The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1885-01-21

and the sweetness Of her singing. She was
always delightful and interesting in her pc
culiar role, bnt her rendering of the Lul-
laby," introduced into the night scene of
the second act, brought the enthusiasm for
her to climax, and the repetition of the
charming song was demanded and grace
fully given. Mrs. r. 1. Pitkins Josephine
was signal success. Mrs. Pitkin's natural
gift for music and her dramatic talent were
not unknown. 1t was understood that she
had received some special instruction in the
difficult part she was to act, still the devel-
opment and improvement in compass and
quality Of her voice and style of singing,
and the finish and perfection of her acting
were highly fiattering to the capability and
aptness of the pupil. Manner and express
sion were pleasantly and gracefully adapted
to the exactions Of the varying situations;
taste and good judgment, animation and
strength marked her playing. Her singing
was invariably received with marks OF
pleasure and appreciation, but in the scend
in the second act she especially distin-
guished herself by the manner in which she
sustained the long and trying test of her
powers. Her success was recognized by a
hearty call for repetition, to which She
bowed her thanks. Miss Alice Lowe, as
Hebe, made dignitied and matronly " first
cousin to Sir Joseph, and well performed
her part. G. e. Roleau was an excellent
good voice, which appeared to advantage in
the solo, Fair Moon" at the opening of
the second act. Chas. f. Lowe also disclosed
voice that will repay cultivation. His
Bill Bobstay was well acted. e. e.
Blakely as Bob Beckett, and Master
Stevens, the midshipmite," should not
be forgotten in the distribution of the
honors. The Messrs. Tromblee, in their
respective characters, contributed decisively
to the success of the entertainment. Ralph
Rackstraw was well sung and acted, and
Dick Deadeye, inimitable in his grotesque
character, was a favorite also by virtue of
his merit as a vocalist. III. ID. Hopkins, Jr.,
by common consent, was chief in merit, as
well as rank, among the male characters.
We doubt if Sir Joseph ever had a more
worthy or more competent representative.
Mr.. Hopkins achieved perfection in his por-
trayal Of the high and lofty speech and man.
ner of the " First lord of the Admiralty"
The composure, assurance and frivolousness
Of the lordly Ruler of the Queen Navee"
were caught and reproduced in full and
even measure. AS piece of acting it was
the success OF the evening. Musically the
part does not present many opportunities
for distinction, but Mr.. Hopkins made the
most of those that exist. He proved more
than once that in the I" divine art " he is
chip of the old block" and this is distinc-
| ton enough for the young man at this stage
of his existence His dramatic and musical
ability, If the applause it evoked and the
sensation it produced is criterion, had per-
haps the best expression during the scene
in which he sent Captain Corcoran to his
cabin for swearing big big D." The
chorus deserves all good words of honest
praise that can be spoken. 1t was always
full-volumed in good time spirited and
brilliant, and always gave complete satisfac-
ton and a full measure of enjoyment. Es-
pecially delightful was the bdrcdrolle, d" Over
the bright blue sea-" by Sir Joseph's female
relatives. The picturesque costumes and
ndiUete of the misses were fresh and charm
ing features, which would be fortune to
any professional company. A little stage
smitten at first, all speedily warmed up to
their work and sang and acted with the un-
constraint of the rehearsal and the inspira-
ton caught from an applauding assembly.
However much the success of the perform
ance of the opera may have been due to the
ability and aptitude of the performers, it
was plain that without painstaking and per-
siStent drill and instruction, success would
have fallen short of completeness. To Mr..
j. III. Engels, the musical director the
credit is due of having brought, by his skill
and untiring efforts this mass Of undsci-
plined material into such harmonious and
successful action. Mr.. Engels played the
Accomplishments for the entire opera from
memory solely. Mr.. Charles Owler, stage
manager, and Mr.. j. j. Pratt, general man
ager, were, as usual, efficient in their re-
spective capacities, and contributed mate
rally to the attractive presentation of the
opera. The latter, for whose benefit Thurs
day evenings performance was given, re-
ceived fiattering mark of appreciation
from this community. The opera was re-
peated Friday evening. The fame of Thurs
day evenings success, in spite of disagree
BILE storm filed every nook and corner OF
Capital Hall. Standing room was ex-
hausted and applicants for admission turned
away long before the rising of the curtain.
There were some variations in details but
the success and the marks of appreciation
were as conspicuous as during the first per-
formance. The company gave the opera at
Barre Saturday evening This community
will wish to meet these young people again.
and often.