The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1889-05-02

rOupeS, to test which the managers
nade the experiment of Friday night,
he grade of future attractions depend
ng on its outcome.
The intelligence and culture of cur
ity will warmly appreciate the advan.
ages and desirability of elevating the
tandard of amusement so as to EN-
race such companies as the one here 8
Friday night, and insure, in future /
bookings, none but those of known
excellence and merit, and we
IAN now congratulate ourselves in the
certain attainment of this desirable (
object. l.
The Ideals comprise troupe of sixty
and an orchestra of fifteen
bieces, aud the appearance on our stage
Of so splendid array Of talent was
greeted by q large and appreciative
who went away delighted
with the entertainment, and many
were the complimentary remarks be-
slowed upon the Opera House mana
gers in taking this initiatory step to
ward providing our city with the class
of attractions commensurate with its |
demands.
as evidencing the desire of our peo-
pie to be favored with such opportuni-
ties, it is worthy of mention in this
connection. that the company received
a more liberal patronage Friday eve
ming than had been given it since leav
ing Cincinnati, playing to smaller
houses in Dayton, Springfield, Chl III
cothe, Zanesville; also Akron, the
evening following. This, in view OF
the high prices of admission, is most
convincing proof that our people ap
preciate such privileges, and the man
ayers need have no fear of vacant seats
in securing the very best attractions
1.-The Child of the Regiment is q
pretty Opera, depicting a simple pic
ture of French military life and sur
roundlngs in the time of Napoleon L.,
aud sketch of life among the nebiii-
ty of that age. The habits and man
ners gained from military associations
and education from early childhood,
are suddenly transferred from the tent
to tue palace, and the influence of ear
~ training is manifested in acquirin s
the polish aud accomplishments of a
conventional iifs in the circles of titled
uobiiity. Briefly stated, the plot OF
tie play is as follows: Marie, called
1.-The Child of the Regiment from
having been found, when an infant, in
the arms of dead peasants at the close
of battle between the French and
the Austrians, in which the former
were victorious, and adopted by -the
"2Oth." which was all the father
mother, or relations she ever haC
known, is really a. child of Austrial
nobility,and sole heiress to tue BarouS
of Berkenfeldt, her father having bsel
French officer, and her mother o
the Austrian nobility. On the eve o
battle, the father sends for his infan
daughter in charge of a trusty servant
The father and servant are both killed
and the child found by an officer of th'
20th," and she is Immediately adopt
ed, reared and educated in the camp
and becomes thoroughly imbued will
the military spirit and habit. Tn
Countess of BurkenfeldG, with he
steward, Bruno, desiring an escort t,
her home, Tor fear of the French sol
diery, applies to Sulpice, and i'll thei
J conversation the name Of Berken5eld
: is mentioned. which leads to her ideE
tiiication as the niece of the Countess
4 who prevails upon her to leave th
t "20th," which she does with gres
= sorrow. In the meantime, she ha
r fallen in love with Tony, u peasant
y but was forbidden by Sulpice to MARI
fulhllment of vow she had made I
!, it. Tony obviates the difficulty b
4 promptly enlisting, serving with non
or, receiving rapid promotion. Til
: in which her lover had enlisted, Wa
e most affecting, she vowing to neve
o marry any save Tony. At her neN
O home, she is betrothed by those in al
;, thority to the Duke of Ahrem bers
o against which she vainly protests. I
!, the meantime, .she is visited by th
s "20th," among whose number is II
;, ny, and Sulpice tells the Ce untess tn,
n she is Marie's own mother. and als
t acquaints Marie with the RELATIONSHIP,
. Sulpice has abundant proof of his ~
j sertions, and the Countess, throug &
3 fear of Sulpice, gives her consent |
the union of Marie and Tony.
The leading characters are Mari
n the Countess, Sulpice and Tony.
l. The presence of the Prima Donnl
5. Mile Zslie de Lussan, on the stage, ws
d a continued ovation from her enral
> tured hearers. and in her imperson,
e ton of Marie. she exemplified to pc
fection the charming dignity and il
- dependence born of the free life of tt
y camp. mingled with that natural s,
Is periority inherited from q noble fam
:. ly. So true TO life was her acting, tn,
q a the scenes Of those by gone days, whe
war was the rule and peace the excel
o ton in unhappy Europe.
RS Of the vocal accomplishments of tn
81 Prima Donna, apparently no criticisl
e could be made. Her voice ia one
le rare magnificence and compass, and i
IS IS every rendition her wonderful powe
is of harmony and execution elected tk
d most rapturous applause from the d,
: lightedly appreciative audience.
:, Her acting and singing were faul
: lessly superb, and in the second seer
t where she rehearses musical sele,
II II ton in her new home with the CouI
is tess, a magnificent bouquet from th
n Opera House managers was presente
- her, which she gracefully acknowled,
Il ed. Her abilities and reputation hay
e placed hers among the few names tn,
T.