Salt Lake evening Democrat. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1885-1887, 1886-10-15
ga TRIP TO AFRICA"
Performed For the First Time In
This city to u Packed House.

1t is IL long time since the Salt Lake
Theatre has been so literally packed as
it was last evening on the occasion of the
first performance here of "a Trip to
Africa" which is presented with such
grandeur by the Duff Opera Company.
Since this troupe made its first appear
ance here on Tuesday evening, the thea
tre-going public have learned to look for
surprises, but last evening found them
little off their guard as was we'll attested
by the Explanations of admiration heard
as the curtain went up on each success
sive scene. The fact is, that the audi
ence expected something unexpected,
but this was revelation. The scenery
is simply grand, and is far ahead OF any
thing yet seen here. There is neatness
OF finish and general appearance which
is unusual, and, therefore, highly pleas
ing. The Cairo Square scene, in the first
act the residence scene, in the second
act, and the oasis in the last were equally
grand beautiful and original. The
groupings OF the choruses, with their
picturesque costumes, all go to make up
a mise en- scene charming in the extreme,
and enchanting beyond expression. The
members oil the choruses sang and acted,
once more, with telling zest.
Lillian Russell, in the leading lady
role, was, in appearance, dream Her
beautiful hair, face and figure showed to
the best OF advantage, and rendered her
more charming than ever Her singing
once more surpassed itself, and by the
easy use of her soft, flexible voice, she
held the audience charmed through the
whole performance.
Next to Miss Russell came the spirited
Jarbeau, who was again in her sphere.
She had chance to act and that she took
advantage of it need not be said. All
her taking chic, for which she is so we'll
remembered since the days of Rice's
"Evangeline," came to the front and
would have served to win her popularity
had everything else failed But Jarbeau
still has voice, and it was never heard
to better advantage than in the music as
signed to Tena. Her rendition of the
catching little French song, in the second
act, was especially taking.
Ryley was again on deck with full
hand. Returned up smiling in the first
act and let the audience do the smiling
after that time. He was all new last
night and was even happier than on the
PieCeeulLB evenings. illS lunny business
never fails to take and shot for Ryley
cannot miss the mark.
Hillard's clear, sweet voice was per-
lection itself. He sang with more ease
than ever before and rendered every note
with precision and force.
Zelda Seguin and John +. Nash, APP
peared in union parts and were, therefore,
rather in the shade.
DUNCAN, as Miradillo, was fresh and
bright and OF course sang his part we'll
On the whole, this little deviation from
Gilbert and Sullivan was treat which
will long be remembered by those who
were fortunate enough to be present last
evening. Everything was 50 rich and
beautiful, and the richness and beauty
were OF a kind that will make them long
remembered.
The company presents Iolanthe" to-
night for the second time. Its merits
have heretofore been discussed and it
needs no further mention. The great
success Of the engagement has induced
the company to stay over one more night,
and they will reproduce "The Mix ado"
for a Saturday matinee and "a Trip to
Africa" for the closing night.