Hopkinsville Kentuckian., 1890-02-28
LITTLE TYCOON AND THE
MYSTIC TIE"
AT THE OPERA HOUSE.
Sweet Song for Sweet Charity.
Grand Benefit for the Louisville Masonic
Widows and Orphans Home.

49, eFa III W.
Widows and Orphans Home.
Hopkinsville received the delega-
ton of orphan children from the Lou
isvillc Widows and Orphans Home
with enthusiastic welcome last Friday
night at the Opera House, every avail
able inch of whose space was filed by
a e6ned and sympathetic audience
assembled to witness the presentation
of the popular opera, "The Little Ty-
coon," for the benefit Of the Home.
Several weeks since Hopkinsville
Lodge, No. 81, called upon Miss
Emily B. Perry to give an entertain
ment in order to raise a contribution
TO aid in liquidating the debt by which
the Home is encumbered. Deciding
upon n style of entertainment that
had been often attempted without
success, there was little or no encoW-
agement attending the determination
TO give an opera, and thus it was with
doubt this work began. Miss Perry's
remarkable talents in the line of home
entertainments have often been gen
erously given in our community in
successful aid of charitable objects
and TO promote works of public bene
fit, but last Friday night-also the
repetition the 25th-in presenting the
opera, "The Little Tycoon" she sur
passed all her previous efforts and
placed the keystone in the grand arch
Of Masonic charity. Her well cult
vated taste and energy which sur
mounts every obstacle, and unerring
Judgment in the selection of her assis-
tants, in tableauA, concert, or drama,
invariably awaken general interest
and loosen the strings of the public
purse.
1t is only justice to Mr. Willard
Spencer. author of "The Little Ty-
coon,' to state that its presentation
on both occasions was by his special
permission. This favor is cordially
appreciated by the Masons of Hop
kinsville, as a most generous conces-
sion 10 their great charity.
The scene in the first act of this
opera is on deck of an ocean steamer;
in the second and third acts, Gen.
Knickerbocker's home. The stage
setting, properties and decorations
were specially constructed for the va
rious scenes. The sea view and full
rugged ship was a fine instance of ar
tistic ingenuity triumphing over dis
advantages.
The action opened with lively
chorus on deck of the steamer, which
in honor of the young prima donna of
the evening, was named the "Willie
The costumes, as designed
by Misses Perry and Steinhagen, were
fresh, picturesque and tasteful. The
chorus was personated by Misses
Patti Mercer, Lizzie Withers, Cora
Petrec, Bette Hanbery, Gamie Wallis,
Matte Buckner, Mary Griffith, Matte
Overshiner, Alice Haddox, Helen Hall,
Lena Yancey, Florence Buchanan,
Fannie Rust, Messrs. Walter Camp
bell, Henry Tandy, Jack Hanbery, |
Ed. Arnold, Charlie Anderson and
Harry Bryan.
Some Of these were school children |
and all were novices, but they sang
with spirit, melody and precision, be-
ing grouped and arranged with fine
regard to stage effect. The principal
roles were admirably sung and person
nted by Miss Jennie Winfree as the
high-plumed chaperone;
Miss Florence Steinhagen as Violet's
T. w. Moore as The Great |
Tycoon" Of Japan; Rudolph Steinha-
gen as the "Gull-Gull Interpreter" to
the "Great Tycoon;" Thos. Under
wood as "Lord Dolphin J.R.Tobin as
Teddy" the Valet; Oswin Steinhagen
as "Gen. Knickerbocker;" Miss Cora
Petree as Lady Pullhimback;" Jouett
Henry and j. p. Campbell as Gus
tom House Oflicers,' and Allan Wallis
and Mcclure Kelly as "footmen." As
Wheelsman Mr.. Bryan Hopper per-
formed his part faithfully throughout
the ocean scene.
The drill of weeks which preceded
the performance was laborious, It's
result was excellent singing and act
ing, fresh, animated and effective, far
the average performance
Of professionals behind the foot-lights.
Miss Rosa Steinhagen is entitled to
the sole credit of the musical part of
the drill. Possessing true musical
in an extraordinary degree,
she has by diligent culture attained
an enviable rank as pianist of exact,
spirited and brilliant execution. Her
perception of musical fitness is an in
,uition. Her magnetic touch makes
jhe ivory keys leap as if they ,had a
soul, to kiss her plant fingers and
breathe their thought in melody.
The stage was dressed and set with
exquisite taste and effect. The scenes
with the various properties, and the
banners, lanterns, fans
aud umbrellas of Japan presented
beautiful picture. The throne Of the
Great Tycoon was elegantly draped
and decorated. The spectacular en-
semble was the finest ever witnessed |
here in rich. and varied decoration.