Omaha daily bee., 1889-05-25
Very Pleasing Performance at
Bpyd,a, Inst Mint.

Boyd's, Last Night.
For first effort at operatic writing, Miss
Bella Robinson, has, In her creation, 1.-THE
Smugglers of Senovton," produced a
quite commendable work. The young lady
is deserving of praise. That she has talent,
originality, genius and ambition, must be ad-
mitted. All these gifts are amply shown in
her undertaking, and, If properly balanced
by the right kind of Judgment, there is every
reason to believe that she will reach that
exalted path in the elements OF worldly fame
on which the bent Of ner aspirations
is fixed. The opera was heard by
large and critical audience at Boyd's
last night, and there Is no question but that
it left on the mind of every one a very favor
into consrderation-the author is only nine
teen, therefore, lacking in stage experience,
and, having amateur artists exclusively to
deal with, one can easily imagine the disad-
vantages under which she is laboring in
getting her creation introduced to the public.
put the opera into professional hands and 1t
would make a hit. The foundation and
frame work are there. A few finishing
touches by skilled musicians and actors, in
the way of arranging certain parts.
and the orchestration, and drill
ing the performers both as to
voice and action are needed. With more life
and go thrown into the rendition, the effect
could be wonderfully improved.
A synopsis of the story was printed in
these columns last Sunday, and need not be
repeated here. The performance opens with
lively chorus. which arouses interest, puts
the audience in good spirits, and holds atten-
tion for what follows. The music of this
chorus is light and simple, though pleasing.
In fact the entire opera is simple and easy
enough, and for that reason the author de-
serves consideration. She has not attempted
to wade in water beyond her depth. The
brilliancy of her composing powers IS shown
in two numbers, the trio, 'Do not Co." aud @
duet Tell Me Once Again" These are the
real genius, and they were fully appreciated.
A repetition of each was demanded. A solo,
"Happy Day." sung by the heroine, also
called for special comment. The walters
chorus, in the first act, was well RECEIVED,
and the whistling chorus, done by eight
girls in the last act, ELECTED Wig
new, as we'll as a novel feature. Being light
and easily understood, there Is no reason
why the opera should not become more
popular than many productions the public is
called on TO patronize
The cast of characters is as follows:
Lord Walter, the young Master of
SenOvton Castle l. NJ. Treynor
Lady Eleanor, his betrothed. Bertha Baylss
Lady Penelope, Walters sister. ,...::.
................... Anna Merkel Evans
Sir Valentine, friend of Walter's.....
Observation-Disclosures. Edward p. Fitch
Chief of the Smugglers' band &C. H. Judson
They sing their parts very well, but fall
SuOTJ dS dCboIS. NllSS llSs anu MI Trey
nor took the honors in their singing of the
''Tell Me Once Again" duet. However, the
trio, in which Mrs. Evans, MIR. Treynor and
Mr.. Fitch matched voices, brought
forth hearty expression of ap.
proval. The ghost, goblin, and
minuet dances add variety and enhance the
beauty of the entertainment
Miss Robinson has shown splendid taste in
costuming, some of the dresses being very
elaborate in style and material. All in all,
the opera is much better than might have
reasonably been expected.
AT the end of the first act last night Miss
Robinson was called before tile curtain and
favored with handsome boquet of flowers.
Miss Baviiss was also the recipient of a floral
GIFT. There will be matinee this afternoon
and another performance tonight.