Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-03-16

GRAND OPERA HoUsE................''T 1.-The Exiles''
| HARRIS THEATER. 'Blue and the Gray''
! ACADEMY OF MUsIC.......LillyC Ciay's Company
| WORLDS MUSEUM. ......".......Curfosities, Etc.
The above are the theatrical attractions for
this week.
There are differences of opinion as to the
merits of THE Gondoliers." The majority ver-
| dict seems to be very favorable. The latest of
| Gilbert and Sullivan's operas has not been seen
| here under entirely advantageous circum-
stances. A company collected in the latter
half of the season, as MIR. Henderson's was,
could not be first class. The best actors in
comic opera were all under engagement when
the production of "The Gondoiers" in this
country occurred. Consequently the best COM
pany that could be procured had to be perforce
an organization made up of odds and ends.
Considering the circumstances, Mr.. Henderson
is to be congratulated on giving so good pres
entation of the opera. The training of the COM
pany left nothing to De desired. A better chorus
in comic opera, as we are accustomed to hear
It has seldom sung here.
The musical performance of the opera was
more artistic, to my mind, than the dramatic.
The SATIRE the wit and pure fun of the libretto
were not developed properly. The comedians,
with the exception OF Messrs Dabole and
Frankaw, were very incompetent. The au-
dience could hardly be expected to see the
point of much of Mr.. Gilbert's work in busi-
ness and lines for the simple reason that sew
eral of the leading actors had not an intelligent
idea OF what they we're dong and saying. The
richness of the satire on a limited monarchy
completely overawed by triumphant dem
ocrocy was practically lost owing to this cause.
When "The Gondoliers" is played by CON-
pany of competent actors and singers next
season, as we hore it will be, there should be
no doubt of its ranking with several. if not
with all, of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular
operas. 1t would be a good thing tor every
body if Mr.. Francis Wilson, who is playing
The Gondoliers" in Philadelphia with wonder
full success, were to join forces with Mr..
Henderson in his enterprise next season.
Francis Wilson and Marie Jansen in the cast
would be a host. There is a chance of some
such deal as this occurring, am told.
The poor business which Miss Coghlan has
done at the Grand Opera House during the
past week, is due believe, almost entirely to
the unfortunate selection of "Jocelyn" as the
leading play in her repertoire. Had she played
Peg Wellington" very different result might
have been expected.
l commend the following to young women
who are signing for the stage; it is actress
who writes thus of her profession: 1.-The actress
is almost always pictured as af1oat in money
and Jewels fattered and worshiped, ap-
plauded. wined and suppered and cared for
always in boudoir, always with dozens of
men at her feet, always with French maid, a
box of bon-bons and poodle
Actresses work as hard as shopgirls. If
they make lot of money, the life costs al
ways close to what they make, or away over it.
It's draw your salary and give it to your dress
maker.
They get quite as much abuse and slander
as they do fattery, and they know hattery too
well to care rap for it. They get worried.
"She isn't wined and suppered as often as she
creeps home tired and hungry to solitary
crackers and cheese; and when she is being
wined and suppered she is either feeling rather
en- garde, or else bored and stupid, and wishing
herself home.
''She seldom has a real boudoir. If she has
anything of the kind it's because she has to
live up to her position, not because it makes
her happier. and as for the men at her feet,
whether it be none or dozen or two dozen it
isn't much of a compliment"
HEPBURN JOHNS.