Evening journal., 1889-01-10
PIRATES OF PENZANCE." ]"
Successfully Presented to Large Audi
ence at the Opera House List Night by
the Choral Club.

Successfully Presented to a Large Audit
ence at the Opera House ist Night by
the Choral Club.
The Choral Club produced Gilbert and
Sullivan's comic opera of The Pirates Of
Penzance," at the Grand Opera House
last night before large audience.
Probably every seat in the lower part OF
the house was filed, and the best seats in
the gallery were occupied. Prominent
members Of the Tuesday Club occupied
orchestra chairs near the stage, and no
doubt viewed the performance with a
critical eye The right box was occu-
pied by party Of ladies and gentlemen.
The ruined chapel scene in the second
act was painted specially for this per
formance by r. p Farren, scenic artist
Of the Chestnut Street Theatre, Philadel-
phia. The costumes, which were very
appropriate, were made by Van Horn OF
Philadelphia. The costumes Of the pirate
band were very picturesque
The performance was very credita0le
production for amateurs There appeared
to be a lack of spirit IN the beginning,
but toward the middle of the first act
this wore of and the remainder of the
opera was given in an even manner The
stage effects and grouping were good.
The acting of the principals, though
not of the highest class, was
excellent for the first performance OF
amateurs. To-nights performance will
probably be smoother and easier than that
of last night This opera is not as pretty
one as the Chimes of Normandy,
which was produced by the club last
spring, and there is not the opportunity
for as effective acting or scenes
The Opera House orchestra, assisted
by several pieces from the Germania or
chestra OF Philadelphia rendered the
orchestral accompaniment. This was
perfect so far as time and action is con-
cerned, but the accompaniment at times
was too loud. The chorus singing of both
ladies and gentlemen was excellent The
choruses Take Heart, no Danger Low
ers, that ia the introduction of General
Stanley, Come Friends Who Plow the
Sea" and Hail Poetry" with others, /
are worthy Of special oommendation 4
Hail Poetry" was very effective. 1t
was encored and repeated.
The police were a success and their |
'Tarantara' was very good The duet |
between Mr.. Walters and Miss Thielman |
in the first act just before the appearance |
of General Stanley's daughters. was well |
rendered, as was the trio about the para
dox and the last trio in the second act. |
The duet between Miss Bissell and Mr.. |
Walters in the latter part Of the second |
act was repeated.
The individual acting and singing of |
the principal characters varied somewhat
in excellence Miss Kate Bissell as Mabel |
sang with a sweet. clear and expressive |
voice. but often IL was not sufficiently |
loud TO fill the house. Her solos, Of Dry |
The Glistening' Tear, "Go, Ye Heroes,
md the ballad in the second act are
worthy Of special notice. Miss Bissell's |
acting was natural and grace.
'ul Miss Mary Thielman as
Ruth had little opportunity for effec-
i've singing or acting but she sustained |
ier reputation for both well. Her voice
still has that pleasing quality that makes
Ter favorite in this city. Mrs. Flor
nee Fisher, Miss Lille Armour and Miss
Kate Geller as General Stanleys daugh
ers. acquitted themselves with credit
Miss Geller probably has the fullest and
sweetest voice of the three. N. Dushane
Coward did better in his role as General
Stanley than was expected. His acting
heo hohAlfhbAt anu singing as |
good as usual In dialogue he does
lot do as well The part of Frederick
was very well played by W. r. Walters.
His voice, however, did not always reach
people in the back Of the house. John r.
8onner's acting as the Pirate King.
.hough generally fair, was somewhat
tiff at times His voice was good, though
le did not always sing loud enough.
James J. jackson would have been far
better as the Sergeant of Police If be had
lot been very nervous and conscious. He
lid comparatively well, however. and
improved toward the last. His singing
vas good, but with others he should sing
ouder. S. A. McAdam as Samuel was |
asily heard, and his acting was credit
BILE There Is no doubt that all will do
etter work tonight. I
The latter part Of the second act. where
General Stanley's daughters appear in
ight gowns, was an effective scene. A
title more vigor and action should be
brown into the combat at the close.
The presentation of the opera was
nder the musical direction of c. b.
hoads. G. I. r. Knorr was the dra.
atic instructor and stage man ager and
IauIfa Datsf,a.a a