The Washington critic., 1886-04-27
A WEEK OF OPERA.

The Alta Norman Opera Company drew
large and appreciative audience to Albaugh's
Grand Opcr-Housc last night to witness It's
first production of "Thc Mikado." AL
though the management had been profuse
In its promises In relation to this produc-
tloD, they were more than realized. The
light and tuneful opera was given IN a
style not heretofore seen In this city, The
principals are all good. Miss Norman as
luiR- Yum sang and acted the part with
grace and spirit. Miss Martinez made de-
cided hit as Piui-S'no, while Miss Maxwell
gave an excellent rendering OF the rather
ungrateful role Of Kdt'shd. The male parts
were especially good. Mr.. Rysc's MkudD
was well sung and acted. This gentleman
possesses bass voice OF rare compass aud
strength, and enunciates with unusual
distinctness. Mr.. Hallam is q clever Nd1ki-
POo and has voice well adapted for the
music Of the part. Mr. Morton Is first
class comedian and made the most Of kD-
No without resortlng to gagging the lines.
His voice is his weak feature, but
this IS compensated for by his act
ing. Mr.. Poakes as Poo. Bah, and Mr..
Lcahy as Fish rush were in every way equal
TO the part. The chorus, besides being ex-
ceedingly pretty, Is strong and well drilled.
The costunling and setting is rich, aud, as a
"H'iV, tuc 'Itru tllNltcu UlOTb Eenulne hp-
rlause than 1t has at the hands of any com
pany that has given It, II will be given
during the rest Of the week. Among the
distinguished people who witnessed the per-
fofmance were Senator Sherman and party,
Senator Vance, Speaker Carlisle, Represen-
tatives Randall, Morrison, Springer T. j.
Campbell, Bliss, Cobb, James, Assistant
Secretary Brown.
The Boston Ideal Opera Company opened
TO good business at the National Theatre
last night In the "Maid of lIonor.n Among
the old fayorltes who appeared in the cast
were Marie Stone, Lizzie Burton, Agnes
Huntington, Tom Karl, Ilerndon Morsel,
Mcdonald and Clark. The opera was
given with the spirit and precision that the
public has learned TO expect from this com
pany. Recalls were numerous and cheer
fully responded to. For to night "Adlna,n
or "Ihe Elixir of Love- is announced.
This is the first production of this opera in
this country, and on that account alone
will, no doubt, draw large audience. The
charming Iele de Lussau, who carried this
city by storm last season, appears in the
title role. She will be supported by Tom
Karl, w. III. Clark Barnabec, Misses Cleary
and Lovejoy and others of the company.
The Wilbur Opera Company opened last
night to standing room only, they present
ing for this their last week in our city
"The Mikado' us only this company can
do 1t. As the Hon. Thomas Nelson OF In
diana said two weeks ago, he had seen
"The Mikado" sixteen different times by
companies who are charging four times the
price of admission asked by this company,
but never had he seen so clever or enjoy
able rendition of the opera as that he wit
messed at Harris Biiou Theatre last night.
The singing Of Miss Conley and Brand,
the humor and dancing of the mirth.pro-
voking Koko of Ed. Chapman, the arch
and winsome smiles of PiH Sing, and the
beautiful portrayal Of Y',m Yum by Susie
kirwin were all enjoyed.