The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-05-06

sistent. and In many particulars tho wording
OF tho piece was unsuitable; but the fanl.s were
not such as to yitiate either the fun or the
pnthos III the estimation OF most folks.
he Wolf Hopper Makes II Start ns IA Comic
Opera Star.
1t was a night of personal triumph for De
Wolf Hopper, Just as everybody predicted it
would be- Crowded into all corners. recesses,
and tiers Of the big Broadway Theatre n hand
some and good-natured audience burst into
enthusiasm SO frequently ana so readily rs to
confirm the suspicion that Mr.. Hoppers VEN
ture on his own account was going to be
hurrahcd into a success, whatever Its intrinsic
merits There were noisy gronps Of actors
from the Five AS. base ball fares" from
everywhere. and everyday admirers OF Mr..
McCaulls late comedian wherever there was
room to sit or space TO stand in. No first night
within recent memory had developed a greater
"utpourng OF anectionate announcement and
good will. 1t left no possible doubt OF the
strong hold Mr.. Hopper has gained upon the
esteem OF comic opera lovers in this town,
and it was a hopefu-indeed by far the
most significant feature of the nights perform
ance. There need now be no serious question
as to the wisdom Of Mr. Hopper's new venture
1t is clear that his six years OF amiable but
foonery have made him something OF an idol
in the regard of large portion OF this com
munity, and so long as it Is this public which
pays the actor, Mr. Hopper nav not tremble
for the future.
Art seems to have very little excuse for sur
yival on occasions and under crrum stances
like these. The BrOadway'S audience had no
thought Of 1t, that Is certain for even tho dull
Air" were PASSED over leniently az imporfec-
tions Of n first night When. at tho close of the
speech before the curtain, he. too airily re-
terred TO the SHORTCOMINGS as trivial
opnnonH tEefreorc both Beh"d Sad IN
ir9nt Of the stage, agreeing that the opera was
Hopper's speech was sincere SO far as it cx-
pressed his deep gratitude to New York audi
deep affection for his elephqntlne gambois his
he Is SO fertile III devislng. He is not true
operate k, on comedian; ms some who like
i've less no is provided with a foil con
trast In personality or otherwise. His humor
Is generally laborious. but It is always more or
the public. therefore. and when i 10 accom-
panied by demonstrations OF agility such rs
Hopper has made his own. there is no resist
Castles In the Air" provides Mr.. Hopper with
plenty Of opportunities for the exercise OF his
his peculiar talent. and as he does not neglect
any OF them, the work must be- considered valu-
ableto him.. 1t IL likely to serve him accept
i
mat he VIII Try on somethnR new. and the
comedy opera" which Messrs: kerker and
Byrne evolved may DO speedily laid away and
forgotten, IL contains no element OF novelty
either in its theme or the treatment Of it. The
story In it's present form Is almost incom-
fret hearing Is that young nobeman. hui-
hHt, falls in love, and becomes penness at
G Gn an by crSa6 IN the and Wit S
woo.ng, and viii ;ortgne, again make up the
. I1dge who does Ices, not partake Of he local
sRoqgR sa sat N' to- siEfe home A0f xxx
the Metropolitan bench, There are subordi-
nate characters not at al new IN comic opera
men. who are old Iac4ualntances. and al The
remaining c9nventionalities OF productions Of
this class The work T. eerLai5Ply MT IT o Ger
pm, i Is burlosquo opera as New York likes
IT,, and II Is nothing more diGnihed.
pra6ab HsT HS rsce4 p Spo"y /" at Is
70 say because all the WAY ., through Il Is harm,
Thythmic color OF the dance evoTywhere In Its
besI numbers lackinR, sentiment aud feeling
an Industrious director ready arTanger.
aud useful , manager generally IN
a%@ Work vnn 4E Eas sro aai mds s
EaEs In rastles I'm in III t4s ,. Ar he has
and las arranged several Very effective m tales.
That IL the sum Of honest praise OF his share
in tho work Nj. Byrnes llbretto Is not al
ways interesting, and at Intervals It e posi-
In comic opera books OF this day, It departs
from ,e,9,pny,eelni!onaa!ltY only to step mt
I ES is f doaSes, sang cons sG
sion 70 the Demands OF the comedian
In the piece, but II ID a shrewd concession. for
Il seems 10 provoke most Of the laughs. II Is |
blr. Byrles claim upon the programme that
pc found rs mother Idea IL IN old ntermozlo
hY Iervantes. Others have preceded him In
Slight use Of H. There 10 no trace OF the dell.
cacy, and puRlntness Of CerYantes anywhere In
AIT. BAnes WORK.
Mr.. lioppers company deserve praise for the
spirit with which they attack their task, They |
sing admirably they have been well drilled,
sang frold that BELTS experienced people for
~ OF them are familiar with comic opsTa
Marion MAnulA who wears picturesque aud
ragged brooches no the bau kTupt in -hn as