St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-03-10
ADJUSTMENTS.
The First Performance of IA Social Wreck
1t Might Be Worse.

The First Performance of IA Social WreckI'
1t Might Be Worse.
The new opera ga Social Wreck, - with the
libretto by Maj. George D. Hand and the
music by Prof. Carl Rolse, was launched at
seas which sometimes carries the new aspi-
rant for dramatic distinction to the hos
pitable shores of popular renown and favor,
but which more frequently, alas, carries the
untried ship against the fatal and merciless
rocks and reefs of public disapprobation.
The audience which created the initial
performance of GA Social Wreck" was large
enough to be respectable, and beyond all it
was disposed to be lenient and friendly, the
indispensable factors to even the relative
success of all first-night performances, and
it was extremely fortunate for the fate of the
opera and the reputation Of its composers
that such was the case, for If rated on
the purely abstract principles that govern
the productions of the muse and the drama
the critical observer would have found much
that was faulty and great deal that was ex-
asperating. To begin with the libretto is
too declamatory in the first act particularly,
and in this act also there is a supernatural
ance of dialogue and not enough music. The
most glaring fault, next to an evident lack of
stage business and rehearsas, was
the lack of proper orchestration, the
musicians being seemingly at sea in
impressing the auditor with the idea that
they were fishing about for their parts. On
this account some of the work was given
with no accompaniment excep. on the piano.
Then the opera should have a director, it
being impossible for the most gifted of
musicians to perform on a piano and
at the same time direct an or
chestra and the work of a chorus.
These faults are palpable and such as no
doubt will be at least partially corrected at
the subsequent renditions. Those who par
ticipated in the performance last night
worked hard and earn estly, but it is to be re-
GREETED that the cast did not include at least
a couple of professionals, as how else can
comic opera where so much depends upon
the contretemps and sprightly action be
wholly enjoyables
AS to the good points of the rendition, the
opera per Sc possesses bright ibretto and
the theme is highly comical although alto
gether too intricate, while the situations and
with proper acting The costumes were ex-
| tremely bright and handsome and gotten up
with fine taste. The opera is also hand
somely mounted, Mr.. HURT, the scenic artist,
having succeeded admirably in his special
sets, the only funny break noticeable being
the full-length chrome of a ballet dahcer in
the first setting. The moonlighteamp scene
at the close of the first act was highly realistic,
the troops adding to the vividness of the
scene. The features in character acting were
the mske-ups of Mr.. Dougherty as Featberby
| Quill, ESQ Mr.. Osman as Moses Smiles, and
the ghostly outfits OF the Telesmellers. The
| latter copceit Is somewhat comical, and
could be made very effective. The Widows
| chorus was also very enjoyable. The vocal
hits of the rendition were made by Mr.. and
Mrs. R. c. Warde, Miss Mary Scare, Miss
| Palmer, Mr.. Shea and Mr.. Doherty, the lat
| ter's original snuff song being greatly en-
joyed. Owing no doubt to the disadvantages
| forced onto the musicians above alluded to
| some of the most enjoyable numbers were
interpolated. Mr.. Shea introduced and sang
the familiar solo, 81 Fear No Foe,'' while
the selections from Balfe and Sullivan by Mr..
and Mrs. Warde were delightful. The opera
is in three acts, and a far more artistic rem
dition is expected tonight.
RISTORI.
The engagement of the distinguished ira
gedienne, Ristori, opens at the Grand Thurs
day night, and will afford the dramatic pat
rons of this city the rare opportunity of be-
holding the great actress in a round of
her most celebrated representations.
Her great character, "Queen Elizabeth" has
been selected for the epeTEg night. the
mention Of which should suffice to fill the
house. The sale of seats opens at 9 O'Clock
this morning.