein.
The plot is the most Frenchy of all bouffe
| operas, but as presented by the Ideals it is
well nigh emasculated, this no doubt being
a concession to either the pseudo prudish
scruples of either the company or the pub
| lie.
AS presented last night the plot was both
shallow and involved, as will be seen by the
annexed outline.
The score of Barbe Bleue was composed by
Offenbach, the librettists being the distin-
guished dramatists, Henri Meilhac and Luz
dovic Halevy. As intimated by the title, the
action hinges on the nursery tale of Blue
Beard, gentleman who was equally remark
able for this number of wives and the facility
| with which he disposed Of them. The plot of
the opera is mere skeleton of the legend,
however, several of the most startling incl
dents Of the fable being omitted. The chief
characters are Barbe Bleue, courtier Of King
Bobeche; Count Oscar, another courtier; Po-
polani, chemist and soothsayer to Blue Beard,
Boulotte, formerly shepherdess and now
the sixth spouse of Blue Beard; Clementine,
Bobeche's queen, Fleurette, her daughter,
described as Princess Hernia, and Prince
Saphir, disguised in the first scene as shep-
herd, and afterward Hermia's betrothed. In
the unfolding of the plot Fleurette is discov-
cred to be the lost daughter of Bobeche and
Clementine, found after long search by Count
Oscar. In the course of his search he seeks
a rosiere from the most charming girl of a
village, and by neat fraud the prize is
won by Boulotte, a shepherdess.
Fleurette subsequentlybecomes betrothed to Sa
phir, whom she loved when country girl. The
wiley Blue Beard in quest of sixth spouse
came to Popolani who directs his attention to
Boulotte. The ancient Mormon falls in love
with her, learns she is rosiere, and marries
her.
Trouble then follows at court, the King
having ordered Oscar, and five others put to
death on account of jealousy. Afterwards
the wretch wearies of Boulotte and orders her
poisoned. The alchemist only pretends to
do so and, thinking she is dead Blue Beard
He fights duel with Saphir and wounds
him slightly. Popolani seeks revenge and
hearing that the wives and enemies whom
Blue Beard ordered dispatched were hid in a
convent he DISCUSSES them as gypsies and
| confronts Blue Beard and Hernia as they re-
turn from church. Bobeche proposes for
tune telling to Blue Beard; Boulotte, who
has been restored to life, acts as prophecies,
| end so startled does Blue Beard become at
the revelations that he trembles with terror.
| The masks of his wives and courtiers are
| thrown aside, and in conclusion the five
gentlemen wed the first five wives.
Saphir who has been restored takes Hernia
| to his heart and home and Boulotte and Blue
| Beard bury the Ratchet and call it draw.
| The opera has a few melodies that are
| worth listening to; some fine concerted num-
beers and most admirable orchestration. AS
given by Miss Ober's company nearly all the
above mentioned factors were preserved
especially the latter. There are two funny
scenes and these were worked up for all they
were worth, but during the remainder of the
opera there was dearth of interesting mater
ial Marie Stone and, Macdonald were the
leading characters in the opera, the remain
der having but little opportunity to display
their talents, and all the rest must divide the
others. 1t was good and proper entertain
ment, and fairly enjoyable. Marie Stone
was splendid, and Macdonald made a great
effect throughout especially in his prison
song.