Omaha daily bee., 1888-06-01
MIR. SAMPSON OF OMAHA.
Its First Rendition Proves n Glitter
ing Success.

ing Success.
A very large and brilliant assemblage OF
the very best Of Omaha society gathered at
Boyd's opera house last evening to listen TO
the first rendition OF the comic opera, MIR.
Sampson of Omaha" For the past few
weeks local dramatic circles have eagerly
awaited the opportunity of listening TO this
much talked of affair, and they by reason of
the continuous reference made by the city
press have anticipated a rare musical treat.
They were not disappointed. The frequent
and prolonged applause bestowed could not
be misconstrued. The opera was q great
success.
The libretto in some minor points could be
improved, but then what similar work could
notl The musical portion, however, was as
nearly perfect as could be, and reflects great
credit upon the %arrangers. The situations
depicted are humorous in the extreme, and in
every individual case brought the house
down.
The work Of the company was excellent
and deserve s especial mention. Mrs. Martin
Calm as Mar garet had asplendiu opportunity
of displaying her wonderful musical and dra-
matte talent, and the manner in which she
acquitted her self was simply superb. Mrs.
Calm is gifted with a splendid voice, and has
cultivated this talent to the highest degree,
and her efforts were satisfactory IN the ex.
IRENE. While she last night sang in her
wondrously sweet voice "Oh let me sing the
days of old" the vast audience sat in their
seats spellbound. AS the last sweet notes
died away a momentary hush fell over the
assembly, which a few seconds later turned
into a perfect storm of applause, which con-
tinued until the fair musician responded. AT
the conclusion of the song she was
presented with an elegant floral de-
sign representing a harp and sew
eral baskets of very handsome flowers.
Mrs. HI. ID. Estabrook as Teresa the young
woman who is desperately in love with the
King is a vocalist of no mean merit and
richly merited the frequent and hearty APP
plause bestowed upon her. Her efforts
were warmly Appreciated, especially the
dramatic ability which she displayed, and
the floral tributes bestowed upon her by
her many admirers were numerous and
beautiful. While the construction of the
piece did not admit of Miss Bertha Bayliss
figuring as extensively as could be desired she
too was a great favorite and performed her
part with that perfect facility displayed only
by artists of the first water. Nat Brigham
as Mr.. Sampson is stupendous and represents
the average Omahan abroad to a dot. With
possibly one slight exception he is a tritie
slow for a lover. But no doubt he Will i'm
prove in this respect as it is the only point
which needs cultivating. Nat is a singer and
his rendition of the selections assigned hun
were more than pleasing. MIR. Young as the
King made an ideal monarch, especially so
when the position in which he is
placed lover head and ears in debit is
considered. Mr.. Estabrook makes an ex-
cellent prime minister, whileC Charles A. Deuel.
as the public eXecutioner kept the audience
In q roar of laughter by his oddities. The
chorus was especially good and did excel
lent work. The entire performance passed
off without a single hitch tending to show
with what painstaking care their instructors
have trained them.
Such is Mr.. Sampson of Omaha from a
local standpoint. While as previously stated
the opera is a success throughout with one
or two minor exceptions, and while the COM
pauy presenting it were up to a high stan
dard of excellence and ability it must be re-
membered that it was an audience of Oma-
hans before which it was presented last
night. In this city Mr.. Sampson of Omaha
will draw possibly four nights at a time two
or three times a year with the introduction
of some new features each successive time.
But the idea of taking it on the
road in its present form and I'M
der its present title is out of
the question, MIR. Sampson of Omaha
Kansas City it would in all probability be
sesses no merit; not because the people pre-
senting it are not tirst-class in every respect,
but for the reason that it would be regarded
as a mere scheme to advertise Omaha.
While such an object is commendable, the
company would doubtless be compelled to
write home for return tickets. Perhaps if
the title were made more general and the
construction changed slightly it would be-
come popular, but in its present guise MI.
Sampson of Omaha'' is for Omaha people
alone.