The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-11-12

rights TO dramatize the latters novel,
THE BOndsman." The BOndsman viii
take it's place In Mr.. Barrett's repertoire
this season, and he expects that 1t will
be quite as popular as Ben-My-Chree.
Mr.. Barrett Will also play here this season
a version Of Nirginius revised by himself
The Leeds and Liverpool press pronounce
Mr.. Barrett's Improvement Of this play
wonderful, and when we remember that
Hazlitt declared it to be "the finest acting
play ever written" this will stand forth
as unusual praise. The main changes
are in the Encouragement of the acts so
that each is played In but single scene.
and in changing the denouement The
former changes admit Of far more elabo-
rate scenery and mounting than the origi-
nal version permitted, and those familiar
with Mr.. Barretts method OF scenic dis
play and costume need hardly be told that
when they see him in Vrginius il Will be
in a spectacular environment.
Mr.. Barretts change of the last act
shows ViIginius, after he has killed Nir-
ginia I'm order to save her honor and
strangled Appius Claudius, sitting IN his
home with mind dstraught calling for his
daughter and In fancy talking with her.
Then a funeral march is heard from a
distance. Nearer and nearer 1t comes,
and presently four maidens. friends Of
her bier. The father at first in his frenzy
thinking that she is asleep, finally awakes
to realization that she is dead and eX-
pires on her corpse.
If Charles Alfred Byrne and Louis Har-
rison keep on at their present rate OF
speed in turning out light opera librettos,
they will soon have monopoly on that
particular class of entertainment in this
country.
Said Mr.. Byrne recently; 'Rehearsals
of Princess Nicotine, Of which Mr.. Harri-
son and are the authors are progress
ing rapidly and satisfactorily at the Ca
sino. The report that Lillian Russell is
not pleased with her part. l wish prompt
~ to deny.
with regard to Venus at the Park
Theatre Boston, for the libretto Of which
Mr.. Harrison and l are also responsible,
/ think it is playing to the best business
in that city / have seen the performance
several times. That charming artist,
Camille d Arvilie is seen 70 great ad-
vantage in the leading role.
"The first night Of Princess Nicotine IS
set for November 20. On the following
night Adelina Patti will produce at Music
Hall. Boston. my one-act grand opera,
Gabrielle. The music is by Pizzi an
italian composer who won the FIRST prize
Of Boulogne, with Mascagni as competitor.
December %, Il. Henry French will pro-
duce at the American Theatre The Noy-
age Of Suzette, which Mr.. Harrison and
are adapting from the French.
And then what? The Mahdi, with
music by William Furst. We may call
II The Cloaks or Clrtoon. That opera
win not be staged until December, pro-
badly I'm Chicago.
"Our next contract is with +. L. Rice.
He is TO produce our comic opera, Allan
It's, with music by Gustave Kerker. This
will probably be presented in the Fall 1t
the Park Theatre, Boston. Atlantis viii
be a comic opera with spectacular effects.
The submerged city Of Atlantis viii be re-
presented.
Furthermore, / expect 10 write an in
tense romantic opera in coadjutatiOn with
John Peachey, the English tenor, now
with 1892. IS Thomas @. SeabroOke Will
doubtless continue to sing in The Isle OF
Champagne next season, 1t would seem
as though within year the public VIII
have excellent opportunities TO attend
Byrne and Harrison's operas"