Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-11-09
Or PBNZANCE
A VERY CREDTABLE PRODUCTION OF THAT
POPULAR OPERA
By Local Talent a! the Opera House Last Night
A Large and AppreciaiVs
Audience.

EVEN those who expected to witness
a creditable presentation of the comic
opera, PIRATES Of Penzance," were
agreeably surprised last evening at the
Opera House. To the intelligent direc-
ton and painstaking efforts of Prof. j.
A. Raynes are in a large measure due
the credit tor what was unquestlonably
the best amateur musical produc-
tion ever given in this city. 1t was
distinctively a society event The au-
dience was cultured, and manifested It's
appreciation of the meritOrious work by
generous applause. Encores were as
frequent as deserved. All the princi-
pals acquitted themselves with credit,
and several roles were sustained 10
a manner which would have
done Justice to some of the operate IA
vorites in the professional ranks
There was marked absence OF the
stiffness associated with the work OF
amateurs. except in two or three In =
stances. and the piece will move OH
more smoothly this evening.
Mrs. Flora Williams, who deserVedly
occupies high place among Wheeling
vocalsts, appeared as 'Mabel," char
acter which afforded many opportunl-
ties for the display Of the exquisite puri-
~ and sweetness aud wide compass OF
her voice. She also proved herself an
actress of no mean ability, appearing
perfectly at ease at all times. Her con-
ception Of the part was admirable, her
execution faultIesS
Miss Mamie Grub as Edith" sur
prsed her friends, no less by her artistic
rendition of the several very pleasing
solos, than by the grace and charm OF
her action. She was rewarded with
several enthusiastic encores. Mrs.
Allie Wheat and Miss May
Woods. as kate" and Isabel,
respectively, divided honors with the
other ladies', aud shared with them in
the generous applause of the audience.
Mrs. j. A. Raynes sustained the diff
cult role Of Ruth" in which she was
really excellent. A more pleasing pre-
sentation OF that character has not been
seen on the Opera House stage.
II lis not light task TO direct the
efforts OF amateurs in such pretentlous
entertainment as the opera which was
sung last night Prof. Raynes' work
was difficult, and the success which
crowned his efforts is the best evidence
OF his ability. In addition TO directing
the opera, ne appeared as major Gen
eral Stanley" In which be won the
praise which be merited.
Mr.. VIII r. Days pleasing tenor
voice was heard 10 excellent advantage
in number OF solos, duets and quar-
tettes. As Frederic" he had many op-
portunities and made the most Of them.
Mr.. Claire O'Neill was an ideal
pirate King" in appearance, and sang
and acted we'll The Samuel" OF Mr..
George d. Green was excellent. The
comedy element was iu good hands, in
the person of Mr.. George PillSbury, who
as Sergeant OF Police" kept the audi
ence in an uproar when he was on the
stage.
II was frequently remarked in the
audience that the chorus was I'M
usually strong, and no critical comment
can be made. The costumes OF the
young ladies were very hand
some, and collectively they made
very pretty picture. A more at
tractive lot of chorus girls never
appeared upon any stage. Not only
were they perfectly at ease, but they
sang well. The gentlemen also scqult-
ted themselves well, notably in tue
chorus of pirates, and of policemen.
Following are the names Of the ladies
and gentlemen in the chorus: