Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-03-09
The Programme.

IN humor and in popular music, Gilbert and
Sullivan's "GondolIers" is in all respects equal.
and in many respects superior, to their former
productions. In none of his previous librettos
has MIR. Gilbert seen fit to give such prominence
to his comedy elements. There are no fewer
than five strong comedy parts in THE Condo
liers," whereas Mr.. Gilbert has usually been
content with one. The production of
"The Gondoiers' is said by those who
have seen the New York and the London
presentations to be superior in the company
coming this week to the 5ijou Theater. Not
only is the cast claimed to be much stronger in
all particulars, but the scenery and costumes
are said to be the most artistic and elaborate
ever seen in comic opera production. The
costumes are all made by DaZian, of New FORK,
from designs by the eminent English artist,
Percy Anderson. The scenery is by two of the
most celebrated scenic artists in this country,
Messrs. Fred Dangertield and William Voegtlin.
The company is made up of fayorite comic
opera artists. Mr.. w. S. Daboll, who plays the
Duke of Plaza I0ro, will be remembered for the
great hit he made in "Erminie." Mr.. Charles
Drew, who plays the principal gondoller, is
old time favor1te who always may be trusted to
give an amusing Interpretation of any role as
signed to him. Mr.. Joseph Frankau is said to
be very droll as the Grand InQutSftor, which is
another Of Gilbert's funny caricatures. Mr..
Willis Seaman, Jr., is amusing as Luiz, the
Dukes solitary attendant Mr.. Robert
Dunbar. who plays the second gondOlier,
has fine tenor voice as well as ability as
a comedian. There are three prominent
soprano parts in the opera, and these will be
taken by the Misses Fanny Edwards, Louise
Paullin and Addie Cora Reed. Each OF these
ladies is well known for clever work done with
companies of McCaull, Duff and others. Miss
Fannie Edwards, the Duchess OF the cast was
formerly leading contralto OF the Savoy
Theater, London, where she created most of
the heavy contralto parts of the Gilbert and
Sullivan's operas. The chorus is made up of As
picked voices, and the orchestra will be aug
mented to develop all the beauties of Sir
Arthur Sullivan's score. The production of
new opera by Gilbert and Sullivan is always an
event of more than usual interest, and the pro-
duction is said by those who have seen it to be
in every way worthy of the opera.
MISS CoGHLAN's engagement this week at
the Grand Opera House possesses high artistic
interest. She is a remarkably clever and versa
tile actress and she will present, with strong
company, three legitimate plays of great power.
"Forget-Me-Not" and Peg Wellington" have
been seen here before. but the "Jocelyn,"
which is to be played on Monday. Tuesday and
twice on Wednesday, is new. Peg Voting
matinee and SForges-Me.Not6o on Friday and
Saturday nights. The play of "Jocelyn" is of
the romantic school, the scene being laid in
at the period of French history when Margaret
of Anjou's pretentions to the throne were de-
feated by the forces of Louis XIII. at the Pont
de ce, near Anglers. The role of JoceEyn the
to Miss Coghlan's abilities. The story of the
play is of strong human interest, and the situa-
tion and clima8es very dramatic. The scenery,
costumes and large appointments which the
company bring with them are picturesque and
historically correct.
EMMA ABBOTT will appear at the Bijou
Theater next week with her full company in a
repertoire Of grand English opera that cannot
fail to challenge attention. 1t is: Monday,
"Ernani," Verdi; Tuesday. Grown Diamonds"
Auber; Wednesday matinee Bohemian Girl"
Balfe, popular prices, two prime donne;
Wednesday, Rose of Castillo" Balfe; Thurs
day, II Trovatore," Verdi; Friday, Norma"
Beliini; Saturday, Abbott matinee, Romeo
and Juliet" Gounod, Emma Abbott as juliet:
Saturday night, Martha" Flotow, with Alb
bott's Last Rose of Summer" There is some
what of novelty about "Ernani," which has
not been produced here for many years. and
possibly Grown Diamonds also. The revival
of Romeo and Juliet" also adds to the at
traction.
THE attraction at the Academy Of Music
this week, Reilly and Woods new big show, is