National Republican., 1888-01-09
GRAND OPERA.
ANNUAL SEASON OF THE BOSTON
IDEALS.
Manager Fosters Artists and Their
Repertoire.

On Monday night, at the New National
Theater, the Boston Ideal Company win
begin its annual season Of high English
opera. The large and increasing patronage
accorded operate productions In this city
encourages the belief that the 1deals' en-
gagement will surpass any Of It's previous
visits to the national capital. Manager
Foster has been particularly careful In the
personnel of his company, while in the ar
rapgement OF the repertoire, diversity and
the most judlcious selections have been
made. The principals In the company are
Mile. Zelie de Jussan, popularly called the
Queen of the English opera stage; Mlss
Helen Dudley Campbell, contralto, late Of
the English comI any; Miss Harriet Avery,
mezzo soprano; Mr.. George Appleby, tenor,
late of the American company; Mr.. Frank
Baxter, lyric tenor; Mr.. w. II. Clark,
baritone; Mr.. j. w. Herbert, comedian;
Mr.. Clement Bainbridge, and Mr.. j. @:
Miron. A special, picked orchestra OF
twenty pieces is under the direction OF Mr..
George Loesch, late director Of the Chicago
Philharmonics and Of the Milan Opera
Company. Mr.. Fred Williams is the stage
manager.
The productions OF the week will enjoy
the princely resources Of Manager Rapley's
theater, and the staging, equipment, and
specific details will partake OF that lib
erality and conscientious adherence to
modern art for which this popular play
house is distinguished. Particular prepara-
tions have been made by Manager Rapley
for this operate season.. which is by many
very maby-anticipated with the llveiest
The following is the repertoire for the
week: On Monday and Friday evenings,
"The Daughter Of the Regiment" will be
sung; on Tuesday and Thursday evenings,
"Carmen;" Wednesday evening and satur-
the attraction, and the company will close
on Saturday evening with "Fra Davolo."
The season thus far has been one Of bril-
liant success for the Boston Ideals, and
Manager Fosters justihable pride In the
ensemble Of bis company seems to be gen
orally shared by musical critics In all cities
where they have appeared. In addition to
company is REINFORCED with chorus OF
thirty members, and as we may expect that
the same superiority will characterize all
the attractions announced which has here
tofore marked the work by the Boston
Ideals, the lovers OF opera have indeed a
treat in store for them, for which the most
encouraging predictions are timely and In
good taste.
Mile. Zelie de Lussan, although under
the severe strain Of the prima donna,f
roles In SO industrious company, and,
Notwithstanding the multiplying exactions
OF q number Of diversified and laboriout
impersonations, courageously sustalns her
position as one OF the most pleasing, artistic
and gifted operate vocalists upon the
American stage. We are not unmindfu
that the foregoing is very liberal praise, bu
Mile. de Lussan has put the stamp OF origi
nality upon some Of the most familiar char
acters In the lyric art. and competent judge
declare that never during her career ha
she rendered greater devotion to her art o
marked capability than during the presen
season. Her brilliant beauty and trim
graceful figure are well adapted to tn
snowy trappings of the viyandiere, while
her spontaneity Of spirit and quick, impul
siye action furnish most pleasing AM
becoming artistic attributes. Her voic
gains constantly in volume, expression, an
sympathy. or her "Carmen" competen
critic says: "It is very dramatic and effectiv
work; the quality Of her voice is PARTICULAR
adapted to the role; she looks the par'
sings 1t splendidly, and invests 1t with al
the dash, piquancy, and color necessar
to truthful and impressive interpr'
tation." Misses Campbell and Avery al
both artists of exceptional capability
Mr.. Frank Baxter is q recent acquisition {
Manager Fosters; he has really fine hig
tenor voice Of good tone and strength, an
has gained deserved success. Mr.. w. L
Clark is well known in Washington @
an actor of more than average ability
while his voice is noticeable for It's richness
smoothness, and volume Of tone. Mr.. Al
pleby 10 an actor and vocalist bringing
bis work experience, good Judgment, an
ambition; his voice is said to be exception
ally clear and strong, and in action he
noticeably easy and finished. Mr.. Saxon
dramatic and graceful singer, and is we
and favorably known In this city.
In fact, we may say that the compar
under Manager Fosters direction is one
peculiar strength, that the repertoire is III
exceptiopable, and that every performant
will partake Of all requisite stage appoin
ments, orchestral completeness, and esse
tial stage management.
AS the demand for opera seats is alwa
excessive, and as the season for the BostC
Ideals is limited to one week, we urge ear
application In order to secure choice OF
cation.