Los Angeles herald., 1891-01-01
ADJUSTMENTS.
L'Africaine at the Grand Last
Night.

The Juch opera company produced
Meyerbeer's last work, L'Africaine, at
the Grand last night. It is the first
production Of the opera here. One
might pick good many flaws in the
plot, were he 30 disposed, but those who
60 to hear opera for the sake of the
story, might better stay at home. The
music Of the score is grand. There are
few operas that contain better music.
The single parts, and all the combina-
tions up to chorus are excellent. And
the piece is filed to repletion with fine
songs and choruses. 1t has movement
in it at all points, and there is not dull
number in the opera.
The rendition by the Juch company
last night stands with that Of Faust and
Lohengrin as red letter occasions to the
credit of the company, and in the an
nails of music in this city. Juch, as
Selika. snng and acted superbly. 1t is
difficult role, full OF music that makes
loud calls for work, but to each one the
singer responded with vigor in acting,
and with perfect Interpretation of the
music. The part of Nelusk, her COM
panion in bondage, was well rendered
indeed by Otto Rathjens. He sung the
score well, and acted as few sing
ers are capable of doing. His
portraiture of the jealousy and
despair of the sighted lover was a
rare bit OF art. The depth of passion
was reached by him in all the trying
scenes OF the role. Vetta, as Don Pedro,
sang his part perfectly, fully sustaining
his reputation, while Hedmondt as Vasco
de Gamo won fresh laurels. He did the
best work he has shown here this time.
The music is grand, and reaches near
the highest register of the tenor voice,
calling for strength as we'll as compass
of voice. He was far better in this role
than in any other heavy music he has
tried.
The piece was superbly staged. The
scenes are lovely in the extreme, the
last one in the Indies being specially
fine.
Tonight the company will sing Faust
in the beautiful Loring opera house at
Riverside, and will return here tomor-
row to sing Carmen, with Juch in the
title role. On this occasion King Kala-
kaua, of the Hawaiian islands, with
company comprising General McCook,
Lieutenant Baker, Mayor Hazard and
others, will occupy the four proscenium
boxes to the right OF the audience.
MISS ADELAIDE MOORE.
At the Los Angeles last night Miss
Moore appeared in A Fatal Marriage,
piece in which she appeared to much
better advantage than as Juliet. She
was greeted with very fair audience
which enjoyed the play. There will be
a matinee at this house this afternoon,
when the Lady of Lyons will be pro-
duced. Tonight A Fatal Marriage will
be repeated.
THE PRIVATE SECRETARY.
No funnier play was ever written than
Mr.. William Gillettes popular domes-
tic comedy, The Private Secretary. The
play is under the able management of
Mr.. Charles Frohman, and the company
engaged comprises most OF the members
that appeared at the Madison Square
theatre during the earliest production of
the play. The stage appointments and
effects are rich and in Keeping with all
of the Frohman productions. The
comedy will be given at the Grand
opera house five evenings next week,
commencing on Monday.
GALA DAY AT THE MUsEE.
Today will, of course, be a gala day at
the popular Main-street theater-musee,
and the managers will find it'difficult to
handle the crowds, if they increase in
the ratio lately noticeable on Sundays
and holidays. The three-headed marvel
continues the sensational feature. but is
by no means the only really interesting
attraction offered. There will be an
extra performance and exhibition this
morning, to accommodate the increased
attendance. The numbers of ladies and
children are gradually increasing at the
afternoon exhibition.