The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-02-10
THEY SING IN CHORUS.
Girls Who FIJI the Ranks in Opera and
Spectacle.
From he Nep York Herdld.

stage as "a profession for Young glfI was
looked upon with not only distayor but ab-
horrence by conservative and highly re-
spectacle" people.
An actress. M matter how high her posi-
ton or exemplary her character was
nevertheless regarded as a woman beyond
the recognized pale Of society She was
admired behind the fOOtlightS, but there
ended all sympathy for her.
This was the idea that permeated all
classes of society from rrpertendom down.
A girl whe had insde a distinct avowal
that she would choose the stage as a means
of livelihood was put under ban by her nor
rifed parents, and il she pursued her own
willful way it was at the cost of losing her
home and the protection of her family.
Things are different to-day. The march
of intellect makes rapid strides and instead
of rearing girhOod to look tlmidlW across
the footlights we have almost an army OF
self-reliant young women who are ready to
play or sing anything from Lady Mac
beth" to "Mnrguerite' at the shortest notice
or sooner if required.
WHERE THE GIRLS CONE FROM.
The three classes Of chorus singers, ballet
dancers and extras in full force number
Z 900 in the Eastern States, incredible as it
may seem. The chorus girls are almost en-
tirely of American parentage, and their
ranks are made up Of young aSpirants who
consider the chorus the initial step to future
fame.
Many of them are married, their hus-
bands being on the road, while others are
church singers. A large percentage take
positions in the chorus in order TO enable
them to pay for vocal tuition with the pro
ceeds of their salaries, hoping to fit them
selves for prominent positions as vacancies
occur; but for the most part they reckon
vainly, as it is very seldom that chorus
girl rises to the position of first singer. 1t
IS a curious fact that after year or two in
the ranks Of the chorus the once ambitious
songstresses settle down in a humdrum,
apathetic way to their work. losing all am
bltion for future greatness, but sticking re-
ligiOusly for distinction in their own line.
Sometimes Il girl with a good voice or
fine appearance is singled out to lead a
march, stand IN front or sing one or two
lines of minor part; then the whole body
of girls after the fashion of the SEX are
down" upon her like a sledge-hammer, and
SO the front row is always pretty well hated
by those who are in the rear. The older
they grow in the profession the more tena-
ciously~do they fight for their rights forget
ting that it is the managers interest to put
the best looking girls i'll the advance guard.
HOW THEY ARE PAID.
The salaries of these hard workers are
paid not with an eye to their talent, but
according to their physical development,
and they range from SO to SIS per week
| If Mary Ann has got lovely voice and
! reedy looking figure she gets $40, whereas
Selma. having splendid bust and CORE
| spending limbs, takes SIS.
The shape draws" and is appreciated by
| the first row in front when voice has no
show. TINS it appears that in this substan-
tial era intelligence and talent must ever
| give place TO anatomy. A well known man
ger was asked:
"Do you think your prima donna is worth
the very large sum you pay her. or do you
consider her in any point a good SINCERE
The manager chuckled and replied, with
knowing look:
"She has no more idea of phrasing than
a baby, neither is her voice cultured. but
then she is well shaped-in fact, "A plump
and pleasing person-her face is pretty and
her dresses are the correct thing. We are
looking for drawing cards, and talent is not
altogether necessary for that
The small salaries paid are not required
for dress, which is found by the manage
ment, with the exception of slippers and
tights, and since cotton tights are mostly
used this outlay is not very great.
CHORUS GIRLS CHAT.
Talking to CHEEKY member of the sing
ing corps, she said: you know they fine
what are the fines"
'Well, for being late, from ten to twenty
five cents; for laughing or taking notice of
any one i'll front, from twenty-five cents to
dollar, and if we spoil our costumes, or.
as they say, misuse them, wepay from one
to five dollars, according to the damage
done"
Are you good SINGER"
Mech, no, but I'm in the front row,
because, you see, have a good form, but /
can't sing a Bit" and she laughed and
showed pearly set of teeth.
You don't object to tights, them
"Oh, no, indeed; but lots of them do, and
leave after playing two nights. Even girls
who have good limbs do not always like
tights. They even cry when they first put
them on, but then, of course, they want the
money if they have no home; and by and
by they get used to them"
THE DIFFICULTY WITH TIGHTS.
The trouble with tights is often serious,
as quite recently there were l73 voices tried
for the forthcoming representation of n
spectacle, out of which seventy-two were
chosen, After two rehearsals the costumes
were announced, when nineteen of the best
voices seeded because Of their objection 10
tights
The work Of the chorus is very laborious.
The members are expected to rehearse
every DAY until the representation Is per
feet. Sometimes the rehearsaS last until
late in the afternoon, when they 20 home
to dinner and back TO the theater As soon
as one opera is in running order another is
put into rehearsal; therefore the chorus girl
may be said TO sell her very life for the
small sums of $40 and SIS per week. These
sums are, however, augmented on the road.
tue price paid being SlS, $50 and So for a
very well-formed gIrlt In case Of sickness
first class managers continue the salary: but
in second-class companies the sick chorus
girl is obliged 10 pay her whole salary for a
substitute or lose her place.
Some years ago there was SO poor q SUD
ply Of chorlsters that 30 have given two
operas at ono time was IA simple impossi-
bnity 4 the present moment the supply
ls largely IN excess Of the demand and The
increased number OF gOod-looking girls
with good voices has led 10 the plan Of la.
Producing chorus singing into every play
where they can be used
The best voiced girls are made under
studies for the principal roles FOR THIS
they have no advance IN salary, but on such
occasions ~ they sing are paid the salary Of
the singer they peisonnie.
Phillips Digsstibie Cocoa
j. q valuable subsfigufe Tor lea o. ooGee. ID
noprishes wiie flsy ouly siirluiate A superior
drink for children and faf neivous and delieata
u IA f4f .ssf