Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-02-04
AT THE THEATERS.
A New Nadjy-The Fakir's Merits-Other
Plays and Players.

Plays and Players.
THAT "Nadjy," by Francois Chassaigne, was
gwen with prodigious color and complete
ness by the Aronson Opera Company at the
Grand Opera House last night goes without
saying. But the large audience which assem-
bled to hear it had another treat in store: there
was new Nddiy, very queen of the ballet
in the person of Miss George DENIM. 1t is
true also that Mr.. James 7. Powers gave us a
new FdrdgGs.
This is not the first appearance of
''Nadjy" in this city. and it is
hardly necessary to review the
opera again. The opinion has already been
expressed in these columns that 'tNadjy,"
musically considered. is pretty small potatoes
and few to the hill. AS 1t has been sung here
the prettiest air in it, the ballad what is
Lover" is not Chassaigne's, and while some of
the choruses have a swing that is ively-es-
pecially that which forms the finale of the Sec
ond act-there is very little music of any value
in the opera. The less said about the nbretto
the better.
1t is therefore always right to praise
any opera company which makes "Nadjy"
enjoyable. Mr.. Aronsons company is
deserving of high praise for "Nadjy," in their
hands takes on many charms certainly not its
own. Miss Pauline Hall could not be anything
but beautiful. but she seemed rather more
lovely than usual as Princess EteIka. Perhaps
the costumes helped her little. though it is
hard to say whether the severe simplicity Of
her white robe de mutt or the rich disguise of a
hungarian hunting dress became her most.
The bouquets and baskets Of flowers
which she received seemed no more
than her deserts. Venus temple always
must :not forget Miss George DENIM,
who was also saluted-very bunglingly-with
floral harp or something of the sort. 1t will
be remembered that Marie Jansen injected a
good deal of charm and mouthful of naughti-
ness into the part of "Nadjy." George DENIM
does as much or more. 1t is not fair to at
tribute naugktIness to her, though. She is
awfully chic, and the excuse for using the
French word is that she constantly reminds one
of French methods. She catches the spirit of
comic opera as very few American actresses
catch 1t nowadays. 1t ls a matter of motion,
expression and diablerie all the time with her;
such thing as posing like a statuesque
sheep-how many stars Of comic opera
love repose! does not occur to her.
Her Work is not wanting in contrasts, either.
She sings part of that charming what is
Lover with simple sweetness that filings the
point OF the song into strong relief The song in
which she describes, untruthfully of course, the
fate of the married man, is delivered with all
the scorn imaginable. So Nddjy as she plays
it would be taking sketch even If she did not
dance with great grace, as she does.
The part of FGrGgds we never esteemed
much for humor, but Mr.. James T. Powers
gives it with rich and original JUNCTION. His imi-
tation OF the ballet girl and her admirer in the
parquet is very funny. Miss Kate Uart has lit
tie to do but look charming, and of course she
does that with ease. Miss Eva Davenport
brought Angelic, the waiting woman of EteLkd
and FdrdgdS wife, into unusual prominence
by her capital acting. The Rakoczy of Mr..
John Brand was also excellent-he
sings with spirit and expression.
Mr.. Edwin Stevens in spite of a
painfully ludicrous makeup rather misses the
fun In the elderly roue Bobrumkof. The chorus
is well trained and good to look at. The scenery
and the costumes are very handsome The audi
ence received the opera with generous ap-
plause.
Wisely as we think the management have
resolved to revive "Erminie' for the Wednes-
day matinee and evening performances. Old
as "Erminie" is it still has many friends.