Telegram-herald., 1889-05-08
AAUSEHESTS

d1t Ls1E ~ AEA >.
How useless II seems % 90 into any
details about 81 smith Russell, when
the TACT = remembered that Since
August lass the great comedian Ia:
met WITH a. Ovation 10 every prinelpal
city between the tao oceans. Critics
have exalted INN, and praised hls
genius as they never have before
Grand Rapids wheeled into line last
night and Powers was packed, and ~
Tar the circuit of his success al popu-
arIty this season stlu remains an
broken. II Is easy - understand why
A Poor Relation" has been wealthy IN
popular approval Il gives Russell a
chance 70 define and portray a character
That must be consistent ia the sunsL ne
and shadow OF the circumstance
through which It passes. The op-
poFtunIty which Noah Vale gives Mr..
Russell has lifted him from eccentric
comedy, comblaed with character
spec.alt.es, To the rank occupied by
country, and he has undergone tne
elevation - gracefully that there
u not trace of the mOnOlOgY ,
n which he was - famous, left.
Never was pathOs 50 deity and deli
cately hmnet IN comedy as Russell
does IL IN tins character. There Is IN
the first two acts a constant wavering
from comedy 10 pathOs. In the blend
ing OF these two elements, Russell is as
masterly and Inimitable as he i
thoroughly and indisputably original.
Ii would be- Of no avail 10 describe the
many beautiful and impressive features
OF Mr.. isusselps performance last even
ing. The emphatic applause, the
laughter and at times the tears of the
immense audience indorscd the come
dian IN such convincing manner that
no effort of the pen under the dim
glow OF the midnight oil could cmbel-
lsh or add any additional glory to his
effort. In answer 10 a bOlsterOus recall
at the end OF the second act, Mr.. Rus
sell thanked the audience for their
early appreciation OF his new character
IN "a graceful and fehcltous speech.
The support Is ali that could be desired
IN travelling company.
The Bennett 4 Moulton Opera Com
pany = not meeting with the favor that
It's general merits entltle 1t to. To be
sure Il Is not great opera company,
such a we are accustomed 10 pay high
prices 10 see, but II gives full value re-
ceived for the prices that prevail at
RedmOnd's. Yesterday afternoon they
gave the charming operate conceit,
Grofle-Girofia. Miss Blanche Chap
man as the twin sisters was on the
whole acceptable, though in the wine
song she could be more dashing in ac-
ton. Ben Lodge did not seem adapted
to BOlero Yesterday. He walked
through the part in dispirlted fashion,
though ne dropped a few ripened
gags which were not received as
funny. The choruses were strong and
harmonious and the orchestratlOn
proficient and etfectual, Last night
the company satisfied the audience
with 4 rendition of Bohemian Girl"
The enhancing music of Balfe was
well brought out, and the quartette
chorus and concerted numbers were
impressively and carefully given. The
company made many friends BY
their effort of last evening, and it Is to
be hoped that there viii be a more
numerous demonstration of apprecia-
ton during the remaining perform
ances, as the balance of the repertoire
is a popular one. This afternoon the
Chimes of Normandy" viii be re-
peated, with Miss Chapman rs SerpO-
lette and Mr.. Lodge IN his admirable
portrayal of Gaspard. Tonight Erminie.
very popular with the Grand Rapids
public, Will be the bill.
Miss Louise Macintosh, who has been
playing Eunicc Fay in the Russell Com
pany, was taken Ill in Chicago last
week and It became necessary for Man
ager Berger To- secure some one to take
her place If the tour was 10 continue.
He was evidently thinking of home
when he was celebrating on sclec-
ton, for ne chose his wife. On her ap-
pearance last evening Mrs. Berger was
gwen most cordial reception by her
friends, which was heartily seconded
throughout the theatre. In what 20
her was certainly a somewhat cmbar-
RAISING undertaking, she played the
part with exquisite taste and was calm
and -elf-poSses>ed. She was presented
with a beautiful floral testimonial. Mr..
RUSSELL tour VIII end in Elmira, y. Y.
a week from Saturday, and Mrs. Berger
viii contiuue with them until then.
after that Mr.. and Mrs. Berger and Mr..
and Mrs Russell VIII proceed to New
York on pleasure trip.
Next week, TUESDAY Tand Wednes-
day, Kiralfy's grand spectacular
Water Queen" viii be gwen at
Powers with numerous ballets and
scenic effects THIS Is the same com
pany that appeared At NibIos' in New
York and at the Chicago Opera House.
Col. Thos. Perry, manager Of Pete
Baker, who appears next week at the
Redmond Grand IN hs new musical
comedy The Emgrant.' arrived IN
the city last evening % arrange de-
tails for the appearance ot his star.
Friday and Saturday Geo. II. Adj
ans. ass sted hy Mss Tama Hsnlon
aud sam Bernard, VIII appear i'm the
speaking pantomum.Cal comedy, lie.