Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-01-05
BLITHESONE MARION.
THE aREGISTER" REPORTER ENJOYS A PLEAS
ANT CHAT WITH MISS HAMILTON,
Of the 'Robin Hood" COmpany-FrOm the Church
Choir to the Stags-A BrightEysd, Blith'sOns
Creature Seen in the DslineatOr Of the
ROls-Shs Capivatss on Every Hand.

"Inere is an lnueHndOl6 ldSCludUiOh'
this singing in opera, said Miss Caroline
Hamilton, the charming prima donna OF
the Robin Hood Opara Company, who
delighted the large gathering at the
Opera House last evening, and she grace
fully relapsed into an easy chair at her
apartments at the Mcclure.
MISS Hamilton, it will be remembered
by theatre-goers, played with the origi-
nal Bostonians all last season, and Gre
ated the part OF Maid Marian in New
York City, giving to the part certain
life, zest and spirit, that never failed to
call out the plaudits. Although Miss
Hamilton has been on the operate stage
only two seasons, she has been warmly
received wherever she had appeared.
"My homo is in San Francisco" said
Miss Hamilton, land for some time l
had a heSitancy about going on the
stage. l went from the church to the
stage, incongruous as it seems" laugh
ingly remarked the prima donna. "But
it was not those awful transitions we
often read in romance. was engaged
in singing in the choir in one OF the
leading Presbyterian churches OF San
Francisco, when as 1 might say still
small voice prompted me stageward.
Many believing my voice was OF sufti-
cient strength and volume urged the
purpose, believing there were laurels
awaiting me before the footlights,
"said Miss Hamilton with twinkle of
her bright black eyes. Through friends
I was placed in communication with
the manager of the original BostoniaDs;
they replied favorably; l signed the
contract and here am-down deep in
OPERA"
"Were you unsteady inclined early
in life?" asked the reporter.
Eyes, 1 may say was, but perhaps
not vocally. 1 appeared as sort OF
musical progidy at the age OF eleven
and half years. when appeared in
concert, giving piano music. l studied
piano music almost unlnterruptedly
after that until was fourteen, when l
began to discover, or rather somebody
else did. that l had voice. l then
dropped piano playing and proceeded
to the cultivation of my voice. l en-
gagged in active tuition, and when l
thinknow of the days and weeks that
worked, it hardly seems possible now
that could have stood it. l sang in tw
or three of the Presbyterian churches
in my native city, and had generous
offer from an EpiScopalian church,
which, however, l refused, as l like
Presbyterian music better"
cat this point Miss Hamilton Jumped
up and closed the blinds and lighted the
gas in the room, remarking that the
hazy blend of half-daylight and the
Pickering embers in the fire place threw
an unattracsive and uncertain hue
across the room.) "I we'll recall how
many church people objected when l
announced my determination to go on
the stage, yet strange to say, nearly all
of them Joined in giving me hearty
welcome when l returned TO my native
city last summer. l was most cordially
received on all sides which was indeed
gratifying"
"Are you filing many roles this sea-
son?" asked the reporter.
II think the time will be mostly de-
voted to Robin Hood, although have
a repertoire Of four other roles, Carmen
being my next most favorite opera.
Where do you find the most salts
factory audienceS?'
That isa hard question, said Miss
Hamilton, "but to draw the line closely
may say representative Southern
audiences are more after my own heart.
Certain it is, however, that the opera
of Robin Hood is one Of the most sue
cessful ever placed on the boards
in this country. And right here, want
to correct an impression that seems to
have gotten abroad, and that is, that
this company not being the original
Bostonians, is Of course only an of
shoot, with a hap-haZard lot OF cheap
singers and second-rate orchestra. Now
this is wrong. 1t may be the case with
many second-class company operas, but
not with this. Our costumes, scenery
and orchestra are among the very best,
and while this company does not carry
so many renowned stars, it has an ad-
vantage in youth, nearly all OF our
mem bers, excusing myself, being young,
fresh and attractive, and Of most excel
lent voice throughout. In fact, it
would be- difficult to discern any differ
ence between the two presentations.
Have you ever travelled abroad?"
asked the reporter.
mo, this is one Of the delightful trips
in store for me. l expect to get there
soon, at least before l am fifty. and
hope don't look anywhere near that
age yet" laughingly observed the prima
donna