The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-02-03
ADJUSTMENTS.
FoRp's OPERA COMPANY.


By reason of the delayed train from Louis-
vile last evening having on board the tenor
of the Ford Company an otherwise admira-
bic performance of Bslfe's masterpiece.
bohemian Girl" was marred almost beyond
recognition. The stupidity that permitted
one of the principals, Mr.. Thomas Christy,
who was cast as "Thsddeus," to remain
over in Louisville for the evening train
proved disastrous. 1t was q remarkable
audience as 10 size and also as to good
nature, as the long waits ct the start and be-
tween the first and second acts, as well as
the stage confusion and cold-blooded muir
dering of parts substituted in these acts
was provocation enough to have
fuffled any audience OF ordinary good be-
haVior. The popularity of this opera, whose
bloom seems perennial, was somewhat en-
dangered. As to the capacity of this organi-
cation the score thoroughly tested it aud re-
vealed its weak points. No structure can lie
against Mrs. Seguin, whose capabilities are
always adequate to anything she under
takes. OF course she was the principal
attraction, cast as the "Gipsy Queen" q
role that seemingly must have been written
II suit the wonderful pathos passion and
SCI 5ibility of her ripe and mellow contralto
voice. Just In the zenith of her
power, che unites to her magnif.
in ell the mastery OF art the talent
o. superb actress. Her singing gives uni
ve rsal pleasure, aud if the character of
airline" was wholly emasculated the
"Gipsy Queen" of Mrs. Seguin would neoes-
sarily fill the hiatus, so fully does she COM
prehend the character OF the sad "Queenn
she personates; giving it with tragic force
and yet with the utmost simplicity. OF the
solos the most effective was the plaintiye
song, "Bliss Forever Past" Every one was
thrilled by its passionate expression. She
was enthusiastically applsuded and rede-
manded.
The "Thaddeus' Of Mr.. Christy. who an
peared only in the second and third acts, for
the reason given above, is not an ideal one
or such as the author contemplated vet bar
ring slight exsggeration it was acceptably
given. he is quite young man, possessing
a moderately strong, fresh, sympathetic
tenor voice, with evidentlya good future.
His Fair Land of Poland" was spirited and
sung ia fair style.
The role of Count Arnheim"-the part
that Campbell used to render with such
touching pathos and pictorial splendor-
was fairly given by Mr.. Norcross who has a
powerful FI bass voice Of good quality Miss
good impression, although the score
occasionally made exacting demands
upon her voice, which is quite
sweet but of limited compass. She acted
prettily and vivaciously from first to last.
Her song, II Dreamt L Dwelt in Marble
Halls" was q graceful and fascinating
effort, the audience giving her an enthusi-
astic encore. The veteran buff9' Peskes
in the first act was substitute as ''Thad-
deus" and iu the second and
third acts he took the roll of
Devils Hoof" He gave this picturesque
for which he is noted. While on the stage
be kept the audience convulsed with laugh.
ter. Lesser parts were generally capably as
sumed. The chorus, though not large, is
fairly effective, and as much may be said of
the orchestration. Tonight Nell Gywnne.'
''sEA OF ICE" AT ENGLIsHs OPERA HOUSE.
Miss Kate Claxton and her excellent com
pany opened last night at English's to dig
house. The simple announcement that Miss
Clax ton and Mr.. c. A. Stevenson, supported
by their own company, was enough to crowd
the lobby with people anxious to get good
seats. Miss Claxton's "OrgarIta'' was one of
the best pieces of acting we have seen for
long time. She Is justly termed star. She
is the same favorite in The Sea OF Ice" as
in the Two Orphans" Mr. Stevenson, as
del Monte" acts the part with power, and
atty the villain that the author of
the play intended, fearless, bold and
determined to have his desire for gold salts
fed no matter how many lives il costs. The
scene between him and Miss Claxton when
she senounces him is thrilling, still be
shows the same determin ation to conquer,
and prefers death rather than be conquered
The piece is beautifully mounted. The ship
sceEe, the ice scene and the beautiful MeKi-
can forest make one almost feel they were
away from the cold North en- joying the sam
mer of Mexico. The other members of the
company are all good, not one among them
but fills their part 10 perfection. The "Ses
of Ice" will be repeated tonight, Wednes-
dsy matinee and "Wednesday night, benefit
OF Emmett Guards.