The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-11-26

ever. Inere IS a wltcnery IN comic upelu
which bare comedy could not possibly evoke.
Music, always enchanting, is doubly SO
when the performers lisa skilled opera singer.
Then, too, the costumes are always selected
with the idea of enhancing the beauty of
the dazzling spectacle. 1t is to such scenes
that the tired man Of business turns when
his days labor is ended. He is carried en-
tirely out of himself and away from all de-
pressing thoughts. He hears nothing but
the enhancing music; he sees naught but
the gorgeous costumes which drape the fig
ures of the lovely singers. Life for the
time being takes on a rose tinted hue, and
care is banished.
In tragedy all this is changed. The mind
becomes concentrated, and the listener in
his efforts to tollow the saddening scenes
presented strains every nerve, and what
was intended rs entertainment has at its
conclusion quite an opposite effect. The
decadence of tragedy may, in Il great meas
urc, be owing to the lack of tragediaps.
Melodrama, Oh the other hand, in it's effects
IS rather pleasing, for the evening alter
mates between hopes and fears, and what
ever impression is made is seldom lasting.
Melodrana has always found favor with
the american people from the fact that to
u great extent it characterizes the plays of
American authors.
10 return to comic opera, it's present
grateful acceptance by the people may, to
Il great degree, account for their desire to
escape for at least a time from the business
troubles which almost over whelm them,
Thus 1t will be seen that this form of en-
tertalnment is an important factor in the
peoples welfare and happiness. Life Is q
Kaleidoscope, and comic opera is one of it's
brightest prisms. To the expectant listen
er and sightseer its rainbow hues seem
quickly to chase each other across his ex-
cited imagination. But the central figure.
or star, while perhaps nightly dclighting
the eyes OF gratifying the senses Of an en-
raptured audience, has many outside trials
10 endure. Actions are often misconstrued
and words mis~interpreted. Her manager
must DE consulted on every occasion, and
unless he and'the star agree it is useless
putting forth any effort toward success.
Ln~derstudies must be agreeable and eff
cient. In fact to produce an opera of any
kind successfully, harmony must reign
throughout. When disturbing elements
creep in, the public soon learns of the fact
and it does not always stand ready to
support the star.
Newspaper critics are also thorns in the
flesh, and it would be well if all persons
connected with public life could under
stand how much harm or 1000 they are
capable of doing. Reporters, too, play an
important part in theatrical enterprises.
ana l would advocate their being treated
with the greatest courtesy on all proper &C.
casions. For my own part, l consider it
nattering indeed to be called upon for the
little bits Of information | am at times able
to furnish.
In II chorus girl a pretty face and shapely
form are both important ad% juncts, and
coupled with Il musical and sympathetic
voice are bound to insure SUCCESS. Bute even
with these advantages her life is not al WAYS
a pleasant one, for many Of these sensitive
young women are often compelled to en-
lure great hardships. And here let me saw
a word III their favor, for | have never
known a kinder hearted class than these
scll7amc chorus girls. Many Of them are
the mainStay Of invalid fathers, mothers or
sisters, and they willingly yield up their
earnings Tor the support OF their loved ones.
How true II IL that all that g~l.ittcrs is not
gold! Oltcntimes the coryphee adds to her
income By doing work outside of her pro-
fessiOn. But during rehearsals and the first
stages of the opera this extra labor il i'm
possible, for the young woman's time is not
her own to control. Rehearsals are fire.
quently long and firing. and it is useless
Tor persons of delicate physique to take part
III any performance requiring such prelimi-
nary work.
The construction of a comic opera is per-