Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-09-23
AT TIE THEATRE.
The Op ra TeniEht-hinstrsls 40.
Morrow Night-A "Reyal Pass FRI
aaY Night.
"ERMrN1Es TONIGHT.

EhMiNlE TONiGHT.
For some time past Rock Island people
have not had an opportunity to listen to
a leading operate organic 'tion, bur this
opportunity will be afforded theatre goers
at Harper's theatre this evening when the
Garrow company. comprising so people,
will produce "Erminie. There is no
organic ,,ion now before the public be ter
suited for the giving of this opera than
the Garrow company.
Laura Clement, the prima donaa sings
and acts her role in a manner which has
called out the most Auditory CRITICS ms
from the press of the country. She was
brought to America by D'Oyley Carte TO
create the role of Yum Yum in "Mika>
do" and so great was the hit she made
that she has remained in America ever
since. Miss Lillian Swain is dashipg
little woman full of 'chic" and was q
bright particular light in the Emma Alb
bott company until the lstter's death.
She is an exquisite dancer and has fine
soprano voice. which in characters like
Pitt Sing. Javotte in E mimic" and the
20 !een" in the Bohemian Girl, is heard
to excellent advantage. Miss Adella
Barker, the contralto Of the company, is
a thorough actress and vocalist having
learned her business with CoLreid and the
Hess opera compan es. She reminds one
very much of LAURA Joyce Bell in her
methods and the manner of her singing.
Charles Il. Drew, the comedian of the
company, has national reputation as an
artist. For years he was Mr.. Carleton's
leading comedian and was the original
Jonah" in "A Brass Monkey" Henry
Hallam, the tenor, is handsome fellow
with beautiful voice. and what is very
rare with opera tenors, he is an excellent
actor. He was member of the Casino
company for several years and sang lead,
ing parts in the operas which have m ade
that honse so famous the country over.
John Brand, who was member of Aron.
sons company, is the baritone. and one
OF the best now appearing in comic opera.
He has voice of unusually pleasant
quality which he manages at sll times as
only true artist knows how.
The chorus comprises 35 voices all
carefully chosen from the best opera
companies. The girls are pretty. fea-
tuIe which in these days is not to be
lightly set aside, aud they sing with in
telligence. making perfect en- semble.
The musical director. Sig. Torrisni, is one
of the best known leaders in the country
and an opera under his direction cannot
help but prove distinguished success,
making one of the rare society events of
the year.
BILLY EMERsoN's MINsTRELs.
Billy Emerson, the gifted and world
famed favorite minstrel, was born in
Hoosac Fails, n. Y, March II, 1856
His first appearance was made in con-
nec.ion with c. Stewart in Vallar's
Varieties of Philadelphia in The year 1861.
The old theatre goers of Philadelphia, as
well as the professional veterans, will re-
member this edifce. situated opposite
Fox's Casino. Mr.. Emerson was then
engaged. although mere child, as female
impersonatOr. as well as in a juggling
act. In 1868 he went to ST. Louis and
played a long and continued engsgemen Mt
at Jake" Esher's theatre and the Deagles
Varieties. For a number of years the
ST. Louisians were delighted and enter
tanned with his presence and srecialties.
In the fall of 1870 he went to Chicago
as an attraction for the Dearborn street
theatre and sat in the first part during
his engagement on the opposite end to
Harry Armstrong, better known as
dude" Armstrong. After his engage
ment there terminated he played various
cities Of the United States until he went
to San Francisco, and assumed the man.
sgement there eff a theatre. II '73 as a
member of the "All Hail" Doyle circus,
he journeytd to Australia and played
successfully The entire circuit. Return
ing again to the states, he filled success
full engagements in all parts of the west
ern country until he was engaged to 60 to
England with the Haverly Mastodons.
His reception in London and the
preciative way as ever. After his re-
turn he retired from active work and with
his surplus earnings. aboat S39, 900. he
| repaired TO the Pacific coast where he
became at once interested in divers forms
of amusement business A lively demand
and rivalry to secure him again as star
brought him once more before the public
In 80, and since that time he has been
pilng up thousands until he comes finally
before the pu lie with q company bsmed
in his honor and with him as the princi>
pal star of which ] Fl. Haverly, the
shrewdest, most daring manager the
world has ever known. is again the di-
rector.-New York Dramatic News.
SCENE NEW TO THE STAGE.
Two locomotive engines regularly built
and equipped with all the appliances,