Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-07-17
oPEKA suNo nY AmArEUKs.
A Splendid Performance of the Last
VIII and Testament'' Last Night.

n NptFHuAU performance OF the A@Anb
viii and Testament Last Night.
The operetta Last VIII and Tesla
ment" was charmingly produced at the
Theatre last night. Although by amateurs,
the performance was superior TO many
that have been given here by professional
talent. The plot Of the opera is based upon
the desire OF young Girl TO marry in
opposition TO the VIII of two widowed
aunts, who believe that their own matri-
mOnial prospects would be interfered
with by the union. "Therese," the young
girl whose affections are bound up In "a
rising young artist, Eugene" was
most admirably persOnated by Miss IBERIA
Bracewell. Miss Bracewell has beau
tiful, rich, clear voice. fun OF sweetness,
and the songs of the young girl whose
heart is set upon the fond Eugene" were
sung with capital effect
Eugene" whose willing heart beats
responsive 10 that of the fair "Therese,"
played an important part in the story.
Mr. p. II. Ward acted the part effectively
and was enthusiastically appauded.
The two widowed sisters, Of uncertain
years, in opposing theuniOn OF "Therese"
and Eugene do 80 Oetensibly because
Of her age. The young girl is unwilling
to marry, as her aunts refuse TO give her a
dowry, which they will not do,
unless she Will remain single until she Is
30. AS the plotting sisters, to whom
widowhood had not lost all the charms Of
marriage, Mrs. Ward and Miss Maggie
Oliver were all that the selfish, spitelul
nature of the women could inspire. MIS-.
Ward is well known in musical circles.
Her thorough conception Of the
part Of Abigail" the elder
OF the two sisters, was admirable. Miss
Oliver, as Melinda" won deserved and
enthusiastic applause. Her rich melOdi-
GUS voice and graceful acting won for her
at once the favor which usually is ac-
corded to nOue but the artist of long years
of training and experience.
While i'll the awkward dilemma in
which "Therese" has been placed by her
scheming aunts, "Mary," a friend appears,
and seeing her trouble, resolves to help
her by giving her sum sufficient to en-
able her TO marry at once. The two wild
ows hear, about this time, of the sudden
death of n brother in London. MARY"
also hearing Of this, dresses In
an English lawyers gown and
wig, and calling upon the sisters, reads TO
them what purports TO be their brothers
last VIII and testament, providing that
everything shall be lett to them on cOndi-
ton that they give "Therese" $500 and
allow her to be married at once.
''Therese" feigns displeasure at the terms
OF the will, and is only finally
induced TO consent upon the pay
ment of $500 additional. This is done
and she marries Eugene" The sisters
now learn that their brother died insol-
vent, whereupon "Mary" confesses her
act, and 'Therese" brings back the
money and offers it to her aunts. This so
affects them, that they not only refuse to
receive 1t, but increase the sum, and
freely forgive the trick played upon them.
AS MARY" Mrs. l.. Haynes was the
star of the opera. Her singing and
finished acting were more than the audi
ence Anticipated and won for her recep-
tion Of which any artist might be proud.
Mrs. Haynes voice is well known in
musical circles, and those who were
present last night have seldom heard it to
a better advantage.
The performance throughout was
gratifying success. Mr.. Otto VOgePs
zithern solo, in which he was encored,
added much TO the interest. Mrs. L. b.
Burke was the piano accompanied.