The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-04-20
PRISCILLA"
The Opera the Brown Students
Will Present During May.

The opera priscilla" which Is TO be
given by the students OF Brown University
first week in May, is now
SO far perfected that its success seems
assured. Ii is a more ambitious attempt
than any dramatic performance hereto
fore given by the college, and 1t is hoped
that i will be the opening
the future. The opera is under the
auspices of the Hammer and Tongs So
ciety, dramatic organization which once
held an important position in the univer-
sity, and which has been revived by the
projectors of Priscilla"
The plot of the opera has an historical
setting, the scene being laid at the time
when the Continental troops were in
quarters at University Hall. The first act
reproduces the college at that period, the
scenery being painted from engravings OF
the University prepared at the time of the
Revolutionary War.
The story OF the libretto is briefly as
follows:
Priscilla Manning, daughter OF the
President, Is loved by Able Holdfast,
poor and Woodworking student
OF the college. Their love
affair is progressing favorably
when Richard Redbird. British spy, dis
guised as Harvard student, appears on
the scene. He is commissioned by King
George to look out for English interests
in Providence and incidentally makes
love to the Presidents daughter, but re-
ceives no encouragement. Redbird's
anger is thus aroused against
plots his rivals ruin. In this design, as
well as in his attempt to capture the col
lege, Redbird is aided by Zachariah Cole
Bluff, steward of the university.
Bluff wishes to be chancellor of the
college, and he readily agrees to assist
Redbird when offered this, position, to-
gether with f1O0, by the scheming spy.
This precious couple OF Williams bring
charges against Holdfast, whom they
claim has been TO the theater and has
applauded the ballet. They also show
he is a foundling, and so completely dis
grace the luckless student that he is
driven in disgrace from the college.
The second act shows the interior of
Sayles Memorial Hall, the walls being
hung with pictures OF Rhode
Islands benefactors, conspicuous among
whom is that OF the founder of the
colony, Roger Williams. The light is of
the dim religious order, and the whole
when President Manning and Preserver
Bullock, the tutor of the college,
chance TO wander through the
hall they are greatly impressed
The President fears British strategy and
on his knees before the picture Of Roger,
imploring the assistance of the founder
OF the colony. To the surprise and terror
OF the suppliant Roger steps from his pic
ture. After the President and
the tutor have recovered somewhat from
proceed to entertain him by showing him
the town, and later take him to the South
County fair, which is then in progress
at Kingstown.
The third act shows the fair grounds
where all the principals of the opera are
found enjoying themselves to their hearts
content. Among them Is Holdfast who has
been reduced to the lowly condition
of chair-roller. Roger Williams
learns of the unfortunate students
flight and finally discovers
the schemes OF Bluff and Redbird, just as
they are to lead band of Indi-
ans against the college, left defense
less by the students and soldiers
who are enjoying themselves at the fair.
Holdfast IS united to Priscilla and
the opera ends amid general
rejoicing, the final tableau showing
Roger on a pedestal, reproduction Of the
statue at the park.
The third act gives ample opportunity
for a number OF specialties.
The cast OF the opera is as follows:
Ghost Of Roger williams. Harry Whipple
President Manning. .......... Coonbs
Able Holdfast impecunious student. 80.
zachsriah Cole Blua, steward oithe Uni. ','''
Preserved Bullock tutor Thomas crosby H. O, Jr
Richard Redbird, British spy, disguised as
Harvard student,....,........C. II. Bennett
Bsshisi Volt an Indian chief Stout
TsGa Tss;,ha MsInIn MannI,ns :r ann; NSSTssey
Hepzibah Brown, friend Of Priscilla ....... Cady
=, The chorus is eimposed Of soldiers, Indians,
Gus denizens of the South County Midway.
The opera is particular fortunate in
having an exceptionally able company TO
present IL. The principals are nearly oil
persons Of considerable experience i'm
amateur theatricals. Mr.. Whipple, who
takes the part of Roger Williams, will be
remembered by those who saw "Cupid
49," for his inimtable impersonation OF
President Andrews.
Messrs Call Ham and Nash have had n
long acquaintance with Brown dramatics.
Mr.. Crosby is well known to
Talma Theater audiences IA n
Mrs Coombs has obtained an
enviable reputation in one OF the
leading roles OF Pinafore. The remaining
members OF the company are evincing an
intelligent conception OF their respective
parts, while the chorus are singing ac-
ceptably under the able direction Of Mr..
Robert Bonner.
Manager Gilbert OF Boston, the gentle
man who staged the opera "ii92,n will
take charge OF the company after next
Monday, and the opera will be produced
nnuer ms personal super
vision. The costumes, which are
very elaborate and attractive,
are being especially prepared for the occa
sion by the we'll known Van Horn firm OF
Philadelphia. The scenery is TO be new
and striking, in fact all things indicate
that priscilla" will be most decided
success.