The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1884-04-03
aANDsosrE SUCCESS.
The PresenfagEon By Home TaIeDt OF the
OPsra sorcerer in This City
From Fridays Daily

4 AAA~11 ROR4AoA CbAAk OoNAD1 A14 A~%-cNAo
much Of the brilliancy which has rsnder-
ed their later operas such fayoFites with
the public. The plot is very happily con-
ceived, and It's simplicity brings 1t easily
within the compass Of amateur perform
ers. The music Ia bright and attractive,
and the arrangement of the
piece is picturesque and pleasing.
The interest IN the opera Is well sus
tanned by g succession of humorous sit
uations and incidents, and the agreeable
denouement crowns the performance
with excellent effect.
The preparations for tie production
OF the opera here have covered period
OF probably ten weeks, and as the best
talent in the city Is included in the Gas.
the expectation of fine performance
which was so general throughout the
city was not without reasonable founda-
ton. To say that the anticipations of
the audience last night were more
than realized is simply stating the
truth. The manner in which the
opera was produced was q most
delightful surprise even to those who ex-
pected to be pleased, and the very merit
orious character OF the entertainment
furnished gratifying proof of the possi-
bilities of careful preparation when
coupled with such talent as Euporis
possesses. The element of nice taste
was cOmpassed In every detail Of the
performance, and the discretion dis
played IN the mounting Of the piece
and the facility with which
the different members Of the cast mas
tered the stage business was exceeding
ly creditable We take this
opportunity Of saying that much
of the excellence of the ven.
ture In this direction is due to Mr.. John
Henning who looked after those mat
tiers, and TO Mrs c.. s. Cross, whose IN
telligent Suggestions in this connection
were employed 20 great advantage by the
managtr.
Mrs. q. s Cross, as the leading lady,
won new lsurels by her assumption of
Aline. The Importance of the part
rendered it necessary to the success of
the opera that it should be taken by some
one fully equal to the artistic PRESERVATION
of the central figure of the cast and it is
only just praise to say that the demands
made upon this accomplished lady were
met in q most satisfactory manner. Her
dramatic and musical culture and her
rare taste were never displayed to more
singal advantage than on last night and
her fine acting and singing, supplement
ed as II was by wardrobe Of exception
al elegance made her the object Of
universal admiration.
Miss Eunice Filley, of BurliDgame,
as Constance, scored q very great sue
cess. Her first solo captured the audi
ence and deepened the CONVICTION which
has long been entertalued by the people
of EmporIa that tins lady has in her
voice treasure which, with proper cul
tivation, would yield her rich returns
should she decide to become profess
sional singer. Her style upon the stage
is piqusut and charming, aud her work
last evening was all that could be de-
sired.
Miss Fish, of Burlingame, whose fine
contralto voice has made her a great ia
vorite with lovers of music in EmporIa,
appeared to handsome advantage as
Lady Sangazure, q dowager of ancient
lineage, her graceful bearing, fine figure,
elegant costume and her superior vocal
attachments, all contributing to q high
ly succt ssful assumption of that role.
Miss Fish seems SO entirely at home
on the stage that it was difficult to re-
alize that her appearance last evening
was the first one she ever made in such
a capsciiy.
Mrs. Psrtlett, the "clean and tidy
WILDLY, well be-known for miles around, -
found an excellent interpreter in Miss
Cora Blair, whose dressing aud acting
of the part were admirable. AS the en-
SLAYER of Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre,
she showed very happy appreciation
Of her role and carried it out with ex-
cellent fidelity.
The gorgeous Alexis, the betrothed
OF Aline, and commander of the Gren-
adler Guards, was personated by Joe
Murphy, whose fine stage presence and
excellent voice equips him well for that
part. He sustained himself throughout
in q very handsome manner. His sing
ing was more than creditable, and his
costumes, which are admirably designed,
were worn with grace that would do
credit to q professional performer.
/ nalar, he - IL,
In the hands of Gen. 81. Mays, proved an
exceedingly clever impersonation. In
deed, We think we may say that the
dramatic talent displayed by Mr.. Mays
was quite a revelation to the audience.
His entire self possession, his keen ap-
prehension of the spirit of his part, and
the felicitous methods employed in its
Dortrayal, ali won for Mr.. Mays instint-
ed aud merited applause. We are sat
Isfied that his part of tho work could
} not have been improved upon.
The Sorcerer, John Wellington
, Wells, was personated by John E
Henning, as only John could dc
II. The part seems 10 have been either
, made for John or John for the part, and
r so far as the result is concerned it is n oil
, material which. The character is sufh
, GENTLY q otesque to bring out in the best
! possible light Mr.. Henning's powers as
{ e comedian, and it Is needless to say
/ that he made of it \ great card, and Il
possible increased his popularity with
the amusement lovers of Emporia.
a s. F. Murphy as Sir MarmadukI
D Pointdextre gave a faithful picture Of
: the susceptible nobleman whose yearn
d ings for sympathy and love finally
arouse q responsive flame in the brcas
OF Mrs. Partlett.
L. 8. Page, as the notoray, completed
the cast, and msde the most of mino
part.
!. The choruses were rendered in q styl,
which showed thorough preparation an,
! were the best we have ever hear
A In this city. The time was perfect an
the combination of voices was singU
, larly fortunate. Judge E. w. Cunning
ham had charge of this part of the worl
and the manner in which 1t was don
proved his fitness for the position {
director.
The stage was prettilY decorated wit
l. flowers, and the picturesque peasal
costumes of the chorus added TO the effe
of the tasteful settings. Miss AnI
Or Goddard, as accompanist proved q MOI
valuable factor in the production of Il
-, opera and presided at the piano with b
usual acceptability. The performan,
'r will be repeated this evening, and '
take pleasure In commenting the ope
hv to our readers as worthy of their mo
generous patronage Do not fail To a