St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-11-02
tsEOLANTHE.1
This Charming opera Produced Last
NiEht..Rich Csstuming and SpIen-
did Settings--Three Prima DOnnas
and q Brass Band.

This charming - Pcra RrOOuce0 Last
NiEht..Rich Cestuming and SpIeD-
did Settings--Three Prima DOnnas
and a Brass Band.
OF all of Gilbert & Sullivan's operate pro-
auctions there is none more charming in the
spirit of libretto or the melody of its music
than "Iolanthe." Gilbert has exhibited in a
very marked way in this opera the spiteful-
ness and envy entertained by the English
middle classes toward the nobility. He has
succeeded in injecting into it his individual
contempt for that class of individuals who
are born to wealth and distinction without
the trouble of earning the one or deserving
the other, yet at the same time there is the
characteristic effort to conceal this express
sion of contempt according to the Eng
lish idea that sycophantic reverence is
due to title. The situation in 'Iolanthe"
are comical and the dialogue is a succession
of verbal eccentricitles in quaint and ingen-
ious versifcation. The music is Sullivan,
therefore graceful, fit and melodious. 10
Ianthe'' is an opera, however, which makes
severe demands upon the management. 1t
requires capable artists 10 bring out its real
beauties. In the hands Of an ordinary COM
pany, and with the usual outlay for a comic
opera ms-en-scene, its possibilities cannot
be realized. But with liberal management
and people that are capable, the genuine
spirit of the opera is expressed, the eye ear
and intelligence pleased and the perform
ance proves thoroughly enjoyable. 1t was
under just such conditions that
it was produced last night at
the grand. With her Characters
tic liberaity Mr.. Duff has given it
splendid setting. The costuming is mag
nihcent and all new. The company is superb
throughout from the three prima donnas down
to the chorus, which. by the way, is the best
trained chorus that has been seen in opera IN
this city. The only hitch that was percept-
bie was a slight defect in the training of the
military band, whose members betrayed
some of the nervousness of novices. Pretty
Lillian Russell never looked prettier than she
didlaSt night in the modest garb of an Area
dian shepherdess, and presented striking
illustration of the truth that ''beauty I'M
adorned is adorned the most" Miss Russell
is not so stout as when here the last time.
But the loss of flesh has only added to the
beauty of her figure and gives her more
girlish appearance. Her scores in the char
acter of Phyllis are admirably adapted to the
quality of her voice and give
an opportunity for full expression
of her sweetest notes. Her singing was thor
oughly enjoyed by the large and critical au-
dience as was fully evidenced by the number
of eucores she received. And Zida Seguin
never shone to better advantage than she
does in the part of the Fairy Queen in ''Iolan-
the" II fits her stylish carriage, the scores
are in harmony with her voice, and there is
full play for an exhibition of that histrionic
ability for which she is as justly celebrated
as for her musical attainments. Miss Seguin
is always favorite in St. Paul, and she had
ample evidence of it last night. 1t Is
singular that, although she takes the
lea ding character in the piece,
and the one from which it
takes its name, Vernona Jarbeau's part is
limited. She is denied the opportunity of e1-
hibiting her vocal talent that is accorded to
the other prima donnaS, and yet she does her
limited part so well as to make the audience
regret that there IS not more of it. She has a
charming conception of the character of
Iolanthe and possesses the natural graces and
taleat to give it q most lovely expression. j.
H. Ryley. as the Lord Chancellor, John E.
Nash, as the Earl of Mount Arrarat, Harry
Hilliard, as Earl ToOer, Frank Bendiuot. as
Private Willis, and G. w. DUNCAN, as Sire
phon, acquit themselves in their respective
parts most creditaOly. Bessie Cleveland,
Emile Nash and LGuretta Willard not
only maids of honor TO the Fairy Queen, but
accomplished artists as well. The same per-
Torrance tonight and Wednesday matinee.
THE MikadO' Wednesday and Saturday
nights and "A Trip to Africa Thursday amp
Friday nights