The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-04
ADJUSTMENTS
GRAND opERA-HousE--"THE M1KADo."

GRAND OPERA HOUSEWIFE MIKADO."
Gilbert and Sullivan's latest opera, "The
Mikado, +" received its initial presentation in this
city, at the Grand Opera-house, last night, the
attendance being large and fashionable. While
the performance was given under disadvanta-
geous circumstances, it was received with
marked favor by the audience. The opera
promises to be even more popular than any OF
its predecessors, with the possible exception OF
"Pinafore," for it contains all those elements
which appeal most strongly to the popular taste.
The story is strikingly unique, and it is told
in a manner that is thoroughly original.
Its object is to ~satirize Japanese legal
methods in dealing with criminals, and the
~fanciful conceits on which their system of
| government is founded. The most absurd and
ridiculous complications are brought about, and
the dialogue, in accordance with this, is very
bright and witty. Indeed, Mr.. Gilbert seems to
have excelled all his former cleverness in writing
in 1.-THE Mikado." The music is spirited and
catchy, full of melody, and appropriate to the
lines and action, while some selections, partic-
ularly the concerted pieces, are of a much higher
grade. Kokos song, in the last act, and the
quintet. are especially striking, while the cho-
ruses are all good. The first act drags somewhat
In the opening, but after the action has pro-
crossed a little it becomes much more lively
and entertaining. The scene of the opera is
laid in Japan, and this affords opportunity for
picturesque costuming and mounting. The stage
setting last night was exceedingly tasteful in its
many orientaldesigns, and the dressing Of the
various parts was in accordance with it. OF the
company, Miss Louise Kissing (Yum-Yum) de-
serves especial commentator for her graceful
acting and sweet singing, while her costume was
a marvel of aesthetic elaboration. Mr.. De
Lange made much amusement as 10 10, the
Lord High Executioner, and Mr.. Watson, who
has an excellent voice, was a good Mikado. Mr..
j. E. Conley as Nanke Poo, and Miss Maddegan
as Petit Sing, were the other prominent people
IN the cast. The orchestra last night was by
no means good-a fault that can be attributed
less to the musicians than to the incapacity of
the leader, who was not in a proper condition to
lead an orchestra. 1.-THE Mikadoa will be re-
peated to- night. tomorrow afternoon and to-
morrow night.
ENGLISH's OPERA-HoUsE-ADA
The regular season at English's Opera-house
was inaugurated last night by the Adah Rich
mond American Burlesque Company, an organ
ization of very clever people, in The Sleeping
Beauty a musical melange of a very pleasing
and entertaining character. The scenic and
mechanical effects with which the piece is ac-
companied are specially taking. All the latest
musical hits from the new operas, The Black
H~ussars," "Mikado," "Nanon," are introduced,
incidentally, and taken as a whole the perform
ance was good. The singing of Miss Richmond,
Messrs. Cahill and Franckel, especially in the
rendition of Seek the Answer in the Stars"
was excellent, and was received with evidences
of marked appreciation by the audience. The
piece will be repeated this evening, and the en-
| gagement will close with the usual matinee and
evening performances tomorrow.
NOTES.
A man who was recognized at the time, carried
away a valuable pair of opera glasses at
English's last night. and is likely to get into
trouble if he does not return them.
The Grand Opera house will remain closed all
next week, with the exception of Tuesday
evening. when Barlow, Wilson & Rankin's MIN
strels, one of the most famous organizations
before the public, will give a single performance.
The company has been reorganized and aug
mented, and the claim is made for it, that it
gives an entertainment of much originality and
freshness. George Wilson, Carl Rankin, Hughey
Dougherty, Milt Barlow and E. NJ. Hall are the
stellar performers.