The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-17
Villagers, Attendants Of
CHORUS.

| '''htNltNt DcNDOIu MISS bihutue Mllth,
| Miss Emily Ebely, Miss q. Thompson,
| Miss l. Thompson, Mrs Dr. Iai,dls,
Miss shlrlcy.Douglas, Mrs. V. smith.
| Mr. ]. \ Warren, Mr. WIN Cage
| Mr.. sam Williamson, Air l.. III. Comfy,
| Mr.. John Strong, Mr. Dan Howkins,
| Mr. Il. l.. barclay, Mr. r. O'Brlau
| Mr. &. Gerber, Mr. w. T. Hunt
| Mr. X NJ. Brown, Mr. Percy GalbTeatn,
| Mr. J. II. Olirian, Mr. Laury Gwynne,
| MI I'd Morrison. Mr. X Graft Brown,
Mr. Jennings culpcpper Mr. Harry Tally
| MI Jack Mann, Mr. Rudolph Belcher.
The audience was very large, quick TO
recognize merit and occasionally very en-
thusiastic in expressions of appreciation
And there was a great deal that deserved
commentator. The movement was Won
drously smooth. The drilling had been ex-
ceedingly careful and intelligent, and, de-
spite the number of people that crowded
the stage, there was not the slightest con-
fusion at any time. The orchestration was
all that could be wished Tho costuming
was correct, aud, where the charac-
tiers justified IT, very rich. The group
ings were strikingly picturesque. Indeed,
so far rs the physical presentation OF the
opera was concerned, the eve was entirely
gratiicd. The music of 'The Bells" Is as
delightful rs may be found in the whole
range OF light opera. II were an act of desc
Grafton TO sing il badly, but the audience
that heard 1t last night came away with only
agreeable memories. The ensemble singing
was admirable In every way. The chorus
entered into the work with rare spir-
It. and maintained 1t TO the close.
Nothing was slurrcd. and the ease
and the familiarity with the score which
were manifested, surprised everybody. The
voices were fresh and true and there was
unusual vim In the vocalization. The prin.
cipals divided the honors OF the evening
Miss Block was the Serpolettc. Her dra-
matte action was very captivating. She was
lively, graceful, and In full sympathy with
the role. She wrought out the detail with
singular clcverncss, showing herself 10 be a
capital actress. Her voice Is sweet and
clear aud she sang with n mclOdic
blithesomcncss that was very pleasing. Miss
Emma Jones was the Germainc and as
5 rapturously bexitching In personality as
, ever carolledl the delicious arias which the
, composer has assigned the role. She was In
good voice, and the music Of Il was as the
thrushs song-tuneiul, eloquent and flute
! like. Both Miss Jones aud Miss Block have
: reason 10 be proud OF their performances, aud
each had the word OF the audience for H.
Mr. Clark Knowlton was the Marquis. lie
was handsomely accoutercd and bore him
self like a nobleman. lie was sclf-posscsscd
, and alive 10 his responsibilities a. a central
figure. II IA likely that he has mover before
appeared 10 10 much advantage. His sing.
ing showed careful study aud this gave him
confidence. lie sang with animation and in
certain emotional encounter with Ger.
/ maine acquitted himself like lover
and 10 the exquisite delight Of the house. Mr.
Elyson Gwynne was the GrcnichcuN. What
a silycry tenor the young man has II Is a
voice for the troubadour who assails my
lady's easement There was not feminine
heart In the whole audience that did not
iluticr 10 IT, ripping resonance. What tenor
among the light opera companies Of the time
has as much music In his throat Mr. Gwynne
should care for his voice as the dearest Of
| his possessions. IL has the sweetness and
freshness Of youth In II. II Is a. clear as
silver bell, and he sings with fluent ncxi.
l bility that l. positively bcwitching. Nothing
( should dissuadc him from putting Il 20
lis proper public use 80 far ~ the oven.
ngs vocal performance was concerned, Mr..
hMlllllf NNlA' VIZ AAAN NNNlNAllhllNl
surprise. Mr. Georgc Mahan as the Baillie,
!. was vigorous and very effective. Mr. John
Strong. ~ the Registrar, showed n genius for
comedy and pleased the house immensely,
while Mcssrs. Harry Tally and Frank How.
kins rs the Assessor and Notary respective.
a ~. we're his capable aids The great dra-
matte hit Of the performance was made
q, by Mr. q. u. Hutton, ~ Gaspard. Previous
; public work In Memphis had led the audi
cncc 10 expect much oi Mr. Hutton. and
y the expectation was more than realized.
( The composer has given the part Of Gaspard
over 10 the librcttist While ho l. required
10 sing. and has opportunity 10 distinguish
l. himself In that regard, II Is the acting Of
: Gaspard that appeals especially to the at.
4 lcntion. IL requires the highest order Of
ability 10 present the character properly.
It calls for the expression Of the utmost
emotional intensity. Actors Who could
scarcely sing have won fame In the part. Mr..
g Hutton assumed II couagcously and
, won triumph. Tie 8 horn actor and be
graspcd the possibilitcs that lay before him.
I'm the second net when ho showed the
i frantic terror Of the mIscr ON finding him.
, self and his articles and his dcyiltry dis.
covered. he wrought the audience into a
, state Of excitement that eliminated In
= rounds Of applause that would not cease until
o hc had come beton the curtain for a special
. compliment with this quick review Of tho
salient fcaturcsof most excellent perform.
ancc Of one Of the most charming opcrss
ever written wo commend the performance
Of tonight and tomorrow afternoon TO tho
, public favor. No one who may attend can
e fail Of enjoyment In addition to the names
!. OF those already mentioned. II must be
4, borne La mind that much " the credit for
effective presentation Is due Mr. Macswcc.
ney. Of the Dcshon Opera Company the ca.
i pable stage director who was called In
Il at the eleventh hour and who brought, order
!, out Of threatened confusion. 10 Prof. Hand.
worker OF the orchestra, and 10 Mr.. Levy,
= who has lei the whole contingent with his
usual ability ard hisusual success. Tonight
Miss Thomas, Of Clinton. Mo-, will take the
y part Of Germainc and a surprise il said to be
Il In store